1997 GMC Savana Review
1997 GMC Savana Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Fresh design, wide rear cargo doors, dual airbags, powerful optional engines
Cons
- Intrusive engine cover, odd taillight design, still not as slick as Ford Econoline
What’s new
G3500 models get dual airbags, while daytime running lights are a new standard feature. Speed-sensitive steering reduces effort at low speeds. Chrome-plated wheels are a new option. Remote keyless entry key fobs are redesigned, and automatic transmissions provide better fuel economy and smoother shifts.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 GMC Savana G2500 3dr Van and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$295/mo for Savana G2500
Savana G2500
vs
$305/mo
Avg. Midsize Van
Vehicle overview
Believe it or not, it had been 25 years since GM redesigned its full-size van lineup when the Savana arrived in small numbers for 1996. The GMC Rally Van and Vandura were introduced in 1971, and sold steadily until recently. Competition and safety regulations forced GM to redo the big vans -- heck, since 1971 Ford had re-engineered the Club Wagon and Econoline twice! To distinguish the new design, GMC rebadged the van Savana.
Savana features flush glass and door handles, hidden door hinges, standard antilock brakes and dual airbags. Doors contain side impact guard beams, though they do not meet 1999 safety standards yet. Front foot and legroom is adequate, and front seats offer a wide range of fore and aft travel. Rear heat ducts are standard, but for better warming (and cooling) an optional rear heating and air conditioning unit is available. Front air conditioning is standard. The center console contains two cupholders, an auxiliary power outlet, and storage for items like CDs and cassettes. Five sound systems are offered. Savana is available in base SL or luxury SLE trim levels.
New for 1997 is speed-sensitive power steering that lowers parking effort at low speeds. G3500 models receive dual front airbags, and daytime running lights make this huge hauler even more conspicuous to other motorists. Chrome-plated wheels are newly optional, and remote keyless entry fobs are redesigned for easier use. Automatic transmission refinements result in better fuel economy and smoother shifts.
Buyers may select either a 135-inch or a 155-inch wheelbase. There is a choice of side-entry doors as well; a sliding door or a pair of 60/40 hinged doors. Inside the short-wheelbase Savana you'll find 267 cubic feet of cargo area, while the longer wheelbase model provides a whopping 317 cubic feet of volume. Up to 15 passengers can be seated within, on as many as five bench seats. Hinged rear doors open 180 degrees for easy loading, and do not conceal high-mounted taillights when opened up. Gross vehicle weight ratings of up 9500 pounds are available on either wheelbase.
The base engine is a Vortec 4300 V6 making 200 horsepower. Optional motors include the new GM family of V8's, ranging from the popular Vortec 5000 to the monster Vortec 7400. Also available is a turbodiesel V8 good for 190 horsepower and 385 stump-pulling foot-pounds of torque.
Like most new product in showrooms these days, the Savana's styling is rounded and bulbous, with a front end that mimics the corporate look carried by most of GM's truck family. This design should wear well into the next century.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 GMC Savana.
5 star(57%)
4 star(14%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(14%)
1 star(15%)
7 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.25 out of 5 stars
For family and travel with space
A Redensek, 01/20/2007
1996 GMC Savana G2500 3dr Ext Van
Have liked the vehicle very much, lots of space for large family to travel, comfortable, nice ride, good performance, reliable, low maintenance, nice Santa Fe conversion package. Only problem in 10 years, fuel pump went out close to 100,000 miles. Had one transmission pandrop and normal oil changes, on first muffler and no exhaust work. Have to replace brakes more often than ought (not … heavy duty enough for the large vehicle) lots to power and drain battery, what is expected w/ TV/VCP, radio/CD/cassette players, lots interior lights? Most wear and tear due to large family, years/high miles-oops mom scraped the running boards-can't see low in rear, careful in reverse, so use side mirrors!
4.75 out of 5 stars
A Great Cross Country Trooper
Martin, 12/12/2008
1996 GMC Savana G1500 3dr Van
We have owned this vehicle for three years now and it has been great transportation. We had purchased it to make regular back and forth trips from Texas To California but wound up moving to Pennsylvania. It was a great ride in the cross country expeditions. We have used to haul machines, lumber, water purifiers and just plain traveling. We like the capacity as we carry people to church … on Sunday and have had as many as 15 on the run. We would buy it again. The only real problem we have had was with a engine sensor that only happened while traveling in the California Desert and that was only once. Haven't had any other issues. Would recommend this baby to anyone who wanted a roomy ride.
1.13 out of 5 stars
Epitomy of Planned Obsolescence
TabulaRasa, 06/24/2004
1996 GMC Savana G1500 3dr Van
This is a typical GM product. It
looks alright on paper, but in real
world use, it falls flat on it's
face. This vehicle has been beset by
problems from day one. The built-in
TV/VCP will short out the rest of the
interior lights. It is on it's 3rd
transmission. The rear differential
is going out (clack clack clack!).
The intake manifold has cracked. The
fuel … pump has died. The brakes are
garbage. Even the oil dipstick is
rusty. That's sad.
4.5 out of 5 stars
A great family vehicle
M Pagel, 08/04/2005
1996 GMC Savana G1500 3dr Van
We bought ours in the summer of 1997 with only 40 miles on it. It was customized by Autoform and sometimes it is tricky to get parts. The only major problems we have had in 9 years is the fuel pump and air conditioning hoses needed to be replaced all within the last 2 years. We now have 105K miles on it and it still runs like brand new. It is great for hauling people and things. We … have been on some awesome trips to the Rockies and it has worked wonderfully. I particularly like the fact I can get a 4x8 sheet of plywood in the back so for me it works better than a full size pickup. The reclining seat levers are made out of plastic which tend to strip but are easy to replace.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 GMC Savana, so we've included reviews for other years of the Savana since its last redesign.
1997 Savana Highlights
G1500
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $274/month |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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