2001 GMC Savana Review
2001 GMC Savana Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Modern architecture, powerful V8 engine choices, cavernous interior.
Cons
- Odd styling, cheap interior materials, numb steering.
What’s new
GMC's full-size van gets a bigger, more powerful Big Block V8 engine, the Vortec 8100. There are also more advanced powertrain control modules for the other gas engines in the Savana line, and an improved torque converter for the 4L80-E four-speed automatic transmission. Other changes for 2001 include more robust door and ignition locks, upgraded audio systems, quieter alternators and longer-lasting brake pads.
Edmunds says
How to you choose between a Chevrolet or GMC full-size van? Which dealer is closest to your house? They're basically the same vehicle. They both stack up well against the formidable Ford Econoline and ancient Dodge Ram Van, so if the Savana provides what you need in this kind of vehicle, buy it.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 GMC Savana 1500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 4A) 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
$293/mo for Savana 1500
Savana 1500
vs
$305/mo
Avg. Midsize Van
Vehicle overview
When the then-new Savana arrived in small numbers for 1996, it had been 25 years since GM redesigned its full-size van. The GMC Rally Van and Vandura were introduced way back in 1971 (when vans were still groovy), and sold steadily until they were finally discontinued. Competition and safety regulations had forced GM to redo the big vans for '96, but by then Ford had already re-engineered its Econoline and Club Wagon twice! To help distinguish GM's all-new, rounded-off design, GMC rebadged its new van Savana.
Savana is available in 135- and 155-inch wheelbases, three weight series (1500, 2500 or 3500) and as either a passenger van for retail customers or as a cargo van for commercial use. Cargo vans come with stripped-down interiors, ready for upfitting with tool racks or parts bins. Passenger vans are available with seating for eight, 12 or 15 people, depending on wheelbase, and in two different trim levels (base SL and luxury SLE). There's even a choice of side-entry doors: a slider or a set of 60/40 hinged doors. GM's full-size vans feature flush glass and door handles, hidden door hinges, standard four-wheel antilock brakes and dual airbags. Front foot- and legroom is adequate, and front seats offer a wide range of travel. Front air conditioning and rear heat ducts are standard. The center console contains two cupholders, an auxiliary power outlet and storage for items like CDs and cassettes. Inside the short-wheelbase Savana, you'll find 267 cubic feet of cargo area, while the extended version provides a whopping 317 cubic feet of volume with the rear seats removed. Rear hinged doors open a full 180 degrees for easy loading and do not conceal high-mounted taillights when opened. For hauling, gross vehicle weight ratings of up to 9,500 pounds are available on either wheelbase.
The base engine is a 200-horsepower Vortec 4300 V6. Optional motors include a 220-horse Vortec 5000 V8, the venerable 255-horse Vortec 5700 V8, and GM's new Vortec 8100 Big Block V8 that makes 340 ponies and a whopping 455 foot-pounds of torque. Also available is a robust 6.5-liter turbodiesel V8 good for 195 horsepower and 430 foot-pounds of torque. GM's heavy-duty 4L80-E transmission handles all the shifting chores.
Savana's styling is rounded and bulbous, with a broad front end that mimics GM's truck family and a high-arched rear with tall, thin taillights mounted up along the D-pillars. Easily as odd-looking as the old Lumina minivan's high-mounted rear lamps, the round-topped rear end and sheer size of this van make it seem as if you are looking at the back end of some sort of commuter train car. But since most retail buyers have moved to minivans and much of the full-size van business has centered on converters and fleet use, Savana's styling takes a back seat to its modern mechanicals and long service life.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 GMC Savana.
5 star(50%)
4 star(25%)
3 star(17%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(4%)
24 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
1999 Savanna Cargo Van
Kevin, 12/02/2017
1999 GMC Savana G1500 SLE 3dr Van
Gets 16 Mpg with or w/o load. Handles balanced on Highway. Brakes well but get overheated easily in traffic lights. Stay away from Los Angeles commuting in rush hour. Very safe driver visibility like an aircraft. 400,000 on my chassis with one time ball joint and center link replacements. Second engine has a hundred thousand miles on it and purrs like a kitten. It has 450,000 miles on … the chassis. I have replaced the shock absorbers, bushing, p/s gear box, control arms and more. Truck runs perfect when I maintain it.
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!
4.25 out of 5 stars
Great Van
Great Van, 10/27/2008
1999 GMC Savana G1500 SLE 3dr Van
I purchased this van to replace my 3rd Astro Van. I needed something that could tow with confidence and not give up comfort. I landed on a GMC Savana with the 5.7 and an Explorer low top conversion. I purchased the van with 94,000 miles. The van runs and drive great and now has 107,000 miles. Only problem to date was the A/C went at about 105,000 miles. I love the van, although the gas … milage is about 3-5 miles less on average than the Astro, but it makes up for it in overall comfort and the ability to tow my 14 foot enclosed trailer and motorcycle through the mountains of North Carolina with ease.
3.38 out of 5 stars
Lots of Repairs
NelsonVSM, 01/16/2004
1998 GMC Savana G1500 SLE 3dr Van
I have a Glavel (AutoForm) conversion
with 75,000 miles. Very nice for kids
for travel and camper. Lots of problems
including: new transmission (3,000
miles), new dash board cluster, broken
CD, broke power attenna, new power
window motors, dash replaced twice,
failed water pump, failed AC, 3
batteries, brakes every 14,000 miles,
etc.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2001 GMC Savana, so we've included reviews for other years of the Savana since its last redesign.
2001 Savana Highlights
1500
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $23,834 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $293/month |
Seating | 8 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Savana include:
- Alarm
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