2008 GMC Savana Review
2008 GMC Savana Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Strong powertrains, dual passenger-access doors, multiple wheelbase and passenger configurations, optional all-wheel drive.
Cons
- Low-grade interior plastics, bland cabin design, less interior space than what's available from Dodge's van.
What’s new
Stability control and side curtain airbags are now standard on all 2008 GMC Savana vans. The interior has also been significantly upgraded, with a new steering wheel, switchgear, instrument cluster and materials. There are also some minor feature changes within equipment groups.
Edmunds says
As a traditional American full-size van, the 2008 GMC Savana (and its Chevy Express twin) is a capable people carrier for businesses and humongous families.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 GMC Savana LS 1500 3dr Van (5.3L 8cyl 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 $3.52 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$319/mo for Savana LS 1500
Savana LS 1500
vs
$317/mo
Avg. Midsize Van
Vehicle overview
Full-size vans like the 2008 GMC Savana are redesigned so infrequently, a redo date of 1996 is practically fresh. Having been around for more than four decades, GMC's full-size van lived through the 1970s, '80s and half of the '90s via sheet metal changes and updates to the running gear. It assumed today's shape 12 years ago and to celebrate the rebirth, the van's name was changed from Rally Wagon to Savana.
A number of important under-the-skin changes took place for 2003, including a wider selection of V8 engines, the first-time availability of all-wheel drive, upgraded brakes, a stronger frame and various interior improvements -- all of which went a long way toward making the Savana safer and more capable than ever before. For 2008, the interior has been updated again with improved interior materials and switchgear.
The 2008 GMC Savana still outpaces the even older Ford Econoline and certainly warrants consideration for those who need to ferry a small platoon (up to 15 people can ride in an Savana 3500) and require the cargo volume only a large van can provide. Naturally, these attributes are most often needed by small businesses and fleet operators. The European-designed and dramatically more modern Dodge Sprinter is pricier than the Savana, but with its much taller interior and better road manners, it makes a much better shuttle.
Performance & mpg
The standard engine on Savana 1500 models is a 5.3-liter V8 making 301 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. A 6.0-liter V8 rated at 323 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque is standard on 3500s. All 1500 models use a four-speed automatic that sends power to the rear wheels, while 3500s get a heavy-duty version of that transmission. An all-wheel-drive configuration is also available for the 1500. The maximum trailer-towing capacity on 1500 models is 6,300 pounds, while the heavy-duty 3500 can pull up to 7,600 pounds when properly equipped.
Safety
All models have antilock disc brakes, stability control and side curtain airbags (for the first three rows) as standard equipment. In frontal-impact crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 2008 GMC Savana scored five stars (the highest possible).
Driving
A robust frame, rack-and-pinion steering (half-ton models only) and standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes give the 2008 GMC Savana respectable ride and handling characteristics. Although GMC's van is still far from nimble, it fares reasonably well in day-to-day driving. And with a pair of V8 engines to choose from, merging and passing maneuvers come easily, even when you're hauling a heavy load of passengers and cargo.
Interior
The Savana's interior is built for pure functionality, and while it may not be pretty, it gets the job done. All controls are simple to use and well within reach of the driver, but the footwells remain as cramped as ever. Unlike the Dodge Sprinter, there is no tall roof option that allows a normal-sized person to walk upright in this full-size GMC van. Savana buyers can opt for 60/40-split driver-side doors for easier passenger access to the rear seats. The standard configuration seats 12, with eight- or 15-passenger arrangements also available, depending on which model you choose.
2008 GMC Savana models
The standard-wheelbase (135-inch) 2008 GMC Savana full-size van comes in half-ton (1500) and 1-ton (3500) configurations. The extended-wheelbase version (155-inch) is available only on the 3500. There are two trim levels: LS and LT. LS models are geared toward fleet service, so standard equipment is limited to air-conditioning, an AM/FM stereo and a theft-deterrent system. The more livable LT models include auxiliary rear air-conditioning and heating, power windows and door locks, cloth upholstery, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel and keyless entry. Optional equipment includes power driver and front passenger seats, alloy wheels and an upgraded audio system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3 out of 5 stars3/5Above Average
#1 out of 24 among Commercial Vans
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the GMC Savana from 2008-2022.$695/yr
vs. $851/yr
for Average Commercial Van
for Average Commercial Van
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.15x/yr
vs. 1.96x/yr
for Average Commercial Van
for Average Commercial Van
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).17.3%
vs. 17.8%
for Average Commercial Van
for Average Commercial Van
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2008 GMC Savana.
5 star(52%)
4 star(32%)
3 star(16%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
31 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.
4.5 out of 5 stars
GMC Savanna - A nice ride
Northern Driver, 08/24/2003
2003 GMC Savana 1500 AWD 3dr Van (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
My Savanna is a conversion that looks
and performs up to expectations and
turns heads. I would not have
purchased one of these vans based on
standard features/factory trim. The
dashboard and interiors are too flat
and plasticky and the bumpers/mirrors
are black plastic. Both of these
detractions were remedied by the
conversion - wood dash trim and
painted … bumpers/mirrors. The ride is
very stable and makes the van much
more akin to daily driving. My old
Astro AWD had a best of 20 mpg, while
the Savanna gets 18-19 mpg top end.
The braking is very good and the
engine performance is excellent.
4 out of 5 stars
2500 PRO PACKAGE
Don Schwartz, 02/22/2016
2003 GMC Savana 1500 AWD 3dr Van (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
I'm very surprised doing the value, comparison there is NO 2500 3/4TON AWD model to choose from. Only a 1500 series. Also the Pro Package has 2 double long air assisted opening panels, one on each side where the windows would normally be. Custom 12 volt interior lighting. Electronic transmission towing switch on instrument panel. The 5.3L Vortex engine is to die for. As with all … GMC/CHEVY exterior primer and paint SUCK! My van may be 13 years old but has less than 78,000 miles. On the 10th year after the RUST warranty disappeared so did the paint from the primer. Primer installed oh so thin and never properly adhered to the cheap paint used. Had an 1985 CHEVY 3/4 TRUCK that did the same thing with the paint. Thought somehow GMC would be better quality, top of the line. NO WAY! If you plan on getting a Chevy or GMC and keep it for any extended period, then PLEASE take my word for it, YOU WILL BE REPAINTING the vehicle. Rain water works behind the paint dislodging huge sections at a time. Vortex engine is fantastic. Could have enhanced performance and economy with electric fans on the radiator (push/pull setup) and an electric water pump. This setup would have reduced unneeded drag on the 5.3L topped off with a cold air intake. But we are all aware of each and every penny that's saved in construction, goes in someone's back pocket. As a great woman once said, if you want it done right, do it yourself.
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 2008 GMC Savana, so we've included reviews for other years of the Savana since its last redesign.
2008 Savana Highlights
LS 1500
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $26,395 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $319/month |
Seating | 8 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 204.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Savana include:
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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