2003 GMC Savana Cargo Review
2003 GMC Savana Cargo Review

Used Savana Cargo for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Strong powertrains, unique access options, multiple configurations, optional all-wheel drive.
Cons
- Plasticky interior, handling still awkward despite improvements.
What’s new
The Savanna Cargo van gains numerous improvements for the '03 model year. Under the hood, GMC's cargo hauler now features GM's lineup of powerful Vortec engines, from the base 200-horsepower V6 all the way up to the hard-charging 300-hp 6.0-liter V8. All-wheel-drive models are also available for the first time, and all Savannas get four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. Driver-side 60/40 access doors and swing-up access panels have also been added as an option along with revised front-end styling, larger stabilizer bars and a stronger frame. Inside, the Savanna gets redesigned seats, improved lighting and ventilation systems and dual-stage airbags on all light-duty versions.
Edmunds says
With the addition of the Vortec engines and some unique new features, the Savanna (and its twin, the Chevrolet Express) is pretty much the only game in town if you're looking for a full-size van that doesn't look and drive like it was designed two decades ago.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 GMC Savana Cargo 1500 Rwd 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 $3.12 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$256/mo for Savana Cargo 1500
Savana Cargo 1500
vs
$295/mo
Avg. Midsize Van
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 GMC Savana Cargo.
5 star(14%)
4 star(50%)
3 star(22%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(7%)
14 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
03 AWD Savana Cargo "Doors Galore"
savanaman, 03/02/2011
2003 GMC Savana Cargo 1500 AWD 3dr Van (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
I love my van ! I have had vans all my life but the modern AWD , rack and pinion , all wheel disc , full size Savana drives like a Cadillac and I get 17 mpg consistently when its not brutally cold . I live in Minnesota . I had reservations about the drivers side double doors as I had never had that option before , I soon realized that when you jump out of your truck but need to reenter … to grab something you are hauling around you can't beat drivers side double doors for access ! I drove over 100,000 miles before my Brakes needed pads and have had
except for some minor door switch partial failures "No Problems" with my truck ! Did I say
"I Love This Truck"
?
1.25 out of 5 stars
Junk
Mr. Jimmy, 04/26/2003
2000 GMC Savana Cargo G2500 3dr Van
I purchased my Savana 2500HD Van and
Serviced it at regular intervals
myself, (oil changes, lube). The brakes
on these trucks wear out after about
18000 miles and thats mostly highway.
At 52k miles the trans started giving
me problems to which I was informed
that the Torque Converter was
defective. As always "GM could not do
anything as far as any warranty
coverage". … Also you may want to note
that the Truck was less than 1 1/2
years old when this happened. Also the
front end had some kind of "looseness"
that the dealer could never find or fix.
I'm very disatisfied with this truck
and would not buy another even with the
so called "0" percent financing.
2.88 out of 5 stars
5.7 engine fails after warranty
David Shirk, 12/29/2002
2000 GMC Savana Cargo G3500 3dr Ext Van
With an oil change documented every 3-
5 thousand miles, my trusty GMC
Savanna extended 1-ton cargo van came
to a grinding halt at 60,600 miles
(less than 2 years old). I had the
old 5.7 engine replaced with a new one
by a GMC dealer. Out of pocket was a
total of $6,400. GMC said it was not
their problem. I am stuck. I am now
persuing samll claims court. How long …
should an engine last? I usually can
have upwards of 200,000 miles without
incident. After owning 14 GM vehicles,
I found the loyalty stops with me.
4.25 out of 5 stars
2001 makes additional quality improves
Proshooter, 01/11/2003
2001 GMC Savana Cargo 2500 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
The 2001 2500 was the first vehicle I
factory ordered as soon as it was
available. Although it took nearly 10
weeks to deliver I found that the
quality is even higher than my 1997.
The Savana 2500 gives me a smooth ride
and power to spare. While the mileage
could be better, at 16 MPG it's way
better than the 10+MPG I was getting
my the used mid '80s vans. The only …
problem I've experienced is that the
seat belt does not always retract and
sometimes gets caught in the door. I
ordered the power heated mirrors which
are helpful having no rear windows.
For the money I will definitely be
looking at the GMC again next time
around.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2003 GMC Savana Cargo, so we've included reviews for other years of the Savana Cargo since its last redesign.
2003 Savana Cargo Highlights
1500
Base MSRP | $23,105 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $256/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 267.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
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