2003 GMC Savana Cargo Review
Price Estimate: $2,525 - $3,585





+34
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.
For sale near Drexel Hill, PA
3 listings
- 218,235 miles
- No accidents, 5 owners, personal use only
- 2 Seats
- Davis Auto Sales (210 mi away)
- Upgraded Engine
- 10,000lb+ Towing Cap...
Close
Located in North Chesterfield, VA
2003 GMC Savana 2500 4x4 Converted Passenger Overland Van. This three-quarter ton is loaded and Equippped with left and right side door entry. This th...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: 1GTGG25V631143219
Stock: 03G3219C1
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 05-16-2025- 229,000 miles
- No accidents, 4 owners, personal use only
- 2 Seats
- East County Preowned Superstore (2,347 mi away)
- 10,000lb+ Towing Cap...
Close
Located in El Cajon, CA
3D Extended Cargo Van Standard Vortec 6.0L V8 SFI RWD 4-Speed Automatic HD Electronic with Overdrive Summit White#1 INDEPENDENT DEALER IN CALIFORNIA!...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: Yes
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: 1GTHG39UX31187252
Stock: 121001
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-27-2012
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Pennsylvania
$267/mo for Savana Cargo 1500
Savana Cargo 1500
vs
$290/mo
Avg. Midsize Van
GMC Savana Cargo Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
03 AWD Savana Cargo "Doors Galore"
5 out of 5 starssavanaman, 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"
?
Junk
1.25 out of 5 starsMr. 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.
5.7 engine fails after warranty
2.88 out of 5 starsDavid 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.
Dependable, hard-working truck
5 out of 5 starsKentraveler, 01/18/2005
2000 GMC Savana Cargo G1500 3dr Van
I have had excellent perfomance from my Savana and have not had even one problem. I did have the dealer correct the wheel alignment under warranty which did not cost me at all. I changed the original brakes at 60,000 miles and installed new Monomax shocks w/ an anti-sway bar on the rear suspension so I could tow motorcycles. Replaced the original tires at 45,000. I get 20mpg on the … freeway and 15mpg city. I change the oil every 3k with synthetic oil and lube the front end at the same time. I have transported 8 people in this van as well as my touring Kawasaki motorcycle with no problem and still the same mileage. How you maintain and drive a vehicle makes a lot of difference.
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 Excludes Destination Fee | $23,105 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $267/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 267.3 cu.ft. |
rear wheel drive | |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
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