2008 GMC Savana Cargo Review
2008 GMC Savana Cargo Review





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Used Savana Cargo for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Strong engines, dual side access doors, multiple wheelbase configurations, optional all-wheel drive.
Cons
- No tall roof option, cheap interior plastics.
What’s new
The 2008 GMC Savana Cargo van has an upgraded interior. There's a new steering wheel, switchgear, instrument cluster and materials.
Edmunds says
As a traditional American full-size van, the 2008 GMC Savana Cargo (and its Chevy Express twin) is a capable companion for working men and women across the country.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 GMC Savana Cargo 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 $3.12 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$226/mo for Savana Cargo 1500
Savana Cargo 1500
vs
$295/mo
Avg. Midsize Van
Vehicle overview
Full-size vans like the 2008 GMC Savana Cargo are redesigned so infrequently, a redo date of 1996 is practically fresh. Having been around for more than four decades, GMC's previous 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 Cargo still outpaces the even older Ford Econoline and certainly warrants consideration for those in need of a cargo van. 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 its much taller interior and better road manners make it a much better work vehicle.
Performance & mpg
The light-duty 2008 GMC Savana 1500 cargo van comes standard with a 4.3-liter V6 that produces 195 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Standard on all-wheel-drive 1500s and optional on rear-wheel models is a 5.3-liter V8 that makes 301 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Heavy-duty 2500 models come standard with a 4.8-liter V8 that makes 279 hp (258 in models with a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds) and 294 lb-ft of torque. Standard on the 3500 and optional on the 2500 is a 6.0-liter V8 that makes 323 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. Available on both heavy-duty models is a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 that produces 250 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. All Savanas come with a four-speed automatic transmission. Trailer towing capacities range from 6,100 to a stout 10,000 pounds, depending on the model.
Safety
All models have antilock disc brakes as standard equipment. In frontal-impact crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 2008 GMC Savana Cargo 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.
Interior
The 2008 GMC 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 the cargo area. Savana buyers can opt for 60/40-split driver-side doors or dual sliding doors for easy access to the rear compartment.
2008 GMC Savana Cargo models
The 2008 GMC Savana Cargo van is a full-size van meant primarily for commercial customers. The standard wheelbase (135-inch) Savana comes in half-ton (1500), 3/4-ton (2500) and 1-ton (3500) configurations, while the extended-wheelbase version (155-inch) is available on the 2500 and 3500 series vans only. Standard equipment on the Savana Cargo includes air-conditioning, two seats, a theft deterrent system and not much else. Optional choices include swing-out passenger-side access doors (versus the standard sliding door), a passenger-side sliding door, a rear air-conditioner and heater, power windows and locks, cloth upholstery, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel, keyless entry and a CD stereo. GMC is also able to outfit the Savana for job-specific cargo configurations.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2008 GMC Savana Cargo.
5 star(31%)
4 star(35%)
3 star(19%)
2 star(11%)
1 star(4%)
26 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.38 out of 5 stars
Not Good!
K Cook, 12/06/2008
2006 GMC Savana Cargo 2500 3dr Van (4.8L 8cyl 4A)
Definitely not for commercial use! This is our second 06 Savana (first one totaled) and it has left me stranded. Replaced the altenator at less than 8,000. Replaced the water pump on the first one at less than 10,000. I've replaced: transmission, water pump, seat belt, oil sending unit, and several front-end parts. I've replaced more headlights and brake lights than all of the vehicles … I've ever owned combined(I've been driving for 20 years). It even had the wrong spare(5 lugs instead of 8)! Bottom line, this vehicle is just not reliable enough to be considered a "commercial" vehicle.
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"
?
5 out of 5 stars
best van ever
thomas, 10/23/2017
2004 GMC Savana Cargo 2500 Rwd 3dr Ext Van (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
best working van in the market,i have one from many years,never problems simply turn key on and go,loved GMC,very happy.WAO! this is real FRIEND,gmc savana IS THE BEST BIG F......VAN
5 out of 5 stars
GMC Savana Cargo
bob998, 03/01/2004
2004 GMC Savana Cargo 1500 Rwd 3dr Van (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
Just a great van -- no noises, 2500 lb
payload, 20 MPG on the hwy, four wheel
disk ABS brakes stop great. Rack and
pinion steering handles like a car.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2008 GMC Savana Cargo, so we've included reviews for other years of the Savana Cargo since its last redesign.
2008 Savana Cargo Highlights
1500
Base MSRP | $22,865 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $226/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 225.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
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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