2009 GMC Savana Cargo Review
2009 GMC Savana Cargo Review





+57
Used Savana Cargo for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Robust engines, dual passenger access doors, multiple wheelbase and passenger configurations, available all-wheel drive.
Cons
- Cheesy cabin plastics, less interior space than Dodge's van, no tall-roof option.
What’s new
The 2009 GMC Savana Cargo receives no notable changes other than an available "fast idle" option for the 6.0-liter V8, which supposedly facilitates the use of accessories while the vehicle is idling.
Edmunds says
As a traditional American full-size work van, the 2009 GMC Savana Cargo will be a trusty sidekick for working people across the country.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 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 $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$225/mo for Savana Cargo 1500
Savana Cargo 1500
vs
$295/mo
Avg. Midsize Van
Vehicle overview
In full-size-van years, 13 is on the young side. That's how long it's been since the GMC Savana Cargo last received a full redesign, which makes it considerably younger than the hoary Ford Econoline. As such, we're not going to give GMC a hard time for letting its full-sizer stand pat for this model year. The 2009 GMC Savana Cargo does just about everything a big work van should, lacking only the Dodge Sprinter's tall-roof option and superior fuel economy.
As with its twin, the Chevrolet Express, the Savana has received numerous updates over the years. Notably, 2003 saw the arrival of a wider array of V8 engines, available all-wheel drive, upgraded brakes, a stronger frame and various interior improvements. Though the interior materials and switchgear are still nothing to write home about, they did receive some refinements last year. Short of a complete overhaul, the 2009 GMC Savana Cargo is about as good as the General's full-size van is going to get.
Beasts of burden like the Savana Cargo are ideal for those who want to ferry around large amounts of stuff without going all-out and buying an 18-wheeler. As such, the Savana Cargo is a logical choice for businesspeople with heavy-duty hauling needs. Bear in mind that the more modern Dodge Sprinter is a superior vehicle, thanks to its taller roof, better road manners and superior fuel efficiency. It's more expensive, though, so if you don't want to break the bank, the Savana Cargo is fully up to the task.
Performance & mpg
The light-duty GMC Savana Cargo 1500 van comes 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-drive models is a 5.3-liter V8 that makes 301 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Heavy-duty 2500 models are powered by a 4.8-liter V8 that makes 279 hp (258 in models with a gross vehicle weight rating 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 Savana Cargos 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 2009 GMC Savana Cargos have antilock disc brakes as standard equipment. In frontal-impact crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the GMC Savana scored a perfect five stars for driver and front passenger protection.
Driving
A robust frame, rack-and-pinion steering (half-ton models only) and standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes give the 2009 GMC Savana Cargo respectable ride and handling characteristics. With a selection of strong V8 engines to choose from, merging and passing maneuvers are easily accomplished, even when you're hauling a heavy load. As full-size vans go, the Savana Cargo is pleasant to pilot -- just don't expect it to match the European-style driving dynamics of the Sprinter.
Interior
The GMC Savana Cargo's interior is built for functionality, not fashion. All controls are simple to use and well within reach of the driver, but they're far from stylish. The front footwells remain as cramped as ever. Unlike the Sprinter, the Savana Cargo lacks a tall-roof option that allows a normal-sized person to walk upright in the cargo area. Savana Cargo buyers can opt for 60/40-split driver-side doors or dual sliding doors for easy access to the rear compartment. Standard-length vans have a maximum cargo capacity of 204 cubic feet, while extended-length vans check in with a voluminous 237 cubic feet of space.
2009 GMC Savana Cargo models
The 2009 GMC Savana Cargo van is a full-size van intended primarily for commercial use. The standard wheelbase (135-inch) Savana Cargo 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. Among the options are 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. The Savana Cargo can also be outfitted for job-specific cargo configurations.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2009 GMC Savana Cargo.
5 star(31%)
4 star(38%)
3 star(15%)
2 star(12%)
1 star(4%)
26 reviews
Trending topics in 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 2009 GMC Savana Cargo, so we've included reviews for other years of the Savana Cargo since its last redesign.
2009 Savana Cargo Highlights
1500
Base MSRP | $24,365 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $225/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
People who viewed this also viewed
Starting at $42,300 |
Starting at $38,100 |
4.1 average Rating out of 21 reviews. |
Starting at $37,100 |
Related Used 2009 GMC Savana Cargo info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Ford Ranger 2021 Review
- Ford Shelby GT350 2020 Review
- Ford Shelby GT500 2021 Review
- Ford Shelby GT500 2020 Review
- Ford Ranger 2020 Review
Shop similar models
- Ford Transit-van 2019
- Ford Transit-wagon 2018
- Ford Transit-connect 2021
- Nissan Nv-passenger 2021
- Aston-martin Vantage 2022
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used GMC Savana Cargo 2018
- Used GMC Savana Cargo 2014
- Used GMC Savana Cargo 2011
- Used GMC Savana Cargo 2010
- Used GMC Savana Cargo 2013
- Used GMC Savana Cargo 2012
- Used GMC Savana Cargo 2015
- Used GMC Savana Cargo 2019
- Used GMC Savana Cargo 2016
- Used GMC Savana Cargo 2017
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman
- Mercedes Eqb
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
- 2024 Volvo V60
- 2024 McLaren 750S News
- MC Laren 720S
- 2023 Countryman
- Lexus NX 450H Plus Awd
- 2023 Maserati EQE
- INFINITI QX50 2022
Research recent models from same make
- GMC Sierra Pickup Truck
- GMC SUV Acadia
- Yukon Denali
- Terrain SUV
- Hummer Ev Range
- GMC Canyon Pickup Truck
- Yukon GM
- Sierra 1500 Limited
- 2022 GMC Yukon XL
- 2023 GMC HUMMER EV
Research similar vehicles
- Chevy City Express Cargo Van
- MBZ Sprinter Van
- Buy Cargo Van
- Chevy Express Vans
- 2022 Chevrolet Express Cargo
- Passenger Ford Transit Van
- Ford Transit Express
- GMC Savana Car
- 2022 Promaster Cargo Van
- 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Other models
- Used Buick Lesabre in Iselin, NJ
- Used Lotus Exige in Chicago Heights, IL
- Used Bentley Flying-Spur in Sherwood, AR
- Used Mitsubishi Montero in Waycross, GA
- Used Mclaren 720S in Prescott, AZ
- Used Kia Optima in Canton, MI
- Used Land-Rover Range-Rover-Velar in Howell, NJ
- New Infiniti Q50 for Sale in Macomb, IL
- Used Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class in Augusta, GA
- Used Maserati Spyder in Russia, OH