2003 GMC Savana Review
Price Estimate: $1,672 - $2,374

Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Strong powertrains, dual-passenger access doors, multiple wheelbase and passenger configurations, optional all-wheel drive.
Cons
- Plasticky interior, handling still awkward despite improvements.
What’s new
The Savanna 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 Muncie, IN
2 listings
- 63,008 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, corporate fleet vehicle
- 12 Seats
- Kelly's Kars (549 mi away)
- Third-row seating
- Rear Bench Seats
- 10,000lb+ Towing Cap...
Close
Located in Williamstown, NJ
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
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: 1GKHG39UX31126777
Stock: 126777
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 07-08-2025- 153,665 miles
- 2 accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 12 Seats
- Brooklyn Auto Mall (604 mi away)
- Third-row seating
- Rear Bench Seats
- 10,000lb+ Towing Cap...
Close
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bank financing available !
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
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: 1GKGG25U631157259
Stock: 157259
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 01-01-2025
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Indiana
$265/mo for Savana 1500
Savana 1500
vs
$288/mo
Avg. Midsize Van
GMC Savana Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
GMC Savanna - A nice ride
4.5 out of 5 starsNorthern 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.
1999 Savanna Cargo Van
5 out of 5 starsKevin, 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.
2500 PRO PACKAGE
4 out of 5 starsDon 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.
If you get one its for the long haul
2.75 out of 5 starsescs4, 11/14/2002
2000 GMC Savana G2500 SLE 3dr Van
Pros:
Great Horsepower, and durability. The
van had been in 3 fenderbenders and
only had scratches. Great for bad
weather and loads. Don't get is
confused with a 1/2 ton capacity van.
Cons: very thin window glass, bad sound
proofing, hollow doors other than front
doors. Engine pings (the owners manual
says it's OK if it does, but anyone
that knows engines knows … thats a load
of crap, especially for a engine that
only has 24000 miles. Sensitive to
roll and yaw when loaded down (high
center of gravity).
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2003 GMC Savana, so we've included reviews for other years of the Savana since its last redesign.
2003 Savana Highlights
1500
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $25,055 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $265/month |
Seating | 8 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 222.4 cu.ft. |
rear wheel drive | |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
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