2009 GMC Savana Review
Price Estimate: $3,740 - $5,237





+55
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 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
The 2009 GMC Savana is a willing workhorse for buyers requiring the functionality of a full-size van.
For sale near Des Moines, IA
5 listings
- 143,166 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, government vehicle
- 12 Seats
- Select Automotive (988 mi away)
- Third-row seating
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Trip Computer
- Rear Bench Seats
- Stability Control
Close
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
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: 1GJGG25K891118023
Stock: 13800
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-30-2025- 163,059 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, government vehicle
- 12 Seats
- Select Automotive (988 mi away)
- Third-row seating
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Trip Computer
- Rear Bench Seats
- Stability Control
Close
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
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: 1GJGG25K391118768
Stock: 13798
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 01-01-2025
Vehicle overview
In full-size-van years, 13 is on the young side. That's how long it's been since the GMC Savana last received a full redesign, which makes it considerably younger than the hoary Ford E-Series. 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 does just about everything a big van should, lacking only the Dodge Sprinter's tall-roof option and superior fuel economy.
There have been numerous updates over the course of the life cycle of General Motors' full-size vans, the Savana and the Chevrolet Express. Notably, '03 saw the arrival of updated 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 is about as good as the General's full-size van is going to get.
With room for up to 15 passengers, beasts of burden like the Savana are ideal for those who want to ferry around large numbers of people without going all-out and buying a bus. As such, the Savana is a logical choice for churches, schools and other institutions with large-scale transportation requirements. The more modern Dodge Sprinter makes for a superior shuttle, however, 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 should be fully up to the task.
Performance & mpg
The standard engine in Savana 1500 models is a 5.3-liter V8 making 301 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. A 6.0-liter V8 rated at 323 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque is standard on 3500s. All 1500 models use a four-speed automatic that sends power to the rear wheels, while 3500s get a heavy-duty version of that transmission. An all-wheel-drive configuration is also available for the 1500. The maximum towing capacity on 1500 models is 6,300 pounds, while the heavy-duty 3500 can pull up to 7,600 pounds when properly equipped.
Safety
All models have standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability control and side curtain airbags (for the first three rows of seating). In frontal-impact crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 2009 GMC Savana scored a perfect five stars for both 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 respectable ride and handling characteristics. With a pair of strong V8 engines to choose from, merging and passing maneuvers are easily accomplished, even when you're hauling a heavy load of passengers and cargo. As full-size vans go, the Savana is pleasant to pilot -- just don't expect it to match the European-style driving dynamics of the Sprinter.
Interior
The GMC Savana'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. On the bright side, the optional 60/40-split driver-side doors facilitate access to the rear seats. The standard configuration seats 12, with 8- and 15-passenger arrangements also available, depending on which model you choose.
2009 GMC Savana models
The standard-wheelbase (135-inch) GMC Savana full-size van comes in half-ton (1500) and 1-ton (3500) configurations. The extended-wheelbase version (155-inch) is available only on the 3500. There are two trim levels: LS and LT. LS models are geared toward fleet service, so standard equipment is limited to features such as air-conditioning, an AM/FM stereo and a theft-deterrent system. The more livable LT models include auxiliary rear air-conditioning and heating, power windows and door locks, cloth upholstery, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel and keyless entry. Optional equipment groups are extensive, with features like power driver and front passenger seats, alloy wheels and an upgraded audio system with an in-dash six-CD changer.
Compare 2009 GMC Savana trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Iowa
$259/mo for Savana LS 1500
Savana LS 1500
vs
$264/mo
Avg. Midsize Van
See Edmunds pricing data
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3 out of 5 stars3/5Above Average
#1 out of 24 among Commercial Vans
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$695/yr
vs. $851/yr
for Average Commercial Van
for Average Commercial Van
Frequency
1.15x/yr
vs. 1.96x/yr
for Average Commercial Van
for Average Commercial Van
Severity
17.3%
vs. 17.8%
for Average Commercial Van
for Average Commercial Van
powered by RepairPal
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.
Excellent Family Alternative to SUV's
5 out of 5 starshurstcastle, 08/04/2008
2001 GMC Savana SLT 3dr Van (5.7L 8cyl 4A)
Vehicle has proven very reliable over the past 6+ years, rides exceptionally and served our family very well. Would pick this vehicle any day over a SUV. Tons of features in SLT package!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 GMC Savana, so we've included reviews for other years of the Savana since its last redesign.
2009 Savana Highlights
LS 1500
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $28,475 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $259/month |
Seating | 8 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 204.0 cu.ft. |
rear wheel drive | |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Savana include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
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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