2011 GMC Savana Review

Price Estimate: $5,478 - $7,509

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GMC Savana types

Van
Diesel

Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Strong engines
dual passenger access doors
multiple wheelbase and passenger configurations
available all-wheel drive.

Cons

Cheap cabin plastics
less interior space than the Sprinter van
no tall-roof option.

What’s new

The 2011 GMC Savana passenger van receives a few updates for 2011, the most notable being the new 6.6-liter Duramax V8 turbodiesel. Also arriving this year are 4.8-liter V8 engine availability for the 2500 series van, OnStar upgrades, optional satellite radio, Bluetooth, a USB port and a heavy-duty locking rear differential.

Edmunds says

The 2011 GMC Savana is a willing workhorse for buyers requiring the functionality of a full-size van.

For sale near Des Moines, IA

2 listings

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Stock photo^**
2011 GMC Savana
LS 2500 Passenger Van
$5,995
- 183,897 miles
- 1 accident, 2 owners, personal use only
- 12 Seats, 11 City / 17 Hwy MPG
- Premier Automotive Sales (412 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Third-row seating
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
Close
Located in Grandville, MI
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:
13 Combined MPG (11 City/17 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1GJW7RFG2B1187763
Stock: 25-138
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 06-17-2025
2011 GMC Savana
LS 3500 Passenger Van
$18,995
- 83,896 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 12 Seats, 11 City / 16 Hwy MPG
- Carson Cars Inc (1,465 mi away)
- Third-row seating
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Trip Computer
- Rear Bench Seats
- Stability Control
Close
Located in Lynnwood, WA
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:
12 Combined MPG (11 City/16 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1GJZ7ZFG5B1100371
Stock: 35822
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 05-16-2025

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Vehicle overview

Often seeing duty as commercial vehicles such as ambulances, airport shuttles and summer-camp transport, large passenger vans are the workhorses for commercial businesses everywhere. Together with the Chevrolet Express (its GM twin), the 2011 GMC Savana represents nearly half of the market for full-size vans in the U.S.

Now in its 16th year, the current-generation GMC Savana passenger van continues to evolve, carrying over the LS and LT trim levels, which offer seating for up to 15 passengers. Both rear- and all-wheel-drive variants are available, and they come rated in half-ton 1500 and heavy-duty 2500/3500 variants. The most notable change for 2011 is a new and more powerful 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 that's available for both passenger and cargo versions of the Savana. It's rated at 260 horsepower and 525 pound-feet of torque and is said to provide better fuel economy and reduced emissions compared to the previous turbodiesel. A 4.8-liter V8, which last year was only available on the cargo van, is also available for the passenger variant this year.

For hauling lots of people, lots of cargo or a combination of the two, the 2011 GMC Savana is tough to beat. That said, it does have a pair of worthy rivals: the Ford E-Series and the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. The Sprinter (formerly sold as a Dodge, though the engineering comes from Mercedes) is more expensive, yet it is also the most modern and offers better fuel economy, driving dynamics, interior volume and build quality.

The 2011 Ford E-Series matches up well with the Savana in terms of layout, features and function, but it has been 20 years since the design has been comprehensively upgraded. For fans of engine power, the Savana offers the highest-output gas and diesel engines in the segment. Taking that into consideration along with its other updates this year, we strongly recommend you consider the 2011 GMC Savana for your personal or business needs.

Performance & mpg

The 2011 GMC Savana offers four different powertrains depending on payload rating. The 1500 series features a 5.3-liter V8 with 310 hp and 334 lb-ft of torque, backed by a four-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive or available AWD.

The rear-drive-only 2500 gets a standard 4.8-liter V8 with 280 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. A 6.0-liter V8 generating 324 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque is optional. Both engines are mated to a heavy-duty six-speed automatic. The 6.0-liter V8 is standard on rear-drive-only 3500 series models, and a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 putting out 260 hp and 525 lb-ft of torque is optional. Both 3500 series engines are also connected to a six-speed automatic.

Safety

GMC Savana passenger vans feature standard antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, OnStar communications and head curtain side-impact airbags for the first three rows of seating.

The GMC Savana has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash-testing procedures; however, its 2010 ratings (which aren't comparable to the new tests) were a perfect five stars for both driver and passenger in frontal-impact testing.

Driving

The Sprinter has a more agile driving demeanor, although no one buys these vehicles for their slalom prowess. The 2011 GMC Savana manages to hold its own with respectable on-road behavior: Its standard traction and stability control system helps keep you out of trouble, while the rack-and-pinion steering and coil-spring front suspension on many models offer a perfectly acceptable ride-and-handling trade-off.

A wide range of engine choices lets you tailor power to your particular needs, and acceleration with even the smaller V8s is spirited and inspires confidence with or without a heavy load. The performance of the Savana is generally pleasant, which is saying a lot for a full-size van.

Interior

The GMC Savana's cabin is definitely geared for function over form. Controls are well placed and easily operated, but they'll never win an award for style. Because of the forward placement of the front seats, the front wheel humps intrude on the footwells, reducing space and comfort. Rear passengers fare better, with the optional 60/40-split driver-side doors making access to the rear seats much easier.

Eight-passenger seating is standard on 1500 models, while 12-passenger seating is included on 2500 and 3500 series vans. A 15-passenger configuration is available on the extended-wheelbase 3500. The Express offers only one standard roof height, limiting headroom as you enter or exit the rear of the van. The rival Sprinter offers a high-roof option that eliminates this drawback.

2011 GMC Savana models

The 2011 GMC Savana full-size passenger van is offered in basic LS and well-equipped LT trim levels. The regular-length version with its 115-inch wheelbase is available in half-ton 1500 trim and heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 series with seating for eight to 12 passengers. The extended-length version with its 135-inch wheelbase comes only in the 3500 series, and seats up to 15.

Base LS models are modestly equipped and fleet-oriented with 16- or 17-inch steel wheels, 12-passenger seating, passenger-side swing-out doors, front air-conditioning, vinyl upholstery, rubber floor covering and an AM/FM stereo.

The LT trim adds more style, comforts and conveniences like chrome exterior trim, remote keyless entry, rear air-conditioning and heating, full power accessories, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, full-length carpeting, visor vanity mirrors and auxiliary lighting.

Many of these features are also available on the LS model. Other Savana options include aluminum alloy wheels, heated outside mirrors (with turn-signal repeaters), a trailering package, eight- and 15-passenger seating, a sliding side door, remote vehicle starting, power front seats, a Cold Climate package, Bluetooth and CD/MP3 audio with a USB port and satellite radio.

Compare 2011 GMC Savana trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Iowa

$248/mo

$261/mo

Avg. Midsize Van

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Reliability

The 2011 GMC Savana has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 7 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3 out of 5, ranks it #1 out of 24 among Commercial Vans. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating 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

Frequency

1.15x/yr

vs. 1.96x/yr
for Average Commercial Van

Severity

17.3%

vs. 17.8%
for Average Commercial Van

Recalls

7 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 23V247000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: N222386050
Number of vehicles affected:: 150830
Defect Description:: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2003-2023 Chevrolet Express Cutaway and GMC Savana Cutaway incomplete vehicles equipped with wiring for an optional rear heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. When the HVAC blower motor circuit is left unused with exposed connectors and wiring, the circuit can corrode and overheat.
Defect Consequence:: An overheated electrical circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will properly seal the rear HVAC blower motor circuits at the left side B-pillar, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GMC's number for this recall is N222386050.

Recall Number:: 18V267000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 18146
Manufactured from:: 2008-10-13 to 2013-11-06
Number of vehicles affected:: 6154
Defect Description:: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Defect Consequence:: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. GM's number for this recall is 18146.

Recall Number:: 14V500000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 14321
Manufactured from:: 2011-05-23 to 2011-06-08
Number of vehicles affected:: 3196
Defect Description:: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chevrolet Express compressed natural gas (CNG)vehicles manufactured September 10, 2010, to April 28, 2014, and GMC Savana CNG vehicles manufactured May 23, 2011, to April 21, 2014. The affected vehicles may leak natural gas from the CNG high pressure regulator.
Defect Consequence:: A natural gas leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire or explosion.
Corrective Action:: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure regulator, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 14321.

Recall Number:: 14V117000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 14082
Manufactured from:: 2010-06-15 to 2011-08-17
Number of vehicles affected:: 303013
Defect Description:: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans manufactured January 27, 2009, through March 7, 2014 with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds and less and equipped with front passenger air bags. In the affected vehicles, during a frontal impact below the air bag deployment threshold, if an unbelted front passenger's head hits the instrument panel above where the passenger air bag is located, the panel may not sufficiently absorb the impact. As such, these vehicles fail to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
Defect Consequence:: In the event of a crash below the air bag deployment threshold, an unbelted front passenger seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: GM will notify owners, and dealers will modify the passenger instrument panel free of charge. Notices to the owners of the heavy duty vans were mailed on April 28, 2014. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438. GMC owners may call 1-866-996-9463. GM's number for this recall is 14082.

Recall Number:: 13V225000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 13139/FA13
Manufactured from:: 2011-02-14 to 2013-02-20
Number of vehicles affected:: 1791
Defect Description:: General Motors LLC (GM) and IMPCO Automotive Division of IMPCO Technologies, Inc. (IMPCO) are recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana Cargo vans that have a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system installed as original equipment by IMPCO. The fuel systems, manufactured February 14, 2011, through February 20, 2013, have a fuel shut-off solenoid connector to the CNG tank that may corrode and form a short.
Defect Consequence:: A short at the connector may cause overheating, resulting in an increased risk of fire.
Corrective Action:: GM will notify owners and GM dealers/fleets will perform the remedy which will include replacing the solenoid assemblies and fuel pump fuses and adjusting the wiring routing. An owner notification schedule has not yet been provided. GM's number for this recall is 13139. Impco's number for this recall is FA13GM001. Owner's may contact GM Fleet Action Center at 1-800-353-3867.

Recall Number:: 11V275000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 11126
Manufactured from:: 2010-09-01 to 2011-03-31
Number of vehicles affected:: 7593
Defect Description:: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND GMC SAVANA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A CLEARANCE CONDITION IN WHICH THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE HOSE MAY CONTACT THE TIRE OR WHEEL RIM. IF THE BRAKE HOSE REPEATEDLY CONTACTS THE TIRE OR WHEEL RIM, A HOLE COULD BE WORN IN THE BRAKE HOSE.
Defect Consequence:: A DAMAGED BRAKE HOSE MAY REDUCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE REAR BRAKES AND INCREASE THE DISTANCE REQUIRED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AN INCREASED BRAKING DISTANCE MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Corrective Action:: DEALERS WILL SECURE THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE HOSE TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT CLEARANCE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MAY 13, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Recall Number:: 11V007000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 10426A
Manufactured from:: 2010-11-19 to 2010-12-23
Number of vehicles affected:: 30566
Defect Description:: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, COLORADO, EXPRESS, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; AND GMC CANYON, SIERRA, SAVANA, YUKON AND YUKON XL VEHICLES. THE REAR AXLE CROSS PINS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND COULD FRACTURE AND BECOME DISPLACED WITHIN THE REAR AXLE. SHOULD THE PIN SHIFT OUT OF POSITION, IT COULD CREATE AN INTERFERENCE CONDITION AND CAUSE THE REAR AXLE TO LOCK.
Defect Consequence:: THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.
Corrective Action:: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REAR AXLE CROSS PIN FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 100,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 6 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 5 years / 100,000 miles

GMC Savana Owner Reviews

4.5

26 reviews

5(54%)

4(38%)

3(8%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

See all 26 reviews Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

GMC Savanna - A nice ride

Northern 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 …

1999 Savanna Cargo Van

Kevin, 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 …

2500 PRO PACKAGE

Don 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 …

The Family Cruiser

Carl Mundell, 11/30/2004

2000 GMC Savana G3500 SLE 3dr Ext Van

We have owned our GMC Savana for almost five years now. The van is always a pleasure to drive. I have a large family and we designed the van to meet our needs. The van was the first extended van the conversion company created. It sets nine, six captain chairs and a fold down bench in the back. The van glides down the highway and has had only one recent mechanical …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 GMC Savana, so we've included reviews for other years of the Savana since its last redesign.

See all 26 reviews of the GMC Savana

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2011 Savana Highlights

Type:

Van

Trim:

LS 1500

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$28,835
Engine Type	Flex-fuel (ffv)
Combined MPG	14 MPG
Cost to Drive	$248/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	92.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Key safety features on the Savana include:

Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Post-collision safety system

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover3 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover27.9%

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2011 GMC Savana Review

Selling or Trading-In?

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

For sale near Des Moines, IA

2011 GMC SavanaLS 2500 Passenger Van

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2011 GMC SavanaLS 3500 Passenger Van

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Vehicle overview

Performance & mpg

Safety

Driving

Interior

2011 GMC Savana models

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Recalls

Warranty

GMC Savana Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

GMC Savanna - A nice ride

1999 Savanna Cargo Van

2500 PRO PACKAGE

The Family Cruiser

2011 Savana Highlights

Safety

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