- 2010
2008 GMC Savana
- Used GMC Savana
GMC Savana
Overall Score - 7.4 (Good)
The Savana has an excellent choice of powerful engines and good interior space, but its dull interior design and cargo capacity can't quite keep up with competition.
The 2008 GMC Savana has a powerful selection of engines and interior space that's more than adequate for most uses, if not quite as large as some competitors. It's a good choice for those looking for either a passenger or cargo van, and it is generally well-liked. Motor Trend reports that after a 2003 redesign, the Savana could "better fill a variety of market needs -- from the personal-use passenger van to the commercial cargo workhorse, and from conversion-van capability to keeping upfitters happy with a functional and dependable cutaway chassis." Nonetheless, competition from the Dodge Sprinter, which has a larger cargo capacity (though reviewers concede that the Savana, along with the Ford E-Series, makes a better conversion van), should keep GMC on its toes.
The Savana comes in three different trims – the 1500, 2500 and 3500 – each of which has a Passenger and a Cargo edition. The Passenger 3500 and the Cargo 2500 and 3500 also have extended wheelbase versions. Some reviewers think that vans like the Savana could be the wave of the future. "Although nobody thinks big vans will enjoy the sales interest they captured during the '70s," says Motor Trend, "some industry insiders do see full-size vans and their derivatives as a growth market over the next decade." IntelliChoice gives the 2008 Savana Passenger 1500 an "Excellent" value rating, based on total cost of ownership compared to others in its class. The 3500 Passenger van receives a "Worse Than Average" value rating.
Savana Performance - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2008 GMC Savana has an excellent choice of engines and decent handling for a van. Referring to the van's 2003 redesign, Motor Trend reports that "it didn't take more than a single lap around the test track to see that the '03 vans accelerate smoother, handle tighter, ride quieter, and steer more precisely than the current models, which had already enjoyed a ride advantage over their Ford counterparts." Read More
Savana Exterior - 5.9 (Mediocre)
The 2008 GMC Savana has a clean, functional look, but won't catch any eyes when driven down the street. Read More
Savana Interior - 8.1 (Very Good)
The interior of the 2008 GMC Savana is designed for utility, not style, but seats are comfortable and there's more than adequate space for hauling cargo. Read More
Savana Safety - NA
The 2008 GMC Savana does very well in federal government crash tests. The Cargo 1500 and Passenger 1500 models receive five out of five stars for both driver and front passenger protection in front impact crashes. Read More
Savana Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 GMC Savana reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). U.S. News is still compiling data on the 2008 GMC Savana's predicted reliability. All GM vehicles are covered by a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Read More
