GMC Savana Van

GMC Savana Van

In our opinion green cars (electric cars, hybrid cars, alternative energy vehicles) are cars that are more energy efficient than your average car especially when the manufacturer has made a special and concerted effort to develop new approaches or new technologies. An efficient vehicle runs on less fuel which saves more of the world’s finite natural resources. And this, my friends, is good for the health and future of the planet.

The American Dream

Apple pies, basketball games, rock concerts, and the Savana Van are all icons of American life. These have come to represent a way of life for that the majority of Americans have come to recognize and call their own.  The Savana van has also become a symbol of urban and suburban transportation taking church groups, schoolchildren, and serving businesses in the United States for over 40 years.


GMC Savana Van / The Design

The longevity of the Savana van design is indeed a statement by General Motors having remained unaltered except for one major upgrade and only several engine changes and some other additional features added over the years.

This design is ostensibly obsolete in today’s motoring world where SUV’s, minivans, and crossover vehicles rule but when you need to move large groups or lots of cargo operators still turn to the Savana full size Passenger Van. The Savana’s maximum capacity is double the capacity of the roomiest minivans and the Savana and other full size vans are still the transport of choice for fleet operators, businesses, and large families.


The Accessories

The GMC Savana Passenger Van comes with a standard wheelbase and is available in two configurations. The half ton 1500 and the one ton 3500 are the two available configurations. The 3500 is the only configuration available with an extended wheelbase (155 inch). Two trim levels are available with the LS geared more toward fleet service and the LT offers a little more creature comforts. Passenger capacities range from 8-15 depending on the configuration.

A V8 engine is standard in all Savana Vans. A 5.3 liter V8 producing 295 horsepower and 335 foot pounds of torque moves the 1500 the 3500 has a 6.0 liter V8 producing 300 hp and 360 foot pounds of torque. Both models have a four speed automatic transmission. Although most Savanas are rear wheel drive configuration GMC offers all wheel drive for the 1500 and a standard stability control for the 3500.


GMC Savana Van / Power, etc.

The Savana’s cabin is efficient is not pretty and a slight upgrade in switch levers and other materials. Key safety features like side curtain airbags and stability control have been added to the package. The Savana’s controls are quite intuitive and very accessible. This van does offer excellent ergonomics and comfort. The only discordant note is the skimpiness of the foot wells. The V8 does provide more than ample power making this van superior to its closest rival of the blue oval make. The Dodge sprinter does edge it out performance wise.

For more information on hybrid cars follow these links:

What is a Hybrid Car

Who Makes Hybrid Cars

Who Makes Electric Cars

Flex Fuel Vehicles

Top Green Cars

Honda Insight Reviews

Smart For Two

GEM Electric Car

ZENN Electric Car

Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

Hummer H3 Reviews

BMW Hydrogen 7

Alternative Energy Vehicles/More You Need to Know


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