2000 GMC Savana: Road Test
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2000 GMC Savana ▼
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- MSRP: $20,524 -$27,068
- Invoice: $17,959 -$23,685
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Our road test for the 2000 GMC Savana includes a full evaluation of the 2000 GMC Savana from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2000 GMC Savana, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2000 GMC Savana help you decide if a 2000 GMC Savana is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| G1500, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 3 |
The 5.7-liter V-8 is deservedly the most popular engine, providing brisk takeoffs and adequate mid-range push with a light people/package load. It does lose steam up long grades, however, and a full load will dictate caution on short freeway on-ramps and when passing on two lane roads.
FUEL ECONOMY
| G1500, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 1.9 |
Big vans are never close to being frugal, though GM has a competitive edge with its turbodiesel engine. Our last test model had the 5.0-liter gas V-8, which wasn't drastically slower than the 5.7 and averaged 14.3 mpg versus 12.7.
RIDE QUALITY
| G1500, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4 |
Though even passenger models lack the ride control of most minivans, these GM rigs display little rough-road harshness and only minor float over crests and dips. They're also surprisingly refined.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| G1500, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 3 |
Like other big vans, these are quite clumsy to drive, with a wide turning radius, copious cornering lean and modest grip--all par for this course. Overassisted steering hardly helps, but the GM products respond with reasonable confidence in lane changes and other quick maneuvers. Brakes have firm, satisfying pedal action, but high weight means only adequate stopping performance at best, this despite standard 4-wheel ABS.
QUIETNESS
| G1500, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4 |
Mechanical ruckus is noticed because engines protrude into the front-seat area, but wind and road noise are low enough to allow conversing in normal tones up to 65 mph at least.
CONTROLS
| G1500, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6 |
The dashboard features legible round gauges, simple rotary-knob climate controls, and a big-button stereo--all close by for quick access on the move. Too bad the driver's power seat controls are on the front of the cushion and tough to reach.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| G1500, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6 |
Commercial or passenger model, wide-bottom front-door openings aid entry/exit, though step-in is still a bit lofty. Front footwells are long but not that wide, though no big van offers better leg space. Relatively compact engine housings leave sufficient walk-through space to the rear.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| G1500, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 9 | 8.6 |
Passenger models offer generous rear room in all positions, and seats are firm and supportive. The rear benches are easy to unlatch, but too heavy for most people to move alone.
CARGO ROOM
| G1500, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 10 | 10 |
Maximum available cargo volume is a whopping 317 cubic on extended models--more than competitive if not tops among big vans.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| G1500, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.8 |
Size does matter. Like other "Godzilla" vans, the Savana models (and Chevy Express) have all the room most users will ever need, though this very bulk makes them thirsty with fuel and a handful to maneuver. The GM products also take a back seat to Ford's Econoline for overall driving ease, though the differences are slight, and the GMers fight back with several thoughtful features found nowhere else. For commercial users especially, they merit a long, hard look.
Total Score
| G1500, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 54 | 52.3 |
Total Score: 54
Scores for all Full-size Vans
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