2001 GMC Savana: Road Test
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2001 GMC Savana ▼
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- MSRP: $21,044 -$35,005
- Invoice: $18,414 -$30,629
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Our road test for the 2001 GMC Savana includes a full evaluation of the 2001 GMC Savana from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 GMC Savana, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 GMC Savana help you decide if a 2001 GMC Savana is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| G1500, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 3 |
We've not tried the V6 engine, but most Savana's have the 5.7-liter V8, which provides brisk take offs and adequate mid-range punch with a light load. A full load dictates caution on short freeway on-ramps and when passing. One-ton versions benefit from the new 8.1-liter V8, the most powerful engine in any van of this size. Note that the optional turbodiesel is the 6.5-liter unit from last year; pickups get a new, more powerful Duramax 6600 turbodiesel for 2001.
FUEL ECONOMY
| G1500, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 1.9 |
Big vans are never close to being frugal, and Savanas are no exception. The turbodiesel gets reasonable fuel economy, but diesel fuel is often more expensive and the engine itself is a pricey option. Our last test model had the 5.0-liter gas V8, 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 the passenger models lack the ride comfort 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 clumsy to drive, with a wide turning radius, copious cornering lean, and modest grip. Overassisted steering doesn't help, but the GM products respond with reasonable confidence in quick maneuvers.
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 acceptably low up to 65 mph.
CONTROLS
| G1500, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6 |
The dashboard features legible round gauges and simple, mostly handy controls, though the driver's power seat switches on the front of the cushion are 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 a bit lofty. Front footwells are long but not that wide, though there's plenty of leg space. Relatively compact engine housings leave sufficient walk-through space to the rear.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| G1500, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 9 | 8.8 |
Passenger models offer generous room in all positions and firm, supportive seats. The benches are easy to unlatch, but too heavy for most people to move alone.
CARGO ROOM
| G1500, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 10 | 10 |
The wide-opening cargo doors ease loading, and the high-set taillamps are visible with the doors open, a safety plus on city streets. There's even a tough plastic rim protecting the aft edge of the roof and a non-slip area on the front bumper to stand on while washing the windshield. Maximum available cargo volume is a whopping 317 cubic feet on extended models--more than competitive if not tops among big vans.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| G1500, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 7.4 |
Size does matter. Like other large vans, Express and Savana have all the room most users will ever need, though this very bulk makes them thirsty with fuel and a handful in traffic. The GM products also take a back seat to Ford's Econoline for overall driving ease, though the differences are slight. For commercial users especially, they merit a long, hard look.
Total Score
| G1500, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 56 | 54.1 |
Total Score: 56
Scores for all Full-size Vans
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