2004 GMC Savana: Road Test
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2004 GMC Savana ▼
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- MSRP: $22,800 -$30,304
- Invoice: $19,950 -$26,517
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Our road test for the 2004 GMC Savana includes a full evaluation of the 2004 GMC Savana from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 GMC Savana, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 GMC Savana help you decide if a 2004 GMC Savana is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD 1500 Passenger, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 2.8 |
We've not tried the 5.3-liter V8, but it produces more horsepower than the 5.7 it replaces--285 vs. 255. The old 5.7 provided brisk take offs and adequate midrange punch in a 2WD 1500 passenger model with a light load; a full load dictated caution on short freeway on-ramps and when passing. We expect the 5.3 to deliver similar acceleration. We've not driven any other model, but we'd avoid the base V6; it's not powerful enough for a van this heavy.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD 1500 Passenger, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 2.8 |
Big vans are never close to being frugal, and Savanas are no exception. Our 2WD test models have averaged 12.7-14.3 mpg. We expect the new engines will deliver about the same mileage.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD 1500 Passenger, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.5 |
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
| 2WD 1500 Passenger, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 2.6 |
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 Savana and Express respond with reasonable confidence in quick maneuvers.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD 1500 Passenger, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.3 |
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
| 2WD 1500 Passenger, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.3 |
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)
| 2WD 1500 Passenger, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.3 |
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)
| 2WD 1500 Passenger, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 9 | 8.5 |
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. The newly optional driver-side door is a handy feature not offered by the competition.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD 1500 Passenger, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 10 | 10 |
Wide-opening rear cargo doors ease loading. The newly optional driver-side door is a handy addition, as is the new driver-side access panel on cargo models. Maximum available cargo volume is a whopping 316 cubic feet on extended models--tops among big vans.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD 1500 Passenger, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 10 | 8.9 |
Like other large vans, Express and Savana have all the room most users will ever need, though sheer bulk makes them thirsty with fuel, a handful in traffic, and too big for some garages. The newly available AWD, driver side 60/40 door, and side access panels are useful--and exclusive--features. Even without those, GM's vans get the Best Buy nod because they are quieter overall than Ford's Econoline, which matches them in virtually every other measure.
Total Score
| 2WD 1500 Passenger, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 59 | 57 |
Total Score: 59
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