2008 GMC Savana: Road Test
2008 GMC Savana ▼
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- MSRP: $23,070 - $32,219
- Invoice: $21,109 - $29,481
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Our road test for the 2008 GMC Savana includes a full evaluation of the 2008 GMC Savana from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 GMC Savana, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 GMC Savana help you decide if a 2008 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 should provide adequate thrust for small to medium loads. The 6.0-liter V8 provides sufficient power for merging and passing even with a heavy load. The transmission shifts smoothly.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD 1500 Passenger, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 2.8 |
In Consumer Guide testing, our 2-wheel-drive 1500 test models averaged 12.7-14.3 mpg. Test 3500 averaged 12.5 mpg in an even mix of city and highway driving. Big vans are never close to being frugal, and the Savana is no exception.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD 1500 Passenger, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 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. Fifteen-passenger van feels stiff only when lightly loaded.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD 1500 Passenger, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 2.5 |
Like all big vans, these are clumsy to drive, with a wide turning radius, copious cornering lean, and modest grip. Steering is less-overboosted than on previous test vehicles, but still feels numb. All GM's big vans respond with reasonable confidence in quick maneuvers. Traction-control system is a great feature, which we wish GM would extend across the model lineup.
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 and exit, though step-in is a bit lofty. Front footwells are long but not that wide, though there's plenty of legroom. Relatively compact engine housings leave sufficient walk-through space to the rear, though the front row could use more small item storage.
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 60/40 split driver-side doors are a handy feature not offered by the competition.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD 1500 Passenger, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 10 | 10 |
The wide-opening rear cargo doors ease loading. The 60/40 split driver-side doors are a helpful addition, as is the new driver-side access panel on cargo models. Maximum available cargo volume is a whopping 237.3 cubic feet on extended models.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD 1500 Passenger, 5.3 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 10 | 8.9 |
Like other large vans, Savana and similar Express 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 available all-wheel drive, 60/40 split driver-side doors, and side access panels are useful 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 | 56.8 |
Total Score: 59
Scores for all Full-size Vans
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