Comfortable van for all occasions
Please note that in Israel, the official Chevrolet dealer represents the Chevrolet Savana van, which is the same model as the GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express. Accordingly, all descriptions of the Chevrolet Savana apply equally to the GMC Savana and the Chevrolet Express. There are passenger and cargo versions with quite a few work- or travel-related modifications but they have minimal differences. The Savana is offered almost exclusively only in the second generation, as it has an extremely long model cycle.
The Chevrolet (or GMC) Savana is a full-size van or minivan that has been produced under the GMC brand since 1996. It can have both rear and four-wheel drive. The Savana is a passenger car for long journeys of a very large family, a group of friends or the whole office of business travelers. For 25 years of its existence, the car had only two generations due to the initially excellent build quality.
Origin
The Savana was actually introduced by the manufacturer back in 1965, but then it was called ‘Rally’. This car was a typical American van. The start of its production coincided with an extraordinary rising popularity of these minibuses. The model turned out to be very successful and did not undergo major changes until 1996. Almost all this time, the Savana had no competitors.
Even then, the van acquired such features as an impressive size, a massive front end, large headlights, and a low bumper, which are quite typical for American vehicles. In 1996, a Rally became a Savana, which initiated the formal countdown of the first generation.
The first generation
It was produced from 1996 to 2003. The first Savana was presented in two versions: half-tone (GMC Savana 1500) and one-tone (GMC Savana 3500). Depending on the configuration, the interior could accommodate from 8 to 15 people. The Savana 1500 version was equipped with a 5.3-liter V8 engine with 295 hp, and the Savana 3500 version came with a 6.0-liter engine with 300 hp or a 4.3-liter V6 engine with 195 hp. The engines were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Most Savana minibuses were rear-wheel drive, but an all-wheel drive version was also offered for the Savana 1500. The technical equipment included the power steering and the Vehicle Dynamic Control, which were included in the entry-level configuration.
Please note that in Israel, the official Chevrolet dealer represents the Chevrolet Savana van, which is the same model as the GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express.
In 1996, the manufacturer released the Chevrolet Express, a complete analogue of the Savana. In 2003, the GMC Savana was restyled, switching to the new GMT800 platform. What’s interesting: in countries where the GMC Savana acts as a separate brand, “separate” from the Chevrolet Express, its sales volume is approximately three times greater than that of the Express. But with the exception of the grille and emblem, the two models are virtually identical. However, there are some differences. For example, the Savana is not sold with premium Denali finishes. The first generation inherited the extremely successful design and the corresponding popularity among car owners, so it reached the second generation without significant changes.
The second generation
It has been produced from 2003 to the present (as of 2021). For the 2003 model range, GMC has modernized all of its full-size rear-wheel drive vans for the first time in seven years, including the Savana, which received different powertrains, new features and an improved look. GMC 1500 vans have ‘gained some weight’ of up to 3.2 tons, whereas the 2500 vans have started weighing up to 3.8 tons, and the 3500 vans of series have acquired up to 4.3 tons. Depending on the configuration, passenger vans could carry 8, 12 or 15 people.
The new van can be equipped with 275hp Vortec 4800, 285hp Vortec 5300 or 300hp Vortec 6000 engines. Each engine is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission that includes a tow / haul mode. All engines have an air filter and oil life gauges.
The new Chevrolet Savana is a very safe van with a sturdy base and standard all-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, front passenger sensing and much more.
The new Chevrolet Savana has received a new radiator grille, bumper, panel, hood and fenders, reflex headlights, taillights. The front and rear suspensions have been modified and now differ from those of GM’s full-size pickups. As for the interior, it has become very comfortable and even luxurious in all trim levels. The second generation Savana is a modern car that is developing ahead of time: for example, back in 2004, passenger models were equipped with the StabiliTrak system, cruise control, an adjustable steering wheel and keyless entry. Depending on configuration, additional options include: driver’s side swing doors, passenger side sliding doors, power driver and front passenger seats, alloy wheels and an upgraded sound system.
The 2019/2020 Chevrolet Savana is a very safe van, which, in addition to having a sturdy base, is also equipped with a standard all-wheel anti-lock disc braking system, front passenger detection and much more. The car has always had high ratings in safety tests.
