2005 GMC Savana Cargo Reviews, Pricing & Specs

There are few changes to the 2005 GMC Savana Cargo Van this year. The commercial hauler comes in three trims -- the 1500, 2500, and 3500,...

There are few changes to the 2005 GMC Savana Cargo Van this year. The commercial hauler comes in three trims -- the 1500, 2500, and 3500, with extended wheelbase versions (20 inches longer) available for the latter two. A rear-wheel drive van, there is an all-wheel drive option with the 1500. It can hold from 267 cubic feet in the 1500 up to 317 in the 3500 Extended. Base engine is a 4.3-liter, 195-hp V6 with 260 lb-ft of torque, but both the 2500 and 3500 come with a 4.8-liter, 285-hp V8. The all-wheel drive version features a 5.3-liter, 295-hp V8 with 330 lb-ft of torque. A 6.0-liter, 300-hp V8 is also available. All engines are matched to a 4-speed automatic.

Towing capacity ranges from 5900 feet to 10,000 feet with the 3500 in the 2005 GMC Savana Cargo Van. The van is built for hauling cargo rather than passengers, so there are only front seats for two people. It comes standard with a passenger side door that can be configured to open either 60/40 or slide. An optional driver's side door is available. Access panels on the side make it easier to grab items. Stability control, dual front airbags, and ABS are standard. The all-wheel drive feature is the only one offered in the cargo van segment, making the 2005 Savana Cargo sturdier in all weather conditions.

The wide range of V8 choices makes this van a powerful hauler, and the cargo capacity is also a big draw. Despite having features such as OnStar, the interior materials seem a bit cheap to many drivers, and of course the fuel economy, though not bad for a large van (15/20 mpg), is nothing to write home about.