2011 GMC Savana passenger van

The 2011 GMC Savana passenger van is designed to move people from one place to another in relative comfort. The wide range of engine choices available on these versatile vans may be one reason for their overwhelming success; buyers can choose the base level 4.8-liter V-8 or upgrade to the 5.3-liter or 6.0-liter flex-fueled V-8 engines. The available 6.6-liter turbodiesel V-8 offers superior fuel economy in a solid, reliable package.



With ample room for up to fifteen passengers, the 2011 GMC Savana passenger van is designed for functionality over luxury.



Conclusions

Among the limited choices in the large passenger van marketplace, the 2011 GMC Savana is one of the high points and provides reliable transportation for a variety of personal and commercial uses.



The 2011 GMC Savana passenger van receives a few updates for 2011, the most notable being the new 6.6-liter Duramax V8 turbodiesel. Also arriving this year are 4.8-liter V8 engine availability for the 2500 series van, OnStar upgrades, optional satellite radio, Bluetooth, a USB port and a heavy-duty locking rear differential.



Now in its 16th year, the current-generation GMC Savana passenger van continues to evolve, carrying over the LS and LT trim levels, which offer seating for up to 15 passengers. Both rear- and all-wheel-drive variants are available, and they come rated in half-ton 1500 and heavy-duty 2500/3500 variants. For fans of engine power, the Savana offers the highest-output gas and diesel engines in the segment.



Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2011 GMC Savana full-size passenger van is offered in basic LS and well-equipped LT trim levels. The regular-length version with its 115-inch wheelbase is available in half-ton 1500 trim and heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 series with seating for eight to 12 passengers. Base LS models are modestly equipped and fleet-oriented with 16- or 17-inch steel wheels, 12-passenger seating, passenger-side swing-out doors, front air-conditioning, vinyl upholstery, rubber floor covering and an AM/FM stereo.



The 2011 GMC Savana offers four different powertrains depending on payload rating. The 1500 series features a 5.3-liter V8 with 310 hp and 334 lb-ft of torque, backed by a four-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive or available AWD.



The 6.0-liter V8 is standard on rear-drive-only 3500 series models, and a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 putting out 260 hp and 525 lb-ft of torque is optional. GMC Savana passenger vans feature standard antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, OnStar communications and head curtain side-impact airbags for the first three rows of seating.



The GMC Savana's cabin is definitely geared for function over form. Rear passengers fare better, with the optional 60/40-split driver-side doors making access to the rear seats much easier.

Eight-passenger seating is standard on 1500 models, while 12-passenger seating is included on 2500 and 3500 series vans. A 15-passenger configuration is available on the extended-wheelbase 3500.



GMC Savana offers a choice of five engines. The base engine for light-duty Savana Cargo models is the 4.3L V-6 with multi-port fuel injection. E85 comprises 85 percent ethanol, a renewable fuel produced domestically.



Strong engine cradles and mounting systems complement the quiet features of the engine. The engine family was validated under extreme conditions, with the 6.0L engine dynamometer-tested to the equivalent of 200,000 miles – 50,000 miles more than other engines in the family. The engines also feature many long-life engine components that can reduce maintenance intervals and costs.

2011 GMC Canyon Regular Cab

The GMC Canyon is an acceptable truck overall, but other compact pickup trucks outshine it in every category. The GMC Canyon is also pricey for the class, and when optioned it can cost almost as much as a full-size GMC truck.



While reviewers say that the GMC Canyon is an adequate truck, you should also take a look at the Toyota Tacoma and the Nissan Frontier. The Frontier costs about $700 more than the GMC Canyon. The Equator is the twin of the Frontier, built side-by-side in the same factory, side-by-side.



The GMC Canyon is available as a Regular Cab model, an Extended Cab, or as a Crew Cab.

If you want clever gadgets, a mobile office or something to show off down the mall, you won’t want a GMC Canyon Regular Cab. The GMC Canyon Regular Cab is actually quite a decent truck to drive with good, predictable road manners. Sadly the 5.3 liter V8 of the extended and crew cab versions is not available. Transmission is via 5-speed manual, with a 4-speed auto available. If the rugged GMC Canyon Regular Cab has a weak point it’s the cabin equipment, which is beginning to look a bit dated. The base level Work Truck gets AM/FM radio and manual air conditioning. All of which sounds rather like we’re beating up on the GMC Canyon Regular Cab, which wouldn’t be fair.



Three configurations are available for the GMC Canyon: standard cab, extended cab and crew cab. Extended-cab and crew-cab models feature four doors; crew-cab Canyons have four standard-sized doors and a 60/40-split-folding rear seat that can seat three adults, while extended-cab versions offer two small reverse-opening doors and rear jump seats. Three trim levels are available: Work Truck (WT), SLE and SLT. The Z71 suspension improves the off-road performance of 4WD trucks, while the ZQ8 package for 2WD trucks enhances on-road handling and grip.



GMC Canyon buyers have a choice of three engines. The 3.7-liter inline five-cylinder is more robust, offering 242 hp. Both a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission are available. Used GMC Canyon Models



The GMC Canyon was launched for the 2004 model year. It debuted with less powerful engines: a 175-hp, 2.8-liter inline four-cylinder and a 220-hp 3.5-liter inline-5.