Base price: Express, $23,265–$29,364/Savana, $23,265–$29,364
Vehicle type: front-engine, rear- or 4-wheel drive; 4-door 2–15-passenger van
Interior volume, F/M1/M2/R (cu ft) 67/60/60/49
Cargo volume, seats up/maximum (cu ft) NA/267–317
Wheelbase 135.0–155.0 in
Length/width/height 224.1–244.1/79.4/81.6–82.0 in
Turning circle 48.6–54.5 ft
Curb weight 4600–6100 lb
EPA city/highway mpg 13–15/17–19
Fuel-tank capacity/range 31.0 gal/403–465 mi
Passive restraints driver and passenger airbags
POWERTRAIN
4.3-liter pushrod 12-valve V-6, 200 hp; 4.8-liter pushrod 16-valve V-8, 270 hp; 5.3-liter pushrod 16-valve V-8, 285 hp; 6.0-liter pushrod 16-valve V-8, 300 hp; 4-sp auto
SUSPENSION
F ind, unequal-length control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
R rigid axle, leaf springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
F/R disc/disc
ABS standard
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CHEVROLET EXPRESS/GMC SAVANA
"All-new” is a time-honored car-biz term that doesn’t get much exercise in the realm of full-size vans, and it’s probably just a bit over the top for use in connection with the 2003 Chevy Express and GMC Savana. On the other hand, given the number and nature of the updates for the new model year, characterizing the sum of the changes as a mere freshening sells these big haulers way short.
The updates start with a redesigned frame, a three-piece box-section assembly that GM claims improves torsional rigidity from 28 to 43 percent, depending on the model. There’s also a new family of Vortec V-8 engines under the longer hoods: 4.8 liters (270 hp, 285 lb-ft), 5.3 liters (285 hp, 325 lb-ft), and 6.0 liters (300 hp, 360 lb-ft). Chevy’s veteran 4.3-liter V-6 (200 hp, 250 lb-ft) continues to be the base engine, and last year’s 8.1-liter gasoline and 6.5-liter turbo-diesel V-8 options have been discontinued. As before, all the engines are mated to four-speed automatic transmissions. But a new powertrain option for ’03 is the availability of all-wheel drive on selected models, a first in this segment.
GM has been busy with the sheetmetal, too. Besides new front-end styling, the designers have added a set of side-hinged doors on the driver’s side, greatly enhancing interior access, and have also created a set of access panels that open onto a quartet of storage cubbies—handy for tradesmen. Both features are optional.
Other functional changes include standard four-wheel disc brakes with ABS; the addition of GM’s successful tow-haul feature, optimizing engine output to trailer loads; heavier front and rear anti-roll bars; broader capabilities for alternate fuel (compressed natural gas) use; sophisticated multiplex electronic architecture; and standard rack-and-pinion power steering on all light-duty models.
New comfort-and-convenience features include the addition of GM’s OnStar communications-and-security service, redesigned seats, updated HVAC, an additional 12-volt power outlet, uprated interior lighting, and an extra storage tray. GM has also made structural changes to provide better head protection in side-impact crashes and installed dual-stage front airbags. Beyond that, there’s an even broader array of model choices, ranging up into the medium-duty realm.
These vans appeal to three distinct types of buyers: There are minivan owners moving up to get more room and real towing power, custom-van buyers, and commercial users such as airport shuttles and delivery services. Ford has long held the lion’s share of all three categories, but we think these revised GM vans may change that picture.
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