Vehicle Overview
GMC has redesigned its full-size rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vans for the first time in seven years. The 2003 Savanas get upgraded powertrains, fresh features and an updated appearance. Three industry firsts are available: all-wheel drive (AWD), an optional left-side door and unique side access panels for use on commercial vans. The Savana’s front-end styling has been revised to give a greater family resemblance to other General Motors trucks.
The Chevrolet Express is closely related to the Savana, and it also received a redesign and offers comparable features. Sales of the Savana declined in 2001, dropping to 36,674 units, according to Automotive News.
New H-Series vans with full-time AWD join the existing two-wheel-drive G-Series lineup. Equipped with a viscous-coupled transfer case, the AWD vans can travel on both wet and dry pavement, with no driver attention or intervention needed. Regular-length passenger and cargo vans can be fitted with a 60/40-split left-side entry/load door. The new side access doors feature remote releases and are limited to work-oriented Savana Pro models. They permit easier accessibility for tools and parts from either side of the van.
GM’s new line of Gen III V-8 engines is available: a 270-horsepower Vortec 4800, a 285-hp Vortec 5300 and a Vortec 6000 that generates approximately 300 hp and leads its segment, according to GM. Each engine promises greater performance and economy than the previous small-block V-8s. The base engine in light-duty G-Series vans is a 4.3-liter V-6. The Savana’s four-speed-automatic transmission gains a Tow/Haul mode. The new front and rear suspensions are modified from those used on GM’s full-size pickup trucks, and the new box frame offers greater torsional rigidity than its predecessor.
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Turning the RVC System On or Off
To turn off the RVC system, press and hold ,
located on the inside rearview mirror, until the left indicator light turns off. The RVC display is now disabled.
To turn the RVC system on, press and h ...
Exiting the Feature Settings Menu
The feature settings menu will be exited when any of the following occurs:
• The vehicle is no longer in ON/RUN.
• The trip/fuel or vehicle information DIC buttons are pressed.
• The end of t ...
Trailer Gain and Output
On vehicles with the Integrated Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) system, the trailer brake display appears in the DIC. Press the trip odometer reset stem until TRAILER GAIN and OUTPUT display.
TRAILER GA ...