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.

2012 GMC Acadia Previews

General Motors uses the Acadia to fill a niche as a midsized SUV crossover along with its cousin the Chevy Traverse. The Acadia crossover seats 8 people, a good thing for large families. GM offers side/curtain airbags, stability control, traction control, four wheel anti-locking brake system, tire pressure monitoring, and Onstar service.

The 2011 GMC Acadia comes in five trim levels, SL, SLE, SLT-1, SLT-2, and then the Denali, with it being the pinnacle of all the trim levels. The crossover comes with 18 inch wheels, a truck sized wheel base of 118.9 inches and a ground clearance of 7.4 inches. In addition, 19 inch wheels and 20 inch wheel are optional. All trim levels get 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. This mid range gas mileage has seen and increase sales in the crossover SUVs over the full size SUVs.

Other than receiving some minor feature changes, the GMC Acadia carries over unchanged for 2012.

The Acadia is roomier than other competing large crossovers as well.
The 2012 GMC Acadia is a large crossover SUV offered in five trims: base SL, SLE, SLT-1, SLT-2 and Denali. The Acadia SLE gets the Preferred package standard, plus a power liftgate, rear parking sensors, an eight-way power driver seat, a two-way power passenger seat (manual recline), an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a rearview camera.

The SLT-1 adds 19-inch wheels, upgraded steering, heated mirrors with turn signal repeaters and integrated blind-spot mirrors, tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery in the first and second rows (third row vinyl), heated front seats, an enhanced trip computer, rear seat audio controls and a 10-speaker Bose sound system with an iPod/USB audio interface. Every 2012 GMC Acadia is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 288 hp and 270 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive are standard, but all-wheel drive is optional.

According to EPA estimates, a front-drive Acadia will return 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined. Opting for all-wheel drive drops this to 16/23/19.
Antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front seat side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags for all three rows are all standard on the 2012 GMC Acadia. In Edmunds brake testing, an Acadia with 18-inch wheels and tires came to a stop in 135 feet. Depending on the configuration chosen, the Acadia seats either seven passengers (with second-row captain's chairs) or eight passengers (with a split-folding second-row bench seat) in three rows.
Like the other large crossovers from General Motors, the 2012 GMC Acadia delivers a nice balance between secure handling and a comfortable ride.

Before local GMC dealer, used car sales lot with a 2012 GMC Acadia or a visit to see all the new offerings from GMC, be sure to read the recommendations of the automobile and car reviews GMC Acadia in 2012, which is considering. This could mean the difference between the purchase of a large GMC Acadia or throw your money in a problematic GMC Acadia.

2011 GMC Terrain Compact SUV

2011 GMC Terrain Reviews

The 2011 GMC Terrain gives compact SUV buyers refinement, high-tech standard features and great fuel economy. In a sea of rounded lookalike compact SUVs, the 2011 GMC Terrain stands out with angular, truck-like styling. The GMC Terrain is similar to the Chevrolet Equinox but the Equinox starts at about $2,000 less. Neither can match the Terrain’s fuel economy. .
The styling of the 2011 GMC Terrain definitely stands out. All Terrains also come with an oversized glove box, a covered storage binnacle above the center stack, a laptop-sized center armrest storage bin, and two-tier storage within the doors. The 2011 GMC Terrain has earned very respectable ratings in tougher new federal tests and is an IIHS Top Safety Pick. Optional upgrades include a touchscreen navigation/infotainment system with 40GB of storage (and 10 GB for music), remote start, leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls, Bluetooth connectivity, and a dual-screen 8-inch DVD rear-seat entertainment system. Altogether, a loaded V-6 Terrain can price at more than $35k—not far from the price of the larger, three-row Acadia crossover.

GMC’s 2011 Terrain is designed for drivers looking for a smaller crossover SUV with an affordable price tag. The Terrain is GMC’s smaller alternative to the larger Acadia utility vehicle.--The GMC 2011 Terrain is available with two engine options – a 2.4 liter, four cylinder engine, and a 3 liter DOHC six cylinder option.
Pricing: pricing for the 2011 model is $24,995 MSRP. Fuel economy: most likely will remain steady at 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway

Car safety features: antilock brakes, OnStar, stability control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags. Warranty: three-year/36,000 mile basic warranty; five-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty and roadside assistance; six-year/100,000 mile corrosion warranty
The interior of the 2011 GMC Terrain will vary depending on which trim level you purchase. At the most basic level, the Terrain will include features like air conditioning, cruise control, a trip computer, power accessories, powered front seats, OnStar, and a CD player with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio input. The Terrain scored highly in terms of front and rear seat comfort, and in quietness. The vehicle also rated better than average for its class in cargo room.

Interior features for the 2011 GMC Terrain can vary as four trim levels are available. The standard model includes front bucket seats, driver information center, remote keyless entry, rearview camera integrated with rearview mirror, air conditioning, and rear window defogger. The 2011 GMC Terrain is able to seat five people. The Terrain comes with a basic four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower. A six-speed automatic transmission comes with both engines; front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is also available. Four-cylinder models have electronic power steering, while the V6 engine has regular hydraulic power steering.

On the pro side, the 2011 GMC Terrain is a relatively compact utility vehicle that still provides plenty of cargo space with MultiFlex rear bench. The ride is comfortable and fuel economy rates well for its class. Probably the best thing about the Terrain is the price tag.--The 2011 GMC Terrain is an excellent vehicle with great gas mileage that almost matches the Ford Escape Hybrid.

2011 GMC Yukon Hybrid SUVs

2011 GMC Yukon Hybrid SUVs. Several reviewers point out that the GMC Yukon Hybrid lets buyers have it all: large SUV capability and great fuel economy. The Yukon Hybrid starts at almost $13,000 more than the conventional Yukon. Test drivers say the Yukon Hybrid drives like a conventional Yukon, which is a good thing. The "2011 GMC Yukon Hybrid is closely related to the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid".

The GMC Yukon Hybrid sees few changes for 2011. Unlike the gas-only Yukon, the Yukon Hybrid is not available in a long wheelbase.
The 2011 GMC Yukon Hybrid is one; its Chevy Tahoe Hybrid twin is the other. To the 6.0-liter V8 engine, the hybrid system adds a pair of 60-kilowatt motors (packaged within the transmission) for electric motivation. Thusly equipped, the Yukon Hybrid can (under low-load conditions) move solely under electric power to speeds up to around 25 mph. The 2011 GMC Yukon Hybrid is a full-size SUV available in one trim level. A trip computer, Bluetooth, OnStar, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote engine start, leather upholstery, power front seats and a removable 50/50-split third-row seat are also standard. The 2011 GMC Yukon Hybrid is available with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. Fuel economy ratings stand at 20 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined. Maximum towing capacity for a properly equipped 4WD model is 6,000 pounds.

In the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash-testing procedures, the Yukon Hybrid earned an overall rating of four stars (out of five), with five stars for overall frontal crash protection and five stars for overall side crash protection. Aside from instrumentation, there's nothing to distinguish the Yukon Hybrid from a traditional Yukon. Even so, The Yukon Hybrid boasts attractive, high-quality materials and tight panel gaps while maintaining a simple control layout. The Yukon's standard third row enables it to accommodate up to eight passengers.
The 2011 GMC Yukon Hybrid looks much like a standard GMC Yukon and allows about the same level of performance and comfort.

That said, there's a lot that's different about the Yukon Hybrid. There are few compromises in the Hybrid. While the price premium for the Yukon Hybrid over the standard versions of the Yukon is quite steep, it nearly evens out when you're comparing Denali versions. For more about the 2011 GMC Yukon Hybrid, please see our full review covering the 2011 GMC Yukon, where you'll find more pictures, related news, and highlights from other review sources.

2011 GMC Yukon XL

Yukon Denali and GMC Yukon XL Denali return for 2011, equipped with style, technologies and luxury features that have made these models so popular.

Both Yukon and Yukon XL are available in SLE (cloth trim) and SLT trim (leather appointments), as well as 2WD and 4WD configurations. Yukon XL offers a three-quarter-ton model. A third-row seat is standard on all Yukon models.

For improved fuel economy, Yukon and Yukon XL models feature a 5.3L V-8 with GM’s fuel-saving Active Fuel Management technology.

Side blind zone alert system available on SLT and Denali models. Power-adjustable steering wheel. Third-row DVD entertainment system is available and includes a flip-down screen and system controls for third-row passengers (Yukon XL and Yukon XL Denali only)
Heated/cooled seats available on SLT and standard on Denali models. Integrated brake controller works with the ABS system to provide immediate and measured brake force signaling to electric-controlled trailer brake systems. With it, there is no requirement for external and/or aftermarket brake control systems (Yukon and Yukon XL models only).

A third-row seat is standard on all Yukon models.
The seats have “close-outs” that surround the seat bottoms and seat tracks, creating a more finished appearance. The Yukon and Yukon XL also offer an industry-exclusive power fold-and-tumble second-row seat feature that eases access to the third-row seat. Yukon and Yukon XL interiors are versatile, too. Standard features include 20-inch wheels, power liftgate, power release second-row fold-and-tumble bucket seats, head curtain side air bags, power-adjustable pedals, electrochromic (auto-dimming) inside mirror, remote start system, rearview camera system and ultrasonic rear parking assist. The interiors of the Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali offer style and luxury, including standard Nuance leather-covered seating with heated first- and second-row captain’s seats, as well as leather trim throughout – including a Denali-exclusive leather-wrapped steering wheel with a host of auxiliary controls. The Denali models also offer several helpful and convenient options, including a power sunroof, power-retractable assist steps and a rear-seat, DVD-based entertainment system, a third-row DVD entertainment system (Yukon Denali XL) and side blind zone alert system.

Yukon rides on a 116-inch (2,946 mm) wheelbase, with an overall length of 202 inches (5,130 mm). Yukon XL models have exterior dimensions similar to the regular models, but are about 14 inches longer in wheelbase and 20 inches longer in overall length.

The ABS system works with the standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with traction control. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard on Yukon and Yukon XL 2WD models, with 17-inch wheels standard on 4WD. Twenty-inch wheels are available – including a chrome-clad design. Yukon HD comes standard with 17-inch wheels, while the Yukon Denali lineup is equipped with 20-inch wheels.
Safety features
The Yukon and Yukon XL offer a 360-degree perimeter safety system of occupant protection and crash avoidance technologies. Standard features include head curtain side air bags for all seating rows and front-seat safety belt pretensioners that are linked to the vehicle’s sensing system to provide segment-exclusive deployment in rear-end crashes. The head curtain air bags include design features that provide increased rollover protection and occupant containment.
Available in SLE, SLT and Denali trim levels, the 2011 GMC Yukon XL allows up to 9 passengers to ride in complete comfort while trekking considerable cargo. Offering rear-wheel and four-wheel drive capability, there are two V-8 engine options are available on the 2011 GMC Yukon XL. Deriving fuel economy of 15 miles per gallon city or 21 miles per gallon highway with unleaded gasoline, the 5.3 liter V-8 powered 2011 GMC Yukon XL is less fuel efficient if E85 fuel is being burned.

The Yukon and Yukon XL are GMC's full-size SUVs. The Yukon XL has a longer-wheelbase than the regular Yukon bigger brother. The heavy-duty Yukon XL 2500 also offers a 6.0L V8 that makes 352 hp and 382 lb-feet of torque.

Buyers who just need plenty of interior space and who don’t plan to tow or go off-road should look at large crossovers, not a large SUV like the Yukon. Many reviewers prefer it to the Yukon because it is a little easier to drive and have a nicer interior. The Yukon’s third row seats have to be muscled out of the car. The base Expedition is also about $1,500 cheaper than a base Yukon.

The GMC Yukon is also available as a hybrid, which is reviewed separately. The Yukon is available in regular length or in the Yukon XL trim, which has a longer wheelbase. The Yukon XL is comparable in size to a Chevrolet Suburban. The Yukon is available in SLE, SLT and Denali trims.