A few weeks ago, we explained why the Chevy Express and GMC Savana have never really changed and opined that they never will. Today, we’re back to present a counterpoint.
The Longest-Running GM Model Across One Generation
Some background before we get into it: the Chevy Express and GMC Savana were introduced in 1996, meaning that the 2025 models represent the 30th model year for the full-size vans. Aside from a refresh in 2003 and an occasional reshuffling of powertrains, the Express and Savana haven’t changed much since launch – making the duo the longest-running GM vehicle across a single generation.
Enabling that is a simple formula that combines a lack of complexity with workhorse capabilities. Generally speaking, the marketplace views the vans as reliable and easy to work on. Meanwhile, the lack of major changes has enabled a wealth of customization options thanks to a well-developed ecosystem of third-party equipment and upfitters.
For GM, the Express/Savana are simple to build and easy to move, so much so that The General has sold more than three million units since launch. Though not at all a sexy segment or vehicle type, this is an automaker’s wet dream from a business standpoint. It’s doesn’t take an MBA to understand that GM recouped the fixed costs and investment into these vehicles (technically one vehicle with different badges) long ago, and has been collecting healthy profit ever since. Heck, we wouldn’t be surprised if the Chevy Express and GMC Savana was one of the most profitable vehicle lines for GM today. It’s a textbook definition of a cash cow.
But the Express and Savana have also become long in the tooth, so much so that their age pushes many would-be buyers straight into the warm embrace of the competition, namely the Ford Transit – which has been outselling the GM twins by a substantial margin thanks – first and foremost – to being a more modern product.
GM ought to change that by investing in an update.
A Chevy Express Update?
An update will enable GM to extend the shelf life of these cash cows for another decade. This is even more important today given the Trump admin’s removal of various EV subsidies and programs that will likely slow the growth of EVs. It also likely means that the BrightDrop vans – even under the Chevrolet brand – will not sell in as high volumes as GM initially hoped for. Just one more reason to invest into prolonging the Express and Savana.
We’re not talking about a complete overhaul here. Instead, we’d keep the same formula, including most of the platform and body, while updating key areas that would bring the duo into the 21st century, including lights, center stack, and some ADAS technology, too.
So, should GM invest in a Chevy Express and GMC Savana refresh? Vote in the poll below and sound off in the comments what you’d like to see in an update.
Comments
My opinion is, and I’ve stated this before, that these are likely the most profitable vehicles GM sells and all the money they make helps offset the losses from EVs. I would say why change that. If they update the vans, they’ve got new costs to recover and less profit per unit unless they were to raise the price. At $42,000 for a rudimentary panel van with two seats and nearly $50,000 for the passenger version, how much could they realistically raise prices. At this perilous point in GM’s history, it’s probably best to not kill the proverbial goose that lays the golden eggs. Leave it alone.
A case for it could have been made 10 years ago.
A case can easily be made to scrap it and start over. Take it from someone who actually drove one of these for decades. They’re not even remotely close to being almost competitive. Not since around 2010 or so.
An industry-best van won’t make a difference as long as GM’s production and delivery remain a basket case.
Fleets don’t have time for runaround or bull #. Order a van? It had better show up when promised, AND with ALL of the ordered equipment included. The Transit doesn’t sell because it’s better, it sells because Ford has their operations figured out.
Wild how this is 30 already. I remember those taillights were radical back then. Good looking vans still but it depends on the business case for a total redo. Certainly a refresh but probably not a redo.
Refreshes to keep as many parts in common with the Silverado HD as possible (wheels, axles, brakes, driveline) would definitely be in order, and should’ve been done this whole time. Yes we’d get the “Silverado first” politics on parts priority (like with the V8 engines), but the more stuff you can pull out of a common parts bin the better.
A factory bulkhead (similar to the cutaway vans) and better cargo/interior lighting would be nice pluses. The Transit currently has hands-down better lighting; yes you can install your own, but would be better as factory equipped.
Factory high-roof? Would very likely mean a full redesign.
I remember growing up in NYC . taxi drivers loved those checker cabs . The part interchanged for some many years . This is a work van mainly a lot of people will feel the same my guess .
7:1… That’s how many articles there are about these dinosaurs versus Camaro articles.
Since the 6-Gen Camaro came out, this website covered more on these cargo vans than the sports car.
Today, every week there’s a new article on a these vans.
The Camaro was canceled twice during the run of these things.
Maybe the Camaro isn’t that important.
@George As your handle implies, you’re quite the comedian. Please, tell more jokes!
They don’t belong in the same sentence.
I would only do slight changes, such as a reskin, powertrain enhancements, and any safety enhancements for regulatory reasons. And I’d keep building them until it is a no longer very profitable or it eats away at the sales of a modern comparable GM product.
Joe G, all of the regulatory safety features are on it when it leaves the assembly plant. Hence the word regulatory.
3.0L Duramax diesel, 10 speed A/T, (or at least the 8 speed), factory 4×4 rack& pinion steering, better weather, tree debris protection around cowl area. modern interior, maybe a little ext. restyle, but not the ugly Euro style van please !!! (no offense to Euro’s). I own a 2017 express 2500 that I special ordered new and wished for some modernizing at that time 8 years ago !! Thank you for requesting my input. I like what GM is doing today, but you can do better.
As an hvac contractor that purchases about 10 new vans a year I have a realistic perspective. For the most part the express/savanna van is the GOAT. The things are solid and the only thing that ever needs replacing is the typical transmission which usually happens around 170-200k miles. Thats a good amount of years not worrying about my techs breaking down in the field and messing up operations. On the other note we have a number of T250/350 vans as well and they are equally reliable to about the same 200k miles. The only thing when it comes buying time these days driving us away from the express/savana is the drivers experience. Leave the drivetrain and body the same for all we care. We can’t purchase these anymore because it’s a slap in the face to our techs to put them back 20 years in the past. They are told to be hands free on the phone but at the same time are service technicians getting calls nonstop and the express/savana archaic dash and radio is garbage. GM bring the interior into the future, heck give these hard workers a heated seat option to offset their awful work conditions when they get to the site. We invest time and money into our workers and want to retain them. A few thousand more for a one time purchase won’t sway our decision if we get a far superior product. Update the interior and you’ll easily get back your lost customers to the T series vans as well as extend your base life another decade.
Dont touch this van, build a new line. For heavy industrial up fitting, the express monopolizes the fod transit. The transit monopolizes the parcel delivery business with its lower deck and high roof. Build a new one to complete with that and don’t touch your current model.
Not a bad idea. Then let the marketing guys decide which brand (Chevy vs GMC) should keep the current model and which brand would get the “new” one you suggest. That way there would finally be some distinction between the brands. (For example, it is okay for there to be both a GMC Yukon and a Chevy Tahoe because the trim levels are very different. But for full-size vans, there is no need for multiple trim levels. Third-parties (van conversion companies) take care of that.)
I’d be interested in a refresh with a focus on driver comfort and ease of use as a passenger vehicle. Double powered sliding doors, updated interior, more sound deadening material to quiet the rattles. Please don’t reduce the tow rating. This is one of the only vehicles that can haul large families and tow a travel trailer. The towing capability is the only reason I’m actually considering purchasing one as the are today.
“more sound deadening material to quiet the rattles”
A sealed and insulated factory bulkhead for cargo vans would be welcome. Versus the makeshift aftermarket partitions we’re installing now.
If they made a high top option and brought back a factory AWD option it would compete better with the transit because it’s cheaper to maintain
I own a 2018 2500 express. It’s my 3rd express van. Mine has the 6.0. I would like a hybrid version with the V6 engine helped with the torque of an electric. A high amp inverter option like the ford p/u would make this ideal to run power tools. More modern dash is needed so is a high top version. This is the only full size van that has no high top option. Love the full frame, tow rating and the same style for 30 years. Don’t change those.
isn’t it the last Body on Frame van made? Towing larger loads with a Ford Transit is an issue I am told
I am a shop technician for a forklift company and two of the field techs are still using 2006 Chevrolet Express cut away trucks to this day. Also have a 1999 that refuses to quit as a spare for when the newer International Terra Stars break down (which is often). Duramax diesel, 4L-80, dually power train to haul the weight of the tools & equipment these techs have plus occasionally heavy forklift parts to the shop for repair on a daily basis. 300,000 miles plus on both, transmissions rebuilt once each and multiple brake jobs to be expected for this type of service. Update the interiors and infotainment systems to modern day technology but keep the tried and true design of the truck. Many companies still need reliable vans that can haul and tow as real trucks can.
I drove one of these GMC vans on the most hardest route you can imagine and NOTHING of note broke on it. Not sliding doors, gauges, motor, and NO RUST. I delivered 6 days a week on the wettest material you can imagine – WATER and splashing around constantly all over. Never rusted through, nothing broke, started instantly hot or cold. I was flabberghasted! Always wanted to buy another one but our business closed down but I long for another one. MISSED IT!
My dad always said he bought a Ford because he always saw a GMC in the shop at the base. Well, I can’t tell how many times his Ford was in the shop and mine NEVER was. I told him the GMC was in the shop because it was USED so much! My guess was just regular maintenance, which I did with my GMC. Not a big deal, oil, sparkplugs, filters, etc. In fact, he shut up when the GMC had to tow the FORD home.
Ford loyalist like to make every excuse they want…
But yes, there have been some Express’Savana that have hit more than a million….
Says something when Ford still builds the E-Series cab chassis (a line more ancient than the Express!).
While a modern low floor and high roof are nice for city delivery, still can’t beat old school body-on-frame and engine displacement for the tough jobs.
Express has chassis cab too.
E series are popular with fleets and Ford does a better marketing job than Chevrolet for fleets….
I have driven these for years. I love them .I would like to see the 6 litre back and navigation like I have in my 2017. They work and work
No major redesign, just a tech update. Copy the Silverrado drive line. Make 4wd a option. Keep it simple.
I drive a 2013 express 4.3L V6, use it for my business ( home improvement contractor) I loved it at the beginning but after 8-9 years mechanical problems started to surface . My opinion is that GM is loosing big time in the game with the transit or sprinter vans. They just offer more trim options and drive train as well. For me the major issue is the cargo area , after 12 years driving the express I’m completely tired to crol inside every day, the regular roof option won’t cut it for me anymore. I’m moving on and getting either the transit or sprinter. No more GM for me.
I thought of a high roof till I saw a van sway in the high winds and the driver trying to compensate and control it.
Plus, you can’t park it in regular areas like cars; it’s so damn high. Some underground parkings the GMC van will fit but certainly, not the high roofs which you must always be careful of when you drive around.
Can you tow 10k with your Transit or Sprinter? Probably not.
Then there is the issue of rust with MB Sprinters…hopefully that was fixed.
But for comfort, sure, the Transit is better.
Now, WHY ARE YOU DOWNVOTING?
Takes too long to order an express van. We were told 3 months to a year
Regular roof height vans will fit in any car wash.
That’s important where it snows and they use salt.
Regular roof height vans will (just) fit into many parking ramps, where high-roof won’t fit into any. Important when you have techs working out of their vans in those locations.
Also our techs have regular roof vans maxed out weight-wise as it is. Yes the headroom would be nice, but more room inside so they can overload the vans AND have limited parking isn’t a good compromise.
I currently have a 2019 express with the 2.8 Diesel, I’m not so happy with the repairs I’ve put into it but I’m extremely happy with the fuel economy. This van only needs minor updates, the dash, head unit, guage cluster, blind spot assist, doors and headlights. I would look into having a diesel option again or the 4 cylinder off the Silverado.
What repairs you had to do? Emissions?
2016 2500 love it and would like to order a new one with allwheel drive or four wheel drive keep the body the same tried and true
Over the years, our company Five Star Fire Protection has purchased 12 Chevy & GMC one ton express vans with very little trouble related to drive train issues. The fact that GM had kept the same basic body does not bother me to say the least. If I were running GM, I would consider a V6/Hybrid option for the drive train, verses an all EV that will not allow for long distance travel for a work truck/van. I would also update the interior with better seating, etc.
These are currently great work trucks. Stu Aaron / Five Star Fire Protection.
I love these vans. I’m not a contractor. The versatility in the vehicle is unbelievable. I don’t want a raised roof but it would be easy to do and is done frequently in the after market. 12 passenger van for big families, cargo van for business and RV conversions. Add a 4X4 option and super cruise like on the pickups. The 6.6 gas is really a great engine. A refresh on the dash for all the good electronics like in the pickups and this van will recapture the market. As far as styling goes, I think it is still the best looking van on the market. Please don’t redesign, I just don’t like that euro look.
Oh yes, there are little things that can be improved on and not need a redesign. Harley-Davidson made that mistake. Keeping the basic line and keep improving it every year. Taking advantage of new modern materials and and technology. Did not need radical changes and a redesign. Now they are near bankruptcy.
GM can do the same here. EVERYTHING can be improved upon, cosmetic or not. I, for one, would like to see it accommodate a 6 cylinder diesel.
Bring back the short wheelbase G/10 Sportvan V8
We have 3 3500 Express vans and 1 250 Transit. The Transit is a great vehicle if you don’t need to haul much weight. The suspension and rear axle look like that came out of a Ford Falcon. Even the 350 Dually appears to use the same rear axle with not much of an increase in GVW. The rear brakes don’t last and are very expensive to replace.
GM needs to upgrade the interior and offer a high roof. Don’t change the basic chassis or drive train. I tried to order 2 3500 Extended in 2021. Our dealer says GM still won’t except the order. There is an Ambulance/Commuter Bus manufacturer in our city. They have hundreds of cut-aways on their grounds to be converted. But the General ignores their loyal dealer/customer base.
What matters most for a commercial van is overall cost of operations. Sounds as the packaging and reliability is OK, so why not work on lower fuel and maintenance costs to keep these van competitive. I think a new efficient and rugged hybrid powertrain would help. A new smaller and more fuel efficient ICE powering the front axle plus a modest battery in the 16 kWh range with an electric motor in the rear such as the existing 90 hp Ultium AWD Assist induction motor could greatly improve operating costs. Such a powertrain would provide AWD, improved fuel economy, improved performance, longer lasting brakes and reduced load on the transmission.
These vans serve a purpose. Body on frame construction for a better ride quality, big torquey V8 engines, 6.6 V8. Rear wheel drive. With GM continued pricing of it’s large SUV’s out of sight, and increasingly costlier to repair safety and other technologies, these simple vans make a better choice for family haulers, vacationers etc., and will cost less to repair when out of warranty. Would like to see built in headrests for ALL passengers (how can this not be required?), provide fold down seats (at least the backrest portion (GM should not leave more comfortable seating options to the aftermarket companies charging tens of thousands of dollars more and getting less seating capacity), , and optional on demand 4 wheel drive.
Come on GM. Look at all the comments on how much we love and have loved these vehicles for years. Please add another shift to the Wentzville plant and start cranking them out. Super cruise, nice stereo, lane maintenance, 4×4, and if you really want to be the talk off the town, supercharge that 6.6 gas engine with an active exhaust and add V like on the Escalade. You could call it the “VANGO” model. You already have all the parts in your inventory. Call Bob Lutz, I’ll bet he could make it happen in 20 minutes.
I had a 6.5 litre diesel .Great when it was under warranty .Than the issues started .Among other things all 8 glow plugs went at $1500 a pop and an airbag suspension had to be put in the front end as it would bottom out over every bump in the road .Sold it with 120000 km on it because it was costing to much money and went back to gas.GM can’t make a diesel
Make a high roof version!
Put a stout reliable 4 popper in it with the best auto and/or manual transmission.
As long as it gets up to highway speed in a respectable amount of time. Don’t gear it to do 110+mph! Low gears that top out at 80 or something. Aim for acceleration not top speed.