1997 GMC Savana

Pros: Comfort, power, visibility, reliability! Good turning radius for a critter its size.
Cons: In-town gas mileage is poor - about 16.5 mpg.

I bought my 1997 Savana in 1999, with approximately 53,000 miles on it. It now has over 253,000 miles, and is the most trusted vehicle in my stable. I would not hesitate to drive it from here (South Carolina) to Seattle, WA, and have done so several times. Carries me, my dogs (2), and my ham radio gear anywhere in the country at the drop of a gas-filled hat. Gas is NOT optional, it doesn't get really great mileage (16.5 town, 18 - 19 on open road) but the comfort and reliability have more than made up for that. I have the 5-liter motor (305 Cu. In.) and have had no trouble with motor. AC system required major overhaul at about 160,000 miles. I get a tune-up about every 60,000 miles, have needed only one brake job, and no transmission work except for a drain-refill-filter job at about 150,000. My van gets regular oil changes, but is not pampered. I hope I can drive it another 750,000 miles, as this is a vehicle worthy of a million-mile plaque.