Savana Conversion Van a wonder on wheels
This week, we test-drive a vehicle that still offers some of the best transportation available for active families, executives or individuals who rate first-class ground travel a priority.
We’re talking about GMC’s beautiful 2006 Savana Conversion Van, with complete transformation by Centurion Vehicles, Inc. Centurion is a division of the Conversion Van Marketing Association, which is a partnership between General Motors and 23 of the nation’s top conversion-van manufacturers. CVMA members are the only manufacturers authorized by GM to build GMC and Chevrolet conversion vans, putting owners at ease knowing that parent GM blesses the process.
Built on the trusty GMC van chassis, today’s GMC Conversion Van offers a wide variety of comforts and options, from leather interiors to home-theater-style entertainment systems that feature a 22-inch widescreen flat-panel display.
Power for our moving “den” came via GM’s Vortec 5.3-liter V-8 and a high-tech automatic transmission. The engine produces 295 horsepower, more than enough to move the big van. These vehicles are not noted for great fuel mileage, and ours posts 14 mpg city, 18 mpg highway EPA numbers. Notable is a 7,200-pound GVW rating, which makes towing boats and other recreational vehicles easy.
Dual-level air bags and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard, as are a host of other GMC included items, but we don’t want to spend too much time on the standard fare. It’s the conversion features that rate the space in this test drive, and there are many.
If you’re into movies, satellite radio, terrestrial radio, computer console gaming or whatever, you are surely in the right vehicle. Its superb 22-inch TV truly shines when you pop a feature-length DVD movie into the player, while the surround-sound audio system mirrors those that sit in millions of dens across America. Each rear passenger can utilize headphones if desired.
The Centurion’s exterior is beautiful, as our tester had the high-top feature that allows passengers to better stand up when moving about. The premium leather seating is exceptional, and its accompanying real-wood dark walnut trim makes for a true eye-popper. Everywhere you look, it’s luxury, convenience and opulence. We especially like the third-row sleeper seating, which allows for conversion into a spacious bed for overnight trips.
These vans are still some of the best buys for those who need to transport people regularly, and the pricing is very reasonable. Our top-of-the-line Centurion came in at a final tally of $52,750, not counting whatever GMC Chassis discounts apply. Consumers are reminded that these vans start for way less, so check them if you are shopping this market.
We rate the Centurion GMC Conversion Van a nine on a scale of one to 10. It’s fabulous.