Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

• 

  piece o crap - 1996 GMC Safari
  By jldude - February 2 - 7:20 pm

  i paid 3000 dollars for mine in 2006, since then ive put almost 3000 into keeping it running. 1 cooling fan, 2 alternators, 1 fuel pump, 1 fuel filter, 1 fuel line, 4 new tires, brakes(all of them), two window motors, 1 windshield wiper motor, 2 starters, and 1 right front ball axle joint. the cigarette lighter is broken, a/c has major leak(doesnt work), locks freeze easy in the winter(ohio), rear defrost and heat dont work, rear door handle broke and doesnt latch shut. no way would i ever tell anyone to consider buying this van, in fact if you see one on the road look away, chances are something might go wrong on Your car!

• 

  Another Love/Hate realationship - 1997 GMC Safari
  By Ozzmier - January 23 - 5:39 am

  When I bought my Safari it had 45,000 miles on it. Around 130,000 my brakes finally wore down and I got new ones. Around 140,000 miles my power steering pump blew and I bought a new one. Around 145,000 miles my a/c and heat stopped working with the exception of a warm defrost. The 2nd heat censor blew. Then, around 160,000 my fuel pump died on me. Now it is sitting in my driveway waiting for a new coil because that blew about 3 days ago ( 173,000 miles). It has been a workhorse, a family vehicle and more. I love the Safari, and until 130,000 miles it never failed me. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested. As long as you keep it maintained as you would expect from any verhicle.

• 

  Versatile, But Unreliable - 2001 GMC Safari
  By Joe V. - August 23 - 2:33 am

  The Safari is arguably the most versatile vehicle on the market. No other vehicle can carry cargo, 8 passengers and occasionally tow a trailer. I did all of the above with my Safari and it was great. Unfortunately, the Safari was not as reliable as I expected. During the 4 years I owned it, I had to replace the transmission, power lock actuators, vacuum diaphram, rear heat control, dashboard switches, mass air flow sensor, exhaust system and give it a complete tune-up. I also had the interior carpet replaced along with the weatherstripping because water leaked in from the dutch doors. I was so disappointed in the quality of the Safari that i traded it in and bought a 2005 Ford E-150

• 

  Unfulfilled dream - 1999 GMC Safari
  By Ed Garrity - July 23 - 12:54 am

  I paid $16K for a 2 year old van with 37K miles. In 7/05 it has 108K, current value About $5.3K. Ive enjoyed the van and the ride. Its comfortable for driver. Not enough foot room for passengers. I liked the way it handled and drove. Repair costs have been about $1K a year in addition to regular maintenance. Costs of repair have been expensive. Have had excellent service from Cooper extra wide, tires. I have replaced the electric window motors on both sides of the van. AC is a problem, 2 computers replaced. Body and upholstery show almost no wear.

• 

  Safari Review - 2005 GMC Safari
  By BCA - August 27 - 2:00 am

  If you want to carry six people with AWD this is the ticket. This is the second Safari weve owned. While the interior could use some work such as larger front leg room, driver side passenger doors and a few more cupholders, the overall functionality of the van is excellent. The larger size more than makes up for these shortcomings. It is great for long (800 mile) road trips with 4 kids. Not only that, it can carry all the gear. The AWD works great in snow and the 4.3 L V-6 has sufficient power. Weve had no major mechanical problems with this van or its predecessor. However, there have been some interior trim issues.

• 

  Good, Comfy, Van - 2002 GMC Safari
  By Kyle Brautigan - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I have owned these vans since they came out in 1985. The are roomier, more powerful, and capable than most other minivans on market. These vans have always been reliable besides for a few minor problems. We had to replace brakes at 15,000 miles and GMC wouldnt cover it under warranty which made me angry and made me wonder what the warranty was for.I like the truck- like sensation and this is no woss minivan. The ride is harsh over rough surfaces and it doesnt handle as well as car-based minivans. The interior is cheap plastic and poorly made. Even in the uplevel SLT it is lacking luxury features.

• 

  Beware of Secret GMC Warranty - 1992 GMC Safari
  By rjd - March 3 - 2:00 am

  Generally nice - but: there was a secret GMC warranty on the paint which literally flake off after six years. GM denied responsibility claiming their secret warranty had expired and if the dealer didnt tell the customer (me) - too bad! The upshot - had to have the vehicle painted privately at my expense and now have EXTENSIVE RUST - something else that should never happen in this era of vehicle. Mechanically the vehicle has been fair, the rear A/C is a disaster - be sure to close off the coolant lines to the rear A/C - the rear A/C is not needed and you will otherwise have to add new freon EVERY Summer.

• 

  Average Car - 2002 GMC Safari
  By tbuchler - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive had problems with my Safari. The sliding psgr door and rear hatch either stick or wont open. Took it to the dealer to get resolved still have same problem. Recently had problems with transmission and oil cooling lines leaking only at 42000 miles. Not impressed with fuel economy or front leg room. I am 62 and wife is 57". It does pull are 3300 lb popup camper great which is our main reason for buying it.

• 

  Bad choice - 2001 GMC Safari
  By W.alter - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I had problems with the brakes from the start and the steel belts on the tires.The catalytic converter and muffler needed replacing after one year and at separate times.I had to take it back shortly after buying it after I noticed grease under the floormats.Had to be dealer or factory shabbyness.Poor quality control at both places.No wonder Haskins went out of business and GM is losing repeat customers.

• 

  Expensive to own/maintain - 1999 GMC Safari
  By MadMom - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Purch 1/99 4/99 transfer case prob 7/99 8k mi trans replace solenoid-2 visits 3/00 17k mi transfer case 5/00 21k mi overhaul trans asmbly 7/00 24k reconditd valve body/trans expensive brake, trans + transfer case maint for life 1/02 53k idler arms $600 1/03 74k intake gskt $500 5/03 76k AC comprsr, door lock actuators $1,300 7/03 82k NEW ENGINE $7k (spun bearing, threw rod)on family trip from NC to NY 8/03 83k AC control head $350 11/03 85k ignition coil/rotor $400. Expensive to own has been a $10,000 year.Sadly, this Safari has never "wanted" for anything + the maintenance schedule has been followed +/or exceeded.