1990-2005 GMC Safari: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Antilock brakes
- Passenger room
- Optional all-wheel-drive traction
- Trailer-towing capability
- Cargo room (extended-length)
Cons
- Ride
- Entry/exit
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
GMC Safari and Chevrolet Astro models were identical except for names and series designations. They are truck based, rear- or all-wheel-drive minivans that have higher payload and towing ratings than front-drive counterparts.The all-wheel-drive option, 4-wheel antilock brakes, and an extended bodystyle were added for 1990. Also new for '90 was a restyled instrument panel that included a larger glovebox. Five-passenger seating was standard, but seating for up to eight occupants might be installed. Developing 150 horsepower, the standard 4.3-liter V6 engine hooked to a 4-speed automatic transmission.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | GMC Safari AWD SLE Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 3 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 10 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 45 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 1990-2005 GMC Safari includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-2005 GMC Safari and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-2005 GMC Safari is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Safari is fine if you need a beast of burden, but don't want a full-size van. As a daily people-mover, however, a front-drive minivan would be wiser.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | GMC Safari AWD SLE Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 3 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 10 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 45 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $515 |
| Alternator | $245 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $770 |
| Brakes | $225 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $555 |
| Exhaust System | $320 |
| Radiator | $420 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $247 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $255 |
| Universal Joints | $153 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2005 | |||
| Safari | $9,200-11,000 | $8,300-9,900 | $4,800-5,700 |
| Safari AWD | $10,000-12,000 | $9,000-10,800 | $5,200-6,200 |
| 2004 | |||
| Safari | $7,500-9,000 | $6,800-8,100 | $3,800-4,500 |
| Safari AWD | $8,300-10,000 | $7,500-9,000 | $4,300-5,200 |
| 2003 | |||
| Safari | $6,200-7,600 | $5,400-6,600 | $2,700-3,300 |
| Safari AWD | $6,800-8,100 | $6,100-7,200 | $3,200-3,800 |
| 2002 | |||
| Safari | $5,200-6,300 | $4,400-5,400 | $2,100-2,500 |
| Safari AWD | $5,700-6,800 | $4,900-5,800 | $2,300-2,800 |
| 2001 | |||
| Safari | $4,400-5,400 | $3,700-4,500 | $1,500-1,900 |
| Safari AWD | $4,900-5,900 | $4,200-5,000 | $1,900-2,300 |
| 2000 | |||
| Safari | $3,700-4,800 | $3,000-3,900 | $1,100-1,400 |
| Safari AWD | $4,200-5,300 | $3,400-4,300 | $1,400-1,800 |
| 1999 | |||
| Safari | $3,300-4,200 | $2,600-3,300 | $800-1,100 |
| Safari AWD | $3,700-4,600 | $3,000-3,700 | $1,100-1,300 |
| 1998 | |||
| Safari | $2,800-3,600 | $2,100-2,700 | $600-800 |
| Safari AWD | $3,200-4,100 | $2,500-3,200 | $800-1,000 |
| 1997 | |||
| Safari | $2,400-3,100 | $1,700-2,200 | $500-600 |
| Safari AWD | $2,800-3,500 | $2,100-2,600 | $600-800 |
| 1996 | |||
| Safari | $2,100-2,700 | $1,500-1,900 | $400-500 |
| Safari AWD | $2,500-3,100 | $1,800-2,300 | $500-700 |
| 1995 | |||
| Safari | $1,800-2,400 | $1,200-1,600 | $300-400 |
| Safari AWD | $2,100-2,700 | $1,500-1,900 | $400-500 |
| 1994 | |||
| Safari | $1,500-2,100 | $1,000-1,400 | $200-300 |
| Safari AWD | $1,800-2,400 | $1,200-1,600 | $300-400 |
| 1993 | |||
| Safari | $1,300-1,800 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| Safari AWD | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| 1992 | |||
| Safari | $1,200-1,700 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| Safari AWD | $1,400-1,900 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Safari | $1,100-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| Safari AWD | $1,300-1,800 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| 1990 | |||
| Safari | $1,000-1,500 | $600-900 | $100-200 |
| Safari AWD | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 1990-94 ext. 3-door van | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 111.0 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 186.8 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 77.0 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 76.4 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3960 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 170.4 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 27.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 8 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.2 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.6 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.9 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.5 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V6 | 4.3 / 262 | 175-200 | 230-260 | 4-speed automatic: 16/20 | 4-speed automatic: 18.3 |
| ohv V6 | 4.3 / 262 | 150-165 | 230-235 | 4-speed automatic: 16/21 | 4-speed automatic: 14.5 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Safari |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.








