2000 GMC Safari: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Safari and its Chevrolet Astro twin are America's only rear-wheel-drive truck-based minivans. Both come as passenger and cargo versions in a single body length with passenger-side sliding door and are available with rear-wheel drive or all-surface all-wheel drive (AWD). Passenger models offer the choice of two side-hinged panel doors at the back or swing-out half-height "Dutch" doors below a glass hatch. Antilock brakes and daytime running lights are standard.
This year, Safari gains rear child-seat anchors, a standard third-row bench seat allowing 7- or 8-passenger capacity, and a 2-gallon-larger fuel tank made of plastic instead of metal. Other new standards include headlamps that switch on automatically in low-light conditions, "flash-to-pass" headlights, battery-rundown protection, and retained accessory power that permits operating electrical accessories after the ignition is turned off or until a door is opened. Also new is a Tow/Haul mode that optimizes shift points on the mandatory automatic transmission for heavy hauling and towing. The only engine remains a 4.3-liter V6 that's mildly updated for quieter operation and lower emissions. Safari's optional AWD drives the rear wheels until they start to slip, when it automatically engages the front axle to restore traction. Finally, maximum trailering capacities are increased this year--by 500 pounds to 6000 for 2WD models and by 800 pounds to 5800 with AWD. Safari's performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly equipped Astros.

COMPETITION

Chrysler started the minivan trend back in 1984, and they remain one of our Best Buys today. Though the competition has heated up, we still feel that the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Voyager are two of the best you can buy. They offer all of the creature comforts in a pleasing package at a fair price. Our other Best Buy is the Honda Odyssey. It's a little bit smaller than the Chryslers, but more sporty to drive, and it has a super-convenient flip-and-fold-away rear seat.
Trailing at a close second are the Recommended Chevy Venture and Ford Windstar. Though these vans are comparably priced and offer loads of neat features, we feel they can't match the road manners of our Best Buys.