2005 GMC Safari: Road Test
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2005 GMC Safari ▼
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- MSRP: $22,930 -$26,430
- Invoice: $20,752 -$23,919
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Our road test for the 2005 GMC Safari includes a full evaluation of the 2005 GMC Safari from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 GMC Safari, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 GMC Safari help you decide if a 2005 GMC Safari is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| AWD w/SLE Pkg | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4.2 |
Torquey V6 and smooth transmission deliver sufficient acceleration and passing response. Truck-based body-on-frame design allows 5800-lb towing capacity, versus 3500 or less for most front-drive minivans.
FUEL ECONOMY
| AWD w/SLE Pkg | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 4 |
Don't expect to average more than 15 mpg--even less with AWD. GM recommends regular fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| AWD w/SLE Pkg | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 5.5 |
Not as smooth as front-drive competitors, with some pounding and pitching over pavement irregularities.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| AWD w/SLE Pkg | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 4.4 |
More maneuverable and agile than full-size vans, but far less carlike than front-drive minivans. Steering response surprisingly good. Standard antilock 4-wheel-disc brakes are a plus.
QUIETNESS
| AWD w/SLE Pkg | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 5.4 |
More road and wind noise than sleeker car-based minivans, but not objectionable given the boxy body design.
CONTROLS
| AWD w/SLE Pkg | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.1 |
Unobstructed gauges and mostly accessible, smooth-working switchgear. Optional audio system with separate rear channel is great for kids, but no DVD entertainment available. Cabin decor dull even with dress-up packages.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| AWD w/SLE Pkg | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 6.3 |
Entry/exit hampered by tall step-in and surprisingly slim thresholds. Uncomfortably narrow footwells, but plenty of head room. Seats are firm and chairlike.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| AWD w/SLE Pkg | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.7 |
Fine head and leg room, but the 2nd- and 3rd-row seats are heavier and harder to remove than those in GM's front-drive minivans. Lack of left-side door a convenience demerit.
CARGO ROOM
| AWD w/SLE Pkg | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 10 | 9.4 |
Tight with all seats in place. Unlike side-by-side rear doors, optional Dutch doors give unobstructed rear view, plus the convenience of lift-open glass and available defroster.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| AWD w/SLE Pkg | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 5.8 |
If you need a minivan mainly for towing or hauling heavy loads, Astro and Safari fill the bill. Otherwise, most any front-drive model is a better choice.
Total Score
| AWD w/SLE Pkg | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 45 | 57.8 |
Total Score: 45
Scores for all Minivans
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