GMC Cars - General Motors Cars

GMC Safari van

The GMC Safari has enjoyed a continuous run since its introduction in 1985. With its truck-based body-on-frame construction, the Safari has earned a reputation as an extremely tough and capable minivan that has made it the choice of utility fleets across the country. Available with a gutsy 4.3-liter V6 engine since 1986, the Safari boasts a higher tow rating than most minivans.

The GMC Safari was also one of the first minivans to offer all-wheel drive when that feature debuted in 1990. Its major drawback over the years has been its lack of family-friendly features like power-sliding side doors and flexible seating. Although bigger than most other minivans, the Safari's older design results in an interior that feels less spacious than it really is. Couple that with only minor design revisions in its 19-year lifespan and it's easy to see how it got left behind by more modern competition. The fact remains, however, that if you're looking for a minivan that can do double duty as a tow vehicle or work truck, the 2005 GMC Safari is just about the only game in town.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options
Safari passenger vans come in three levels of trim: base, SLE and SLT. Base models come standard with air conditioning, power window and door locks, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery and an AM/FM stereo. SLE models add keyless entry and an upgraded audio system with a CD player. Step up to the SLT and you get an upgraded cloth interior, rear air conditioning, an overhead console with map lights and an outside temperature gauge, a power-adjustable driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a Homelink programmable garage door transmitter. SLT vans also offer the option of seven-passenger seating with captain's chairs in the second row, as well as leather upholstery.

GMC Safari Van

GMC Safari Styles

Base Styles $15,685 - $16,931

3 Dr STD Passenger Van Extended

3 Dr STD AWD Passenger Van Extended

SLE Styles $16,461 - $17,688

3 Dr SLE Passenger Van Extended

3 Dr SLE AWD Passenger Van Extended

SLT Styles $18,892 - $20,139

3 Dr SLT Passenger Van Extended

3 Dr SLT AWD Passenger Van Extended

Powertrains and Performance
A 190-horsepower, 4.3-liter V6 is the only engine available, sending power through a smooth-shifting four-speed automatic transmission. Standard rear-wheel drive allows the GMC Safari to boast a maximum towing capacity of 5,400 pounds. A full-time all-wheel-drive system is optional. This system transfers power to the front wheels when it detects rear-wheel slippage for maximum traction in adverse weather situations.

Safety
All Safari vans come standard with four-wheel antilock disc brakes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the GMC Safari three out of five stars for protection of the driver in a frontal crash and four stars for the front passenger. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rated the Safari "Poor," its lowest ranking, after administering its frontal offset crash test.

Interior Design and Special Features
With only minor changes since its debut in 1985, the GMC Safari interior is dated-looking to say the least. Overall interior room is generous, with 170 cubic feet of total cargo space, but small front footwells make the driver and front passenger feel more cramped than in most minivans. The standard seating arrangement holds eight passengers, but optional captain's chairs reduce capacity to seven.

Driving Impressions
Taller than many of their rivals, Safari minivans are admittedly more trucklike in temperament, but deliver a pleasant highway ride with competent handling. The 4.3-liter V6 engine provides plenty of thrust down low, but it runs out of breath quickly.