2001 GMC Safari Review
Fuel Economy
15 - 17 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A minivan with truck capabilities ... and refinement ... and ride quality.
Pros
Standard eight-passenger seating, 6,000-pound trailer rating, torquey V6.
Cons
Boxy design, poor fuel economy, intrusive engine cover makes for small footwells.
What's New for 2001
Safari gets still more engineering enhancements for its 4.3-liter V6, and higher-output alternators. Door locks have been improved for increased security and remote keyless entry has been made standard on passenger van models. To reduce build complexity, preferred equipment groups have been revised and trim levels cut from three to two.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
WHY! Did They Stop Making Them???
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2001 GMC Safari SLE Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Just love this Van! This is my second I purchased the first on brand new in 1990 with a high top, swivel seats, TV, VCR... after 156,000 miles I bought a 2001 in 2002 and still have it today. It has 163,000 miles and still going. I'm 6'-8" tall and 360 lbs. The van is a work horse. I fit like a glove It has gone to Florida and all parts northeast. I used it to move my tools and merchandise in both of my businesses. Why oh Why did they stop making this creature of love!!! I will miss you and will with all my heart try to keep what I have for as long as it will run. I have replaced many components, but that OK I want to keep it for a long time. Long Live the Astro and Safari Vans...
Favorite Features
Large cargo haul, 3 door rear entrance, overhead console, rear A/C 8 speaker CD stereo system, unlimited cup holders, ez parking Very roomy for the driver (me)
Suggested Improvements
Fuel economy, handling in snow and ice, Start Build the Astro and Sarfari Again!!!
Has been good to us
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2001 GMC Safari SLE Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
Review
This van is set up to haul the family and its cargo. Has been good both in town and on the highway. Not the best looking vehicle on the road, but it does what is asked of it. Regular maintenance keeps it in shape.
Favorite Features
Rear A/C is a plus. Pretty comfortable on log trips. Highway economy not bad for a vehicle of this size (20-22mpg). Make it from Phoenix to San Diego on one tank.
Suggested Improvements
Driver leg room a little tight. Developed a minor oil leak around the pan at 70K. Much more road noise than there should be. EBCM (brake module), went out after 60K and dealership wants almost $800 to fix.
Nothing But Headaches
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 3 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 3 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 3 | ||
Vehicle
2001 GMC Safari 3 Dr SLT AWD Passenger Van Extended
Review
Should I start with the defective fuel pump that left me stranded in the Interstate or the power window motors that died after 6 months. Dealer took forever to repair. I also had a bad drive shaft that clunked. No wonder they discontinued it
Favorite Features
Trading it in
Suggested Improvements
Junk it
Lemon in Disguise
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2001 GMC Safari 3 Dr SLT Passenger Van Extended
Review
On the outside, the Safari/Astro appear to be nice vehicles. I had the following problems despite having the vehicle serviced regularly at my dealer: Rear heater broke. Replaced Dutch Door weatherstripping & carpet because of leaks/mold. Replaced power lock actuators. Faulty AC vacuum diaphram. Replaced rear AC, rear heater & rear wiper switches because they were no longer backlit. Mass air flow sensor. Transmission died at 60K in the middle of a US highway. Serpentine belt. GM did the right thing by discontinuing the Astro/Safari because they were lemons in disguise.
Favorite Features
Trading it in for a Ford E-150
Suggested Improvements
Discontinue it, which GM already did.
Versatile, But Unreliable
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2001 GMC Safari SLE Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
Review
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
Favorite Features
Powerful motor, versatile
Suggested Improvements
Re-design it for 2007: pay more attention to interior and mechanical quality.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2005 GMC Safari
- 2004 GMC Safari
- 2003 GMC Safari
- 2002 GMC Safari
- 2001 GMC Safari
- 2000 GMC Safari
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