2003 GMC Safari Review
2003 GMC Safari Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Standard eight-passenger seating, 5,400-pound trailer rating, torquey V6.
Cons
- Poor fuel economy, intrusive engine cover makes for small footwells, overall lack of refinement.
What’s new
All 2003 Safaris have larger 16-inch aluminum wheels and an improved braking system.
Edmunds says
Other than its ability to mimic a SUV in terms of towing ability and cargo space, there's not much about the Safari van that makes it a viable choice over its numerous competitors.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 GMC Safari Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$258/mo for Safari Base
Safari Base
vs
$219/mo
Avg. Large Minivan
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 GMC Safari.
5 star(47%)
4 star(25%)
3 star(20%)
2 star(8%)
1 star(0%)
36 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
truly the best vehicle we ever had
mesh7, 04/30/2013
2003 GMC Safari AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
our 2003 gmc safari is the best vehicle i could ever hope for . weve put over 200.000 miles on it and almost no maintence. it
never breaks down and all weve had to replace is fuel pump and alternator. This van is perfect and i ABSOLUTELY recommend it . GMC did a great job with this one . VERY RELIABLE
3.88 out of 5 stars
CHEAP TO KEEP
bam bam, 11/13/2003
2001 GMC Safari SLE Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
This vehicle will last you a lifetime
and spend very little time in the
repair shop.maintenance costs are super
low if you stay away from the awd. i
purchased an extended warranty but i
know I'll rarely use it. as long as you
understand its a dinosaur to drive
around town pot holes. also note that
it is a durable "truck" that can get to
be a handful when the fuel tank … gets
close to one quarter full when the
pavement is wet. adding weight during
the winter with the correct truck type
tires will keep you unstuck. the engine
power could be stronger, but the smooth
power band and not too stiff suspension
makes it pretty effortless to drive.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Has been good to us
Finzphan, 07/07/2007
2001 GMC Safari SLE Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
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.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Two time owner. . .
Vikki, 09/24/2003
2001 GMC Safari SLE Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
We had a 1991 Safari as our first van
and loved it, but only had the SLE. We
now have and love the SLT seating and
comfort. All the things we wished for
in our first Safari van we got in our
second Safari van. Now if they would
have power door openers for the side
and back doors, we would be even more
thrilled! We have compared to lots of
the SUVs and we like what we … have
better so far. The milage could be
better (and it could be worse too!)
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2003 GMC Safari, so we've included reviews for other years of the Safari since its last redesign.
2003 Safari Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $23,690 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $258/month |
Seating | 8 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 41.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalPoor
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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