2001 GMC Safari Cargo Review
Price Estimate: $801 - $1,272

Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Heavy-duty construction, 6,000-pound trailer rating, torquey V6.
Cons
- Boxy design, poor fuel economy, intrusive engine cover makes for small footwells.
What’s new
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 programmable locks solve an annoying self-locking problem in last year's models.
Edmunds says
A workhorse minivan that leaves refinement to the other guys.
For sale near Paris, TX
1 listings
- 43,035 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, government vehicle
- 2 Seats, 15 City / 20 Hwy MPG
- Joe's Car Connection (1,042 mi away)
Close
Located in Roy, UT
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
17 Combined MPG (15 City/20 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1GTDM19W21B517860
Stock: 14926
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 10-11-2024
Vehicle overview
Because of their traditional full-frame construction and standard rear-drive layout, Safaris are most adept at heavy hauling and burly trailer towing. This is one of the very few minivans (GMC calls it a midsize) on the market that offers over 6,000 pounds of trailering capacity making it suitable for fleet use. The Cargo Van model is offered with a stripped-out interior ready for upfitting into a workhorse service van -- complete with tool racks or parts bins. Not everyone will relish the truck-like ride over harsh road surfaces, but it's not bad when the highway smoothes out. Don't expect top-notch fuel mileage, though, despite a continually improved powertrain. All-wheel drive is optional providing superior traction for companies who can't have their trucks stranded when the weather gets ugly.
GM's 4300 Vortec V6 is standard, sporting more durable camshaft bearings, a lighter starter that requires less current from the battery to crank the engine and a new, more advanced powertrain control module. The 4.3-liter sends 190 horsepower and a healthy 250 foot-pounds of torque to an electronically controlled, four-speed automatic overdrive transmission, equipped with a tow-haul mode for improved performance under loads. Long-life engine coolant and spark plugs help keep maintenance costs to a minimum.
New for this year is a Safari cargo van that meets national low-emission vehicle standards. Companies looking to reduce the environmental impact of their numerous fleet trucks can now do so without losing the versatility and toughness that Safari provides. Dual airbags are housed in an artfully styled dashboard, and four-wheel disc/drum antilock brakes are standard. So are features such as speed-sensitive power steering, delayed interior lighting, overhead reading lamps, various built-in cupholders and storage bins, and three power outlets.
Insiders say that Safari's days (and those of its Chevy Astro sister) are numbered. But for now, whether your choice is simple rear-drive or full-time all-wheel drive, Safaris are still the smart choice for anyone looking for a tough minivan that doesn't squirm when faced with some heavy-duty hauling and towing.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Texas
$201/mo for Safari Cargo SL
Safari Cargo SL
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Large Minivan
See Edmunds pricing data
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GMC Safari Cargo Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
a great work van
5 out of 5 starsZappa, 04/27/2008
1993 GMC Safari Cargo 3dr Ext Minivan
i paid a 1000 for this car i have put maybe 300 on it for repairs, i am a locksmith so i do about 200 to 250 miles A DAY and this car is amazing. it handle a lot of cargo, i love this car, with fuel prices i am just looking for a smaller car :) . if you can buy this car you will be so happy you did.
very good van
4.63 out of 5 starsHCollins, 12/03/2007
1998 GMC Safari Cargo SL 3dr Minivan
4.6L 6cly is super on gas mileage up to 26 miles per gallon. slide open doors gives excellent access to all three seat rows. Comfort seating for 8 passegners. Double dutch doors in rear provide easy access for cargo and easy seat removal if additional hauling is needed.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2001 GMC Safari Cargo, so we've included reviews for other years of the Safari Cargo since its last redesign.
2001 Safari Cargo Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $20,793 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $201/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
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 RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- 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 RestraintNot Tested
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