Used 1994 GMC Safari Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1994 Safari, so we've included reviews for other years of the Safari since its last redesign.
Snow Surfin Safari
miluch, 01/28/2003
1991 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Ext Minivan AWD
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
This vehicle has 210,000 miles and never misses a lick. All major componants are original, no oil consumption, use it to tow regularly, and... it is just awesome in the snow and on ice slick roads.
Love Our Van
Steve W., 06/18/2002
1994 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Ext Minivan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
What a great vehicle! Bigger than a minivan but not as big and lumbering as a fullsize. Ours now has right at 150,000 miles and we've had very few problems. Had to replace the AC compressor at 62K miles, and other than that, have just performed regular maintenance. This is the second Safari we've owned and both have been trouble- free. When the time comes to replace ours, I know we'll be buying another Safari.
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See all 0 listingsOld but good
bob, 08/31/2005
1994 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Ext Minivan
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I bought this van in 1995. At first I did not like it due to the fact the brakes were very hard, like truck brakes, and the rear end made a whinning noise at most speeds. Over the course of 11 years the only problems I had were, the computer and the light switch needed fixed. The alternator lasted 110,000 miles,water pump lasted 100,00 miles. I am now on my third set of brakes. Overall the van has been more reliable than some of the new cars I have bought. I wish all the autos were as good as this one.I am now pushing 155,000 miles. I drive it 140 miles a day. I love this van except the gas mileage. Does not drive well in winter.
GMC 1993 Review
Mike Welsh, 12/06/2002
1993 GMC Safari SLT 3dr Ext Minivan AWD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This van has about 80% highway miles. There have been no major problems encountered just nuisance ones. We did have the left-front ABS fail on a trip and caused the normal brake system to fail. The ABS sensor cable to the LF wheel broke and ONLY the ABS worked. This was really scary when you hit the brakes and all you got was the ABS sound and response. I asked GM about this and never received an answer. The BOSE CD system had be to replaced ata cost of $300. Talking to other Safari owners it seems the radio/CD unit is to close to the heating ducts.
The best there ever WAS
Shai Drori, 02/14/2010
1994 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Bought this car because I needed the room and the power. It was a wreck when I bought it , previous owner didn't take care of it at all. After some work it has performed flawlessly. It has amazing ability for heavy cargo and mileage is not affected by how much it is pulling (although fuel economy is not good to begin with). It has 186000 miles on it (300,000 KM!!!) and I have no plans of selling it anytime soon.
Oldie but goodie
Satisfied driver, 03/05/2009
1994 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Ext Minivan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We have owned our Safari since 1995, bought as a lease car with 15,800 miles. Since then we have towed a 16- foot travel trailer all over Florida and into the north Georgia mountains numerous times with no problems. Comfort and durability are A-1. Gas mileage is crummy but as would be expected for a vehicle of this size (mileage when towing averages 11-12 MPG). The only real hang-up we have had is carbon build-up in the exhaust ports which finds its way into the ERG valve and gets lodged there, causing the engine either to surge or die out. We have just had the exhaust ports de- carbonized and this seems to have done the trick.
The Van's a Rockin'
Still Going , 07/27/2010
1994 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Ext Minivan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Very sound mechanically and a work- horse when loaded. My kids love the room inside, it's like having a mini motor home on vacations, very roomy. Had to replace fuel pump, alt, wiper motto, actually all these were very reasonable as the '94 has less expensive parts then the newer models. One thing I appreciate is the vehicle does not leak a drop of anything, we're heading into 20 year territory and the vehicle is very mechanically sound. We have a fleet of Ford Focuses at work and every one of them leak oil. So this is an excellent acquisition, even though it's look is a bit dated the heart and soul is still there. I recommend not as a commuter as the gas mileage is to be expected for a 4.3.
Among the best vehicles I've ever owned
Charles Strickland, 05/29/2007
1994 GMC Safari SLX 3dr Ext Minivan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
It has over 215,000 miles on it and still runs like a top. I've had the normal maintenance things to do of course but it has been serviced regularily and it keeps on going. It actually handles better than my '05 (tighter turning radius) and the power is still good. Rear end has had a noise in it since day one but apparently this is simply a characteristic of it since I've heard that several times about the '94-96 safari XT's. Never a problem with it though. I owned my 1st new car in '69 so I've had a lot of them but never one better than this one. Guess that's why GM discontinued it, too damn good.
A Life Saved
Rachel Terpstra, 10/20/2002
1990 GMC Safari SLX 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My fiance's family has had this van in the family since new. He got it from his parents. We loved that van. It saved my fiances life 3 weeks efore our wedding. Three days ago though my fiance got into a seriouse car wreck. A cement truck pulled out in front of him across 2 lanes of traffic while he was going 45 (55 speed limit on a rainy day) he couldn't stop in time and the van colided into the truck. He is alive and if you looked at the tractor trailer you woldn't believe it.The police say that if not for that van he would be dead. We loved our van and plan to get another.GMC has my vote for best cars around!
My first minivan
scoobette_17, 07/11/2002
1992 GMC Safari SLT 3dr Ext Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love driving this vehicle it is so fun and gets great gas millage. I highly recammend the van
Love my Safari
Lanceoah, 07/01/2008
1993 GMC Safari 3dr Minivan AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Have driven all over the States and Canada never let me down. 450000 km so far. Rocker panels have rusted out. The back door handle has disentigrated. Spark plugs are hard to replace. But fun to drive and I'll drive it into the ground
Safari Rocks
Miller, 04/28/2002
1993 GMC Safari SLT 3dr Ext Minivan AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We have owned a GMC Safari for seven years and still love it. My only complaint is the space for the passengers feet in the front. The van is spacious and comfortable. I love the built in coolers in the back.
I'll never buy another GMC
Antonio, 06/05/2002
1990 GMC Safari SLX 3dr Minivan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this van brand new and have had nothing but trouble with it. The sit adjuster, door lock switch, and window assambly broke within the first three years(non cover by warranty). The sliding door came off the tracks by year five. I had to replace the engine at 57000 miles. GMC has refused to participate on any of the repairs. I would never buy another GMC again.
My Van
cb2girl, 04/30/2002
1990 GMC Safari SLX 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this vehicle for 10+ years & love it. It runs very well but has some rust.
Great car
LostANDFound86, 07/25/2002
1990 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My family has owned this vehicle since we bought it new in 1989. I recently took ownership when i got my driver's license and it is a great vehicle. It is powerful and great for passing on the freeway. It is also VERY reliable. With 91,000 miles on it, the only problem we've had is the piece of plastic that holds the dimmer switch in place. It handles great and is easier to park than my mom's Pontiac Bonneville. It has plenty of room for all my friends. The seats are comfortable and the air conditioning is ice cold. Great vehicle that gives me NO problems.
Stealhead 98
steelhead 98, 12/19/2022
1991 GMC Safari SLT 3dr Ext Minivan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought it new. put over 300 000 kms. 2022 still my daily driver. Oil change every 5000km, tranny oil every 3 years. Only major expense was front gear replacement and transfer case .
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
The greatest car, locksmith unit
Joe, 08/08/2008
1993 GMC Safari 3dr Ext Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have this car for 3 years, I drive it 200 miles a day. With gas prices and car cost, I have put nothing into it, only oil change and brakes. Great buy, $1000 for 3 years of service. I have 250,000 miles on it and not even an oil leak. I love this car
Go on a Safari...in a Safari
DrShadow, 02/27/2002
1993 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Ext Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This van is the absolute motherload. With over 202000 miles, it is still tickin away...no rust, mind you. Van driven to Canada, Florida, North Carolina, Connecticut, NYC, New Mexico, Kansas, Texas, and all those in between there. Ever break down?...dont think so. This is precisely why GM sells more cars that Ford and DaimChrysBenz.
UUUggghhhhhh!!!
Cleckster1, 03/03/2002
1994 GMC Safari SLX 3dr Ext Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have had nothing but problems with this vehicle since day 1. Two weeks after I purchased, it broke down half way over the Mackinac Bridge while on vacation. I have put over $1000.00 into it in less than six months because of course nothing was covered under the two seperate warrantys purchased. Also I will never buy anything from Mount Clemens Dodge ever again and I would tell everyone possible not to go there either. Really Bad service and completly dishonest!
GMC= Garbage Motor Company
Tony Rodriguez, 06/07/2002
1990 GMC Safari SLX 3dr Minivan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this van brand new from the dealer as a family vehicle.I only drove it to the grocery, and to take my kids to school 14K the bucket seat broke$305.61.At 23K the dist.cap and rotor had to be replaced $116.90. The next year 29k the electric door locks quit working and had to be $45.34.Later the sliding door came off the tracks$197.28.The cat.conv. had to be replaced at 50K ,$569.95. Finally with 57K the engine blew .I asked GMC Corp. to participate on a portion of the repair cost but was denied I guess I can't really blame GMC for not backing up their product.I wouldn't stand behind it either.
Worst vehicle I ever owned
sem, 04/19/2002
1992 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Ext Minivan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Vehicle was about 14 months old w/43000 miles when we bought it. Held up ok for about 18 mon. It's been an albatross ever since. It's 10 yrs old & still no rust, but thats the least of our problems...2 engines, 2 trannies, 2 complete A/C systems (front & back), and a myriad of other costly repairs. To make a long story short, about 6 mons after we bought it, Consumer Reports Used Car Buying Guide had this vehicle @ the top of their list of VEHICLES TO AVOID - They were right! PS: The engine is a REAL pain to work on.
Beware of Secret GMC Warranty
rjd, 03/03/2004
1992 GMC Safari SLT 3dr Ext Minivan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Generally nice - but: there was a secret GMC warranty on the paint which literally flake off after six years. GM denied responsibility claiming their secret warranty had expired and if the dealer didn't tell the customer (me) - too bad! The upshot - had to have the vehicle painted privately at my expense and now have EXTENSIVE RUST - something else that should never happen in this era of vehicle. Mechanically the vehicle has been fair, the rear A/C is a disaster - be sure to close off the coolant lines to the rear A/C - the rear A/C is not needed and you will otherwise have to add new freon EVERY Summer.