Used 1997 GMC Safari Consumer Reviews
Used Safari for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Safari, so we've included reviews for other years of the Safari since its last redesign.
electrical hell
Rick Earl, 09/11/2002
1997 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This vehicle has been expensive to operate. It had electrical problems from the start. It continues to eat fuses like candy. The lighter, fuel gauge, and power windows have not worked in 2 years. Its on its 4th battery and 3rd set of front brakes. The front end wears tires quickly, even with it properly aligned. In short buyer beware. There is very little head or leg room in the front seats.
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.
1997 GMC Safari for sale near you
1 of 1 listings
- SLX Passenger MinivanMSRP: N/A2,292 mi away
GMC SAFARI
CGOSSETT, 02/05/2003
1995 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Bought new in January 1996. Have had no major problems. Front brakes have been replaced twice. Plastic door handle on passenger side broke inside the door...major hassle to get to and fix but not a major expense if you have a friend that is a mechanic and has the right tools. Power door lock doesn't always connect with the sliding passenger side door (2 clicks usually will do it when it "misfires"). Just had the fuel pump replaced at 123,000 miles. Van gave plenty of warning...started running rough at about 118,000 miles. Tuned up at 105,000 miles. With 3 kids in sports, this van is great.
Another Love/Hate realationship
Ozzmier, 01/23/2009
1997 GMC Safari SLT 3dr Minivan AWD
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
When I bought my Safari it had 45,000 miles on it. Around 130,000 my brakes finally wore down and I got new ones. Around 140,000 miles my power steering pump blew and I bought a new one. Around 145,000 miles my a/c and heat stopped working with the exception of a warm defrost. The 2nd heat censor blew. Then, around 160,000 my fuel pump died on me. Now it is sitting in my driveway waiting for a new coil because that blew about 3 days ago ( 173,000 miles). It has been a workhorse, a family vehicle and more. I love the Safari, and until 130,000 miles it never failed me. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested. As long as you keep it maintained as you would expect from any verhicle.
1995 Safari SLT
kayaker, 02/23/2003
1995 GMC Safari SLT 3dr Minivan AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This van is my second, I owned a Astro before, its a great driver on long trips and has plenty of towing power for my older Apache trailer. All wheel drive is a real life saver as I do get off the pavement once in awhile and is great on winter roads.