Used 1997 GMC Safari Consumer Reviews
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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.
Great Minivan
Southern Moon, 07/12/2002
1995 GMC Safari SLT 3dr Minivan
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
My wife and I bought a '95 Safari used in May of '97 with 80,000 miles on it. Knowing how much we drive and knowing that we don't hurt our vehicles with highway miles, we decided to buy it. I can't possibly explain here what a wonderful minivan it's been. No electrical trouble (like some say), no drivetrain trouble, no engine trouble, solid as a rock. We've done regular routine maintenance type things but if ever you wanted to read about a satisfied GM product customer, I'm him. Gas mileage 20+, set of tires every 65-75K, brakes twice lifetime, oil/air filter every 4K- that's about all you do.
Third Review on this Safari in 3 Years
Southern Moon, 11/14/2005
1995 GMC Safari SLT 3dr Minivan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Two previous reviews by me. 07/12/02 and 07/24/03. Again now 11/14/05. Tripped 300K a while back. Almost 304,000 today. The best vehicle we've ever owned. Strong, strong engine still. NO OIL USE. Reliable to the max. No trouble except some flaking paint but even that's not bad. Last spark plugs changed about 150,000 miles ago. NEVER HAD A TUNE UP in 8-1/2 years. I tried to sell this Safari at 239K at a giveaway price but nobody bit- not that I blame them but it's still in great shape mechanically and still looks good too. We bought a GMC Suburban based on how this GMC had been but it's not as reliable as the Safari and the Suburban with about 100K does need oil at changing time.
1997 GMC Safari for sale near you
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- RV CONVERSION GROUPMSRP: $6,9991,907 mi away
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.
Old 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.
LOVE MY VAN BUT ......
ahamm1, 10/23/2012
1997 GMC Safari SLT 3dr Minivan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I got this van in the summer of 2007 with 69000 miles on it, RAN GREAT was my daily ride. I drive over 100 miles a day and in 2010 the fuel pump problem happened with my van as well. We replaced it and it still is not running right, so it has been parked for over a year now for the day I have the money to take it in because I really do not want to give up the van. Also there is a clunking sound when you take off. Still love the van..
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 great ride
Dave, 06/05/2008
1995 GMC Safari 3dr Minivan AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is the second one we have owned, first was an Astro we sold with 265000 miles. This has been extremely reliable. Bought it with 99000 miles, it now has 174000 and runs great. AWD feature is awesome in snow. We did have one problem which people should be aware of as there is no info in the owners manual. Always have the same size tires on all 4 corners. We used the spare after a flat (I use 60 series tires on it) and had to replace the front differential after driving it only 30 miles! $1600 repair. We tow a boat and utility trailer all the time and it works great. Just an excellent product.
very good automobile
David Peth, 07/09/2009
1995 GMC Safari SLT 3dr Minivan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicel in 1995 it had 13000 miles and has been a great car but now the gas milage is so bad that I need to trade.
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.
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.
95 Safari
Dan ON, 07/14/2003
1995 GMC Safari SLT 3dr Minivan AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
With a family of 6 that takes trips often, room is important-(essential). The van has been extremely reliable.
Great Van
GreatVan, 07/01/2009
1996 GMC Safari SLX 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This van has been great I have 0ver 250000 miles and other than upkeep maintenance Ive had no issues. Yes Ive had to replace tires, breaks, hoses, belts, and so on but never any thing major. The electric windows work fine. I would highly recommend this van to anyone with kids it is a great traveling van.
My safari
mamoke, 04/28/2002
1997 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Love everything about it but it has become difficult for me to get in and out of it because of my short legs and arthrities.
Love/ Hate
Ed Slaney, 10/14/2002
1997 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We have a love /hate relationship with this vehicle. It is great to drive,easy for shopping etc. Comfortable on long trips. We have replaced 3 window motors,1 seat motor,an alternator,a very expensive fuel pump,a wiper circuit board and other various items some under warrenty some not. Before the fuel pump went I complained to GMC and they offered me an 8 hundre $ cert. towards a new GMC product good for 1 yr. The pump went shortley after and the fix wiped out the cert. Yesterday the blower moter switch would only work on high.
I love this thing!
Rafa R, 01/20/2016
1995 GMC Safari SLT 3dr Minivan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I never had more road miles on a vehicle until I met this 1885 GMC Safari. It has been a jewel for me at a purchase price of $800.00. I did a few things to keep it up but it was well worth it when I can go from central California to northern California and then back down to southern California all in a few days! The ride was awesome and the Van was a great asset to my trip!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
piece o' crap
jldude, 02/03/2009
1996 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan AWD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
i paid 3000 dollars for mine in 2006, since then ive put almost 3000 into keeping it running. 1 cooling fan, 2 alternators, 1 fuel pump, 1 fuel filter, 1 fuel line, 4 new tires, brakes(all of them), two window motors, 1 windshield wiper motor, 2 starters, and 1 right front ball axle joint. the cigarette lighter is broken, a/c has major leak(doesnt work), locks freeze easy in the winter(ohio), rear defrost and heat dont work, rear door handle broke and doesnt latch shut. no way would i ever tell anyone to consider buying this van, in fact if you see one on the road look away, chances are something might go wrong on Your car!
1996 Safari Van
Carlos, 01/22/2008
1996 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
These vans have several problems. Power window motors fail often, switches in Safaris also have several failures. Besides the little annoying items, that most people avoid repairing because of such a high cost. The vehicle has been reliable.
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!
95 Safari Conversion
jeklnhyd, 09/03/2002
1995 GMC Safari 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second astro/safari conversion. The only reason they are not being driven is because they were both totalled out in wrecks. Anyways, they were both perfect. TV/VCR for my kids, never had any major problems whatsoever out of these vans. The 4.3 v6 got about 17mpg but NEVER broke down and had plenty of power. I bought the first one with 100k and it had 140k when wrecked, my second one i bought with 70k and wrecked it with 111k. I love these vans!
Second Time Around
Southern Moon Again, 07/24/2003
1995 GMC Safari SLT 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you'll look, I wrote a review 07/12/02 on this same vehicle. Now passing into the 260K mileage range, I just wanted to again say that GMC makes one reliable ride. In fact, since then we've added to (not replaced) our GMC family with a Suburban that after the first 25K seems to be as solid as the Safari that I still drive every single day. 260K: no oil usage, no loss of power, good looking. I can't say enough good things about the GMC Safari.
First-Time Owner
David Peters, 09/18/2004
1995 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought this van in March, 2004. It has been great! Does not leak or burn a drop of oil, has 150k+ miles. Tune- up at 145k makes it run smoother, seems to help mileage, which is 20mpg. The 4.3L has plenty of power. Water pump blew at 138k, but is to be expected on older vehicles. I love the space - you can really pack it in! I would gladly buy another one!
Great ride for outdoor sports
Genius, 03/27/2003
1995 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1995 Safari just because I could fit my 10-foot surfboard IN the vehicle AND lock the doors under the seats. For a van, it's pretty peppy. Rear AC and Dutch doors are cool. Middle and rear seats make the cargo space versatile. My girlfriend complained that the shotgun seat has no foot room. I don't drive from there so, it never bothered me. At 80k miles, fuel injection system died. Spendy ($1k), but worth it. At 116k, the tranny died. The $2k to replace it just wasnt worth it, had to trade it in.
Good but not Great
Steven 10/10/10, 10/15/2010
1996 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Towed a pop-up camper across country several times, and camping every summer, w 5-6 people. But u gotta tow in 3rd gear because of trans calibration. Full size trailer several trips. All the electrical problems others mentioned, ww and window motors (one side twice), alt, fuel pump, blower mtr, radiator, a/c compressor $1200, water pump, 4 idler arms, tire life not good, rear dutch door handle completely rusted off, needs injectors cleaned, otherwise engine and trans run good
The Van of Vans
Jonhnny, 07/17/2002
1997 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have a trailer and its the only thing that can carry 8 people + a 5,000 pound trailer without a sweat