1997 GMC Safari Review
1997 GMC Safari Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Big inside but small outside, torquey V-6 engine, dual airbags, standard ABS, available all-wheel drive
Cons
- Fuel economy, aging design, intrusive engine cover
What’s new
Illuminated entry and daytime running lights debut this year, along with a couple of new colors and automatic transmission improvements. SLT models can be equipped with leather seating, and a HomeLink three-channel transmitter is optional. Speed-sensitive power steering makes parking easier.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 GMC Safari SLT 3dr Minivan 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
$243/mo for Safari SLT
Safari SLT
vs
$219/mo
Avg. Large Minivan
Vehicle overview
Choosing between a Chevrolet Astro and a GMC Safari is more a matter of image than necessity. Do you want to see Chevrolet's badge every time you approach? Or would it be viscerally satisfying to face those bold "GMC" block letters, with their implication, as brand managers hope, of upscale luxury?
Tangible differences between the two are modest--a fact that's true of most Chevrolet and GMC cousins. Once you've decided that a rear-drive (or all-wheel-drive) General Motors midsize van is the rational choice, you'll likely be satisfied with either one.
Because of their traditional-type full-frame construction and rear-drive layout, Safaris are most adept at heavy hauling and burly trailer-towing. Not everyone will relish the truck-like ride over harsh surfaces, but it's not bad at all when the highway smoothes out. Don't expect top-notch fuel mileage, though.
Dual airbags are housed in an artfully styled dashboard, and antilock brakes are standard. For added safety and visibility, daytime running lights have been installed this year. Integrated child safety seats are available for the center bench seat, and the sliding door has a child safety lock. Rear seat heat ducts direct warm air to freezing rear passengers. For 1997, SLT models can be equipped with leather seats, and Safaris with SLE or SLT trim offer an optional HomeLink three-channel transmitter. Illuminated entry lighting is a new standard feature for all Safari passenger vans.
One slick feature sure to be appreciated by the parents of teenagers is the middle radio option. The driver and front passenger can listen to Casey Kasem up front, or nothing at all, while Junior blasts the local alternative music station into his eardrums via a set of headphone jacks that plugs into a separate radio unit in the center row. This option alone is worth the savings in family therapy, don't you think?
GM's 4300 Vortec V6 is standard, sending 190 horsepower to an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. Long-life engine coolant and 100,000-mile spark plugs help keep maintenance costs to a minimum. This year brings transmission refinements that result in smoother shifts and improved efficiency, and all-wheel drive models get new plug-in half shafts that improve serviceability and save weight. Speed-sensitive power steering now makes parking the Safari easier.
Safaris come in three trim levels. The FE2 touring suspension option has stiffer shocks, a rear stabilizer bar, and grabby Goodyear rubber for a firmer, controlled ride. Eight-passenger seating is standard in Safaris with SLE or SLT trim, and available in the base SLX rendition. Two new colors are available for 1997, and the remote keyless entry key fob is redesigned.
Whether rear-drive or running full-time all-wheel drive, Safaris serve the muscular tasks that a front-drive minivan just cannot handle--yet convey a family in a fashion that won't produce pangs of pain.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 GMC Safari.
5 star(55%)
4 star(31%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(8%)
1 star(0%)
29 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
Great Minivan
Southern Moon, 07/12/2002
1995 GMC Safari SLT 3dr Minivan
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.
3.75 out of 5 stars
Old but good
bob, 08/31/2005
1994 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Ext Minivan
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.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Love Our Van
Steve W., 06/18/2002
1994 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Ext Minivan
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.
4.75 out of 5 stars
The best there ever WAS
Shai Drori, 02/14/2010
1994 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan
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.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 GMC Safari, so we've included reviews for other years of the Safari since its last redesign.
1997 Safari Highlights
SLT
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $243/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 41.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic 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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