Used 1998 GMC Safari Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1998 Safari, so we've included reviews for other years of the Safari since its last redesign.
It's a Work Horse
GM Owner, 07/21/2008
1998 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
We love our van. Bought new has 110k miles. This van has pulled concrete carts, hauled 8 passengers, been filled with cement blocks, carried surf boards, moved us accross country and took us camping for two weeks this summer thru deserts (115f) and over mountains at 8,000ft. We take out the seats, place a bed inside and just cruise by those expensive motels. It will get over 24mpg if you set cruise under 60mph. Its a work horse!
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.
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See all 0 listingsgreat truck
elisabethsdaddy, 12/01/2002
1998 GMC Safari SLX 3dr Minivan
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I drive courier in this van,300 hard miles a day. replace idler arms every 100000 and other normal wear items never let me down.with proper maintenance will go forever. change tranny fluid every 15000. recomend this vehicle for any one wanting a tough vehicle that will hold the entire family
Lots of life left
Jeff, 10/26/2006
1998 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan AWD
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
2nd owner of this AWD and I now have 120,000 miles on it. Took it to Colorado Springs (from Pa.) this summer and had no problems. Van got between 18 and 20 MPG going 70-80 MPH but would get 24.5 going 55. In cColorado Springs it got 16.5 MPG. Only problems I ever had with van was a water pump at 115,000. It has been a good Van. Outstanding AWD in the snow. Better than my 4X4 truck. 4.3 cyl. probably the best 6 cyl. on market but could get better MPG.
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.
All around good vehicle
westone, 09/05/2003
1998 GMC Safari SLT 3dr Minivan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Our experience with this van has been excellent. It hauls 7 people plus ample luggage, averages 21 mpg (RWD), and we tow up to 6,000 lbs with it (rated for 5,000). No other vehicle we are aware of offers this kind of utility AND gets this kind of gas mileage. After 5 years and 100k miles, it has never left us stranded. We take care of it, and plan to drive it as far as it will go. We love it.
Safari Vans vs. the minivan market
rufrider, 01/06/2003
1998 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
We have had few problems with this van, and it is our second of this style. We have also owned a Toyota minivan, a Chevy Regency,and SUV's. The interior room is it's greatest advantage. In comparison with the other minivans on the market, it has more leg and head room. The large area behind the rear seat holds suitcases and ice chests enough for a family for a 2 week vacation (keeping these things out of the seating area). We had this advantage with a full size van but had to deal with difficulty parking in small spaces, and gas mileage.For the most efficiency for the greatest amount of space, we'll choose Safari again.
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..
MY WONDERFUL "GREEN PASTURE"......
Big Al, 07/02/2019
1998 GMC Safari SLT 3dr Minivan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Well I nick-named my 1998 GMC Safari van my green pasture because the kids were grown and I made it into a wonderful camper van. It was incredibly comfortable to drive and it has served me well. Of course as a 22 year old van is it needs stuff replaced due to wear and tear. I did the entire front brake system, the cooling system, the head gasket and the alternator. I was told by NJ mechanics that it needed lower control arms, inner and outer tie rods and an anti-sway bar. I was laid off and decided to move back to Texas. Well I took it to a local place in Granbury TX called Donathan's Automotive, they were awesome. They do a Trip Check service for only $100 which tells you what needs to be done and the priority it should be done in. I had them do the service and by the end of the day I called and they said they needed to see me and show me. Well my baby after 22 years of NJ salt and snow ans sea air had finally come to rest with frame rot. While I could find a frame and do a rebuild the amount of money would cost a ton. So it is time to retire it. The engine and transmission are still running great and it purrs like a kitten. If you can find one of these in good condition, snatch it up after having a mechanic look at it. They run like tanks. I so far have 183k + miles on it and will drive on small short trips around town but that is it. I know someone who has over 300k miles on his.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
300 +
Carm, 06/14/2020
1998 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan AWD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1998 all-wheel drive safari with 85000 mil. And I now have 306000 on it. I still have the same engine but I have my 3rd trainee. Only because I am hard on it with towing and hauling. Best rig I have ever had.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
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.
LemonMobile
bmxpro789, 05/04/2002
1998 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan
2 of 6 people found this review helpful
If you are considering buying a Safari van my advice to you is DO NOT BUY THESE VEHICLES. GMC bought back my vehicle under the Lemon Law. It stalled in reverse, it would stall going forward while driving leaving you with no brakes. At 12,000 I had to replace the altenator after it got me stuck in an intersection. The a/c compressor started making noises. at 56,000 the fuel pump, fuel sender and fuel neck went bad. It would have cost me $950 without warranty. Always buy a warranty. The batery went bad at 18000 miles to.These cars are evil and all the dealer can tell you is "We can't find the problem" This is wha you get after paying $29,000 for these things.
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
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- 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.
poor quality parts supplier
Bob Blackwood, 03/08/2002
1998 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan AWD
1 of 5 people found this review helpful
Nice vehicle very expensive rugged for towing boat etc. very dissappointed in brakes & front end .had to replace front brakes & rotors @ 20000 miles , rotors to far gone to turn. should have been warr, dealer said no. general tires were gone @ 30000 miles & had to put new Idler arms on @ 36000, still not warr. 4yr old. I'm ret vehicle only used only for pleasure. & tow boat less than 20 miles a year.
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