1998 GMC Safari Review
1998 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
New colors, a theft-deterrent system and automatic transmission refinements are the changes to the Safari. This van is one of the few GM models that retains full-power airbags for 1998.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 GMC Safari SLX 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 $3.24 per gallon for regular unleaded in Colorado.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Colorado
$256/mo for Safari SLX
Safari SLX
vs
$202/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 blaze the trail. 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 1998, a PassLock theft deterrent system has been added to the Safari.
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 plug 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 improved fuel economy, better shift quality and increased reliability.
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. Several new colors are available for 1997.
Whether rear drive or running full-time all-wheel drive, Safaris serve the muscular tasks that a front-drive minivan just cannot handle--yet transport a family in a fashion that won't produce pangs of pain.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 GMC Safari.
5 star(48%)
4 star(39%)
3 star(10%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(0%)
31 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
It's a Work Horse
GM Owner, 07/21/2008
1998 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan
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!
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.
4 out of 5 stars
great truck
elisabethsdaddy, 12/01/2002
1998 GMC Safari SLX 3dr Minivan
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
3.88 out of 5 stars
Lots of life left
Jeff, 10/26/2006
1998 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan AWD
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.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1998 GMC Safari, so we've included reviews for other years of the Safari since its last redesign.
1998 Safari Highlights
SLX
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $256/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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