Used 2001 GMC Safari Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2001 Safari, so we've included reviews for other years of the Safari since its last redesign.
CHEAP TO KEEP
bam bam, 11/13/2003
2001 GMC Safari SLE Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
This vehicle will last you a lifetime and spend very little time in the repair shop.maintenance costs are super low if you stay away from the awd. i purchased an extended warranty but i know I'll rarely use it. as long as you understand its a dinosaur to drive around town pot holes. also note that it is a durable "truck" that can get to be a handful when the fuel tank gets close to one quarter full when the pavement is wet. adding weight during the winter with the correct truck type tires will keep you unstuck. the engine power could be stronger, but the smooth power band and not too stiff suspension makes it pretty effortless to drive.
Has been good to us
Finzphan, 07/07/2007
2001 GMC Safari SLE Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
This van is set up to haul the family and its cargo. Has been good both in town and on the highway. Not the best looking vehicle on the road, but it does what is asked of it. Regular maintenance keeps it in shape.
2001 GMC Safari for sale near you
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- SLE Passenger MinivanMSRP: $4,99515 mi away
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Not too bad!
pacey, 05/11/2005
2000 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
This is our 1st van. It is comfortable, handles well and easily sits 7 average sized adults. The rear AC is a must in south Florida. We use it to tote scuba divers and their gear as well as a personal vehicle. Some of the interior features need to be beefed up to stand normal wear and tear--The hand grip on the pax side dash-the covers on the hinges of the rear seats-the vent covers on the rear AC outlets and the covers on the seatbelt floor attachments.
WHY! Did They Stop Making Them???
GMC all the way, 02/03/2009
2001 GMC Safari SLE Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Just love this Van! This is my second I purchased the first on brand new in 1990 with a high top, swivel seats, TV, VCR... after 156,000 miles I bought a 2001 in 2002 and still have it today. It has 163,000 miles and still going. I'm 6'-8" tall and 360 lbs. The van is a work horse. I fit like a glove It has gone to Florida and all parts northeast. I used it to move my tools and merchandise in both of my businesses. Why oh Why did they stop making this creature of love!!! I will miss you and will with all my heart try to keep what I have for as long as it will run. I have replaced many components, but that OK I want to keep it for a long time. Long Live the Astro and Safari Vans...
Two time owner. . .
Vikki, 09/24/2003
2001 GMC Safari SLE Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
We had a 1991 Safari as our first van and loved it, but only had the SLE. We now have and love the SLT seating and comfort. All the things we wished for in our first Safari van we got in our second Safari van. Now if they would have power door openers for the side and back doors, we would be even more thrilled! We have compared to lots of the SUVs and we like what we have better so far. The milage could be better (and it could be worse too!)
gm come clean
santa claus, 09/03/2003
2000 GMC Safari SL 3dr Minivan AWD
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
bought a 2000.early fluid problems and 57000 miles trans failed. the electronic trans has serious flaws. light weak parts destined to fail. the sun and 1870 code /lose reverse/ valves wear out. had tranny problems under warrannty and got the gm run around . the typical ,could not duplicate problem so they didn't fix nothing. now I sit with a $2000 + repair bill. lots of gm vechiles have this tranny. I am tireing of gm's we have no problems additude, and as long as they get past the 36,000 mile warranty. they don't give a hoot the price of these vechicles they should LAST A LOT LONGER. john q public is getting ripped off.
wuz up with the low resale value
jess barger, 04/28/2003
2001 GMC Safari SLE Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
a nice van for people to ride a short distance but on a long trip it is very small in the front seats and the gas mileage is very low 12 in the city and 15 on the highway when the sticker show 16 to 20 it is a little bit deceiving.
Great All Wheel Drive Van
Nate, 08/09/2008
2000 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan AWD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought for dog shows. Removed third row and put in my crates. Enough room for 4 people (Captain chairs) and all our stuff for dog shows. Very comfortable to drive and ride in. Must have all wheel drive if you live where there is snow. Gas mileage 15 to 17 in city and 20 to 22 on hwy and 18.9 average. Plan to drive it to the wheels fall off literally.
I'll be sad to see it go
Devo, 01/09/2010
2000 GMC Safari SL 3dr Minivan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
And here I promised myself I wouldn't get attached to this vehicle! We bought it less than 4 years ago when we were expecting our 5th child, knowing we would likely outgrow it in a few years. But I LOVE this van. The battery & alternator have been replaced since we bought it. Otherwise, nothing but regular maintenance. After our 1998 F-150, some of the peripherals like door handles, locks, seatbelt guides feel a bit "cheap" (lighter weight plastic, a few rattles), but it's still holding up fine at 150k. We are now expecting our 7th child so will be moving on to a 15 passenger.
Nothing But Headaches
Steve, 01/23/2007
2001 GMC Safari SLE AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Should I start with the defective fuel pump that left me stranded in the Interstate or the power window motors that died after 6 months. Dealer took forever to repair. I also had a bad drive shaft that clunked. No wonder they discontinued it
Best mileage for a vehicle this size
minneapolismarc, 03/31/2007
2000 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
No vehicle that can tow 6000 pounds gets better MPG than this van. I bought the 2 wheel (not AWD) version for the mileage. I drive 75 on the freeway with the cruise on and with the city stop and go I get 19.5 mpg on every tank. Less of course if I tow my boat. I work as a mechanic and did not even bother to inspect the van for more than 10 minutes as the original owner had the maint. paperwork. The only things I have had to do is replace the metal strip that holds on the lower trim between the front and rear wheels cost $125. Plastic line cracked under the hood for heater fan selector- free fix and common problem. Oil cooler lines seep but who cares it is common + cheap fix if you do.
I'm happy, great AWD.
Mike, 04/19/2005
2000 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought the van with 47k and have 65k now. Other than the alternator and a gear position sensor that was sending power to the starter when the van was running($50 part and an easy fix!) It has been very good to me. Went to FL with 3 adults and 3 kids in July and having rear A/C and rear bucket seats is nice. Also has a roof mounted TV with a VCR. The AWD works awesome. If you drive in snow don't get one without it!
Loving My 3rd Safari!
Pame, 12/02/2003
2000 GMC Safari SLT 3dr Minivan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Since 1992 we have owned 1 used and 2 new Safari's. We are sad that GMC is discontinuing this line as it is everything a mini-van should be. Reliable and very roomy without being a difficult drive.
I am impressed
liveforhim, 12/08/2003
2000 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
by the power and the fuel economy. I get about 17 city and 22 to 24 highway. I wish it had better visibility in the rear view mirror but the large side view mirrors are a real plus for safe lane changing.
GMC Safari 2WD
gstefan, 03/08/2004
2000 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Virtually no mechanical problems. Good ride for a full size van. Rear wheel drive is nice for towing large trailers. Children love the mid row captain seats.
4th in 4 yrs
browns fan, 07/08/2004
2000 GMC Safari SLT 3dr Minivan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
we are on our 4th 2 still in garage, the best one yet. 95 awd slt conv in garage 93000. some weird repairs( freeze plugs @60k.but overall never! disapointed with car 95 actually gets 22 on highway. i read somewhere about 2 engines in 95( both 4.3}95 has enhanced 4.3 210 hp.the 2000 is the cleanest and best looking van on road. gm is committing suicide by dropping this vehicle. pray for reprieve
Good Van
L Mummau, 06/17/2003
2000 GMC Safari SLT 3dr Minivan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought New as leftover, had minor electrical problems, rides nice and has lots of torque. Towing is a breeze. Air conditioner not as cold as I like. A sled on Ice, Snow or heavy rain. Hauls a lot easily. Happy with vehicle so far. Like all GM's I've owned are put together a little sloppy. Engine & Tranny Strong.
What a mini van should be
Paul adams, 03/25/2019
2000 GMC Safari SL 3dr Minivan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The only downside to this van is the poor quality of the interior trim components very flimsy for my likes and the short step to the running boards can prove tricky
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Family buggy
d little, 09/20/2002
2000 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Good gas miliage compaired to ford windstar. a lot more room. Can tow a trailer with it even though the ford had the 3.8 liter v6 prior to this we had a Contour that got about fourteen miles to the gallon so twenty seems great.
Lots of room and a good tow vehicle
Darren, 09/02/2005
2000 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We bought the van new and had it for 5 years. It always had enough power and plenty of room for our family of 5. We camp a lot and tow a boat. It did have an annoying habit of little things breaking. Power window motors, power seat motors, etc. Also, being so big, expect to spend alot more than the average amount on brakes and shocks. Overall, expensive in gas and maintenance but always big and powerfun enough.
I LOVE my Safari!
Happy Safari Owner, 08/27/2010
2001 GMC Safari SLE Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have nothing but good things to say about this van. Maybe I just got lucky with my particular vehicle, but I have had to put nothing but tires on this thing! I bought this 2001 SLE in April of 2009 and it had 120K miles already, so I brought it by my mechanic's shop and it passed with flying colors. It's now over a year and 25K miles later, and I had to put tires on it. Runs strong with 145K miles, no smoke, plenty of power, handles wonderfully, very comfortable for my bad back with 4 herniated discs, and I use it almost every weekend to haul a large amount of musical gear to the stage. I really don't understand why they are disc'd, but a 2011 or 2012 return would be VERY SMART!
not up to par
hrsepor31, 11/05/2002
2001 GMC Safari SLE Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
this is a slopply put together van rattles not repairable in side door fuel mileage very poor 17 highway 13 city the cloth interior is not very durable shows stains easily brakes wear out quickly third set already at 30000 rotors warpped from factory throttle service is expensive and unaffordable
2001 General Mistake Concieved
Burnt, 12/29/2003
2001 GMC Safari SLE AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This vehicle spent more time in the garage being fixed than on the road.Seventeen times in just over two years.Brakes warping,bad tires,water leaks around the seals,broken receiver on seatbelt (driver's),paint peeling on the plastic bumper in circular patterns,electric lock actuator burned out(passenger side),unbalanced tires from the factory one that was replaced due to excessive radial sidewall runout,doors misaligned from the factory,sidepanel on seat broke twice because of plastic rivet mounts,and this is some of the problems I experienced in a two year time frame. This dealer gave me a loaner car once in seventeen trips!!!Find your own way to work.
Bad choice
W.alter, 12/29/2003
2001 GMC Safari SLE AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I had problems with the brakes from the start and the steel belts on the tires.The catalytic converter and muffler needed replacing after one year and at separate times.I had to take it back shortly after buying it after I noticed grease under the floormats.Had to be dealer or factory shabbyness.Poor quality control at both places.No wonder Haskins went out of business and GM is losing repeat customers.
Versatile, But Unreliable
Joe V., 08/23/2005
2001 GMC Safari SLE Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Safari is arguably the most versatile vehicle on the market. No other vehicle can carry cargo, 8 passengers and occasionally tow a trailer. I did all of the above with my Safari and it was great. Unfortunately, the Safari was not as reliable as I expected. During the 4 years I owned it, I had to replace the transmission, power lock actuators, vacuum diaphram, rear heat control, dashboard switches, mass air flow sensor, exhaust system and give it a complete tune-up. I also had the interior carpet replaced along with the weatherstripping because water leaked in from the dutch doors. I was so disappointed in the quality of the Safari that i traded it in and bought a 2005 Ford E-150
Quite the vehicle in its prime! Up to 100,000?
Ron Snopek, 06/28/2017
2001 GMC Safari SLE AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
It has an excellent transmission! Maybe someone else replaced it. I paid $5000@108,000 miles for my Safari in 2012 and in 5 years and 32,000 miles it has nickeled and dimed me for $9,570 total in repairs (of the receipts that I kept) not including oil changes. 8 times I was towed and misspent $1,175 of that total for tune-ups, sensors, distributer caps, etc. when it turned out to be a loose wire in a harness, which needed to be replaced, of course. Those repair guys loved me. I had to replace the head gasket, fuel pump, rear differential swap-out, brakes (twice), oil cooler lines, power steering hoses, ABS module, the door handle broke off, mufflers, exhaust system and cat converter, front sway bar and links, EGR valve, and the windshield leaked so I bought a new one--that was a minor expense. Now my '01 Safari has a bad ABS wheel sensor and the dome light defeat button is shorting out. The vehicle is worth $1,500 after I have the wheel sensor replaced. It burns no smoke, however, and has 190hp@only 4,400rpm and 250lbs of torque @ only 2800rpm. Mine sat 7 people a few times. It's junk!
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Wish I hadn't bought it
J McCluskky, 12/09/2002
2000 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have a '90 Chevy Astro van, so I thought a 2000 Safari would be better. Not so. Had transmissions at 8500 mi. and at 22000 mi. A/C compressor has been replaced at 5000 mi. Engine has a random stumble and sometimes dies, but dealer cannot duplicate and repair. The exhaust tone in the rear of the van is obnoxious. I also find the drivability of the drive train less than it should be.
nice veh.but the gas mileage
throgo, 02/15/2003
2000 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
mileage will kill you if you live in the country as i do.just a trip to publix cost you.don't know if the rest are as bad but,14 city and 18 hwy stinks.as the pontiac dealers were telling me they were easily getting 21 hwy.live and learn.i'm going to hyundai to check out the santa fe
a good family van
jenj1971, 04/05/2003
2001 GMC Safari SLE Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this is a very reliable van for large families. my kids love the rear radio.
Great Van if you need the space
dave, 07/02/2002
2001 GMC Safari SLE AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This Van is excellent for space i really need it beCause i have 5 kids. love the features i love this van.
A winner!!!
livestrong 68, 07/21/2018
2001 GMC Safari SLE AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love it..
- Safety
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- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value