2001 GMC Safari Review
2001 GMC Safari Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Standard eight-passenger seating, 6,000-pound trailer rating, torquey V6.
Cons
- Boxy design, poor fuel economy, intrusive engine cover makes for small footwells.
What’s new
Safari gets still more engineering enhancements for its 4.3-liter V6, and higher-output alternators. Door locks have been improved for increased security and remote keyless entry has been made standard on passenger van models. To reduce build complexity, preferred equipment groups have been revised and trim levels cut from three to two.
Edmunds says
A minivan with truck capabilities ... and refinement ... and ride quality.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 GMC Safari SLE Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A) 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 SLE
Safari SLE
vs
$219/mo
Avg. Large Minivan
Vehicle overview
Because of their traditional-type full-frame construction and standard rear-drive layout, Safaris are most adept at heavy hauling and burly trailer towing. This is one of the very few minivans (GMC calls it a midsize) on the market that can combine over 6,000 pounds of trailering capacity with room for eight people. That's also a good reason why a Cargo Van model is offered, with stripped-out interior ready for upfitting into a workhorse service van -- complete with tool racks or parts bins. Not everyone will relish the truck-like ride over harsh road surfaces, but it's not bad when the highway smoothes out. Don't expect top-notch fuel mileage, though, despite a continually improved powertrain.
GM's 4300 Vortec V6 is standard, sporting more durable camshaft bearings, a lighter starter that requires less current from the battery to crank the engine and a new, more advanced powertrain control module. The 4.3-liter sends 190 horsepower and a healthy 250 foot-pounds of torque to an electronically controlled, four-speed automatic overdrive transmission, equipped with a tow/haul mode for improved performance under loads. Long-life engine coolant and spark plugs help keep maintenance costs to a minimum. All-wheel-drive versions have GM's AutoTrac transfer case, which automatically transfers power to the front axle when rear-wheel slippage is detected.
While the base Cargo Van is the darling of commercial and fleet customers, the Passenger Van is what draws retail buyers. Thanks to some repackaging to reduce the number of build combinations, Safaris now come in just two trim levels, a well-equipped SLE and top-of-the line SLT, with a third-row bench and eight-passenger seating standard (though opting for center-row buckets cuts seating to seven). Instead of the typical minivan lift-up rear door, GMC offers right- and left-hand rear load doors, with the option of choosing "dutch" doors (standard on SLT), which feature a liftglass and a split tailgate. Three different preferred equipment groups now contain 34 distinct features as standard or optional equipment, helping make the long-aging Safari a solid value.
Dual airbags are housed in an artfully styled dashboard, and four-wheel disc/drum antilock brakes are standard. So are features such as speed-sensitive power steering, delayed interior lighting, twin under-seat rear-passenger heating ducts, overhead reading lamps, various built-in cupholders and storage bins and three power outlets.
Insiders say that Safari's days (and those of its Chevy Astro sister) are numbered. But for now, whether your choice is simple rear-drive or full-time all-wheel drive, Safaris still enjoy the rare ability to handle the kinds of towing/hauling tasks that pose problems for modern front-drive minivans. And when the need to transport people dictates that eight is just enough, the Safari is packaged to be just right.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 GMC Safari.
5 star(39%)
4 star(32%)
3 star(16%)
2 star(13%)
1 star(0%)
31 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.88 out of 5 stars
CHEAP TO KEEP
bam bam, 11/13/2003
2001 GMC Safari SLE Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
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.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Has been good to us
Finzphan, 07/07/2007
2001 GMC Safari SLE Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
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.
4.13 out of 5 stars
Not too bad!
pacey, 05/11/2005
2000 GMC Safari SLE 3dr Minivan
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.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Two time owner. . .
Vikki, 09/24/2003
2001 GMC Safari SLE Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
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!)
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2001 GMC Safari, so we've included reviews for other years of the Safari since its last redesign.
2001 Safari Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $23,441 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $243/month |
Seating | 8 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
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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