Used 2002 GMC Safari Minivan Consumer Reviews
Great Vehicle
I bought the GMC Safari new in 2002 because I needed a vehicle that would haul our stuff to our cabin in Northern Michigan which also had All Wheel Drive for the mud and snow we frequeny encounter. The truck based Safari was the perfect answer and it has proven to be just that. After 108,000 miles, the only repair it has needed was a an alternator during the first year covered by warranty. Too bad there isn't a comparable vehicle available today. Guess I'll keep it. It's still strong and I expect at least 250,000 miles out of it.
Great Van, Awesome work vehicle
We bought our 2002 GMC safari used with around 70k on it in 2017. Not a typo...guy bought it to tow a boat and apparently nothing else. Guy mistreated it and lived by the ocean so we have had a hell of a time with rust/corrosion, However, once we dealt with all of that crap, it's a good little Van... or not so little. Holds Full sheets of drywall comfortably (with the seats out of course) and has plenty of power with that Vortec motor. The 195 HP feels like more. If you blindfolded me I would swear its a medium v8. This is my 3rd work minivan and it has been the best of the lot (nissan and dodge) If you can get one in decent shape, grab it... no one really makes a BIG interior work van like this anymore in this price range. I am buying a new truck but still keeping the safari for purely practical reasons.
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- SLE Passenger MinivanMSRP: $5,9001,386 mi away
- SLE Passenger MinivanMSRP: $4,9991,916 mi away
My sweet Ride
I am a woman who is 64 years old. I have had my Safari Van a few years now and I have had no trouble with it. It is quiet, smooth riding, seats are GREAT but could use better leg room in the front Captain seats. Also My legs are shorter so I would like the gas pedal up higher. some times I use my tippy toes to reach the gas pedal. but in order to have leg room, I have to have my driver seat back as far as it goes. Same thing happens on the passenger side in front.. not enough leg room. I love my Van and every vehicle has something to complain about but my only complaint is the front seat leg room..
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Good, Comfy, Van
I have owned these vans since they came out in 1985. The are roomier, more powerful, and capable than most other minivans on market. These vans have always been reliable besides for a few minor problems. We had to replace brakes at 15,000 miles and GMC wouldn't cover it under warranty which made me angry and made me wonder what the warranty was for.I like the truck- like sensation and this is no woss minivan. The ride is harsh over rough surfaces and it doesn't handle as well as car-based minivans. The interior is cheap plastic and poorly made. Even in the uplevel SLT it is lacking luxury features.
Very Good Mini-Van... Great Value!
Great family vehicle. Reliable and comfortable.
A Do-it-All Vehicle
I looked at almost every full-size SUV and they were all to expensive and had limited cargo room. Suddenly, I saw the GMC Safari. The Safari does it all and does it well. It has more cargo room than a Ford Expedition and a Chevy Surburban and it was $12,000+ cheaper than either of the two. The only options I did NOT get were AWD, leather, and the homelink. I use my Safari to transport DJ equipment, tow a 27 foot boat, and take Sunday drives with family & friends. I average 16 MPG city and 21-22 hwy, thanks to a K&N filter and a Dynomax muffler. My only complaint is front legroom. Since I am 5'7", its not too bad.
gas and go these van s are the best
hi miles are the best thing for these vans
When A Minivan Just Won't Do ...
This is AWD Safari #2 for us (the '97 got a bit tired at 137k), and its a great family vehicle for long trips, especially in bad weather. No other AWD van has this much room, and especially cargo room, even when traveling with a full load of 8 people. We put 35k+ miles a year on this vehicle, and its tough enough to take it -- wouldn't buy anything else, especially for the money. Only flaw is front end offset crash test results -- could do much better.
Safari: The Un-Minivan
The Safari is a Mid-Van so I wont have to say its a Mini-Van any way...the V-6 offers great power for a minivan and the towing compacity is great and needed...I am also pleased to note that it is Rear wheel drive which is AWESOME!!
Love it - on my second one
During the Alaskan winters the side door is great. We all pile in shut the door keep warm and then buckle up. Three kids and friends always fit very comfortable. Lots of room for everyone and their stuff and I can still get groceries.