Used 2003 GMC Safari Consumer Reviews
Used Safari for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2003 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.
2003 GMC Safari for sale near you
Showing 3 of 3 listings
- Base Passenger MinivanMSRP: $6,499169 mi away
- Base Passenger MinivanMSRP: $2,999204 mi away
- Base Passenger MinivanMSRP: N/A456 mi away
truly the best vehicle we ever had
mesh7, 04/30/2013
2003 GMC Safari AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful
our 2003 gmc safari is the best vehicle i could ever hope for . weve put over 200.000 miles on it and almost no maintence. it never breaks down and all weve had to replace is fuel pump and alternator. This van is perfect and i ABSOLUTELY recommend it . GMC did a great job with this one . VERY RELIABLE
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...
2003 GMC Safari
Brian Schneider, 03/04/2005
2003 GMC Safari AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
This is the second Safari we have owned. While dated in style and design- the AWD, spaciousness, towing capacity and fuctionality make it a good good value for the price. Very functional for hauling kids, towing the boat and packing full of gear for hunting/fishing trips. Both of our vehicle have been reliable w/ minimal need for service other than routine maintenance.
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!)
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 Vehicle
Bob, 02/17/2007
2002 GMC Safari SLE AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
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.
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
My sweet Ride
Judith, 06/11/2019
2002 GMC Safari SLE Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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..
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great Van, Awesome work vehicle
marc, 03/16/2021
2002 GMC Safari SLE Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Third Astro or Safari/love them all
lobo55, 10/30/2005
2003 GMC Safari AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Since I realize that they are built on a truck body, I have no disappointments with the ride. They are quality built and can tow my large Coleman pop-up camper anywhere in the country, including the Rocky mountains. My other two had well over 200,000 miles with very little maintenance and I am confident that this one will be just as satisfying
Glad I bought it new in 2003
George, 01/18/2017
2003 GMC Safari Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
Very reliable vehicle. Bulletproof engine. Brakes last forever. Transmission flawless. Very large cargo capacity for its size with seats removed. I had a 1989 model with 295000 miles and no engine repairs other than minor, like water pump, spark plugs, etc, trans overhaul at 150000, still running great when traded for another vehicle.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great van
john, 03/05/2008
2003 GMC Safari AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The van been great, had an issue with the abs for a while but the dealer fixed it when I suggested that I wasn't coming back for a GMC. We have used the van on 4000k road trips good on gas 1700km per tank at 80kph, went up fire accesss roads and crossed streams when Honda and other failed. We had to pick them up and bring them to the camp site. You can drive it anywhere and carry 6 adults and luggage and shopping back from the road trips. Just finished trip down to have upgraded brakes to cross drilled vented front vented rear. Really stops now. Looking for new tires next. Only 65k on the van so will be around for awhile.
Good, Comfy, Van
Kyle Brautigan, 04/17/2004
2002 GMC Safari SLE AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
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!
HeatherB, 06/11/2004
2002 GMC Safari SLE Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Great family vehicle. Reliable and comfortable.
GMC Safari
Tim Brautigan, 08/15/2003
2003 GMC Safari AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Good: It certainly provides more interior and cargo space than most minivans. The engine is more powerful than other minivans with a 4.3 litre v6. More towing power than other minivans. Bad: Interior quality, fuel economy, rattling, reliability, stiff ride, no driver side sliding door. GMC/Chevy should offer a optional v8 power on these vans and give more luxury options available. I own the SLT AWD model and there is no available premium sound systems, onstar, or heated seats, or dvd player to name a few.
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!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
When A Minivan Just Won't Do ...
Roadapple, 06/10/2002
2002 GMC Safari SLE AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
A Do-it-All Vehicle
NJGuy07719, 08/04/2002
2002 GMC Safari SLE AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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
vito picone, 01/06/2021
2002 GMC Safari SLE Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
hi miles are the best thing for these vans
Love it - on my second one
akgirl, 06/03/2008
2002 GMC Safari SLE AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
Safari: The Un-Minivan
Tahoe086, 05/12/2002
2002 GMC Safari SLE Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
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!!
Average Car
tbuchler, 02/03/2004
2002 GMC Safari SLE AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've had problems with my Safari. The sliding psgr door and rear hatch either stick or won't open. Took it to the dealer to get resolved still have same problem. Recently had problems with transmission and oil cooling lines leaking only at 42000 miles. Not impressed with fuel economy or front leg room. I am 6'2 and wife is 5'7". It does pull are 3300 lb popup camper great which is our main reason for buying it.
good
greene, 03/23/2002
2002 GMC Safari SLE Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
nice van
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
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Consumer
Tuong Huynh, 08/17/2002
2002 GMC Safari SLE Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
You get more for your money.
good ride
emald, 12/14/2002
2002 GMC Safari SLE AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
2002 gmc safari has been a fine vehicle for my family. We have had zero problems with it. Here in Alaska the AWD and Anti lock brakes have been just the thing. With studed tires on it just won't be stopped.
GMC power!
Charlton Salandanan, 02/06/2003
2003 GMC Safari Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nice to drive, Very roomy, good torque and Ideal for family use!