2003 GMC Safari Review
Price Estimate: $1,144 - $1,818

Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Standard eight-passenger seating, 5,400-pound trailer rating, torquey V6.
Cons
- Poor fuel economy, intrusive engine cover makes for small footwells, overall lack of refinement.
What’s new
All 2003 Safaris have larger 16-inch aluminum wheels and an improved braking system.
Edmunds says
Other than its ability to mimic a SUV in terms of towing ability and cargo space, there's not much about the Safari van that makes it a viable choice over its numerous competitors.
For sale near Battle Creek, MI
5 listings
- 220,858 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 8 Seats, 12 City / 16 Hwy MPG
- Sanderson Auto Sales (65 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Third-row seating
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
- 5000lb Towing Capaci...
Close
Located in Auburn, IN
ALL WHEEL DRIVE XT 8 passenger van. Runs and drives ok, cold a/c. ABS light is on (needs a wheel speed sensor). This van has not been serviced or deta...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
14 Combined MPG (12 City/16 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1GKEL19X03B503947
Stock: 3B503947
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 06-21-2025- 123,055 miles
- No accidents, 4 owners, personal use only
- 8 Seats, 14 City / 19 Hwy MPG
- Classic Motor Group (185 mi away)
- Third-row seating
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
- 5000lb Towing Capaci...
Close
Located in Cleveland, OH
VERY WELL MAINTAIN, RUNS GREAT, GOOD TIRES, READY FOR WORK. MUST SEE!!!!.FOR MORE INFO PLEASE CALL MOE@2**-3**-1***, OR EMAIL M**@C****.COM
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
16 Combined MPG (14 City/19 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1GKDM19X43B504933
Stock: 504933
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-13-2025
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Michigan
$250/mo for Safari Base
Safari Base
vs
$214/mo
Avg. Large Minivan
See Edmunds pricing data
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GMC Safari Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
CHEAP TO KEEP
3.88 out of 5 starsbam 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.
Has been good to us
3.5 out of 5 starsFinzphan, 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.
truly the best vehicle we ever had
5 out of 5 starsmesh7, 04/30/2013
2003 GMC Safari AWD 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
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???
4.5 out of 5 starsGMC all the way, 02/03/2009
2001 GMC Safari SLE Rwd 3dr Minivan (4.3L 6cyl 4A)
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...
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2003 GMC Safari, so we've included reviews for other years of the Safari since its last redesign.
2003 Safari Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $23,690 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $250/month |
Seating | 8 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 41.3 cu.ft. |
rear wheel drive | |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic 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 RestraintPoor
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