1995 GMC Safari SLX 4.3 V6

Summary:

Great family hauler

Faults:

Power steering leak - repaired under extended warranty (recommended).

Computer failed.

Sliding door sticks.

General Comments:

If you live in the snow belt, buy this van - not one of those whimpy minivans. AWD is awesome in the snow with no thought or effort - always there.

Better value than an SUV - more bang for the buck and truly hauls 8 adults with reasonable comfort. Tows 5000 lbs and doesn't get much worse gas mileage than other 'minivans' (This is a minivan, the others are just fat cars).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th February, 2001

14th Jun 2001, 15:15

I'm looking at buying a 1995 Safari from a friend. It seems like it has been a great vehicle for her over the past 3 years. Your review has hit on a lot of qualities I noticed when I took it for a test drive. What it misses in slickness, it more than makes up for in power and usefulness. This is the kind of van that that guy who never saw that movie, You've Got Mail, would drive. I have not seen that movie either.

1995 GMC Safari LXE V6

Summary:

Never again

Faults:

Fuel delivery system developed problems when the van was 1 year old, required multiple visits to dealer to diagnose and repair.

EGR valve failed (factory recall, but mine failed after the recall mileage limit, so I had to pay $400 for the repair).

Rear axle leaked and went dry, had to be replaced.

Brake system failed several times, dealer replaced the master cylinder under warranty but the system still leaks fluid.

Front brake rotor and pads were replaced when rotor prematurely destroyed itself for some reason (anti-lock brakes).

Shock absorbers wore out at 30,000 miles.

Vehicle has been recalled several times by GM for various factory defects.

Hood release cable broke.

Vehicle had to be towed to the dealer several times.

Vehicle has broken down, resulting in cancelled vacations, trips, etc.

General Comments:

A lemon. The confined engine space makes it difficult to work on the engine (apparently), so mechanics have decided to simply leave parts off when they put the car back together (I guess it's easier that way). I have noticed various missing clips, fasteners, and brackets after the vehicle has been serviced. GM engineering at its worse.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th August, 2000

5th Apr 2001, 23:03

I agree with you. It is a lemon. My 1993 is nothing but trouble too.

18th Apr 2001, 16:05

I would also agree this van is a lemon. I have had to replace both head gaskets after 60,000 K's, front shocks after 110,00 K's and twice have had to replace the front end parts (idler arms, drag links). The blower fan has been replaced as well as the wiper motor. Finally after 180,000 K's the motor went despite regular oil changes. I do all the work myself and under the hood is a nightmare. Never again!

View 14 more comments