1992 GMC Safari SLE review from North America

Power locks system failed: $1,100 Cdn at the dealer to successfully fix (when locks went, they "blew" the actuators, AND remained stuck on and drained the battery).

Front brakes have had major servicing twice now: the van seems heavy for the brake system. $600 each time (rotors warped both times).

The lower skirt of the van began to rust through and I had pieces of new metal welded on and the whole lower area re-painted: $1,200 Cdn.

The steering column levers: the turn-signal/washer/cruise control, and the transmission shift lever: both are flimsy and have been replaced once.

I must have a GMC angel. Nothing major has gone wrong. The engine just keeps on going and going and going. I really think this 4.3 Vortec is one of GM's greatest contributions to the car world.

I have had my Safari customized: the transmission has the optional cooler, and the GM "shift kit" which greatly tighten the shifting of the transmission.

I replaced the AWD transfer case with a Blazer's 2 spd. It bolts right it: I can now choose 4-Lo.

Regardless of these customizations, the van displays none of the symptoms I read about that plagues these vans:

- my paint is NOT peeling, the body is in excellent condition. The paint has not even faded.

- I have never had to replace the fuel pump once, let alone multiple times.

- It is not overly squeeky or noisy inside.

- The engine offers reasonable power: I think I could get more power if I spent some money on a GM tech diagnosing and tweaking the engine.

Those are the two major complaints of my vehicle: the engine is running "rich" and is thus under-powered and gas mileage is below average.

My mileage is 5.5 km/l (haha), that's 15.6 mpg (Cdn gallon) and 13.0 mpg (US). I've been repeatedly assured that my transfer case swap should not have affected the mileage negatively, but I will say this: as a regular AWD vehicle I got 20% better mileage (550 km per tank, instead of the current 450), and previously owning a two-wheel drive 1990 Safari, IT got 600 km per tank.