1998 GMC Safari SLT V6 from North America

Faults:

Repair: Twice replaced rear axles, ring and pinion, bearings, twice replaced catalytic converter, replaced alternator with GM lifetime alt., windsheild wiper computer box or whatever it's called, window motors and switches, now have loud engine knocking, car goes to repair in 2 days.

General Comments:

Car is very comfortable - particularly the seats, lots of room.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 15th November, 2002

16th May 2003, 15:36

I have a GMC Safari 1999, that at 56,000 miles, it does not start sometimes, and the window power fails, the locks get stuck, and even the back door to the trunk would not open. Took it to the dealer, and they say they can't fix it unless I pay for it. I paid 18,000 for this van.

1998 GMC Safari SLX 4.3L Vortec from North America

Summary:

LOVE IT, I will never purchase a WindStar, Or a Caravan, Montana

Faults:

No real Problems. Normal Oil changes, Change brakes once a year, Rotors twice a year. Never Left me stranded. Only repair I've done was to get a vac hose fixed for the A/C / Heat.

Great Van. Never have any problems, $ different people drive it and love it.

But you have to remember this is a Van, not a wagon like the Caravan. You don feel like you are driving a Van/Truck.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th July, 2002

29th Feb 2004, 01:39

I can't really believe you change the brakes once a year and the rotors twice a year and still give this vehicle a great rating. This sounds a little excessive on these repairs.

11th Sep 2012, 16:49

That's common with cheapo Chinese rotors & pads if you're an aggressive driver.

1998 GMC Safari 4.3L Vortec from North America

Summary:

The best van made today

Faults:

No major problems, routine brake maintenance, oil changes, etc.

Plastic thing along the bottom of the driver's seat came off and the rubber things at the bottom of the cupholders came out and needed re-gluing.

The engine is kind of hard to service since half of it is in the van.

General Comments:

This is a great van if you have a large family or need a lot of cargo space. It has tons of room, the beefy V6 has plenty of power, and the 4WD works great in winter.

My only complaints are lack of footroom in the front and the gas mileage isn't that great. It rides and handles like a truck but it's built on a truck chassis so that's expected. I like the interior options, no flimsy cupholders or thinly padded seats.

This van is in a class by itself, none of those other minivans can compare. Don't listen to Consumer Reports; listen to someone who actually owns this van, it's been very reliable. Good for towing a trailer or boat. If you don't want a large vehicle or don't want a boxy looking van then you should probably stick with a smaller van, but if you want a rugged family workhorse and don't mind driving a truck then this is the van for you.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th October, 2000

5th Jul 2001, 10:51

I have a 99 GM Safari AWD. I guess if you call replacing pads AND rotors every 20,000 miles normal brake maintenance, then you're right. Front end goes out of whack every 15,000. None of which, of course, is backed by GM.

I agree with this person, don't listen to some know it alls like Consumer Reports, listen to Safari owners. Check out what they have to say at Edmunds.com about this wonderful piece of machinery.