1997 GMC Safari SLT review from North America

Electrical stuff has died - both electric window motors, fuel pump, gas gauge, A/C controls, CD player replaced.

Early on, seemed to eat brakes and rotors with all that weight on front end.

Seems to get knocked out of alignment easily.

Front diff. leaked in year 2, but fixed at dealer under warranty and no problem since.

Rebuilt transmission needed at 145,000.

Rear heat died at about 150,000.

Both front and rear A/C still work although some of the controls are a little uncooperative.

Leather on driver's seat ripping at 170,000 - all others holding up including 3 dogs in car regularly.

Side windows useless for air flow.

4 capt. chairs comfortable over long hauls (pass side front could use more leg room). 3rd seat weighs a ton and pain to remove.

Surprisingly, body and under carriage has held up very well. Also still have all original exhaust on car.

Pulled several different utility and car trailers (max rated at 5000 lbs) and it pulls with no problem.

The many interior lights combined with kids provide ample opportunity to kill batteries on regular basis.

Religious oil changes at 3000 miles and regular replacement of all fluids help get this to 175000 miles and counting without any oil leaks or burning of oil.

I thought combining American made quality along with AWD and minivan I would only get 100,000 miles from this van. I've been pleased to get close to 175,000 and routinely still take it on 500+ mile trips.