1999 GMC Safari

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$19,782

starting MSRP

1999 GMC Safari

Key specs

Base trim shown

Overview

5 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

  • SLE

  • SLT

  • SL

  • Base

    $19,782

  • AWD

    $19,789

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 1999 GMC Safari trim comparison will help you decide.

1999 GMC Safari review: Our expert's take

By

The GMC Safari is showing age spots. Along with the Chevrolet Astro van, Safari was GM’s rear-wheel-drive response to Lee Iacocca’s front-wheel-drive mini-vans at Chrysler in the mid-’80s.

GM insisted van owners wanted rear-wheel-drive, truck-tough haulers, not front-wheel-drive vans built for show and not tow.

While GM eventually joined in with FWD vans, Safari continues for two good reasons, both of which were offered on our test vehicle: all-wheel-drive for Snow Belt motoring without having to opt for a sport-ute or a pickup and a most functional rear tri-panel cargo hold/door setup.

Tri-panel means you have a glass hatch window that opens separately of two swing-out doors below. The window provides unobstructed rear vision and allows for a wiper/washer/defroster. The swing-out doors allow easy access for loading/ unloading, and you can leave one open to haul that long ladder.

Showing its age, however, Safari has a too-firm ride and too-heavy handling. The 4.3-liter, 190-h.p. V-6 feels as if it has all it can handle. The mileage rating is 15 m.p.g. city/19 m.p.g. highway. After six inches of snow, firm ride, heavy handling and low mileage aren’t as annoying in an AWD machine.

Base price: $23,316. Options included a $4,026 dressup SLE package with tinted glass, dual power mirrors, illuminated visor mirrors, overhead console, remote keyless entry, luggage rack, swing-out doors, AM/FM stereo with CD/cassette and cast aluminum wheels; front/rear air for $523; power driver’s seat for $240; rear heater for $205; rear-window defogger for $154; earphone radio jacks for $125; leather-wrapped wheel for $54; and $595 for freight.

GM’s OnStar emergency communications system is a new option for 1999.

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior design 4.5
  • Performance 4.5
  • Value for the money 4.5
  • Exterior styling 4.5
  • Reliability 5.0

Most recent consumer reviews

4.7

A cool van for $4K

I got this van with 86K miles on it. No problems and I like the features and looks of it. I only wish it had the rear disc brakes .

4.7

Extremely Reliable - going to miss the old girl

I guess I must have liked it because I drove it for 18 years. In all that time there was only one major repair which was less than $500.00 so definitely can't complain about that. I don't think they make the Safari van anymore.

See all 2 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by GMC
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
72 months/100,000 miles
Roadside assistance
36 months/36,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
5 model years or newer/up to 75,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
12 months/12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years/100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
Powertrain
6 years/100,000 miles
Dealer certification required
172-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?