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2003
GMC Safari

Starts at:
$22,050
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New 2003 GMC Safari
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 111.2" WB RWD
    Starts at
    $22,050
    17 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Ext 111" WB RWD
    Starts at
    $23,690
    16 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 111.2" WB AWD
    Starts at
    $24,450
    15 City / 19 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Ext 111" WB AWD
    Starts at
    $25,690
    14 City / 17 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 111.2" WB AWD YF7 Upfitter
    Starts at
    $25,850
    14 City / 17 Hwy
    MPG
    1
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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2003 GMC Safari 2003 GMC Safari 2003 GMC Safari 2003 GMC Safari 2003 GMC Safari 2003 GMC Safari 2003 GMC Safari 2003 GMC Safari 2003 GMC Safari 2003 GMC Safari 2003 GMC Safari 2003 GMC Safari 2003 GMC Safari 2003 GMC Safari 2003 GMC Safari

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Expert 2003 GMC Safari review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Like the similar Chevrolet Astro, the Safari is GMC’s long-lived midsize van; it dates back to 1985. The Safari is truck-based and remains available in passenger and cargo-carrying versions with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Base, SLE and upscale SLT trim levels of the passenger-carrying Safari are available; the SLE and SLT trim designations are actually option groups.

For 2003, larger standard 16-inch wheels and tires are installed on all models, and aluminum wheels are standard on the SLE and SLT. The braking system has been improved. More affordable entry-level models have also been added. Passenger models seat up to eight occupants and can tow trailers up to 5,400 pounds.

Chevrolet also offers the front-wheel-drive (FWD) Venture minivan, but GMC has nothing smaller than the Safari. GMC sells far fewer Safaris than Chevrolet does with its Astro, but GMC fans tend to be loyal to the brand.

Exterior
All Safaris ride a 111.2-inch wheelbase and stretch 189.8 inches long overall, which are the same measurements for the Astro. A regular-length Dodge Caravan is nearly as long as the Safari, but the Safari is 6 inches taller.

A sliding door is installed only on the passenger side of the Safari. Side-hinged swing-open cargo doors at the rear are standard. Optional rear Dutch doors consist of a swing-up rear window on top and twin, swing-out, half-height doors on bottom. A rear defogger is included with the Dutch-door arrangement.

Interior
Eight-passenger seating is standard. Rear occupants get a pair of three-passenger benches in the SLE version. An optional seven-passenger configuration for the SLT puts two second-row buckets (in place of the bench) and a bench seat at the rear. Cargo volume totals 170.4 cubic feet with the second- and third-row seats removed. All versions have a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, and power windows, locks and mirrors.

Under the Hood
A 190-horsepower, 4.3-liter Vortec V-6 engine mates with a four-speed-automatic transmission. A Tow/Haul mode in the transmission promises the best shift points when hauling heavy goods or towing a trailer or boat. Safaris have payload ratings between 1,495 and 1,636 pounds, and towing capacities range between 5,100 and 5,800 pounds.

Optional AWD ordinarily sends full engine power to the back wheels. When the wheels begin to slip, the system automatically delivers power to the front wheels until the Safari is able to regain traction.

Safety
All-disc antilock brakes and daytime running lights are standard. Side-impact airbags are not available.

Driving Impressions
Evaluated by size and overall driving feel, the Safari and the similar Astro look and behave more like a scaled-down GMC Savana or Chevrolet Express full-size van than like FWD minivans. Despite recent refinements and a healthy helping of comfort and convenience features, their RWD or AWD layouts inevitably produce more of a trucklike sensation than you’d experience in a FWD minivan.

For burly hauling capacity and a spacious cargo hold, the Safari serves as a useful compromise. But for everyday driving, most people would be more at ease in a conventional, FWD minivan.

 

Reported by Jim Flammang  for cars.com
From the cars.com 2003 Buying Guide
Posted on 2/26/03

2003 GMC Safari review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Like the similar Chevrolet Astro, the Safari is GMC’s long-lived midsize van; it dates back to 1985. The Safari is truck-based and remains available in passenger and cargo-carrying versions with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Base, SLE and upscale SLT trim levels of the passenger-carrying Safari are available; the SLE and SLT trim designations are actually option groups.

For 2003, larger standard 16-inch wheels and tires are installed on all models, and aluminum wheels are standard on the SLE and SLT. The braking system has been improved. More affordable entry-level models have also been added. Passenger models seat up to eight occupants and can tow trailers up to 5,400 pounds.

Chevrolet also offers the front-wheel-drive (FWD) Venture minivan, but GMC has nothing smaller than the Safari. GMC sells far fewer Safaris than Chevrolet does with its Astro, but GMC fans tend to be loyal to the brand.

Exterior
All Safaris ride a 111.2-inch wheelbase and stretch 189.8 inches long overall, which are the same measurements for the Astro. A regular-length Dodge Caravan is nearly as long as the Safari, but the Safari is 6 inches taller.

A sliding door is installed only on the passenger side of the Safari. Side-hinged swing-open cargo doors at the rear are standard. Optional rear Dutch doors consist of a swing-up rear window on top and twin, swing-out, half-height doors on bottom. A rear defogger is included with the Dutch-door arrangement.

Interior
Eight-passenger seating is standard. Rear occupants get a pair of three-passenger benches in the SLE version. An optional seven-passenger configuration for the SLT puts two second-row buckets (in place of the bench) and a bench seat at the rear. Cargo volume totals 170.4 cubic feet with the second- and third-row seats removed. All versions have a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, and power windows, locks and mirrors.

Under the Hood
A 190-horsepower, 4.3-liter Vortec V-6 engine mates with a four-speed-automatic transmission. A Tow/Haul mode in the transmission promises the best shift points when hauling heavy goods or towing a trailer or boat. Safaris have payload ratings between 1,495 and 1,636 pounds, and towing capacities range between 5,100 and 5,800 pounds.

Optional AWD ordinarily sends full engine power to the back wheels. When the wheels begin to slip, the system automatically delivers power to the front wheels until the Safari is able to regain traction.

Safety
All-disc antilock brakes and daytime running lights are standard. Side-impact airbags are not available.

Driving Impressions
Evaluated by size and overall driving feel, the Safari and the similar Astro look and behave more like a scaled-down GMC Savana or Chevrolet Express full-size van than like FWD minivans. Despite recent refinements and a healthy helping of comfort and convenience features, their RWD or AWD layouts inevitably produce more of a trucklike sensation than you’d experience in a FWD minivan.

For burly hauling capacity and a spacious cargo hold, the Safari serves as a useful compromise. But for everyday driving, most people would be more at ease in a conventional, FWD minivan.

 

Reported by Jim Flammang  for cars.com
From the cars.com 2003 Buying Guide
Posted on 2/26/03

Available cars near you

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
3 years / 36,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 model years or newer / up to 75,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years / 100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
Dealer certification
172-point inspection

Consumer reviews

4.3 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 3.8
Interior 4.1
Performance 4.2
Value 4.5
Exterior 3.5
Reliability 4.8

Most recent

  • Never Want Any Other Vehicle

    Unfortunately, it can't last forever. Now that the GMC Safari is no longer I'll have to find something else. This is the best vehicle that I've ever had. My parents had a GMC Safari years before I purchased mine. I drove it once and wanted one of my own. It took a while but it happened in 2005. Since I got this van it has been to the east coast, as far south as the South Banks of NC, north to Toledo, Ontario...cross country to the west, Whidbey Island, the San Juan Islands, Oregon...cross country back to Pennsylvania. I could get behind the wheel on any day and know that I was going to get where I was going. It has been more than reliable. 14 years old and I would rather get this van repaired than buy something else. Sadly, I will have to. Guess I will have to change to the Savanna...it better live up to the Safari.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • great van for family or work.

    i own 2 of them in my business. good for hauling people or cargo. tows a trailer with ease. very reliable. and decent on gas.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Towing
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • good all around vehicle

    sturdy and reliable, handles city driving well. mountain driving was good, braking was very good. stereo was o.k. very good viewing access all the vehicle. engine had good power.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Good travel vehicle

    Comfortable for long trips, smooth ride, wide vision area, plenty of leg room, good for family or couple with lots of luggage. Good engine power for mountains, handles the windy coastal highways with ease. Better gas mileage than most SUVs with more seating and cargo space. Both bench seats fold down for moving large items. Easy entry into adjustable third seat and second seat from side door. Dutch doors allow for window or full entry into back storage area. Plenty of drink holders and side storage for passengers. Rear air effective for cooling the interior evenly. Quality upholstery, withstands wear and cleans easily.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
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GMC dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2003 GMC Safari?

The 2003 GMC Safari is available in 2 trim levels:

  • (4 styles)
  • YF7 Upfitter (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2003 GMC Safari?

The 2003 GMC Safari offers up to 17 MPG in city driving and 23 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2003 GMC Safari reliable?

The 2003 GMC Safari has an average reliability rating of 4.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2003 GMC Safari owners.

Is the 2003 GMC Safari a good Minivan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2003 GMC Safari. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.3 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
  • Comfort: 3.8
  • Interior: 4.1
  • Performance: 4.2
  • Value: 4.5
  • Exterior: 3.5
  • Reliability: 4.8
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