GMC Safari I 4.3i V6 (145 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

6.7 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 2.5 / 5
Value 3.5 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

GMC Safari:

The Chevrolet Astro is a minivan that was manufactured and marketed by the Chevrolet division of American auto manufacturer General Motors from 1985 to 2005. Sold alongside the GMC Safari, the Astro was marketed in multiple configurations, including passenger van and cargo van.
The Astro and Safari used a rear-wheel-drive chassis; all-wheel drive became an option in 1990. For its entire production, the Astro and Safari were produced by Baltimore Assembly in Baltimore, Maryland; the vans would be the final model line produced by the facility. In total, approximately 3. 2 million Astros and Safaris were produced from 1985 through 2005....(Read more on Wikipedia)

I Overview:

GMC Safari (I). With 339 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A spacious vehicle designed to transport passengers comfortably, often with sliding doors. With seating for 7, it’s perfect for larger families.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The GMC Safari I generation predates the establishment of Euro NCAP testing (1997), thus no official rating is available. Safety features are basic by modern standards.

4.3i V6 (145 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers a significant power upgrade, making the Safari much more capable for highway cruising, towing, and hauling, providing adequate performance for its class.

Fuel Economy

Expectedly lower fuel economy than the 4-cylinder, but a reasonable trade-off for the improved performance and utility, typical for a V6 of its era.

Best Use Case: Highway / Towing / Mixed

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Spacious and versatile interior with significant cargo capacity.
  • • Robust, truck-based chassis offers durability and good towing capability (especially with V6).
  • • Reliable V6 engine option (4.3L) known for longevity.
  • • Rear-wheel drive layout provides good traction for hauling and towing.

Cons:

  • • Underpowered base 2.5L 4-cylinder engine.
  • • Mediocre fuel economy across the lineup, particularly the V6.
  • • Dated interior design and limited modern safety features.
  • • Boxy, utilitarian styling may not appeal to all.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I: 1985 - 1994).

General:
Brand:GMC
Model:Safari
Generation:I
Modification (Engine):4.3i V6 (145 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:1989
End of production:1994
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Minivan
Seats:7
Doors:3
Engine:
Power:145 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:33.7 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:339 Nm @ 2800 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:262 CID More details about the engine 262 CID
Engine displacement:4300
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:V-engine
Fuel injection system:Carburettor
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:4.3 l
Coolant:12.8 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:101.6 mm mm
Piston Stroke:88.39 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.3:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Space:
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:4128 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:626 l
Size:
Length:4490 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1956 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1905 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2819 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1654 mm
Rear (Back) track:1654 mm
Front overhang:777 mm
Rear overhang:894 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Tires size195/75 R15
Wheel rims size15
Front suspensionIndependent coil spring
Rear suspensionLeaf spring

Behind the wheel of the GMC Safari. How does it handle on the road?