GMC Safari II 4.3i V6 (190 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
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)
II Overview:
GMC Safari (II). With 339 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1961 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A spacious vehicle designed to transport passengers comfortably, often with sliding doors. With seating for 8, it’s perfect for larger families.
The GMC Safari II was primarily sold in North America and was not tested by Euro NCAP. It received various ratings from NHTSA (US) for frontal and side impacts, but these are not comparable to Euro NCAP standards.
4.3i V6 (190 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
With 190 Hp and 339 Nm from the 4.3L Vortec V6, this trim offers solid, dependable performance for daily driving and family hauling. It's not quick, but it's robust and gets the job done.
Fuel Economy
Similar to the 4x4 variant, fuel economy for the 2WD 4.3L V6 is modest. While slightly better than the 4x4, it remains a thirsty engine by modern standards, reflecting its older design.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious interior with flexible seating/cargo options
- • Robust and reliable 4.3L V6 engine
- • Available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for enhanced traction
- • Strong towing capability for its class
- • Durable body-on-frame construction
Cons:
- • Poor fuel economy, especially with AWD
- • Outdated interior design and features
- • Rougher ride quality compared to unibody minivans
- • Large turning radius makes city maneuvering challenging
- • Limited modern safety features
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I: 1989 - 1994).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | GMC |
| Model: | Safari |
| Generation: | II |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.3i V6 (190 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2001 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Minivan |
| Seats: | 8 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 190 Hp @ 4400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 44.2 Hp/l [331mm more] |
| Torque: | 339 Nm @ 2800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | L35 Vortec 4300 More details about the engine L35 Vortec 4300 |
| Engine displacement: | 4300 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| 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: | 9.2:1 |
| Maximum engine speed: | 5600 rpm. |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.3 kg/Hp, 96.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.8 kg/Nm, 172.9 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1961 |
| Max. weight: | 2699 |
| Max load: | 738 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 4825 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 1169 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 102 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4821 mm mm [331mm more] |
| Width: | 1968 mm mm [12mm more] |
| Height: | 1903 mm mm [2mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2824 mm mm [5mm more] |
| Front track: | 1653 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1653 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 172 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 12.3 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 215/75 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |














Your first impression of the GMC Safari in one word? Go!