GMC Safari reviews

2000 GMC Safari Walkaround

The Safari comes in only one size, with one engine and one transmission. Three trim levels are available: the base SLX, our mid-level SLE and the top-of-the-line SLT. As mentioned, rear-wheel-drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is optional and very useful where weather can turn nasty. The only transmission choice is an electronically controlled four-speed automatic, which for 1998 has some changes aimed at enhanced durability.

The 4.3-liter V6 is rated at 190 horsepower and 250 foot-pounds of torque. Known as the Vortec 4300 V6, this is a rugged powerplant. Hitch the boat and trailer up, pile the family inside, turn on the air conditioner, head up for the mountains. This thing can handle all of it.

The all-wheel-drive option utilizes a viscous limited-slip center differential and gives great traction for getting out of the ski resort's snow-covered parking lot or when pulling a boat and trailer up a slimy boat ramp. On the downside, it adds 230 pounds and therefore knocks the rated trailer capacity from 5500 down to 5000 pounds.

The base SLX trim level includes air conditioning, dual airbags, AM/FM stereo, four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), intermittent wipers, rear-door child safety locks and five-passenger seating with seven- or eight-passenger accommodations optional. The SLE adds adjustable front seat lumbar supports, power door locks, tilt wheel, cruise control and standard eight-passenger seating. The SLT adds deep-tinted windows, power mirrors and windows, aluminum wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote keyless entry and more luxurious seating. There is a long list of options. We prefer the SLE because it includes a nice level of appointments and most of the good stuff while allowing the freedom to choose the desired options.

Among the major options are a CD player and sound system upgrades, locking rear differential (a worthwhile item for dealing with really bad weather), rear heater, roof-mounted cargo carrier, rear radio and cassette controls and a trailer towing package. One option worth investigation is the choice of rear Dutch doors. The normal configuration with split doors allows easy access but inhibits rearward vision due to a large center pillar where the doors meet. The Dutch door option uses a swing-up liftgate with a single window, and two lower half doors that swing outward. There's no blockage of rearward vision, and the lower swing-out doors allow you to load or unload heavy cargo without having to reach over a fold-down tailgate.