1995 GMC Safari Driving Impressions Review at Automotive.com
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GMC
Safari
1995

1995 GMC Safari Review: Road Test

Below is a full, detailed 1995 GMC Safari review and road test from New Car Test Drive. A full evaluation of price, equipment, the driving experience, and specs are all here in a structured, easy-to-navigate format from journalists with limitless exp ...     read more
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1995 GMC Safari Review

A rear-drive minivan with a maxi work ethic
Driving Impressions
The thing we liked most about driving our Safari was the commanding view of the road and the passing scenery. The seating position is high and the windows are big, giving you the sense of being above traffic rather than in it. It's the same kind of feeling that has helped convert lots of Americans from cars to sport/utility vehicles.

The ride isn't as carlike as front-drive minivans, but it's not quite like a truck, either. The Safari is at its best cruising down the freeway - it's a great long-distance vehicle. The ride is smooth and comfortable, and it eats up long miles effortlessly. With its roominess, visibility and comfort/convenience extras, our Safari SLT seemed to us to be the best family vacation vehicle on the market.

This is no compact car; its dimensions aren't really any bigger than a midsize passenger car. For example, our Safari was only 5 in. wider than a new Chevy Lumina sedan, and it was more than 11 in. shorter.

Handling characteristics - whether on highway, mountain road or city street - are competent and predictable. Like any tall vehicle, it feels a little awkward if it's hurried through a corner, but that's not what it's designed for.

Review Sections
• Introduction
• Walkaround
• Interior
• Driving Impressions
• Summary & Specifications
Get Your Free Quote on a GMC Safari

The power-assisted steering does a better than average job of letting you know where the front wheels are pointed, and the ratio of 3.1 turns of the wheel from extreme left to extreme right helps in maneuverability.

For drivers who want a little tighter sense of control, there's a new FE2 touring suspension package, with gas-charged shock absorbers, bigger tires and a rear stabilizer bar.

While we scored the Safari's ride and handling as generally good, this vehicle's real strength is its 4.3-liter V6 engine. Although it's not the quietest or smoothest of minivan engines, it really offers up the power. Even pulling heavy trailers up long grades in summer heat, it's an able performer. This engine gives the Safari the strongest, most capable powertrain of any minivan on the market. Period. Next Page


1995 GMC Safari