1997 GMC Safari Interior Review at Automotive.com
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1997 GMC Safari Review: Interior

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1997 GMC Safari Review

An oldie but very, very goodie.
Interior
One thing people like about front-drive minivans is that they're quite

car-like. Owners even refer to their minivans as cars. But there are few

such misconceptions about the Safari. It's built higher off the ground

than the front-drivers, so you will have to make at least something of

a climb to reach the driver's (or any other) seat. To those who are height-challenged

or who place a premium on decorum during entry and exit, this vehicle height

may be an issue. Then, once inside, there is more of a feeling of being

in a "truck-like" vehicle than a "car-like" vehicle.

Not that it's rough or crude; far from it. But you sit higher and the seating

position won't confuse you into thinking you're behind the wheel of a sedan.

But if those issues are not issues with you, the Safari has a lot to

offer. With all seats in place there is 41.3 cubic feet of cargo space,

and with the center and rear seats out of the way you'll have room for

a whopping 170.4 cubic feet of sample cases or home improvement supplies.

And, once seated, you'll find the comfort level to be surprisingly good,

a big benefit in something that is likely to be used for longer trips.

Thanks to a revision a couple of years ago the instrument panel design

is rounded and flowing. The instruments are clearly legible, and occupants

will appreciate the controls for the sound system and the heating and air

conditioning being easy to operate and not intruding upon each other's

spaces. Further down in the center console are a pair of cupholders which

will accept both cans or mugs, and a moderate glovebox. There are numerous

other storage areas throughout the interior: Map pockets in the front doors,

a big compartment along the left-hand side of the center seating area,

a cupholder for the center seat, large storage areas under the third seat

armrests, open bins behind those same armrests and two more cupholders

for the third seat. In addition to the cigarette lighter there are three

12-volt power outlets, two in front and one in the rear.

With eight-passenger seating the center and rear seats are three-person

benches; in the SLT, these benches are split-back with folding armrests

and a center console. Optionally available is seven-passenger seating,

which replaces the center bench with a pair of high-back, reclining buckets.

Outward visibility is great, especially from the front. You sit up high

and the windshield and side windows are huge, so you have an absolutely

commanding view of the road. Next Page



1997 GMC Safari