GMC Safari II 4.3i V6 (190 Hp) 4x4 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. At around 2083 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. 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) 4x4 Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 4.3L Vortec V6 provides adequate power (190 Hp, 339 Nm) for a minivan of this size and era, offering decent acceleration for highway merging and capable towing for light loads. The 4x4 system enhances traction.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is a significant drawback for this 4.3L V6, especially with the 4x4 system. Expect relatively low MPG figures, typical for a large, body-on-frame vehicle from this period.
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- • Outdated interior design and features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) 4x4 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: | 11 kg/Hp, 91.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.1 kg/Nm, 162.7 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2083 |
| Max. weight: | 2767 |
| Max load: | 684 |
| 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: | 1900 mm mm [5mm 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): | 13.4 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| 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 torsion bar, double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |














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