GMC Safari II 4.3i V6 (190 Hp) 4x4 Automatic


Overall Rating

7.4 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 3.8 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
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:

Rating 4 stars

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.

Best Use Case: Highway cruising, light towing, family road trips, and navigating adverse weather conditions due to 4x4.

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  • • Outdated interior design and features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 wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Tires size215/75 R15
Wheel rims size6.5J x 15
Front suspensionIndependent torsion bar, double wishbone
Rear suspensionLeaf spring

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