2001 GMC Safari Cargo GMC Safari Cargo 2001 GMC Safari Cargo Standard RWD Minivan Regular Length RWD Baltimore, MD Safari gets still more engineering enhancements for its 4.3-liter V6, and higher-output alternators. Door locks have been improved for increased security and programmable locks solve an annoying self-locking problem in last year's models. Heavy-duty construction, 6,000-pound trailer rating, torquey V6. Boxy design, poor fuel economy, intrusive engine cover makes for small footwells. Because of their traditional full-frame construction and standard rear-drive layout, Safaris are most adept at heavy hauling and burly trailer towing. This is one of the very few minivans (GMC calls it a midsize) on the market that offers over 6,000 pounds of trailering capacity making it suitable for fleet use. The Cargo Van model is offered with a stripped-out interior ready for upfitting into a workhorse service van -- complete with tool racks or parts bins. Not everyone will relish the truck-like ride over harsh road surfaces, but it's not bad when the highway smoothes out. Don't expect top-notch fuel mileage, though, despite a continually improved powertrain. All-wheel drive is optional providing superior traction for companies who can't have their trucks stranded when the weather gets ugly. GM's 4300 Vortec V6 is standard, sporting more durable camshaft bearings, a lighter starter that requires less current from the battery to crank the engine and a new, more advanced powertrain control module. The 4.3-liter sends 190 horsepower and a healthy 250 foot-pounds of torque to an electronically controlled, four-speed automatic overdrive transmission, equipped with a tow-haul mode for improved performance under loads. Long-life engine coolant and spark plugs help keep maintenance costs to a minimum. New for this year is a Safari cargo van that meets national low-emission vehicle standards. Companies looking to reduce the environmental impact of their numerous fleet trucks can now do so without losing the versatility and toughness that Safari provides. Chevrolet Astro Cargo Chevrolet Express Ford Windstar GMC Savana 336,000 336,000 336,000 6100,000 NA NA NA 6 4.3 liters V6 190 hp @ 4400 rpm 250 ft-lbs. @ 2800 rpm 170 cu.ft. 1713 lbs. 5900 lbs. 189.8 in. 77.5 in. 75.3 in. 3915 lbs. 111.2 in. 40.4 ft. 7 in. 39.2 in. NA NA NA NA NA 41.6 in. NA 2 Standard Standard Not Available Not Available Not Available Not Available Not Available Rating = Average Rating = Good Not Tested Not Tested Poor Poor 27 gal. 17 mpg / 22 mpg 459 mi. / 594 mi. Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not. $18,637 $20,593 7.35% $655 N/A 3% of the Total MSRP SL RWD CARGO VAN (4A): 4.3L V6 OHV SMPI 12-valve engine; driver's selectable multi-mode 4-speed OD electronic automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter; 600 amp battery with run down protection; engine oil cooler; 105 amp alternator; transmission oil cooler; rear-wheel drive, 3.42 axle ratio; partial stainless steel exhaust; front independent suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, rigid rear axle leaf spring suspension; power recirculating ball steering with vehicle speed-sensing assist; front disc/rear drum brakes with 4-wheel antilock brakes; 27 gal. capacity fuel tank; front license plate bracket, side impact bars; 3 doors with sliding right rear passenger door, split swing-out rear cargo door; trailer harness; front and rear body-colored bumpers with rear step bumper; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen fully auto headlamps with daytime running lights; driver's and passenger's manual black folding outside mirrors; 15" x 6.5" silver styled steelwheels; P215/75SR15 BSW A/S tires; compact steel spare wheel; air conditioning; AM/FM stereo radio, clock, seek-scan, 6 speakers, fixed antenna; child safety rear door locks; 3 power accessory outlets, front lighter element(s), retained accessory power, smoker's package; instrumentation display includes oil pressure gauge, water temperature gauge, volt gauge, trip odometer; warning indicators include battery, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, turn signal on; driver's and passenger's front airbags; ignition disable; tinted windows; variable intermittent front windshield wipers, sun visor strip; seating capacity of 2, front bucket seats with fixed headrests, driver's and passenger's seat include 4-way adjustment; front height adjustable seatbelts; vinyl seats, front cloth headliner, front vinyl floor covering, plastic/rubber gearshiftknob; interior lights include dome light with delay front reading lights; day/night rearview mirror; engine cover console with storage, frontcupholder, driver's and passenger's door bins; cargo light; argent grille, black side window moldings, black front windshield molding and black door handles. SL AWD CARGO VAN (4A) (in addition to or instead of SL RWD CARGO VAN (4A) equipment): Full-time AWD 3.42 axle ratio; front independent suspension with anti-roll bar, front torsion springs, front torsion bar, and rigid rear axle leaf spring suspension.