Best Car Reviews - 1986 GMC Safari 2WD (passenger)

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Introduction

The 1986 GMC Safari 2WD passenger van is an early example of GM’s compact, rear-wheel-drive family van. Aimed at buyers needing practical passenger space without moving to a full-size van, it pairs a 4.3-litre fuel-injected V6 with a four-speed manual transmission. Its truck-based layout, compact footprint and straightforward mechanical design remain central to its appeal as a classic utility vehicle.

Design and Exterior Features

The Safari has a purposeful, squared-off van profile with a short 111-inch wheelbase, a broad glass area and sliding side-door access. At approximately 176 inches long, it is easier to place in traffic than many traditional American vans while retaining a sturdy rear-drive stance. The 1986 model largely continued the first-generation design introduced for 1985, with the fuel-injected V6 helping modernize the package more than exterior styling changes did.

Compact rear-wheel-drive passenger-van proportions
Sliding side door and large rear access opening
Broad windows for outward visibility
15-inch wheel fitment
Approximately 176 inches long, 77 inches wide and 71 inches high

Interior and Comfort

The cabin prioritizes usable space and durable, work-oriented materials over luxury. Front bucket seats, cloth upholstery and a simple upright dashboard create a practical driving environment, while the passenger layout provides room for family, shuttle or recreational use. Trim and equipment varied by SL, SLX and SLE version; air conditioning, power windows and power door locks were available on some models rather than universal standard equipment.

Five-passenger configuration listed for common passenger trims
Cloth front bucket seats
Simple, easy-to-reach dashboard controls
Available air conditioning for warmer climates
Available power windows and power door locks on selected trims

Performance and Handling

This configuration uses a 4.3-litre, 262-cubic-inch fuel-injected V6 with six cylinders, rear-wheel drive and a four-speed manual gearbox. Published listings identify 155 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 230 lb-ft of torque at 2,400 rpm, giving the Safari useful low-speed pulling ability rather than sporty acceleration; a verified 0-60 mph figure is not available. The original EPA guide lists this manual four-speed passenger Safari at 17 mpg city, 21 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined, equivalent to about 13.8, 11.2 and 12.4 L/100 km respectively. The supplied 17.5 L/100 km figure should be treated as a real-world consumption estimate, as driving conditions, load and vehicle condition can substantially affect an older van.

4.3-litre fuel-injected V6
155 hp and 230 lb-ft in published specifications
Rear-wheel drive and four-speed manual transmission
EPA rating of 17 mpg city and 21 mpg highway
Best suited to relaxed cruising and light-to-moderate passenger duty

Technology and Connectivity

Technology is appropriately basic for a 1986 van. The Safari predates factory navigation, Bluetooth, USB ports, touchscreen infotainment and modern driver-assistance systems. Its advantages are analogue controls, a conventional radio arrangement and comparatively accessible mechanical systems; modern audio, phone charging and reverse-camera upgrades can be fitted by specialists without changing the vehicle’s character.

Conventional analogue instruments
Factory radio-based entertainment rather than modern infotainment
No factory Bluetooth, USB or navigation
No modern camera or parking-sensor system
Simple controls that are easy to understand and service

Safety Features

The 1986 GMC Safari reflects pre-modern safety standards. Published trim data does not list airbags or ABS for this model, and no verified modern-style crash-test rating is available. Buyers should evaluate the condition of the seat belts, tyres, brakes, lighting, door latches and body structure before regular use, especially if carrying passengers.

Three-point seat belts where fitted
Conventional hydraulic braking system
No listed driver or passenger airbags
No listed anti-lock braking system
No verified contemporary crash-test rating

Pricing and Variants

Available passenger trims included SL, SLX and SLE. Published original MSRPs were $9,586 for the SL, $10,041 for the SLX and $10,765 for the SLE, before options and destination-related variations. Its closest period alternatives included the mechanically related Chevrolet Astro, the Toyota Van, the Volkswagen Vanagon and Dodge’s Caravan family; the Safari stood apart with rear-wheel drive and V6 torque, though its fuel use and safety equipment were less competitive by modern standards.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Strong low-end torque from the 4.3-litre V6
Rear-wheel-drive layout suits utility-focused use
Compact dimensions for an American passenger van
Simple, largely analogue ownership experience
Distinctive early GMC Safari character

Cons

Fuel economy is modest by current standards
Safety equipment is very limited compared with modern vans
No factory connectivity or driver-assistance technology
Manual transmission may be inconvenient in dense traffic
Age-related rust and deferred maintenance can be expensive

Maintenance and Common Issues

A reliable verified annual maintenance-cost figure for this specific 1986 Safari configuration is not available; costs depend heavily on rust, mileage, maintenance history and parts availability. Common owner-reported and technician inspection areas for early Safari vans include ignition or fuel-injection drivability faults, cooling-system leaks or overheating, oil leaks from an aged V6, worn clutch or manual-transmission linkage components, and rust around body seams, door openings and underbody areas. A pre-purchase inspection should also check brakes, suspension, steering and all door hardware.

Rating

Overall rating: 6.2/10. Design: 6.5/10 for its compact, functional van shape. Comfort: 6/10 for usable space but basic trim. Performance: 6.5/10 for V6 torque and rear-drive utility. Technology: 2/10 because it predates modern connectivity. Safety: 3.5/10 due to its limited original safety equipment.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly values the Safari’s practicality, distinctive compact-van proportions and straightforward mechanical layout. Satisfaction is usually highest among enthusiasts who accept the vehicle’s age and maintain it proactively; buyers seeking modern refinement, fuel economy or advanced safety equipment are less likely to be satisfied.

Owners appreciate the V6’s useful low-speed pulling power
The compact size is valued over full-size vans in urban use
Simple controls and classic character are frequent positives
Rust condition is often a deciding factor when buying
Fuel use, ageing electrical parts and door hardware need realistic budgeting

Best Cars in This Category

1986 Chevrolet Astro Passenger Van
1986 Toyota Van 2WD
1986 Volkswagen Vanagon 2WD
1986 Dodge Caravan
1986 Plymouth Voyager

Summary

The 1986 GMC Safari 2WD passenger van is best for classic-vehicle buyers who need useful passenger space, appreciate rear-wheel-drive handling and are comfortable maintaining an older American van. Its value lies in its honest utility, V6 torque and unusual compact-van personality, not in modern safety, efficiency or technology. A carefully inspected, rust-free example with documented maintenance is far more important than trim level alone.