DecodedCars2005 GMC Safari Cargo
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Vans, Cargo Type
- Body styles
- AWD, RWD
- Engines
- 4.3L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 17 combined · 15 city / 20 hwy
- Length
- 189.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,938–4,202 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 10 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 GMC Safari Cargo is a van offered with a 4.3L 6-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 190 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,202 lb (AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 17 MPG combined (15 city / 20 highway), 14% better than the 2005 van average of 14.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,950 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWD | 189.8 in | 77.6 in | 75.2 in | 111 in | 65 / 65.4 in | 4,202 lb | 53/47 |
| RWD | 189.8 in | 77.6 in | 75.2 in | 111 in | 65 / 65.4 in | 3,938 lb | 53/47 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safari 2WD (cargo) | 4.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | +14% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Safari 2WD Conversion (cargo) | 4.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | +7% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Safari AWD (cargo) | 4.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 18 / 15 | +1% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Safari AWD Conversion (cargo) | 4.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 / 16 / 14 | -6% | $4,800 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 GMC Safari Cargo under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 vans
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 GMC Safari Cargo (this car) | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Express Passenger | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 GMC Savana Passenger | 15 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 GMC Safari Passenger | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 GMC Savana Cargo | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Van 1500 | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Van 15/25 Conversion | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 GMC Safari Cargo.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 GMC Safari Cargo is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2005 GMC Safari Cargo in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2005 GMC Safari Cargo buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 GMC Safari Cargo. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →