Introduced for the 1985 model year, this rear-wheel-drive mid-size van filled a niche between compact front-drive minivans and larger full-size commercial vans. It was developed as a more practical, truck-based alternative for families, shuttle use, and fleet buyers, and it quickly became closely associated with GM’s matched van strategy of the era. The nameplate was offered in passenger and cargo forms, and it shared its basic layout and market position with the related Safari. In the mid-1990s, the van received a major update that modernized its styling and kept it competitive even as newer minivan designs gained ground. Despite its longevity and strong utility, the design remained rooted in its original concept, which eventually limited its appeal against more contemporary rivals. Production continued through the 2005 model year, after which the nameplate was discontinued without a revival. Today it is remembered as one of the defining GM vans of the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, valued for its blend of carlike usability, rear-drive packaging, and long service life in both private and commercial roles.
MODEL HISTORY