CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Pontiac Safari

Pontiac Safari — 1955–1989 (except 1982–1986), 3-door station wagon (1955–1957)5-door station wagon (1958–1989), 287 cid ''Strato Streak'' V8 (1955)316.6 cid V8 (1956)347 cid V8 (1957). Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

Engine287 cid ''Strato Streak'' V8 (1955)316.6 cid V8 (1956)347 cid V8 (1957)

Transmission3-speed manual 3-speed Strato-Flight Hydra-Matic

About the Pontiac Safari

Pontiac Safari is a 3-door station wagon (1955–1957)5-door station wagon (1958–1989) in the full-size class, with source data covering 1955–1989 (except 1982–1986). The available vehicle data lists 287 cid ''Strato Streak'' V8 (1955)316.6 cid V8 (1956)347 cid V8 (1957) as an engine configuration, paired with 3-speed manual 3-speed Strato-Flight Hydra-Matic. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This Pontiac Safari guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for 287 cid ''Strato Streak'' V8 (1955)316.6 cid V8 (1956)347 cid V8 (1957) and 3-speed manual 3-speed Strato-Flight Hydra-Matic transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

Pontiac Safari specifications at a glance

Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.

Make	Pontiac
Model	Safari
Model years	1955–1989 (except 1982–1986)
Body style	3-door station wagon (1955–1957)5-door station wagon (1958–1989)
Vehicle class	Full-size
Manufacturer	Pontiac (General Motors)
Production	1955–1989
Market / country	NL, NZ, US

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the Pontiac Safari includes 287 cid ''Strato Streak'' V8 (1955)316.6 cid V8 (1956)347 cid V8 (1957).. Transmission information includes 3-speed manual 3-speed Strato-Flight Hydra-Matic.

Engine	287 cid ''Strato Streak'' V8 (1955)316.6 cid V8 (1956)347 cid V8 (1957)
Transmission	3-speed manual 3-speed Strato-Flight Hydra-Matic

Dimensions, weight and practicality

Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.

Wheelbase	122 in (3,099 mm)
Length	204.3 in (5,189 mm)
Width	76.6 in (1,946 mm)
Kerb / curb weight	3746 lb

Pontiac Safari other specifications

Name	Pontiac Safari
Image	1964 Pontiac Catalina Safari in maroon, front left.jpg
Caption	1964 Pontiac Catalina Safari

Pontiac Safari generations and model years

Where a source covers multiple generations, CarCareTool selects the generation(s) that best match this catalog model instead of mixing unrelated variants.

Generation / scope	Years	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain
Pontiac Safari	1955–1989 (except 1982–1986)	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified
Pontiac Star Chief Custom Safari Series 27	1955–1957	287 cid ''Strato Streak'' V8 (1955)316.6 cid V8 (1956)347 cid V8 (1957)	3-speed manual 3-speed Strato-Flight Hydra-Matic	Not specified

TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Pontiac Safari

Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.

Normal load33 PSI front32 PSI rear

Fully loaded35 PSI front35 PSI rear

Load condition	Front	Rear	Status
Normal	33 PSI	32 PSI	Estimate
Fully loaded	35 PSI	35 PSI	Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about Pontiac Safari

These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.

What engine does the Pontiac Safari have?

The available source data lists the Pontiac Safari engine as 287 cid ''Strato Streak'' V8 (1955)316.6 cid V8 (1956)347 cid V8 (1957). Engine availability can differ by model year and market.

What tire pressure should I use for the Pontiac Safari?

For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 33 PSI front and 32 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.

What is the best engine oil for the Pontiac Safari?

There is no single best engine oil for every Pontiac Safari configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.

What body style is the Pontiac Safari?

The Pontiac Safari is classified as a 3-door station wagon (1955–1957)5-door station wagon (1958–1989).

What years was the Pontiac Safari produced?

The available vehicle record places the Pontiac Safari in the 1955–1989 (except 1982–1986) period. Exact availability can vary by market.

What are the dimensions of the Pontiac Safari?

The available source data lists length 204.3 in (5,189 mm), width 76.6 in (1,946 mm), and wheelbase 122 in (3,099 mm).

What transmission does the Pontiac Safari have?

The available source data lists 3-speed manual 3-speed Strato-Flight Hydra-Matic transmission options for the Pontiac Safari.

Who makes the Pontiac Safari?

The manufacturer listed for the Pontiac Safari is Pontiac (General Motors).

When was the Pontiac Safari produced?

The available source data describes production as 1955–1989.

How much does the Pontiac Safari weigh?

The available source data lists a kerb/curb weight of 3746 lb. Actual weight can vary with engine, trim and equipment.

Where was the Pontiac Safari built?

The available source record lists assembly information as Pontiac Assembly, Pontiac, MichiganSouth Gate Assembly, South Gate, CaliforniaLakewood Assembly, Atlanta, GeorgiaFramingham Assembly, Framingham, MassachusettsFairfax Assembly, Kansas City, KansasArlington Assembly, Arlington, TexasLinden Assembly, Linden, New JerseyWilmington Assembly, Wilmington, Delaware.

What class of car is the Pontiac Safari?

The Pontiac Safari is listed in the Full-size class.

What platform does the Pontiac Safari use?

The available source data lists the platform/chassis as A-body.

Which markets or countries sold the Pontiac Safari?

The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Pontiac Safari with NL, NZ, US. Market availability and specifications can differ.

What came after the Pontiac Safari?

The available vehicle data lists Chevrolet Astro/GMC SafariPontiac Trans Sport as a successor where applicable.

How often should I check the tire pressure on the Pontiac Safari?

Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the Pontiac Safari?

No. The maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle’s recommended setting. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the correct cold inflation pressure.

Does the recommended tire pressure change when the Pontiac Safari is fully loaded?

It can. Many vehicles specify a different cold pressure for heavier loads. Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the exact loading condition.

Can the Pontiac Safari have different tire pressures front and rear?

Yes. Some vehicles specify different front and rear pressures because axle loads and vehicle configurations differ. Follow the exact vehicle recommendation where available.

Why can mileage differ from the published figure for the Pontiac Safari?

Published fuel economy is measured under a defined test method. Real-world mileage can vary with traffic, speed, temperature, tire pressure, payload, maintenance and driving style.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.

Pontiac Safari images

Vehicle images are shown from the stored source image records when available.