1997 GMC Jimmy

Summary:

I love this car!

Faults:

A few leaks, but were easily repairable by my husband, at home. (He is NOT a mechanic)

General Comments:

Great car, looks great, handles great, great reliability!

I was involved in a horrible accident with this car, it did roll over as it's known to do with the short wheel base, but luckily the people who do test crashes for safety on this car are on the ball! I was able to walk out of my car, after it had rolled and flipped several times! My family and I couldn't thank these people enough for their safety qualifications! I will certainly buy another GMC product! I just wish I could have my favorite car back again!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th October, 2004

1997 GMC Jimmy SLT 4.3

Summary:

Too many reliability issues when compared to it's competition

Faults:

Water pump started leaking and was replaced after only 10,597 miles.

TRANSMISSION FAILURE, FLUID LEAK, PUMP BUSHING WORN, LINE LEAKING REMOVED TRANSMISSION REPLACED SEAL -LINE ASSY at 20,600 miles.

Ignition Switch replaced at 43,966 miles.

Belt tensioner replaced at 43,966 miles.

Alternator replaced at 49,899 miles.

A/C Compressor replaced at 55,229 miles.

Water Pump replaced again at 55,891 miles.

Ignition switch replaced again at 64,212 miles.

Wiper Motor Module replaced at 67,278.

Idler arm replaced at 67,511 miles.

Current problems not yet repaired:

Fuel Gauge stays on Min or Max, Fuel Sending Unit Bad (Using trip odometer to know when to refuel)

Driver's side mirror vibrates at highway speeds.

Both lighted vanity mirrors are falling apart (using velcro to keep closed so lights stays off)

General Comments:

Traded a 94 Saturn wagon for this 97 GMC Jimmy. The Saturn was bulletproof. Both the quality of this GMC product and the dealer service experience has been very disappointing when compared to the Saturn experience. I always thought GMC was a top of the line vehicle, but now I know better. Next time I'll either go Ford/Lincoln/Mercury, Nissan or Toyota.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th July, 2004

9th Jul 2004, 16:09

I recommend Mercury Mountaineer. Great truck; very capable and reliable, and you don't see one in every neighbor's driveway (unlike the Explorer).

14th May 2009, 22:06

I currently drive a 97 Jimmy and I work at a Firestone. So after talking to my senior tech I have some bad news. The fuel gauge problem is not worth fixing. It only brakes again. My senior tech drives a newer Trail Blazer; it is the same as an Envoy of the same year. The Envoy replaced the Jimmy. Apparently they have yet to solve the problem.

That said, I am very happy with my Jimmy. It does have a few issues but other than that it's a wonderful vehicle. Leaks like nothing else and still does everything I ask it to.

One last tip, out of the options for replacement you offered. I suggest Toyota. They run forever. Good luck finding one used for under $10,000 though. Like I said, they run forever so they keep a good resale price.

1997 GMC Jimmy SLT 4.3

Summary:

Too many problems and headaches

Faults:

Transmission leaked badly and was rebuilt (covered under 3/36K warranty). Have had to replaced ignition switch twice. Replaced belt tensioner. Replaced wiper motor module (wipers worked sporadically). Have had water pump replaced twice (Could it be that continual failure is due to DexCool?). Currently on 4th battery. Air conditioning compressor has also been replaced and the Fuel gauge (sending unit) does not work, it always reads full.

General Comments:

I have learned my lesson about GM SUV's. Poor reliability and gas mileage. If I buy another SUV or truck, I'll probably go back to Ford.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th June, 2004

4th Jan 2006, 22:38

Wow, my Jimmy has 150k. I am horrible about servicing my cars, I routinely skip oil changes. However my Jimmy has needed nothing more than a battery its whole life! Actually, I bought because the Explorer I had was a piece of crap!

27th Oct 2007, 20:08

I have a 96 GMC Jimmy SLT, with 300,000 km's and my engine started making a clicking sound near the back of the block. I have been told that there is a main bearing gone and I may as well get rid of the vehicle, but I am planning on rebuilding the engine. It has taken my son 3 months to get it out, but now we are going to put it on a stand and rebuild it. Does any one have any thoughts on what I should do while I have it apart. I am thinking of putting in new rings, and a new oil pump, and of course new main bearings.

I do like the Jimmy, in fact we have had 5 different ones from 89 to the 97, my wife has a 95 and has had an engine replaced at 300,000 km`s as well.