1996 GMC Jimmy SLE Vortec 4.3 V6 from North America
Summary:
This was not GM's finest hour
Faults:
Alternator (stranded on the side of the road).
Water pump leak, and at the same time replaced a clogged radiator because the Dex Cool coolant turned into sand.
A/C compressor froze up (stranded on the side of the road again).
Replacing the front brake pads at 35,000 miles; seemed kind of early and was going to be needed again before the truck was traded in.
General Comments:
The good:
Engine power and smoothness from the 4.3 was very adequate. 4 speed automatic was also super smooth.
Being a 2 door, the exterior had a striking appearance to it. Was in a class of its own, looking far different from most SUV's of the time. Fuel economy also wasn't too bad.
Inside the seats were fairly comfortable. Too much hard plastics used on the dashboard, but the setup of everything including full gauges was a nice touch.
The bad:
All the problems listed above. The ride quality was harsh but got better at higher freeway speeds. Being built on the S10 chassis, the turning radius was terrible and the overall vehicle width was too narrow. Hated the spare tire in the back storage area creating a blind spot.
Shouldn't have the above listed problems under 65,000 miles in any quality built SUV. Being the second year of this style shouldn't have mattered. The body and interior was all new. Most of the mechanicals were close to 10 years old. Also not the easiest engine compartment to service. Everything was crammed in there.
Never had the front suspension fail, like some of these did.
Up to date all my ownerships are GM vehicles; most were superb, this one was not.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 29th June, 2022
20th Jul 2022, 20:50
Not in my case. Again, the original pads were worn at only 35,000 miles. I replaced them myself including resurfacing the rotors and lubing the calipers. And again at about 30,000 miles later the pads were worn again. These trucks are actually known for going through brake pads. Mainly due to the fact that the brakes are too small for the vehicle's curb weight.
1st Jul 2022, 23:08
Lubricant and maintenance of the brake calipers would have helped your brake issues.