1998 GMC Jimmy LSE from North America

Summary:

This car was a very expensive lemon

Faults:

Battery went at about 20,000 miles.

Rear windshield wiper motor went about 25,000 miles. I have had to replace the whole front end, ball joints, bearings. I had constant belt whines.

All door hinges started rusting immediately. Constant noises in the doors which they finally fixed under warranty.

It's impossible to get the vehicle lined up properly.

I purchased it new and paid quite a bit. All my miles are highway miles.

Also had a problem with transmission fluid leaking out of it all over the garage floor.

Now I just ignore the noises. I had 850 worth of repairs last week. Guess what, the vehicle died today on the road. They think it's the fuel pump. Although this is the first time it's left me stranded, I am never going to buy an GMC again.

I'm looking into buying a Toyota 4Runner or Honda Pilot.

I have an Acura integra with 140,000 miles on it that's seen less days in the repair shop and still runs like a top.

Please think twice about buying a GMC Jimmy.

The only thing I like about it is the heated leather seats. They have not failed -- yet.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th July, 2003

1998 GMC Jimmy SLE 4.3 from North America

Summary:

Don't buy this vehicle!!

Faults:

Head Gasket blew at 90,000km.

Two weeks later it is back in the shop for bent valves (this time not covered under warranty).

Multi-function switch replaced.

Thermostat replaced.

Water pump replaced.

O/2 sensor replaced.

Rad cap and rad hose replaced.

Truck has been towed 4 times in just over one year.

Finally the whole engine blew.

Oil leaking into coolant system.

Chunks of metal found in the oil.

General Comments:

This has been the worst mistake of my life and I will never purchase from GM again.

I have had to drive rentals, buses, and was stranded out of town and had to take a train.

Can't get the book value for the vehicle and have already spent $3000.00 of my own money in repairs - and I have a warranty!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th May, 2003

27th Feb 2004, 16:50

It could have been abused. When you buy it used your buying someone else's junk. The guy before you probabley sold it because it was on it's way out.

14th Apr 2004, 19:53

It is possible that the vehicle was abused, but I would believe more so that it is poor vehicle construction. I have the same problems with my '96 Jimmy. The head gasket repair cost me $750.00 Cdn and the Engine change was over $6,000.00 Cdn. GM's reply "Sooner or later you have to take responsibility for the maintenance of your vehicle. Last GM that I'll buy.

1998 GMC Jimmy SLS V6 from North America

Summary:

Biggest mistake of my life!!

Faults:

After one week of purchase the transmission had to be replaced within two weeks of receiving my Jimmy back the same problem of before started again, all dash lights would come on, loose power, dealership said it was in the wiring, so back to the shop it went to have a wiring problem traced.

At 53,000 miles started making a loud noise Torque converter and drive shaft was loose from having transmission replaced, whoops forgot to tighten bolts. Back to shop.

Two weeks later drive shaft was falling out I took it to a private mechanic to have it fixed. $1152.00 of my money.

Starting in April of 2002, replaced window wiper gear approximately $250.00, battery, electronic starter $475.00, and the thermostat.

So far this year starting January of 2003 I have replaced all ball joints over $200.00 and now there is something making a loud squeak when you start pressing on the gas pedal that is sticking and of course the brakes squeak all the time.

Did I mention I have bought a full set of tires and the front two had to be replaced after 1,800 miles?

General Comments:

Love the way it handles.

Looks sharp on the road when drivable.

Gotta keep the body looking good because I owe more on it than the book value.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 1st May, 2003

27th Oct 2009, 21:33

I am very surprised you have had these issues with your Jimmy, these issues are every uncharacteristic of the Jimmy.

I own the same one you do, it has 132,334 miles on it, never had a problem other than a fuel pump and relay fix.

Runs like new, looks like new, no rust period, and best buy for my first car, and have not had more than 1 repair on it in the 1 yr and 4 months I've owned it. It has been in the family for 9 yrs, obviously well cared for.

I feel yours is a rare lemon case, as everyone I have ever talked to loves their Jimmy. I sure do, I'm 21 and this is my first vehicle. Sorry to hear of your trouble.