1997 GMC Jimmy SLT 4.3 from North America

Summary:

It's middle of the road

Faults:

I bought it needing a engine. No biggie, have been a mechanic for years; thought OK, I can handle that. Bought the engine, installed it, and it runs good now. Just a bunch of little things; leaking pinion seal, A/C, courtesy lights, rear wiper, but I have to say, I like the comfort and the feel.

The leather could use work, but not horribly bad for its age.

Still wouldn't buy another GM. I think after this, I will go back to my Fords. But once GM irons through the little stuff, would consider giving them a shot again.

General Comments:

Handles good.

Rides good.

ABS airbag light come on frequently.

Size and fuel mileage are not bad at all.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd March, 2012

28th Feb 2013, 19:51

Got a higher-end Jimmy, and we've had very good luck with it until now. Like the feel and comfort. Just started having problems with the intake manifold and heater core, which are very costly and time-consuming (a down side).

I just wish they could re-design it - would still buy American if the quality would be top shelf and affordable, without cutting corners. It can be done! (Honda likes to brag as well as Toyota, but I see their cars listed frequently on recall lists that I get regularly - for all vehicles). They are nice cars, too, but there is no reason why American engineering can't be not just competitive, but very quality-minded and easy to repair for do-it-yourselfers and repair garages.

1997 GMC Jimmy SLT 4.3 from North America

Summary:

Excellent luxury vehicle

Faults:

Odometer stopped working.

General Comments:

This is one of the best cars I have ever owned; I will miss it.

Gas is too expensive. This is a 6 cylinder and I am now shopping for a 4 cylinder like many others.

I have only done maintenance: tires, tuneup, brakes.

If I did not have to worry about gas prices, I would buy a new one just like this one.

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

Review Date: 22nd July, 2008

1997 GMC Jimmy SLE 4.3 V6 from North America

Faults:

First got the car and the front end needed complete rebuild; both wheel bearings, all ball joints, brakes, and front axle.

Now a key is stuck in the ignition and the locks kept unlocking. For those curious about that; I traced the problem back to the rear hatch key button; it was corroded and faulty. I manually took it apart myself (20 minutes), cleaned it, and it no longer opens the back window itself, but the locks no longer unlock, and with a remote button and one on the dash, who needs the other one. Hope this helps.

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

Review Date: 27th March, 2008

1997 GMC Jimmy V6 4.3L from North America

Summary:

This car is fairly reliable, but it's annoyingly high maintenance

Faults:

Transmission bands slipping 27,000 miles.

Ignition module failed 33,000 miles.

Water Pump failed 45,000 miles.

Ball Joints toast after 80,000 miles.

Wiper module failed 85,000 miles.

Ball Joints toast again after 120,000 miles and entire front suspension needs to be replaced immediately 121,000 miles.

Possibly intake manifold replacement. Different opinions from mechanics so far.

General Comments:

This car has cost me a lot of money in repairs relative to the price I paid for it -- $11,000. Yet I have some sort of attachment to it.

It's never broken down on the road, but I've had to replace the battery and alternator a few times as is the case with most cars. I generally know when somethings wrong with this vehicle before it gives me real problems.

It constantly needs brake replacements, and suspension service or replacements. The electrical system is pretty crappy. All the speakers never seem to work at the same time, the overhead light flickers when going over bumps.

The most annoying problem is that every few weeks for about 3-5 days, my key won't come out of the ignition after turning off the engine. Sometimes I have to wait up to 15 minutes.

The interior needs to be pampered or it's destroyed easily.

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

Review Date: 19th November, 2007