1997 GMC Jimmy SLE review from North America

In 2002 the front wiper motor would operate erratically and at times not function at all. GM repaired this under a recall notice.

The fuel injectors needed repaired as well under a GM recall notice. I had a engine light come on with a misfire and the fuel injectors caused the problem.

At 55000 miles I replaced the alternator and battery.

Between 2001 and 2006 I replaced the battery 3 times.

I was using AC-Delco maintenance free batteries and found out these batteries are defective due to the internal terminal post separating. I bought a interstate battery and it works fine.

In 2005 the drivers side window motor went out.

It cost $170 US dollars.

In 2006 the motor broke again.

In 2006 the interior passenger side door panel came loose. It has started making a lot of inside cabin noise in the past few months.

I bought this 1997 GMC Jimmy in Nov.2000 and paid $14000 cash. It was under warranty to 36000 miles with other parts such as drive train and emission control devices under warranty to 2005.

It has 2 wheel drive and 4 doors.

I have been pleased with this vehicle. In bad weather such as rain and snow, It has performed flawlessly.

It has a lot of power and good fuel mileage.

I have always used a high quality synthetic motor oil and change it every 3 months.

I perform all of the maintenance myself ensuring it is done correctly. I am not a mechanic by trade, But, if you buy a Chilton auto repair book, It will show you how to perform high quality work for yourself.

I let a GM dealer perform a few things and when I seen that it was performed poorly, They lost my business.

I have never had a problem with Dex cool antifreeze and I flush and replace the coolant every 2 years.

I know GM says every 5 years, But, Think about it. This area of the engine gets very hot and heat destroys engines.

Along with an oil cooler, this has helped keep the engine in new condition.

I have religiously performed all the required maintenance required and this vehicle runs just like it was at 35000 miles.

I also changed the spark plugs and distributor cap at 50,000 miles instead of 100,000 like GM says. I live in the San Joaquin valley of California and it gets really hot out here.

I am getting ready to change the plugs and distributor next month.

My transmission runs very smooth. I flush and change the filter every 2 years and the rear end gear fluid every time I do the transmission.

I use a high quality synthetic as well.

It may cost a little more now for high quality products, But, In the long run I have never been stranded and my Jimmy keeps running like it was new.

I believe that many problems people have reported are due too bad driving habits and the neglect of the machinery.

I was an aircraft engine mechanic for 8 years in the United States Marine Corps and one thing I learned was to operate within the equipment guidelines and always perform the maintenance in a proper and professional manner.