1997 GMC Jimmy SLE review from North America

My transfer case was bad when I purchased the Jimmy. I knew this at the time and found a used one for $350.00. My husband installed it in less than an hour.

Replaced the idler arm at 96K.

The Alternator went out at 100,000 miles. I knew it was bound to happen soon since every GM vehicle I've owned has had an alternator go out sometime.

At 101,000 had the windshield wipers fixed under GM recall.

At 104,000 the head gasket began to leak. Luckily, it was on the outside and we noticed the leak right away.

At 107,000 the ignition wiring harness went bad.

Currently, the passenger side front wheel bearing is going bad.

I purchased my 97 Jimmy after owning an 88 S10 Blazer for 3 years. I really did not want to give up my old Blazer, but I really needed a 4 door. Believe me I really miss my old Blazer! When I sold it it had 170K miles on it. I never replaced a major part on it the whole time I owned it.

At first I didn't really like the new Jimmy. I did like the interior better than my old Blazer. My old Blazer handled turns better and went better in 2wd. I also preferred the look of my 88 Blazer over the more rounded style of the 97.

I do like the ride of my Jimmy, although now it may be due for shocks. It has a little more pep than the older 88 I had.

But quite honestly I have driven several other SUVs and I will not own anything, but a GM! I have never had tranmission trouble with any of my GM's or engine failure. Yes, I have replaced a lot of water pumps, alternators, brakes, starters, radiators, etc. but these things are common problems with any used vehicle.

I did not purchase my Jimmy expecting it to never have a problem. From my experience any vehicle I've ever had with between 66K-120K had given me more trouble than the vehicles I owned with over 150K (probably because someone else already replaced parts I am now replacing).

I really love the room and the 60/40 split seats. It goes awesome in the snow! It has great power! Mine also has a power sunroof!

I really don't like the fact that GM is doing away with the Jimmy/Blazer. I guess my next upgrade will be a Trailblazer or a Tahoe.

Ford's and Dodge's have many transmission issues. The Explorer front hubs go bad causing the 4wd not to work, the lifters tick in almost all of them, the transmissions go out, and they feel like they go all over the road. I don't like the power or ride that the foreign SUVs offer. Even though I have replaced far more parts in less time on this Jimmy I will not give it up for anything unless it is an upgrade to another GM!