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

1st Jul 2022, 23:08

Lubricant and maintenance of the brake calipers would have helped your brake issues.

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.

1996 GMC Jimmy SLE Vortec V6 from North America

Summary:

It's a good dependable work truck

Faults:

Mostly minor things.

Rear wiper motor failed.

Front window regulators fell off track. $500 each at dealership to repair, not replace.

Heater core and radiator just last year.

Plugs, wires, shocks, brakes, general tune up stuff.

General Comments:

The Jimmy is one tough truck. I use it to its max limit, and have nothing but confidence in its ability to handle the job.

But sitting in the passenger seat is unbearable for more than a few minutes. Very uncomfortable.

The paint is still like new though.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd March, 2010

1996 GMC Jimmy SLT 4.3 liter Vortec from North America

Summary:

Great first car

Faults:

I recently bought my first car. A 1996 GMC Jimmy SLT 4x4. I have had to replace a ball joint, a belt pulley, and that's about it. It has 131,000 miles on it.

The brakes are weird, the windshield wipers work when they want, and a few other things. I recently found out they are all recalls, and they weren't fixed when they came out, so my local GM dealer is fixing them for free.

General Comments:

Very nice first car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th January, 2010

1996 GMC Jimmy SLT 4.3 from North America

Summary:

The best for the money

Faults:

I had to charge the air, cost $21.

Flushed the tranny, cost $39.

Power mirror fuse blew, cost $0.30.

General Comments:

I bought this SUV because I'm sick and tired of paying out the nose for import parts (oh yes, you need them for imports also), in fact the Honda this Jimmy is replacing is STILL sitting in my driveway with bad bearings, seized air compressor, some freaky electrical problem that causes it to just STOP running AS YOU'RE DRIVING IT (pile of import junk if you ask me).

Now don't get me wrong, all these things can and should be fixed on the Honda, but why? The Jimmy is by far cheaper to maintain, looks better, drives better, any part I might need doesn't need a trip to the bank to dip into my saving account, and anybody that doesn't own their own creeper and grease gun shouldn't own a car in the first place. So you all go out and get your Honda SUV, and WHEN they puke on you and you can't afford what Honda thinks their parts are worth, just line it up behind my Honda, but hurry, my brother just towed his Civic over and I'm running out of room for the "more money than brains cars"

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th June, 2009

8th Jun 2009, 20:04

Very true about the "imports". Many Honda, Toyota, and Mazda vehicles are now manufactured at plants in the US, Mexico, and Canada. They are not necessarily any more reliable than a domestic car, yet the parts cost more and they are more difficult to repair (the parts and labor costs are through the ROOF! ask any mechanic). For some reason it seems everyone thinks these Japanese cars are more reliable but I beg to differ. Maybe they were back in the day when they were still actually BUILT in Japan.

Oh yeah, my sister just bought a Mazda3 brand new and I found out the engine in it is actually designed by FORD! She might as well have bought a Ford and slapped a Mazda sticker on it, woulda been a lot cheaper.. Anyway good luck with your Jimmy!