2000 GMC Jimmy SLS review from North America
"Excellent value true off-roading and tow-capable SUV!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Had front 'clunk' fixed in accordance with tech bulletin on it.
Front right wheel-bearing at 130K
Routine brake job at 146k
Replaced ball-joint and tie-rod at 154k
Water sometimes leaks into passenger floor when AC is on for an extended period in very hot weather (not a big deal in Canada!). There is a tech bulletin on this I have not implemented yet.
Rear defrost cable detached from windshield (easy re-solder fix I did myself)
General comments?
Considering this SUV was purchased very cheap as a 6 year old used car with 112k km (66k miles) and now has 174k km (110k miles), I have been extremely and pleasantly surprised with its reliability.
I have towed a 3000lb travel trailer each summer (06, 07, 08) for a total of over 11k km (7k miles). It tows excellent. No need for fancy sway controls or weight balancing hitches.
On flat roads staying under 95km/hour I can get mileage of 14L/100km hwy towing a 3000lb trailer (seriously)!
It handles well in snow in 4x4. It off-roads well (yes, I actually off-road for fun).
Fuel mileage is acceptable provided you drive it well: 10L/100km hwy, 15L/100km city, 13L/100km mix. Drive like a NASCAR driver and you'll get 15L/100km combined!
Parts are very inexpensive and always easy to find.
Squeaks and rattles a bit more than some would like, doesn't bother me. Considering how I off-road it, I'm sure other foreign SUVs would squeak/rattle here and there too after I was done with them :-)
If I add up everything I spent on this car in 2.5 years including purchase price + tires, + maintenance etc. (but not gas as that cancels out) it still comes up LESS than just purchase price alone of a comparable 2000 Toyota Forerunner or Nissan Pathfinder would have cost me back in 2006.
The Jimmy has been just as reliable.
Recommended reviews
| High versatility, poor reliability |
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| General Motor Company,for me stands for bad business and low integrity |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 2000 |
| Year of manufacture | 2000 |
| First year of ownership | 2006 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.3L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 112 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 174 kilometres |
| Previous car | Suzuki Aerio |
| Date of Entry | 20th September, 2008 |