1995 GMC Jimmy SLE review from North America

3 Fuel Pumps

1 EGR

7 sets of brakes

4 sets of front brake rotors

5 batteries

Windshield Wiper Control Chip

4 mufflers

1 catalytic converter

1 control module

6 Tune ups

3 Sets of Plug wires

1 set ball joints

4 sets of tires

Power window motor

1 full size spare stolen because it is too easy and takes less than 60 seconds.

When this car runs, I love it! I must because it originally cost $27,000 new and I have spent at least that much on this vehicle since I purchased it new. The most troubling issue I have is that it now appears that GMC knew or should have known about these well documented problems and their dealerships act like I am the only one that has ever experienced or reported them. I am very alarmed that my wipers had a problem for years and until the problem was fixed by the chip replacement recall, they only offered to repair the motor at a cost of over $700. I am further alarms at the numerous fuel/engine problems that I have consistently reported and now see that many are reporting.

Here is how the fuel problem affects me. The original fuel pump was replaced after I demanded satisfaction in the first year of ownership. I had a little less than a 1/4 tank of fuel and turned right into a roadside gas station. The engine stalled without my knowledge and therefore I lost power to my steering and brakes. I am not sure who was most alarmed at the resulting incident, but I was able to stop the car less than 1 inch from a fuel pump and without running over or into anyone, but only by sheer strength and the grace of God. This same failure had happened several times before when the tank was at 1/4 or below and I made a right turn or had to make a sudden stop or brake hard. This is scary when an immediate action is required to avoid an accident which then leads to the second emergency situation created by the total loss of power. I am on my fourth fuel pump and this one has lasted 4 years and seems to be holding.

The fact that the windshield wipers originally ceased working and would start again without explanation was aggravating and dangerous. Like the fuel pump, I kept going to the dealership and complaining and they only offered to repair it by replacing the motor at my expense-$700. I reported research that indicated the chip problem, but they laughed it off until the recall. No problem since it was replaced, but I was lucky never to have had an accident when they stopped in heavy rain or snow.

The brakes have never worked properly, I have renamed them "anti-stop" brakes rather than to refer to them by the proper nomenclature. I never let anyone else drive my car because when I have, I have provided detailed warnings about the brakes, but it is never enough to fully prepare anyone and they often report back with a story about the close call they had. I just learned how to replace them myself. This was my Christmas present to myself and now that I see how easy it is, I can save myself the annual $500 expense. I can afford to keep new pads on at all times now. It seems to help and I do not have to feel embarrassed about all the noise old ones make as I roll through the neighborhood.

Like every other comment on this site, my Jimmy surges, runs rough at times and generally gets erratic fuel economy, but when you hit the gas, this baby will fly! I love the looks, the ride, the comfort and the durability of the interior. If this car was reliable, GMC would own the market...