1996 GMC Jimmy SLT from North America - Comments

I am reasonably pleased with my 1996 GMC Jimmy SLT that I bought in 1998 when it just came off contract with a mileage of 42000, so I've had this vehicle for 9 years of its 11 to 12 year life.

I am surprised by some of the mileage here, as mine has more than the 167000 miles, so I know I can get more out of it.

I've had a few issues over the years; the A/C stopped working in 2001 when I still lived in Kansas City, but I didn't bother to repair it as I do not need it here in Seattle.

My CD stopped working, but I do not know when and it may need a cleaning - I don't listen to CDs in my Jimmy anyway.

In 1999, some fluid was getting into my drive train, but I had that fixed for about $600 US and replaced the alternator 3 times (the last 2 were free because of warranty).

I had an accident in 2003 from icy road conditions, and I thought it was totalled, but I managed to drove it home after it was towed out of the ditch. Instead of totalling it, the insurance company paid about $12000 to repair all the extensive damage. I still don't believe I was able to get it home in the condition it was in, and I would have rather taken the money and bought another vehicle. After repairs, it was as great as ever.

I replaced the tires on it and the brakes, but I would expect that over the years.

Just recently, my coolant gasket needs replacing, but there is a kit for that.

I keep very good care of this vehicle with its 3000 mile oil changes and lubed joints. Some of the issues that I had were out of my control.

Now if I was asked if I would buy another Jimmy, the answer would be no for 2 reasons, they don't make them anymore and I just want to drive something different, but not a reflection of the vehicle itself.

We own a 1996 Jimmy GMC. We bought the jimmy used in 2005. We have a local and very dependable neighborhood Mechanic who has a business for his self that we take all our vehicle's to. We have taken our jimmy to the shop two time's to have the heater and air-conditioner repaired and our mechanic flushes the system, but can do no more. He say's that there is engine dust in the engine and system and it would cost more than the vehicles worth.

I own a 1996 Jimmy 2Dr 4X4. I bought it new, and it currently has 173K miles on it. I have had several major problems with it: at about 50K miles, I had to replace the heater core... lost a speed sensor at 100K miles... had to replace the radiator at 125K miles (coolant lines broke inside, mixing transmission fluid with radiator fluid), after 150K miles, I've replaced the alternator and water pump, ball joints, and just recently I had to have a 'new' transmission installed.

I've driven this truck hard. Long highway miles at speed, towing a full-size car hauler and car... tons of stop and go traffic (I live in the DC area)...and 10 years' worth of driving in sand at the Outer Banks, NC. Considering how I've driven it, I think it's held up very well.

Sure, stuff has broken. I was especially surprised by the heater core; I've owned 4 GM trucks and this is the first time that's happened to me. Still, I love this truck. Most of the stuff I've had to replace comes with the territory of owning a truck this long. I look at it this way -- if I average the cost of repairs per year and divide by 12, it still comes out cheaper than a car/truck payment for a newer vehicle.

I recently put a K&N FIPK and a JBA exhaust system on the Jimmy, and have a ported throttle body and new (replacement) MFI fuel metering body/injector set coming in the mail. The FIPK and exhaust improved performance significantly, and I can't wait to get those old 'poppet valve' injectors swapped out.

If I WERE in the market for another truck, I'd by GM again.

I have 144,000 km on my 1996 GMC Jimmy SLT. I have had to replace all of the normal wear items like brakes ball joints ect. Also replaced the alternator and fuel injector assm. This truck is one of my favorites. I am installing a supercharger on my truck for a little extra towing power.

The AWD is great on snow and ice. Nice and warm inside the cab even with -45 Deg winters here in Manitoba. I think a lot of the negative comments I have read are from folks who do not do regular maintenance. And expect things to last with out regular normal care.

Not doing bad for my 1996 GM Jimmy. I just hit the 300,000 miles and still running the same Vortec 4.3 litre engine, 4L60E transmission, and rear end.

Don't think it's a super truck; I had my fair share of worn parts from fuel pump, to radiator. But most of all I can say is just to pay attention to the car and replace any worn parts before it breaks and you find yourself getting towed to a GM garage.

I drive a tour bus for a living, and I know if I missed any problem that may put me on a side of the highway. My tow is no less than $400.00 to the closest repair shop for a bus.

Safe travels,and I would buy another GM, even if it's going to have to be a used Jimmy.

I have a 1996 GMC Jimmy with most of the extras. Overall I like the truck. But I am getting some really weird body noise. When I pull out of the driveway, and one wheel goes over the curb before the other, there is a loud metal popping sound underneath. The steering is not loose, and I don't feel the popping noise in the steering wheel. It's in the floor board through my feet. Any ideas???