Used 1996 GMC Jimmy Consumer Reviews
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I love my "Jimmy"!
frebeckil, 03/05/2009
1996 GMC Jimmy SLS 2dr SUV 4WD
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have 187,000+ miles on this Jimmy and now I am starting a few problem...ball joint, booster and I let the brakes go so now have to replace rotors. It has been one of the very best vehicles I've owned and it looks so nice, too. I love the small SUV feel, not boaty big. I have to face the fact that I will have to soon part with it and don't know what will be as good for that many miles. Absolutely no major problems and the motor still carries a strong oil pressure.
Very Happy With My Jimmy SUV
anthony, 04/01/2008
1996 GMC Jimmy SL 4dr SUV 4WD
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I had to replace my lifters on my Jimmy after 7 years. And the check engine light always comes on, but they never find anything wrong with my SUV. Other then that, great American SUV. Would buy another one, very happy with my GMC Jimmy
1996 GMC Jimmy for sale near you
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Buy Toyota
APL, 05/14/2003
1996 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car from a GMC dealer with extended warranty. the dealer sucked. They refused to change any parts. So I took the vehicle to a private garage. Within the first year I had to have the ABS brake sytem replaced, the fuel gauge replaced then the ball joints started to go. At 114000 miles I had to have the intake gasket replaced, the mechanic said he's never seen a gasket deteriate like this before. I used to buy toyota's and I decided to try GMC my next SUV will be a toyota again.
13 years and still going strong!
brett favre fan4, 07/22/2009
1996 GMC Jimmy SLS 4dr SUV 4WD
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
I purchased the car in 1997 as a gift for my wife. in 1999, I ended up with the car. I ruined it. I crashed it seven times, over used the heat until it broke, my son accidently threw a basketball at the side view mirror and busted it so I glued, taped, and tied the mirror back on, a car purposly knocked off and stole the other side view mirror while i went shopping one day, and the trunk couldnt shut anymore. but "hey", it still runs like a beauty and gets me where I want to go. Got to love the Jimmy.
1996 GMC JIMMY SL
RossMac, 11/01/2004
1996 GMC Jimmy SL 4dr SUV
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Its milage is as good as you can expect for a mid-sized SUV. The acceleration is surprisingly good. Overall reliability has been good, mainly the normal maintainance (oil, brakes, flush radiator, etc). We developed problems with the windshield wipers after 100000 miles. We have had some problems with radiator system leaks. The "Check Engine" light comes on when you need to change your oil (sometimes before). There's room for 6 people, as long as they don't mind getting cozy, but 2 child car seats will prevent a 3rd person from fitting into the back. Comfort is above average for bench seats. Plenty of leg room in front. Enough in back for average adult.
Amazing
car maniac, 03/02/2008
1996 GMC Jimmy SL 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
More power and better gas mileage. Loved it since I bought it. Found nothing wrong with it. Me and my friends love the comfort of the interior.
My Green Jimmy
RHB3124, 01/08/2010
1996 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought my Jimmy used with 96,000 miles on it. Now have 196000 on it and while I have had to replace maintenance items, overall it been dependable. A little noisy in the front end, probably needs carrier bearings. Ball joints and shocks & wheel bearings have been replaced. Otherwise plenty of power for what I do. Have had to replace water pump, (radiator(plastic broke)) (AC cooling coil(Struck)) fuel pump and driver side door hinge. 4 wheel drive works as long as I engage and disengage it in the driveway in the summer to keep it freed up. Not much rust for as old as this truck is getting. I would buy another just like it. Hope GMC will downsize one of their SUV's someday so I can buy one
Don't buy it!!!
kempc, 07/03/2002
1996 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought an SLT from my mother at what I thought was a steal of a price. She was the only owner and believes in keeping a car well maintained. I got the car just below trade in value. Within 2 months of ownership, I replaced the transmission (60k miles) and the AC compressor. Not long after, I replaced the water pump, the alternator, and the battery twice. I am now considering buying a Car with 171,000 miles to replace it. The car is unreliable.
Be afraid. Be very afraid.
jcscratch, 09/10/2003
1996 GMC Jimmy SLS 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have the distinction of owning the worst vehicle ever built. Bought this lemon used with 60,000 miles on it. In two years and 65,000 miles, I have replaced the ball joints three times, the tires twice, rebuilt the starter, replaced the transmission, alternator, radio, and water pump. But, hey, the muffler's still good! And all those cheap plastic fittings holding the interior together are shot. I have about fifty individual rattles inside. Depreciation keeps me from selling or trading this in. I am die-hard "Buy American made", but those fools in Detroit are going to force me to buy foreign.
The SUV that can live up to my standards
The4DrMonster, 07/30/2005
1996 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this SUV when I was 17 because I wanted a reliable vehicle. It turns out i made a good decision. It has stood up to the unusual abuse of me driving it. I have taken it offroad and abused it got it buried in mud and had to be pulled out. The only parts that have broken have been caused from my abuse which was a transaxle boot and a bent ABS sensor. I have driven 33,000 miles with my foot to the floor and have experienced only routine tune ups. If it can handle me, it is extremley reliable.
Very used.
Cole, 04/09/2016
1996 GMC Jimmy 4dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
First let me say i got this car for free as a gift and it was very used. I got it with over 230,000 miles and now it has over 250,000 miles and i drive it hard more often than i should. I had to replace the radiator and hoses, something with my fuses is bad so my interior light is on( so i pulled the fuse and it is connected to my horn and rear glass lock) my transmission is going out and brakes are sad. Overall not bad for so many miles but brakes could have been better. Gas mileage is also poor. The car has better acceleration than I thought it would very slow at top end.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great Everyday SUV
Chadthehammer, 04/03/2010
1996 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I'm 20 years old and I Have worked construction throwing a wheel barrel in the back just putting the seats down, storing my fishing poles beside my tools, helped plenty of friends move a few things like small dressers and televisions, Camping is fun especially when dealing with the muddy and dirt roads just putting it in 4WD. and now being a Sales man I use it to transport packages and when I'm running a little late I like the option of just driving up onto a sidewalk or off road or squeezing between some small areas to maneuver around heavy congestion and traffic. I love it and the few repairs to the bushings, tires, and some electronics were worth it.
Thanks GM
T.J.L., 11/09/2015
updated 05/16/2016
1996 GMC Jimmy SL 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Thank You GM, I just wanted to take the time to express my thanks to you for making my selection to purchase another vehicle so simple. Being a loyal GM customer starting with a purchase of a new 1963 Chevrolet Impala from "Z-Frank Chevrolet" (Petersen Ave Chicago, Illinois) and continuing to buy G.M. vehicles throughout the years (3 in this household-1996 Jimmy 4x4, 1999 S10, 2001 GMC Sierra) and working in the automotive field over 30years. As an "engine-power train" mechanic in the Military (1968-70) inc. Viet Nam working on tanks & APC's w/GMC 6v & 8v diesels, and continuing in the civilian world as a auto mechanic for 20 years, it has given me the knowledge and understanding to evaluate and surmise a variety of automotive problems. Moving into the automotive insurance industry as a field appraiser/adjustor I frequently have to determine the causes of auto-accidents, be it a result of a driver's judgment or in some cases mechanical failures. My experience in the past with GM has been satisfactory in the majority of instances which required intervention with local dealerships and representatives of whatever division represented, however, you have now enlightened me to refocus my outlook and to "LOOK AGAIN" (I'm sure you heard that phrase?). In Re: your case # 1-138599825 I was one of the lucky people to purchase a 1996 Jimmy 4x4 "SLT" for my wife. It came complete with all options including all the wonderful "shared" mechanical failures of the many other 1996 Jimmy & Blazer owners. One of the best unadvertised features incorporated is the "Russian Roulette Brake System" (more fun than a tornado) It will sure make your adrenalin glands work to their maximum capabilities, although our laundry bill has risen! Wooo!..,what a rush! I just love to play the included free game "Will it or Won't it Stop in Time-ver 2.0". At 59 yrs. old I've had a full life anyway. As of today with 39,430 actual miles I have been blessed with the privilege of requiring my 3rd brake power booster. I sure like that, it makes it easy to remember the number 3, like also the 3rd alternator. Shucks, if I'm lucky, they will both catch up to the 4 batteries! To bad, the driver power window regulator motor is only the 2nd , oh well "Sh~~ Happens ! ". We where extremely privileged to repair the front brake failure @17,000 miles or so (wow, we were lucky. We usually have to wait for at least 30,000 miles or so.) and I only had to pay a percentage (hmm..,?`~@##*-) Hats off to that "great engineering design" in the elite manufacturing process. I am excited and really looking forward to the seeing the transmission dissected which will be in the future for sure, I can hardly wait. Little did I know after I tried to pull out the trans dipstick @13,000 miles, lo and behold you cute little devils included a hidden bonus of a sexy shade of brown stuff embedded in the tube. I just love all those little extra things you include @ no-charge. Geeze, I didn't hear from you guys about that service bulletin,(one of over 250) that led to fun and games $@ the tranny shop with a old version of "Flush & Fill". I felt a little sad I didn't get to play your new improved game. Living in the desert with the constant temperature over 100 degrees I can hardly wait for the ac compressor to die again. It seems to be lagging, only had to replace it once so far but I'm sure it will see what the other components are doing and will join the game. I know by the oil spots on the driveway we do have some unknown players trying out for a place in my wallet. Wondering if maybe they made the hoses with "natural-breathing" rubber? It's a shame we have never driven it off road or we could have really enjoyed ourselves, with some of the other neat mechanical failures I read about in the hundreds of pages posted on the internet by other "Happy Owner's" of the same year and type vehicles. I guess I can be thankful that you have sparked my curiosity to determine the trick you use to make a "power brake booster" FAIL twice in less than 40,000 miles... not really sure if I will keep the "Jimmy" long enough to figure that one out! Seems I found some replacement vehicles but I'm not sure my wife is ready to give someone else the chance to have all the fun playing the newest modestly priced "$590.00" OEM Full featured GMC game "Kill-her now? Will it or Won't it Stop in Time.., ver 3.0" or also available @ a local repair facility the Lite version "Maybe it Will, Maybe it Won't" after-market @ a slightly lower cost. Again, I want to personally THANK YOU and congratulate your company for not standing up to your product. Most of all, thanks for providing me with a whole new outlook to "LOOK AGAIN" P.S. please let me know if you decide to make the "Corvair" again. I sure would like one. T.J.L. aka "jimmy-deep-pockets" Finally lost "Kill-her now? Will it or Won't it"
- Performance
JOMA Loves His Jimmy
JOMA, 07/09/2002
1996 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Since I bought the Jimmy, I have had nothing but good luck with it. Other than normal maintenance which I do every 3000 miles and new tires and brakes twice since I have owned it, I have had no major mechanical problems.
Fantastic Car
Kfdllw, 11/02/2002
1996 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle used. I have been nothing but happy with it for over a year now. The V-6 Vortec is, in my opinion, one of the best. This is a fantastic vehicle. I have 3 kids...with football cleats, etc. it holds up great.
1996 GMC Jimmy SLS
Willow Valley, 10/12/2002
1996 GMC Jimmy SLS 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Jimmy used.The only thing that went wrong with it was the VCM Module,it was giving me false readings like service engine soon lite would come on.I bought it with 84000 miles and paid 8999.this vehicle is in mint condition.
Good SUV
firex, 01/13/2003
1996 GMC Jimmy SLS 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my Jimmy for 5 years and bought it used. Overall it is a very dependable vehicle. A downfall of the Jimmy is that the spare fullsize tire is mounted inside the rear cargo area. I have had to remove the tre to make room for hauling some bigger items.
1996Jimmy
whitedove, 03/03/2002
1996 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Jimmy is Red, nice condition. It aversages around 22mpg, all maintaince up to date,goog tires
Stay away, Stay away
Lisa22, 07/25/2003
1996 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought new and the doors were too short for the frame. Two days after purchase the transmission went out. The dealership would not take the car back. Since then, all mechanical parts have been replaced at least once. Service engine light is always on. Therefore, it lets you know the engine is running.
Sad to see it grow old
mikeametz, 08/03/2003
1996 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Jimmy tows an aluminum boat with precision. Lately, however, I have had to fix engine parts too frequently.
My Black Beauty
John the Climber Guy, 12/30/2003
1996 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought it to celebrate a promotion. It has let me down once when the front right wheel literally fell off. The bearings exploded. Luckily I was not going fast. It has been fun and after all these years I am going to sell it. I would buy it again if still in production. Alas GMC created the Ewnvoy. I cannot justify the increase of 14K for the same vehicle revamped. I have been lucky but thats the way it is. Someone has to from time to time. I am looking at a 1 year old SUV from Nissan or brand new Mitsubishi. They both seem good value and hopefully will live up to my Jimmy. I will miss her.
The Jimmy
tiffany sanburg, 10/08/2005
1996 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We were not very pleased with this vehicle. It was not reliable at all and we had to do a lot of repairs at very inconvenient times, like the side of the road. We felt it was a poorly made SUV.
My Jimmy
Sheilah99, 01/09/2004
1996 GMC Jimmy SLS 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Jimmy has been a great SUV to date. I have used the roomy storage for both work and play (moved several times, outdoor activities, etc). The seats fold down easily to provide flat loading area. Although the 2DR can be an obsticle to some, I still prefer it over smaller 4dr SUVs like a Jeep-- much more leg room in back! AC, brakes, and 4WD have been problamatic at times. Spare tire on rear has increased cost of rear-end accidents and burdensome over time. Interior and comfort features have maintained well over time.
GMC's stink
DB from PA, 10/21/2005
1996 GMC Jimmy SLS 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Many electrical problems with this since purchase, wipers, lights, radio, mirrors, interior light/door switch, etc. Got them fixed. Weak driver's side door hinge, O2 sensors go bad frequently, never received letter about ball joint recall and paid out of pocket instead. AC has had problems, fan switch....must I go on? Buy a Toyota, Nissan or Isuzu instead and save yourself some headaches. GMC needs to go back to the drawing board on this one.
I Love My Jimmy!!
Britt, 02/06/2006
1996 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Jimmy. When I get enough money I want to get an SUV just like it. Maybe a newer Jimmy with not as many miles. I love the ride and the comfort. It doesn't feel big, bulky, or boxy like an Explorer.
Jimmy
Alex Valentine, 03/15/2004
1996 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been excellent, 126000 miles and never one problem.
American Junk
Nate6376, 08/19/2004
1996 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Buyer beware!!! Just another piece of American junk. I bought this truck used in March of 2003 and within the first year I had to replace the radiator, alternator, and catalytic converter. Truck has an oil leak that is too expensive to fix and the engine developed a knock within 10,000 miles. I look forward to my next purchase of a Toyota.
Built to last
carol griffin, 01/27/2005
1996 GMC Jimmy SL 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This SUV is truly a good automobile. I've driven on large rocks and many unleveled consruction sites and I haven't gotten stuck. With all the room in the rear, and the fold down seat, I've even traveled a few times very comfortably. My SUV has been hit in the rear without damage. That's when i realized that this SUV was built to last and is durable.
Mileage
kyle kastanek, 11/22/2006
1996 GMC Jimmy SLS 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I think this is a great SUV for a sixteen year old to drive. It gets around a 20 miles a gallon and with gas prices your kids will not be asking you for gas money. They are a fun truck to drive.
Great buy
Ron Cairns , 03/14/2007
1996 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought at under 100 G miles, now have 165G miles. Driven across Canada and to Florida. I maintain it well and other that the normal repairs I am pleased with this GMC. Yes ball joints and oil cooler lines have been changed. Keep an eye on rear wheel bearings. Grease those ball joints and when you replace use "MOOG". Most problems are bad mechanics, and no service. Over the years I have owned a lot of cars and trucks. This Jimmy is certainly one of my fav's
One of GM's best values
Lightfoot47, 12/17/2002
1996 GMC Jimmy SLS 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned four (4) GMC S-15 Jimmys dating from 1988 to 1996. I drive 96 miles round trip daily and have only had very minor problems. I have back and leg problems but can ride comfortably.
Best Vehicle I ever owned
Kim, 11/23/2021
1996 GMC Jimmy SLS 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought him in January 2001 and plan on keeping him until I die. I used to have a Jeep Wagoneer and lived off road but Jimmy did so much better off road and in mud and snow, he even swims. Most of his life has been off road and crossing rivers and creeks and exploring. He is my best friend and always takes care of me and I take good care of him too. He has now over 230 thousand and running strong. I do use a fuel additive every other fill because in about 2015 he started losing power, but it did the trick and he runs great.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
You are wasting your time!
lifeiscars, 12/31/2004
1996 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought the car as my first car. It has been a reliable car but when you put it in the shop you find out things that are wrong. I've replaced the radiator, I've replaced almost everything. Now at 120000 I have to replace oil hoses, brake lines, front suspension pieces, ball joints and so much other things.