1996 GMC Jimmy Review
1996 GMC Jimmy Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
GMC's popular compact sport-utility gets an optional off-road package called Highrider, as well as an available five-speed transmission. Either of these are available on two-door models only. All Jimmys receive glow-in-the-day headlights and long-life engine coolant. Spark plugs last 100,000 miles. All-wheel drive, which became optional in mid-1995, continues. Conspicuously absent is a passenger airbag.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 GMC Jimmy SL 2dr SUV 4WD and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$243/mo for Jimmy SL
Jimmy SL
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Vehicle overview
Redesigned for 1995 from the ground up, along with its Chevrolet counterpart, this tough compact sport-utility from GM's truck division looks like a Blazer and drives like a tall car. Based on the Sonoma compact pickup, it's a big improvement over the archaic prior version. GMC aimed at boosts in ride quality, rigidity, handling and quietness. Result: an impressively talented machine.
Four-door styling is on the staid side, but two-doors are fastback-profiled with a distinctive side-window treatment. A Jimmy is comfortable, easy to handle, and fun to drive. Upgrade versions can contain plenty of poshness, but each rugged rendition looks and feels tough--a little more truck-like than the similar Blazer. An under-the-floor spare tire on four-doors increases cargo space. Headroom is immense, elbow space excellent. There's room for two in back; maybe three if you enjoy hearing comfort complaints while you drive, but the short seat feels hard and offers very little leg support. Basically, the back seat should be reserved for kiddies.
Though exceptionally sure-footed most of the time, a Jimmy can feel momentarily unstable and top-heavy in a sharp maneuver--but only if you forget what you're driving. On snowy pavement, you almost have to try hard to make a four-wheel-drive Jimmy skid. Whether maintaining traction while accelerating, or trying to recapture grip through a turn, 4WD delivers a strong feeling of confidence. New this year is a stout Highrider package than includes a raised suspension, big fat tires, and wider track. The Highrider is available only on two-door Jimmys.
If you don't care to switch between two- and four-wheel drive, a full-time 4WD Jimmy joined the lineup late last year. Four-wheel antilock braking helps haul the sport-ute to a prompt halt, and drivers face an airbag. A passenger side bag is still not available. Acceleration is strong from the standard 4300 Vortec V6 engine, and the smooth four-speed automatic suffers little lag when downshifting. A manual 'box is newly available only on two-door models.
Daytime running lights debut for 1996, and the V6 gets long-life coolant and spark plugs. A fuel cap tether keeps owners from losing their fuel cap, and the rear seatback latch is quieter and easier to use. Some dashboard graphics have been modified in an effort to make them easier to understand.
The hardest duty in Jimmy-shopping is deciding what to include. Suspension choices stretch from smooth to off-road. Expect some bounce from the Luxury Ride suspension, but it's compliant and responds quickly. Sport, comfort and touring decor packages are available. Then there's the huge option list to contend with. Overdo it, and the toll can zip skyward in a hurry, though this GMC represents better value than Oldsmobile's Bravada.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 GMC Jimmy.
5 star(49%)
4 star(21%)
3 star(18%)
2 star(9%)
1 star(3%)
33 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
I love my "Jimmy"!
frebeckil, 03/05/2009
1996 GMC Jimmy SLS 2dr SUV 4WD
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.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Very Happy With My Jimmy SUV
anthony, 04/01/2008
1996 GMC Jimmy SL 4dr SUV 4WD
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
2.63 out of 5 stars
Buy Toyota
APL, 05/14/2003
1996 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
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.
3.5 out of 5 stars
1996 GMC JIMMY SL
RossMac, 11/01/2004
1996 GMC Jimmy SL 4dr SUV
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.
1996 Jimmy Highlights
SL
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $243/month |
Drivetrain | four wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger1 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalPoor
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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