Used 1997 GMC Jimmy SUV Consumer Reviews
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Excellent truck
matt, 03/04/2006
1997 GMC Jimmy SLS Sport 4dr SUV 4WD
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I like GM vehicles and have owned my Jimmy since new. I think it works very well up here in our Canadian winters. I have had to do some repairs to major components but very vehicle out there needs maintance and repairs. My guess is that the trucks that people are having trouble with was likely from people not having the proper maintance preformed. Overall I love my Jimmy. It's comfortable, great in snow, handles and brakes well. The a/c and all the options work just as they should. Fuel milage is fair, but if I was really looking for mileage I would drive a Chevy Cavailer. When I go to replace my Jimmy I will buy another GM SUV without a doubt.
The Jimmy that could...
HellHound, 12/31/2005
1997 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
As a former GMC mechanic turned US Marine, I know these trucks better then most. Being stationed in N.C. it see's all types of miles and weather. It has yet to fail me. I read most of these complaints and all I see is poor owner maintence. The only major problem I ever had with the truck is I spun a main bearing while pulling a much larger F-250 out of 1ft. of mud. But my little GMC did it with out hesitation. $400 in parts, no biggie! The power these trucks create and off- road abbility is mached by very few in there class. The engine is relible, strong,and decent on gas. I have 6 friends with the same truck who have never had a problem. Take care of this truck and it won't let you down.
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hobbie2k, 03/15/2012
1997 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV 4WD
8 of 11 people found this review helpful
I bought my Jimmy from a friend on deployment largely because of a good price, low miles, and because it's an improvement over the $500 car I was driving, but it hasn't turned out to be as much of an improvement as I had hoped. The Jimmy is just another typical 90s American SUV. That means poor fuel economy, uncomfortable ride, poor build quality, cheap interiors, questionable reliability, and lackluster performance. In two months I've had to replace the intake manifold gaskets (common problem), lower ball joints (common problem), front and rear wiper motors (common problem), power steering lines (common problem), and now I think a U-joint is failing. It seems all the problems are common.
Greatest First Car
Jrod08, 07/07/2008
1997 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have had this vehicle over a year now. It has really grown on me. I originally wanted a 1998 or newer Blazer, but I got my Jimmy instead. The 4.3 liter engine is outstanding. Every time someone sees my SUV they say that the engine in it is really good. GM designed the V6 really well. I get 20 miles per gallon city driving and around 23 highway. I am highly satisfied with that. I've always wanted the interior that the 1998 and up Jimmies have, but it is satisfactory. Never had any major mechanical or electrical problem. I have only replaced the front ball joints on the suspension arms and replaced the ignition wires in the steering column.
Not too bad
Dustin, 01/23/2006
1997 GMC Jimmy SLS Sport 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Since owning my Jimmy I have found it a really decent car. There have been a few things that have gone wrong with it, but not major things. When it is cold outside the drivers door buzzer won't go off until the car is heated up. Cost for fixing this problem is too much for me. My Service Engine soon light goes on all too often, and after being checked out, there is nothing wrong. My overhead outside thermometer stopped working, and is apparently expensive to fix, Overall, it is not such a bad car and I am satisfied with it.
GMC Jimmy '97
FarmerD, 03/31/2006
1997 GMC Jimmy SL 2dr SUV 4WD
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
The only major problems I have experienced with the Jimmy has been electrical - had to replace ignition switch which caused "CHECK ENGINE" light to stay on and the transmission to shift erratic. I also had an over heating problem that required me to replace the Radiator pluseI had a minor transmission leak where the shift lever enters the transmission body.
97 GMC Jimmy
steve-o, 07/23/2002
1997 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I drive 100+ miles daily. No major problems, have 120k now. Get 22 mpg with AC always on
Drive Train Woes
Tim Powers, 07/25/2002
1997 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
All front 4x4 components replaced prior to 36,000 miles due to loud roar from differential & axles (thankfully under factory warranty). Test drove an identical Jimmy that had the same front 4x4 problems (yet GMC states that it is not a widespread problem with the model). Alternator replaced at 55,000. Transmission rebuilt at 63,000 - 7 electronic components and 3 major gear components failed (I do no heavy towing). 4x4 switch failed prior to 40,000. Impossible to keep front end aligned which results in expensive reallignments and premature tire wear.
suck
azuka, 07/23/2004
1997 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
we bought this car 1997 gmc jimmy in 2001, after a year having it the wiper motor broke down. we received the recall letter after we had it fixed. afterward, passenger door bolts broke down, then something about the break system, then fuel pump broke down followed with electricity that make the car starts. the car is only 7 years old and it all had the symptoms of a 15 year old car or worst. would never buy anymore gmc. it sucks, terrible, terrible car.
Worst Vehicle I have ever owned!
ryanv97, 06/18/2005
1997 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
I don't know where to start complaining about this worthless piece of garbage! Rear wiper only worked for a short period of time before burning out, door hinges squeak even after lubricating. Transmission has gone once and have had it back twice for more repairs and is leaking yet again! Will not pass emissions test even though I have dumped tons of money into it. Brakes stink and it stinks even worse in the snow. Very poor handling. Water leaks into this thing and my feet are constantly soaked. Sound system works sometimes, but not always. My brother has major problems with his too, from the transmission going to everything else I have described. I wish I had my Dodge back!!!!!
My Jimmy Stinks!
Tami Bohman, 04/22/2002
1997 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have multiple problems with the dex- cool coolant. It turns into clay and ruins the radiator. We have to have it flushed every 3-6 months. We've had 2 major transmission problems. The windshield wipers work only when they feel like it! It sounds like the back window is open at all times. Something is wrong with it every 2-3 months! Do not buy
Can't Really Complain
firephool, 10/03/2008
1997 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Well, my parents bought it new to economize from the Suburban. I took it over my 3rd yr. of college because dad ruined the transmission in my 1993 Dodge Dakota. what can I say 189,000 mi or so and I've replaced everything on the vehicle once. But she survived very cruel treatment between my first few driving lessons, teen-driving, and off roading for volunteer fire calls. Money's-worth yes, but not anymore sunk too much into it this last time.
Amazing
Female Driver, 05/14/2009
1997 GMC Jimmy SL 2dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I can't really complain about this car. I have had issues, but they were the fault of the previous owner (tire went flat, battery wont hold charge). The car itself is amazing. Being a girl, and a little on the small side, this car is nice. It gives me power in the snow and gets me where I need to go, yet isn't so big to the point where I'm scared to drive it. Overall I'd say this car is nice, very nice.
Good Experience
joe, 10/04/2010
1997 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I liked driving my Jimmy. Great for a low cost SUV. Fuel pump quit reporting fuel levels around 90k miles, and had to replace CV joint around 95k. Unfortunately, to replace the fuel pump, you have to replace the gas tank. Stupid. So I just kept track of mileage between fill-ups. Exterior plastic parts faded. Otherwise, no problems.
Must have gotten the good one
aarebe, 11/15/2003
1997 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
have had my Jimmy since 1996, Only problem was shim in the steeering coluum, fixed twice by dealer at no cost, everything runs great, But the mileage is lousy 16 in the city, the ive gotten on the Hwy is 21. Probably would not buy another one, but am retiring this february so ill keep it till it falls apart
IT'S A DUD
Yvonda, 12/11/2003
1997 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
THIS VEHICLE, ALTHOUGH USED, SHOULD HAVE BEEN EASILY TAKEN THRU TO 2005 WITH NO MAJOR PROBLEMS; I'VE HAD THREE RECALL NOTICES ABOUT CERTAIN PARTS OF THE VEHICLE AND IT'S BEEN A MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT; I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A SUPPORTER OF GM VEHICLES, BUT THIS HAS REALLY SOURED ME ON GM PRODUCTS; I DON'T THINK I'LL EVER PURCHASE ANOTHER GM VEHICLE AGAIN; THE DEALERSHIP WAS ALSO A DISAPPOINTMENT AND TREATED ME WITH DISRESPECT.
Professional Engineering My Foot
tcrock, 12/22/2003
1997 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Absolutely the worst car I have ever owned. I have replaced transmisson, brake booster,altenator,master cylinder,A/C compressor,rear sway bar parts,front sway bar parts,radio,several plastic parts, rear main seal, still doesn't stop well brakes very mushie. Just a poorly built car most unreliable for the mileage driven. Envoy can't be much better. Would never buy another GMC SUV.
It's been good for me...
dg2273, 02/15/2004
1997 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this Jimmy over 4 years - bought used at 35K miles now up to 117K. I have had absolutely no problems with it other than normal maintenance. It has been extremely reliable for me, so I was surprised to read other reviews that were so negative. I do agree that the brakes tend to be "mushy" but it was easy to get used to and drives fine.
Piece of Tin
Beberday, 01/02/2005
1997 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
While I enjoy sitting higher in a vehicle and having 4 wheel drive capability, this vehicle has been a disappointment. From riding like a lumber wagon, getting 17 mpg, road noise, no tire traction whatsoever (read: white knuckling it on ice/snow and I'm from Minnesota and know how to drive) to the fuel gauge/thermomemter/CD player, etc., crapping out, I wouldn't buy a GMC again.
Jimmy Slt 97
LeahJay, 03/05/2002
1997 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car we love it. Just bought new tires. Serviced regularly. Fully loaded, gorgeous body, charcoal interior. Third baby on the way forces sale.
Offroading Monster
schwiggy55, 06/24/2007
1997 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This Jimmy took every beating i threw at it and it still runs like a champ. It handles great in the mountain and good enough on the snow. The only problem is the gas milage. But this is one of the most reliable cars ive ever had.
My 97 GMC Jimmy P.O.S.
mr_mugs, 06/07/2003
1997 GMC Jimmy SLS Sport 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Rusty Coolant, Tranny Dipstick is rusted, Pulse Port Sensor for wipers went, Oil Pan and Front Differencial Gaskets leaking, Front Body Mounts loose, Front 4x4 Making a ugly noise first thing in the morn, Faulty and misleading gar guage. Just an all around HUNK OF JUNK!!!
Gmc jimmy 4x4 slt
Penney, 09/08/2020
1997 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought mine for 650...put slot of money into it I'm hitting almost 300,000 and she still has no cancer or rust ..and can climb like ..no other good gas mileage.. I had her appraised at $7,500..
troubles with Jimmy
William C.Messer, 05/13/2002
1997 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
replace ignition switch at 27,000 replace transmission at 32,000 abs pump failure at 34,000 4wd failure at 53,000 no help frm GMC
What did I do? Oh, I bought a Jimmy!
Darrell, 05/05/2010
1997 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my Jimmy from a friend. As soon as I bought it I had to take it to Florida (about 800 miles one way). I noticed after it got to operating temperature, when the trans would shift it shifted hard. Checked the trans fluid at a rest stop and had to add. After adding the correct amount of fluid it shifted harder in every gear. Then I noticed the big trans leak. After it leaked down enough it shifted fine but dipstick dry. Electrical problems of many kinds. I had to take my critically ill wife to a specialty hospital and it broke down to and from the hospital with her in pain and me at night beside of the road trying to get her home. 2 days 200 miles. Still gives elec problems today any type strange
GMC Jimmy 1997 is a lemon
thomasr7, 08/02/2002
1997 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
All ball joints had to be replaced at 40,000 miles , the traxaxle (I believe that is what it was-used price $1000.00 for this part at 40,000 miles).abs brake sensor, harness and gasket for automatic transmission; rusty coolant replace-replaced radiator, transmission dispstick and tube faulty caused rust in transmission, engine oil cooler lines leaking and replaced oil cooler hose from filter to radiator. Now transmission has slipping torque converter and needs rebuilt-$1600 and leaking to just about every where on the front end along with rear diff seal, transmission lines, pinion seal, power steering lines, left axel, coolant lines, and a bad belt tensioner.
Death At 47,000 Miles!
TwoPutt, 08/17/2002
1997 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
The list of problems include quirky windshield wipers, faulty gas tank guage, ball joints, air conditioning broke, water pump leaked, and contamination of engine coolant. The biggest problem, which eventually caused us to get rid of it, was the coolant turning rusty mud and over heating every couple of weeks. Although the dealer tried to help out with many of the problems by having GMC pay for the parts, we were left paying for the labor. We were also left without the vehicle on many occasions. The other complaint I have is the turning radius is very poor.
Dont Buy a GMC Jimmy
srussellshome, 09/22/2003
1997 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have owned this Jimmy since 99.It has been nothing but trouble.We took it to OH at Thanksgiving just couple weeks Before we could get there the RPM's stuck uplike between 3wouldnt come down,then the check engine light came on.This past July check engine came on for like th 8th time. This time I was told it needed a new valve body for the transmission. This was done 2 weeks after that light came on again, this time was the eye that controls the flow of air thru engine. It has came on 2 more times since and the car dealership has had my Jimmy for over a week. They cant figure out what is wrong with itthis time.
American Failure
jacamire, 01/19/2004
1997 GMC Jimmy SLS Sport 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Extremely unreliable; Listed below are the problems I have had with this car over the 7 years I have owned it since it was new 1. power window failure 2. Fuel pump failure 3. Indexing motor failure 4. alternator failure @ 100000 miles 5. Throttle bushing failure 6. Cracked water pump casing 7. gasket failures 8. two recalls necessary
Junk
jp1, 12/07/2006
1997 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is by far the worst car I have ever had. When it starts, and you never know if it will, it sounds like a flock of birds going down the road. It makes weird noises in the dashboard, along with popping noises from the windshield. On wet pavement or snow and ice it is completely unmaneuverable and unsafe. Brakes are undersized and inefficient for the vehicle. It is terrible for wasting gas. I had a '78 Oldsmobile 88 that got better mileage. The door locks freeze up completely at 29 degrees F. Oil cooler hoses can go without warning, frying the engine within a matter of minutes. The CD player and sunroof work, so you can listen to music while the snow comes falling in. I'd rather walk.