1998 GMC Jimmy Review
1998 GMC Jimmy Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Sleek styling.
Cons
- Body shake on rough surfaces. Cheap interior parts. Uncomfortable rear seats. Former class-leading V-6 not as strong as much of the competition these days.
What’s new
A revised interior contains dual second-generation airbags, improved climate controls and available premium sound systems. Outside, the front bumper, grille and headlights are new. Side cladding is restyled and SLT models have new alloy wheels. Fresh colors inside and out sum up the changes.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV 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
$251/mo for Jimmy SLT
Jimmy SLT
vs
$196/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
GMC has the unenviable job of marketing the Jimmy as a luxury SUV now that the Pontiac-GMC merger is complete and crazed brand managers think GMC products need to be perceived as upscale from Chevrolet. Essentially identical to the Blazer and Oldsmobile Bravada, with no distinguishing characteristics to set it apart from either of these models, Jimmy marketers have their work cut out for them. Tightly sandwiched between the Blazer and Bravada, there is only one way to convince buyers that the Jimmy is the one to buy: slick advertising.
Despite a minor redesign for 1998, 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. Upgraded versions can be luxuriously equipped, 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-door models increases cargo space. Headroom is immense and 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 there's no room under front seats for feet. 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 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.
All-wheel drive, formerly an option, is no longer available on the Jimmy. Four-wheel antilock braking helps haul the sport-ute to a prompt halt, and all models gain four-wheel discs for 1998. Drivers and passengers face second-generation de-powered airbags. Acceleration is strong from the standard 4300 Vortec V6 engine, and the smooth four-speed automatic suffers little lag when downshifting. A five-speed manual transmission is available on two-door models.
Other news for the new year includes a revised interior with a softer appearance and better ergonomics. Bodyside cladding has been restyled, and the top-of-the-line SLT 4WD is equipped with some God-awful alloy wheels. The back bumper gets a center step cutout to improve access to the cargo area and roof rack. New audio systems debut, and buyers of the SLT 4WD can opt for heated front seats. Something called a Truck Body Computer controls the PassLock theft deterrent system, automatic headlights, battery rundown protection, retained accessory power and lockout prevention features. Exterior mirrors can be ordered with a defrost mode for snowy days and nights.
The hardest duty in Jimmy-shopping is deciding what to include. Suspension choices stretch from smooth to off-road. Expect some bounce and roll from the Luxury Ride suspension, but it's compliant and responds quickly. Sport (SLS), comfort (SLE) and touring (SLT) 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 slightly better value than Oldsmobile's all-wheel-drive Bravada.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 GMC Jimmy.
5 star(30%)
4 star(27%)
3 star(19%)
2 star(24%)
1 star(0%)
37 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Great product
andrew_07, 09/30/2009
1998 GMC Jimmy SLS Sport 4dr SUV 4WD
i bought my 98 Jimmy from my grandfather June 16th of 2008 as I was 19 at the time buying my first vehicle. I am now 21 and I love my 98 Jimmy it has 131,200 miles on it and runs and looks like new. I had to replace the fuel pump and relay and no problems since that fix was routine matinence. I have drivin it harder than most drivers as I am 21 and it is really responsive, has solid … steering feel, has great acceleration and is really comfortable to drive for long periods. I like the ammount of luggage space and it tows 3500 lbs as it has a bumper - mounted hitch if my hitch was a frame - mounted hitch it would tow 5500 lbs. the 4 wheel drive is very powerful and responsive as well
4.38 out of 5 stars
great suv
korey , 02/04/2003
1998 GMC Jimmy SLS Sport 4dr SUV
I have owned two jimmys and have no
serious problems with either. my
previous jimmy had 150,000 miles on it
before being stolen. The jimmy i own
now is great and has had no serious
problems so far. Considering the amount
of jimmys and blazers on the road there
is probably going to be what seems like
a lot of defects. In reality the number
with defects in comparison to … the
amount sold is minimal.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Dependable
James Hobday, 07/02/2009
1998 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
Look, we've had this thing forever. 11 Years later this thing is still on the same break pads. The four-wheel drive broke in Arizona but that's because we used and abused it. This car's interior isn't much to wave a stick at NOW but it was a $44,000 car for the SLT 4WD. This thing will run forever if you take care of it just a little. This is my dad's and he cleaned the carpets, washed … it, change the tires/filters/oil when they were supposed to be changed and it's still going. It even survived my sister ^_^. That's saying something. I love this truck and plan on buying a 2001 Jimmy for college. You just have to take care of the car and it'll run forever.
4.25 out of 5 stars
GMC SLS Jimmy 4x4
Edwin Vazquez Jr, 03/30/2009
1998 GMC Jimmy SLS Sport 4dr SUV 4WD
I purchased this vehicle in NJ and used it for 4 yrs and then moved to Puerto Rico and this vehicle started to give me problems here. The seat level recliner snapped off on both side thats sad but true. The other items i changed on it is the battery, alternator, AC compressor and evaporator, fan belts, brake pads first time after 3 yrs. The ABS light on and Air Bag light drives me crazy … but besides that I cant complain the truck has been very good and will continue to purchase GMC trucks. Edwin
1998 Jimmy Highlights
SLT
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $251/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 37.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 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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