Skip to main content

Used 1998 GMC Jimmy SUV Consumer Reviews

3.6 out of 5 stars
37 reviews

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

Great product

andrew_07, 09/30/2009
1998 GMC Jimmy SLS Sport 4dr SUV 4WD
10 of 10 people found this review helpful

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

Report Abuse

4.75 out of 5 stars

Dependable

James Hobday, 07/02/2009
1998 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

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.

Report Abuse
1998 GMC Jimmy for sale near you
Showing 3 of 3 listings
See all 3 listings

4.38 out of 5 stars

great suv

korey , 02/04/2003
1998 GMC Jimmy SLS Sport 4dr SUV
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

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.

Report Abuse

4.25 out of 5 stars

GMC SLS Jimmy 4x4

Edwin Vazquez Jr, 03/30/2009
1998 GMC Jimmy SLS Sport 4dr SUV 4WD
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

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

Report Abuse

4.63 out of 5 stars

GMC Jimmy

gmc owner, 01/25/2007
1998 GMC Jimmy SLS Sport 4dr SUV
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Really have liked the car. Have had no problems with it. Regular mainrenance has helped to keep it in good condition.

Report Abuse
4.5 out of 5 stars

Disappoints

Dennis Downey, 11/26/2005
1998 GMC Jimmy SL 2dr SUV
5 of 6 people found this review helpful

I have owned this Jimmy since it was new and have been very satisfied until a month ago when I lost all of my brakes with no indication that I had a problem. Come to find out when the unit was built they intalled the one brake line too close to the steering column and after 7 years it wore a hole in the line and during my last drive using the brakes exhausted all the fluid. I was very lucky that it didn't happen as I had just exited a major freeway and went home. I wrote a memo to GMC as this in my opinion should not have happened. I have not heard one reply from them and an very disappointed in that. So any of you 1998 Jimmy SL owners better check it could happen to you.

Report Abuse
2 out of 5 stars

Very Disappointed

foreverteach, 03/01/2004
1998 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Terrible! Transmission, altenator, wiper motor, power window motor all went out. I am very dissapointed in this vehicle and would not recommend anyone to buy one.

Report Abuse
4 out of 5 stars

My GMC is still strong

Phillip T, 08/25/2007
1998 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Not sure with the others, but with 162,000 miles, our Jimmy has never failed on the road. Great, timeless looks, comfy ride and comfy interior. Very reliable, in its time the Cat-converter was replaced at 150k, fuel pressure regulator at 155k (typical of these motors), and the rear axle seals leaked ruining the parking brake, and rear brake rotors, a 600 dollar repair. And recently the master cylinder was replaced due to a weak brake pedal. But no major failure ever, and still runs very strong. The 4.3L V6 provides great torque. And the 4L60E transmission is smooth, and originally responsive, though a bit sluggish sometimes. I love this little Jimmy, I'll drive it 'til the wheels fall off

Report Abuse
2.38 out of 5 stars

Absolute Horror!

cmmbowl300, 04/12/2007
1998 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

My Jimmy has almost 180,000 miles on it ,but I have replaced just about everything on it, and in fact it is in the shop right now again. I have a new engine at 100,000 miles and new transmission at 80,000, new fuel lines, brakes, wheel bearing, fuel pump, starter, waterpump, front axles, and that not all. I don't have enough words to state what all I have done to this. Fun to drive, I guess that is my best feature on it. Waiting to find out what this next thing is going to cost me as the ABS light is on and I don't think I can take it much longer. Would never ever in my life buy another GM product!

Report Abuse
2 out of 5 stars

The Worst Car I Have Ever owned

JP, 07/31/2005
1998 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV 4WD
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

One month after purchase the front transmission decided to engage at 75 mph on the interstate. That was a $1200 computer chip replacement. 2 weeks later the brakes completely went out with no explanation from the dealer, $650. 7 months later the ingition lock went out, $300. 1 Year after having the front transmission fixed, it broke again and will engage by itself. Currently the rear window wiper motor has gone out, the ABS light is always on, the windshield wipers have a mind of their own and will stop after being on for ten minutes and take a break, or will continue to run after you turn them off. I wish I had more room to continue. This has been the worst car I have ever owned and will be the last GMC.

Report Abuse
2.38 out of 5 stars

Complete Money Pit

spartan268, 03/25/2009
1998 GMC Jimmy SL 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 4 people found this review helpful

My parents bought me this car when I turned 16, they got it for about $3000. Unfortunately, they didnt take the time to make sure everything was in good shape. Over the past 2.5 years Ive replaced: Trans, a/c condenser, cat converter, front hub assmebly, radiator, exhaust, battery (twice), several computer chips, and now my fuel pump just died. I'm pretty sure theres more, but I cant even remember. I'd also expect a small SUV to get a little better mileage. By now, I could have bought 3 of these with the price of repairs - this thing is such a headache and a money pit, I can't wait to get rid of it. This will hands down be the last GM I ever buy.

Report Abuse
4.5 out of 5 stars

Love this SUV

love this suv, 08/22/2008
1998 GMC Jimmy SLS Sport 2dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Only problem was a fuel pump. 250 dollars and that was at 140,000 miles. I replaced the tires only once in all the years i owned it. Still a smooth ride and a reliable one.

Report Abuse
2.25 out of 5 stars

Lots of Trouble

PetCBut, 11/02/2009
1998 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Engine overheated ALOT!. Blew head gaskets, then connecting rod bearings. AC went out last year. Suspension was a nightmare until the dealer re- torqued the whole thing. Fuel pump went and now continually threatens by whining. Blend control valve in heater cost $250 in LABOR to change out when the weak gear cracked!! After $3000 this one is junk!

Report Abuse
3.88 out of 5 stars

Like My Jimmy

ljmoore, 12/30/2002
1998 GMC Jimmy SLS Sport 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have had for 1 year now. I have yet to see a problem. Has 89K. Still runs without a problem.

Report Abuse
4.13 out of 5 stars

1998 Jimmy

John Weber, 03/03/2002
1998 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I'm very happy with my vehicle

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

My Jimmy

UnoT, 02/15/2003
1998 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This car is great...I feel very comfortable driving it and whenever i am in i feel free...if you take care of it it will take care fo you and u have had no major problems at all

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Very dependable truck

DWN, 07/24/2003
1998 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have owned this truck now for 5 years. I am the 1st owner. This truck has been absolutly flawless. The ownly thing that has been replaced is the altenator. It has been to the dealer for only the altenator and routine maintanence.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Jimmy SLT 4WD

Jimmy Driver, 11/27/2003
1998 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I've owned this beauty since she was a baby. Perfect condition and only had minor problems. Rides smooth and fun to drive. On Colorado terrain, you feel safe with its stong 4WD system.

Report Abuse
2.25 out of 5 stars

customer

ttjj, 12/21/2003
1998 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This has been one of the worst experances I ever had with a car. had this car about a year and fixed everything under the hood./

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

"Love my Jimmy"

1998 GMC SLT SUV, 07/26/2005
1998 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A good vehicle. It runs smooth, and gets good highway gas mileage. Not great in town. I want another "JIMMY" SLT but I don't see a "Jimmy" on the market. Humm? What to buy next? Maybe I'll just have the engine rebuilt someday on this one.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Love my Jimmy

Chris, 10/20/2005
1998 GMC Jimmy SLS Sport 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I had purchased my Jimmy with 80000 miles on it and have put 13000 more on it since purchase and have loved all of them. My wife and I have taken out camping, gone out of town and just plain drove the crap out of it. The 4wd works great and pulled out plenty of fords with it. Overall it's the best vechicle I have ever owned.

Report Abuse
1.75 out of 5 stars

no more gm

leo444, 02/10/2004
1998 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

pitiful, at 45000 the trans went out on hwy, alternator went out,wiper moter out, rear glass activator out, ac compressor out, intake manifold leak, fuel pump out. not to mention all the interior plastics that just

Report Abuse
2.63 out of 5 stars

Too many problems

MakeItAdouble, 03/30/2006
1998 GMC Jimmy SLS Sport 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Lots of trouble; Heater core plugged 2002 blew out w/water hose. Water pump 2005, brakes & rotors every two years, Ignition switch cause many starting and performance problems 2003, Wipers stopped 2005- This is from the motors cicuit board getting cracked soldered joints, look up online to repair yourself. Door hinge pins shot-2005. Passenger seat handle broke off-2002. Intake manifold leaking 2005, Alternator-2005. Thermostat-2003. Hub assemblies-2002. Battery-2004. Other minor stuff. I learned a lot working on this piece of junk. Its no wonder GM is faultering.

Report Abuse
2.13 out of 5 stars

Stay Away from the Jimmy

Dale Anderson, 06/08/2002
1998 GMC Jimmy SLS Sport 2dr SUV
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Purchased used with 33K miles and preconditioned bydealer.Still required brake replacement before acceptance. Car sold with 15# of air in tires. At 28-30# vehicle rides like a brick on wheels. All plastic interior component squeak and or rattle. One year and 5000 miles rear main seal leaking and rear brakes are shot. GM will not help. " Second buyers do not fit the profile of loyal GM customers"

Report Abuse
1.5 out of 5 stars

Suckered by GMC

suckered, 07/10/2004
1998 GMC Jimmy SLS Sport 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Horrid vehicle. Extensive problems since purchase - major mechanical failures. Sporadically refuses to start - problem untraceable by mechanical professionals. Wipers periodically choose not to work when it rains. Design a nightmare - remove whole console and side panel to replace a broken heater core? You've got to be kidding. Had Chevy with over 200k miles with no problems. Nissan the same. GMC Jimmy a nightmare. Had to get cell phone for protection due to it's unreliability. Will never own GMC product again.

Report Abuse
2.88 out of 5 stars

My Mistake

NoMoreGMC, 03/10/2005
1998 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Bought used w/60,000 miles. So far replaced water pump, fuel pump, wheel hub assembly, windshield wiper motor & washer pump, brakes twice (rotors & all), right side mirror (bolts broke and it fell off), fixed various a/c leaks, a/c compressor, catalytic convertor. Power mirror motor has just died. Lots of quirky little electrical problems. Rear stereo speakers only work ocassionally. Can't use the rear windshield washer - it leaks into the back of the vehicle. Exterior paint chips easily. Sorry, I just don't have a lot of good things to say about this one. I just spent $1200 in repairs, so I'm keeping it for another year (or until it breaks again)... then it's bye- bye!

Report Abuse
3.13 out of 5 stars

Buyer beware

BUYER BEWARE, 09/27/2008
1998 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV
1 of 3 people found this review helpful

Stay away from these trucks! I needed a car for college and found this nice, lady owned, Red 98 SLT with 100,000 miles on it. It was a great looking truck with black leather, and body was in great shape. However, after 7 months I replaced fuel pumps, idler arm, ball joints, 3 wheel bearings, battery, alternator, brakes, heater and more. Pain to work on. Needed more work than I could afford so after six months I sold it. I consider myself lucky because most people I talk to have had 4x4, and trannys go out. I try to buy American but now I know why I see so many late model Jimmys in the junkyard. These are money pits!

Report Abuse
4.38 out of 5 stars

Great SUV

bren24, 08/30/2009
1998 GMC Jimmy SL 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We bought the car in 2005. It has ran great. Just like every other car out there, we have had to make annual repairs. We only paid 2,000 for it new and put about 1,500 in it since we bought it. We had to replace the motor in 2007. We are not mad about it because these things happen. But we got one from a junk yard for $800. This car is up to 158,000 miles and it still works perfect. The only complaint I have is the four wheel drive stopped working about a month ago. All in all the car has been very good to us.

Report Abuse
3.13 out of 5 stars

Drives good BUT.......

linda, 09/10/2009
1998 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought this Jimmy @ 31k miles, put an extended warranty @ 36k, THANK GOODNESS!! Have replaced the windshield wiper circuit board twice but NO RECALL haha way to go GMC wrote and complained to GMC with no good response kept the maintance up and I do have 200k miles on it now, but have replaced the air conditioner compressor TWICE, had my heater coil plug stopped up , had to have it UNSTOPPED TWICE then had to just replace the enitre heater, front hubs replaced, front drivers side door hinges replaced, hood latch HAVE TO OPEN WITH A WRENCH, now extended warranty is over, have got alot of mileage and will continue to drive it NO CAR PAYMENT but if i had to do it again i WOULD NOT BUY THIS

Report Abuse
3 out of 5 stars

Unhappy in Ohio

Repair Broke, 04/26/2004
1998 GMC Jimmy SLE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Good looking, poor quality vehicle; high wind noise, replaced alternator, both front wheel bearings,radiator problems, key igntion lock went bad, seat adjuster handle broke,waterpump went bad,oil cooler lines leaked and needed replaced,turn signal electrical problems...I understand most of these common on all '98 Jimmys but GM refuses to re-call. All happened right after warranty (36,000 mi)

Report Abuse
3 out of 5 stars

1998 GMC Jimmy

HarP, 04/05/2003
1998 GMC Jimmy SL 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Powerful truck with fair gas mileage. However, if you plan on making repair yourself get a different truck. This thing is impossible to work on. As with a lot of American cars, the equipment is STUFFED in. Took 4 hours to replace a leaking oil line. Also very querky. Airbag light is on, dealer could not find a problem. Windshield wipers sometimes work other times don't.

Report Abuse
4.13 out of 5 stars

I must be one of the lucky ones

e5husmc, 08/05/2007
1998 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought vehicle with 5000 miles on it in 98. We have used it to pull a 2600 lbs bass boat and my wife drives it everyday. Replaced alternator around 80,000, replaced A/C compressor and right front wheel hub around 127000, and I am now putting in my 4th battery. These are normal problems with a vehicle with high mileage. Also had to take out turn signal switch a clean it to make it stop clicking. Rides nice, back seats are big enough for children but kinda tight for adults. Overall has been a good vehicle.

Report Abuse
4 out of 5 stars

My opinion

ewj, 02/20/2003
1998 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Have had some problems with transmission which would not shift out properly due to a faulty valve; also have problems with fuel pump and electrical system.

Report Abuse
4.25 out of 5 stars

4x4ing fun

Scott, 05/19/2008
1998 GMC Jimmy SLS Sport 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned by Jimmy since 2001 and I have had little issues, but for what I have done it to the thing it is quite expectable. The first thing I had to check out was the 4 wheel drive, so I hit the trails. By the end of the day I had it up to the frame in mud, without getting stuck, and all 4 wheels off the ground. I can deal with the minor repair (I love working on my truck), just need to find a good lift kit and then I off to the mud again. My overall view is play hard and things will break. Shut up fix the problem then it's time to play again. My wiper did the I have a mind of my owe I change the cabling and it is good to go. Need new mirrors and the drivers window gets stuck.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

98 sls gmc jimmy

Lanny b.3, 06/10/2020
1998 GMC Jimmy SLS Sport 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is great has a strong motor capable of hrs and hrs of travel with no issues as long as your vehicle is maintained well my truck 20+years and growing strong with only 123.467 on the dash only replaced the front end for only 300$ Little to zero rust for being a Wisconsin car definitely recommend for any young or old timer

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
3.38 out of 5 stars

Never Again!

Aaron Watson, 09/09/2003
1998 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

It's five years old and I have had it for almost three years. Almost $5000 have been spent in repairs and only $1200 of that was paid by the dealer (Since I have had it). Bad climate control (took 30 days to fix), major transmission work, new front end suspension, complete brake replacement with rotors, two alternators, and two wiper motors. Not to mention the general repairs and upkeep that comes along with any vehicle. No more domestics for me!

Report Abuse
3.5 out of 5 stars

Transmission Failure.

HoustonMad, 03/10/2002
1998 GMC Jimmy SLT 4dr SUV
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

My transmission went out at 47,000 miles, shortly before it was due for its 50,000 transmission service. Vehicle never used to pull or haul, wife simply drives it to and from her school teacher job. A GMC dealer wanted $2400 to repair it. Last Jimmy I will own.

Report Abuse
Items per page:
50