3
0
Midsize SUV; Built in USA
  • 2-door wagon
  • 4-door wagon
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $1,500 – $4,400*


1995 GMC Jimmy 4-door wagon


1996 GMC Jimmy Highlander 2-door wagon


1996 GMC Jimmy 4-door wagon


1997 GMC Jimmy interior


1997 GMC Jimmy 4-door wagon

Pros:
  • Acceleration
  • Antilock brakes
  • 4WD traction
  • Passenger and cargo room
  • Ride
Cons:
  • Fuel economy
  • Rear-seat comfort

Although the GMC Jimmy and similar Chevrolet Blazer are not at the front of the compact sport-utility field, they’re close enough to the leaders to deserve a close look.

Overview

The redesigned GMC Jimmy came in 2- and 4-door body styles, with rear-wheel drive or on-demand, part-time 4-wheel drive. Permanently engaged 4WD became available in mid-1995. Chevrolet continued to offer their similar Blazer. Wheelbase remained the same as before, but both bodies were 4.8 inches longer overall and 2.4 inches wider. Each wore rounded sheetmetal, and the 2-door featured slanted rear roof pillars. Interior reworking included addition of the driver-side airbag. A 195-horsepower 4.3-liter V6 was the sole engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission standard. Five-speed manual shift would became available later, but only on 2-door models. Full-time 4-wheel antilock brakes returned as standard equipment.

Yearly Updates

1996 Jimmy/Envoy
For ’96, the Jimmy’s engine was replaced by a Vortec V6 with five fewer horses. Automatic transmissions added an interlock that requires the brake to be applied before shifting into a drive gear. Five-speed transmissions became available, but only on 2-door models. Daytime running lights were new. Oldsmobile launched a luxury Bravada version after the 1996 model year began, with full-time 4-wheel drive.
1997 Jimmy/Envoy
Automatic transmissions could now be equipped with a floor shift lever when ordered with bucket seats. A one-piece liftgate became optional at no extra cost on 4-doors. Four-wheel disc brakes were installed on SLT models with permanent 4WD.
1998 Jimmy/Envoy
All Jimmys got a redesigned front end and an all-new dashboard with dual airbags. GMC also added a high-zoot luxury Jimmy called Envoy. The full-time 4WD system was dropped.
1999 Jimmy/Envoy
Full-time 4WD returned in the form of Autotrac, which automatically engaged or disengaged 4WD as needed. Envoy returned and a new 2000 Diamond Edition further distanced the GMC from the similar Blazer. Also new were available steering-wheel audio controls and an 8-way power passenger seat.
2000 Jimmy/Envoy
SL models disappeared, leaving better-equipped SLS 2-doors and SLE 4-doors. Introduced as an early 2000 model, the Diamond Edition 4-door had brushed-aluminum exterior accents and specific interior trim. The previously optional “Luxury Ride Suspension” package, with gas-charged absorbers and front/rear stabilizer bars, was now standad on all 4-door models.
2001 Jimmy/Envoy
In 2001, Envoy was replaced by a top-line 4-door Diamond Edition of the Jimmy, and the Jimmy would die shortly thereafter, replaced by an all-new Envoy.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

A 4.3-liter V6 engine powered all GMC Jimmy models, developing 195 horsepower at first, then dropping to 190 in ’96. Torque output also dipped in the Jimmy’s second season, but it peaked at lower engine speed. Part of GM’s new truck-engine family, the Vortec V6 of ’96 included a new fuel-injection system, 5-year/100,000-mile engine coolant, and 100,000-mile spark plugs. All models had a 4-speed automatic transmission until the 1996 model year, when a 5-speed manual gearbox became available in 2-doors, as a credit option.

ohv V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.3/262
Engine HP 190-195
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 250-260
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic 		17/22
16/21 		16.4

Road Test

A more rigid body structure permits the use of softer suspension settings, which improves ride quality. The standard suspension easily cushions most bumps, but allows too much bouncing at highway speeds. The “luxury-ride” suspension available on 4-door models gives the best blend of comfort and control. An optional “Euro ride” suspension sharpens cornering ability, but not by enough to recommend that choice.

Passenger space is about the same as before, which means good room for four adults in both body styles. Five can fit in the 4-door. Step-in height is low, but getting into the rear seat of the 4-door demands some twisting to negotiate the narrow doorway. Getting into and out of the 2-door’s back seat is a chore. The rear seat has a short, hard backrest. Cargo room in the 4-door is improved by mounting the spare tire beneath the rear end and by the 2001 Cargo Management System that fits into the floor of the cargo area, providing storage compartments and partitions.

Acceleration is more than adequate–brisk, really. Promising ample passing power, the latest Jimmy ranks above average for a sport-ute. Gas mileage is likely to be less than 15 mpg in town, and close to 20 mpg on the highway. We averaged 16.4 mpg with a 4WD 4-door. Some engine roar remains in hard acceleration, but road and wind noise now are well-muffled.

Ratings

Model Tested: 1996 GMC Jimmy 2-door

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 4
40%
Fuel Economy - 3
30%
Ride Quality - 3
30%
Steering/Handling - 3
30%
Quietness - 3
30%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 4
40%
Room/Comfort Front - 4
40%
Room/Comfort Rear - 3
30%
Cargo Room - 6
60%

Other

Value - 4
40%

Total: 37

Specifications

2-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
100.5 175.1 67.8 66.9
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
66.9 20.0 4
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.6 38.2 42.5 36.3
4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
107.0 181.2 67.8 67.0
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
74.1 19.0 6
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.6 38.2 42.5 36.3
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 1999 Jimmy 2-door wagon

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Front Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision 97
Injury 64
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Air conditioner
Description: The HVAC system mode switch gets stuck in the vent position as oil gets into the control head as a result of a leaking vacuum switch on the transfer case and a redesigned switch is available. (2001)
Engine knock
Description: Engine knock when the engine is started is usually eliminated by using an oil filter with a check valve. If this does not work, GM has revised PROMs for the computers and may even replace the main bearings. (1995)
Engine misfire
Description: A problem with the powertrain control module may cause a lack of power, early upshifts, late shifting in the 4WD-Low range, and otherwise erratic performance. (1996-97)
Engine noise
Description: The exhaust valves may not get enough lubrication causing a variety of noises. Usually, the same engine consumes excess oil because the valve guide seals on the exhaust valves are bad. (1996)
Hard starting
Description: Hard starting, rough idling, and drivability problems can be due to clogged central multiport fuel injection (CMFI) system poppet valves. (1995-2001)
Rough idle
Description: Stalling, hesitation, poor idle due can be caused by carbon buildup at EGR valve and passage or EGR valve failure. (1995-2000)
Transmission leak
Description: Fluid may leak from the pump body on 4L60-E transmissions due to the pump bushing walking out of the valve body. (1995-96)

Recall History

1995
Description: Brake-pedal bolt on some vehicles might disengage, causing loss of braking.
1995 4WD
Description: A few upper-ball-joint nuts were undertorqued; stud can loosen and fracture.
1995 w/air conditioning
Description: Fan-blade rivets can break and allow blade to separate from hub.
1995-96 AWD/4WD
Description: During testing, prop shaft contacted fuel tank, rupturing the tank; fuel leakage was beyond permissible level.
1995-96
Description: Windshield wipers may work intermittently.
1995-96 4WD w/ABS
Description: Increased stopping distances can occur during ABS stops while in 2WD mode.
1996-97 2-door w/manual locking recliner bucket seats
Description: Outboard-seatbelt webbing can separate during frontal impact.
1996-97
Description: Failure of an upper- and lower-control-arm ball-joint assembly could occur due to corrosion, resulting in impaired steering or steering loss, or a partial or complete collapse of the front suspension.
1997
Description: On certain vehicles, the outside rearview mirror switch may short circuit. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.
1997
Description: During a severe crash, seat belt buckles with an energy absorbing loop may malfunction, leading to full or partial ejection from the vehicle. Dealer will inspect and replace affected buckles.
1998
Description: Fatigue fracture of rear-axle brake pipe can occur, causing slow fluid leak and resulting in soft brake pedal; if pipe breaks, driver would face sudden loss of rear-brake performance.
1998 w/4WD or AWD
Description: On a few vehicles, one or both attaching bolts for lower control arm could separate from frame, resulting in loss of control.
1998
Description: Daytime running lights are not deactivated when turn-signal or hazard lamps are activated.
2000 w/2WD
Description: Right ABS module feed pipe and/or brake crossover pipe tube nuts on certain vehicles could have been improperly tightened; seals could have been broken, resulting in leakage.
2000-01
Description: Some seatbelt assemblies were not properly heat treated and do not pass the load-bearing requirement.
2000-01
Description: Brake lights and rear hazard flashers may fail if the multifunction switch develops an open circuit condition.
2000-01
Description: The multifunction switch could develop an open circuit condition that results in the stop lamps and the rear hazard lamps becoming inoperative. The center high-mounted stop lamp and turn-signal functions are not affected. Dealers will replace the hazard-switch carrier.
2001
Description: Console cover could come unlatched at less than the required load of the standard.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on July 15, 2014.
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