1990-1994 GMC Jimmy Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation GMC Envoy. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation GMC Envoy.

1990-1994 GMC Jimmy Review

Launched in 1983, GMC's S15 Jimmy and the nearly identical Chevrolet S10 Blazer were among the first compact sport-utility vehicles. A potent 4.3-liter V6 was the standard engine by 1990, and Jimmy could have either 2- or 4-wheel drive. Antilock rear brakes were standard, but power steering was standard only on 2WD models. All 4x4s got GM's Insta-Trac 4WD, a part-time system not for use on dry pavement. Automatic-locking front hubs and shift-on-the-fly were included. Front bucket seats were standard; a 2-place rear bench with folding seatback optional.

Year to Year Changes

1991 GMC Envoy: A 4-door version debuted in spring of 1990 as a '91 model, on a longer wheelbase that promised a better ride. Manual shift now was standard; automatic transmission optional. A revised fuel injection and air-cleaner system was supposed to improve engine starting.

1992 GMC Envoy: A more potent High-Performance V6 engine became available, delivering 200 horsepower. The sport-utility's S15 prefix was dropped, leaving only the Jimmy designation. A high-performance, limited-edition Typhoon 4-door model held a 280-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine, and came with permanently engaged 4-wheel drive. 4WD models could now have an electronic-shift transfer case, operated by a dashboard button. Antilock braking now was standard on all models and the speedometer was revised.

1993 GMC Envoy: A new SLT trim level became available for 2-doors, while the 4-door SLS adopted a monochromatic look, with body-color grille and wheels. The basic V6 gained 5 horsepower. Both engines got a balance shaft to reduce vibration.

1994 GMC Envoy: New safety features included side door guard beams and a center high-mounted stoplamp. The high-performance Typhoon was dropped.

1990-1994 GMC Jimmy Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Fuel economy

4WD traction	Noise

Passenger room	Ride

Antilock rear brakes	Rear-seat entry/exit (2-doors)

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

The V6 develops considerable torque at low engine speeds for strong around-town acceleration and ample towing ability. Gas mileage is nothing to rave about with either transmission. Dramatic differences in ride/handling are noticeable between a model with the base suspension and tires, and one with off-road equipment. Expect a punishing ride with the latter. A 2-door tends to bounce and bang over bumpy roads. The 4-door's longer wheelbase improves ride quality, but this vehicle's suspension is among the least competent in its class. Interior noise also gets bothersome on the highway. Interior room is good, though not as spacious as an Explorer or Grand Cherokee. Getting in or out is easy because there's hardly any step up. Because its back seat is ahead of the rear wheelwells, the 4-door offers 15 more inches of hip room than the 2-door. Cargo space isn't as vast as might be expected with the rear seatback up and inside spare tire in place. Although the dashboard layout is good, some controls are a long reach, and radio buttons are small. The driving position is okay, but the optional gauge cluster is hard to read at a glance, day or night.

Value for the Money
Offering satisfactory refinement and safety, and more carlike manners than the imports, GM's near-twins are reasonably good choices in a smaller sport-utility.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

GMC Jimmy 4WD	Rating

Performance	5

Fuel Economy	3

Ride Quality	4

Steering/Handling/Braking	4

Quietness	3

Controls/Materials	4

Interior Room	5

Room/Comfort (rear)	4

Cargo Capacity	7

Value within Class	5

Total:	44

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1990-1994 GMC Jimmy Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Automatic transmission: TH-700-R4 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1990-94)

Dashboard lights: The oil pressure gauge may read high, move erratically, or not work because the oil pressure sensor is defective. (1990-93)

Dashboard lights: ABS system problems include false codes, a warning light that stays on, or speed sensor malfunctions. (1990-91)

Engine knock: Continued engine knock on 4.3-liter engines during acceleration or climbing a grade has been addressed by at least 15 PROM revisions due to carbon buildup on the pistons. (1992)

Engine knock: Engine knock when the 4.3-liter engine is started can be eliminated by using an oil filter with a check valve. If this does not work, GM has revised PROMs for the computers and will even replace the main bearings. (1990-94)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$365

Alternator	$195

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$735

Brakes	$210

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$390

Exhaust System	$405

Radiator	$415

Shocks and/or Struts	$275

Timing Chain or Belt	$205

Universal Joints	$160

NHTSA Recall History

1990-91: Fuel tank sender seal may be out of position; could result in fuel leakage.

1991: Rear-seatbelt-buckle release button can stick in unlatched position.

1991-94 4WD w/ABS: Increased stopping distances can occur during ABS stops while in 2WD mode.

1993: Rear seatbelts may not meet government requirements.

1994 w/VR4 weight-distribution trailer hitch option: Trailer-hitch attaching bolts were not tightened adequately.

1990-1994 GMC Jimmy Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1990
Jimmy 2WD	$1,000-1,300	$600-800	$100
Jimmy 4WD	$1,200-1,600	$700-1,000	$100-200

1991
Jimmy 2WD	$1,100-1,400	$700-900	$100-200
Jimmy 4WD	$1,400-1,800	$900-1,200	$200

1992
Jimmy 2WD	$1,200-1,600	$700-1,000	$100-200
Jimmy 4WD	$1,500-2,100	$1,000-1,400	$200-300
Typhoon	$6,000-7,000	$5,200-6,100	$2,500-2,900

1993
Jimmy 2WD	$1,300-1,800	$800-1,100	$200
Jimmy 4WD	$1,600-2,200	$1,100-1,500	$200-300
Typhoon	$6,700-7,700	$5,900-6,800	$3,100-3,500

1994
Jimmy 2WD	$1,400-2,000	$900-1,300	$200
Jimmy 4WD	$1,800-2,300	$1,200-1,600	$300

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1990-1994 GMC Jimmy Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door wagon	4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	100.5	107.0

Overall Length, in.	170.3	176.8

Overall Width, in.	65.4	65.4

Overall Height, in.	64.3	64.3

Curb Weight, lbs.	3536	3776

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	67.3	74.3

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	20.0	20.0

Seating Capacity	4	6

Front Head Room, in.	39.1	39.1

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.5	42.5

Rear Head Room, in.	38.7	38.8

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	35.5	36.5

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

In 1990, every S15 Jimmy carried a 160-horsepower, 4.3-liter V6. That engine added 5 horses in 1993. A potent 200-horsepower option arrived for '92. Hottest of the lot: the Typhoon, its turbo V6 developing 280 horsepower. Only base-engined models could have 5-speed manual shift; all others used 4-speed automatic.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohv V6	4.3 / 262	160-165	230-235	5-speed manual: 16/21 4-speed automatic: 17/22	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: --

ohv V6	4.3 / 262	200	260	4-speed automatic: 16/21	4-speed automatic: --

Turbocharged ohv V6	4.3 / 262	280	350	4-speed automatic: 15/19	4-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1994 Jimmy

Front Impact, Driver	3

Front Impact, Passenger	2

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

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Also in the 1990-1994 GMC Jimmy Review:

GMC Jimmy

GMC Jimmy Road Test

GMC Jimmy Reliability

GMC Jimmy Prices

GMC Jimmy Specs & Safety

GMC Jimmy Photos

GMC Jimmy Full Review