1990-1994 GMC Jimmy: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Acceleration
- 4WD traction
- Antilock rear brakes
- Passenger room
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Ride
- Noise
- Rear-seat entry/exit (2-doors)
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | 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 Score: | 44 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 1990-1994 GMC Jimmy includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1994 GMC Jimmy and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1994 GMC Jimmy is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | 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 Score: | 44 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| 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 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 1994 | |||
| Jimmy 2WD | $1,300-1,800 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| Jimmy 4WD | $1,700-2,300 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| 1993 | |||
| Jimmy 2WD | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| Jimmy 4WD | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| Typhoon | $6,500-7,500 | $5,700-6,600 | $2,900-3,400 |
| 1992 | |||
| Jimmy 2WD | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Jimmy 4WD | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| Typhoon | $5,500-6,500 | $4,700-5,600 | $2,300-2,700 |
| 1991 | |||
| Jimmy 2WD | $1,000-1,400 | $600-900 | $100-200 |
| Jimmy 4WD | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| 1990 | |||
| Jimmy 2WD | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
| Jimmy 4WD | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
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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 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
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. |
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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%. Sideimpact 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%.








