1995-2001 GMC Jimmy/Envoy 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.

1995-2001 GMC Jimmy/Envoy Review

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.

Year to Year Changes

1996 GMC 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 GMC 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 GMC 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 GMC 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 GMC 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 GMC 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.

1995-2001 GMC Jimmy/Envoy Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Rear-seat comfort

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel economy

Ride

4WD traction

Antilock brakes

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

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.

Value for the Money
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.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

GMC Jimmy 2-door	Rating

Performance	4

Fuel Economy	3

Ride Quality	3

Steering/Handling/Braking	3

Quietness	3

Controls/Materials	4

Interior Room	4

Room/Comfort (rear)	3

Cargo Capacity	6

Value within Class	4

Total:	37

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.

1995-2001 GMC Jimmy/Envoy 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.

Air conditioner: 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: 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: 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: 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: Hard starting, rough idling, and drivability problems can be due to clogged central multiport fuel injection (CMFI) system poppet valves. (1995-2001)

Rough idle: Stalling, hesitation, poor idle due can be caused by carbon buildup at EGR valve and passage or EGR valve failure. (1995-2000)

Transmission leak: Fluid may leak from the pump body on 4L60-E transmissions due to the pump bushing walking out of the valve body. (1995-96)

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	$520

Alternator	$225

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$850

Brakes	$220

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$800

Exhaust System	$485

Radiator	$450

Shocks and/or Struts	$410

Timing Chain or Belt	$230

Universal Joints	$270

NHTSA Recall History

1995 4WD: A few upper-ball-joint nuts were undertorqued; stud can loosen and fracture.

1995 w/air conditioning: Fan-blade rivets can break and allow blade to separate from hub.

1995: Brake-pedal bolt on some vehicles might disengage, causing loss of braking.

1995-96 4WD w/ABS: Increased stopping distances can occur during ABS stops while in 2WD mode.

1995-96 AWD/4WD: During testing, prop shaft contacted fuel tank, rupturing the tank; fuel leakage was beyond permissible level.

1995-96: Windshield wipers may work intermittently.

1996-97 2-door w/manual locking recliner bucket seats: Outboard-seatbelt webbing can separate during frontal impact.

1996-97: 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: 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.

1997: On certain vehicles, the outside rearview mirror switch may short circuit. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.

1998 w/4WD or AWD: On a few vehicles, one or both attaching bolts for lower control arm could separate from frame, resulting in loss of control.

1998: Daytime running lights are not deactivated when turn-signal or hazard lamps are activated.

1998: 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.

2000 w/2WD: 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: Brake lights and rear hazard flashers may fail if the multifunction switch develops an open circuit condition.

2000-01: Some seatbelt assemblies were not properly heat treated and do not pass the load-bearing requirement.

2001: Console cover could come unlatched at less than the required load of the standard.

1995-2001 GMC Jimmy/Envoy Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1995
Jimmy 2WD	$1,300-2,000	$800-1,300	$200
Jimmy 4WD	$1,700-2,800	$1,100-1,900	$300-400

1996
Jimmy 2WD	$1,600-2,400	$1,100-1,600	$200-300
Jimmy 4WD	$2,200-3,200	$1,600-2,300	$400-600

1997
Jimmy 2WD	$1,900-2,900	$1,300-2,000	$300-500
Jimmy 4WD	$2,600-3,700	$1,900-2,700	$500-800

1998
Envoy	$4,500-5,300	$3,700-4,400	$1,600-1,900
Jimmy 2WD	$2,300-3,500	$1,700-2,500	$400-700
Jimmy 4WD	$3,100-4,200	$2,400-3,300	$700-1,000

1999
Envoy	$5,200-6,000	$4,400-5,100	$2,100-2,400
Jimmy 2WD	$2,700-4,100	$2,000-3,100	$600-900
Jimmy 4WD	$3,500-4,700	$2,800-3,800	$900-1,300

2000
Envoy	$5,900-6,800	$5,100-5,900	$2,500-2,900
Jimmy 2WD	$3,200-4,700	$2,500-3,700	$800-1,200
Jimmy 4WD	$4,000-5,500	$3,300-4,500	$1,300-1,800

2001
Jimmy 2WD	$3,900-5,700	$3,200-4,700	$1,200-1,800
Jimmy 4WD	$4,500-6,900	$3,700-5,700	$1,600-2,500

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.

1995-2001 GMC Jimmy/Envoy Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door wagon	4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	100.5	107.0

Overall Length, in.	175.1	181.2

Overall Width, in.	67.8	67.8

Overall Height, in.	66.9	67.0

Curb Weight, lbs.	3825	4007

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	66.9	74.1

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	20.0	19.0

Seating Capacity	4	6

Front Head Room, in.	39.6	39.6

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.5	42.5

Rear Head Room, in.	38.2	38.2

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.3	36.3

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

Powertrain Options and Availability

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.

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

ohv V6	4.3 / 262	190-195	250-260	5-speed manual: 17/22 4-speed automatic: 16/21	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 16.4

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

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1999 Jimmy	1999 Jimmy

Front Impact, Driver	3	3

Front Impact, Passenger	4	4

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 1995-2001 GMC Jimmy/Envoy Review:

GMC Jimmy/Envoy

GMC Jimmy/Envoy Road Test

GMC Jimmy/Envoy Reliability

GMC Jimmy/Envoy Prices

GMC Jimmy/Envoy Specs & Safety

GMC Jimmy/Envoy Photos

GMC Jimmy/Envoy Full Review