Real Jimny user experience reviews
The content of any article might be expanded / improved in the future - revisit it sometimes.
Seen a mistake? Know something that isn't written? Edit and change this article yourself!
Some images in the article (if present) can be enlarged by clicking on them.
Contents
Introduction
The purpose of this article is to contain several unrelated real Jimny user experience reviews, both when used off road and in ordinary everyday on-road situations, both in urban environments and long intercity trips.
Both Jimny 3 and Jimny 4 reviews are included.
Review 1
Review by forum user 300bhpton:
Introduction
Apart from some differential guards, my Jimny 4 is 100% bone stock. I have also only driven it on one type of off road terrain. The terrain is semi-technical with a fair number of axle twisters and areas to test approach/departure angles.
Basis for comparison
I have been driving off road in one form or another since the age of about 11. Mostly in Land Rovers, although a few Jeeps and other vehicles thrown in the mix also. I grew up on a farm and learnt to drive in a Land Rover in a field. But for over 20 years I have also competed in off road trials competitions.
As a direct comparison today, I was comparing to my 88 Land Rover, as it has the same wheelbase as the Jimny, open diffs, no traction control system ("TCS"). It has a wider track and slightly modified suspension. But nothing overly radical.
Good points about the Jimny
- For a bone stock vehicle, there is no denying the Jimny can cover the terrain.
- To call it a mountain goat is probably pretty fair.
- It doesn't get stopped, not even on road biased tyres.
- Overall, it feels moderately good in stability and control.
- It is also very nimble and manoeuvrable with fairly good steering lock.
- The TCS massively enhances its capability.
Bad points about the Jimny
- It doesn't go slow enough in low 1st gear for technical off roading.
- It is also very easy to stall with the 5-speed manual. This happens when trying to go at tickover speeds and especially when also using the TCS.
- While the TCS is hugely impressive, it does require you to use some throttle, which can make you lurch over obstacles and crash down fairly hard when you have a wheel high in the air.
- For me the vehicle just wants to go a little too quickly for the terrain I'm on, which makes it harder work and less relaxing.
- Part of the issue is the reliance on the TCS system.
- The JB74, despite being a live axle 4x4, still seems to want to lift a wheel quite frequently.
- Having watched lots of videos on YouTube of a Jimny 4 in action, you can clearly see this.
- The stock suspension setup just lacks the flex for this kind of off roading.
- However, all of the aftermarket suspension kits I've seen on YouTube seem to transform this capability.
- I also found the front approach angle to be somewhat of an issue and have thus far scraped/impacted the front bumper into the ground, as well as the super silly ultra low front tow point.
- "Green laning" and moving trailers is in my experience quite a bit faster than some technical off road terrain can be.
- I’m not saying the Jimny can’t do it, but I have stalled a few times.
- Without the TCS you’d have just stopped and been crossed axled.
- But with TCS it will get itself through the obstacle.
- However, if you don’t give it enough throttle it can stall itself.
- On the other hand, if you give it enough throttle, you end up going too quickly.
Review 2
A long term (6-year span) usage review by a Brazilian Jimny 3 owner named Daniel Brooke Peige on his blog, written in Portuguese language. Very good usability review.
Review 3
Write your own review here ...
Page last edited on 21/05/2020 by user Bosanek
