RateItAll: The Opinion Network

After a disappointing ownership of a new Dodge SUV from Chrysler Corp, I can't recommend a Jeep Cherokee. My observations tell me most of the Chrysler vehicle line are also disappointing. Observe how many are being sold by private party and dealers so soon after purchase.

Five stars for reliability and utility, four stars for overall design, three for creature comforts. I own a 1998 Sport version with just over 100K. miles on it. Still runs and drives like new. The only gripes I have is the air cond. compessor makes too much noise when it engages, the back seat has too little legroom, and the ride is too rough on-road (the sport model has stiffer suspension). Fuel mileage is between 14 and 20 mpg. Sport version is geared for off-road use. Very low maintenance. Have the 4.0L six and auto trans. Plenty of power. The Grand Cherokee needs a separate catagory. It is an entirely different vehicle.

I have a 2000 classic and its a peach. Solid dependable and looks good. Sad to see it discontuned. Its my second Jeep had a 97 Grand befor it. I am a Jeep guy now cant see myself not owning one. Great around town and on highway and when you need it nothing better off road.

I bought my '96 Cherokee (Classic pkg.) in April '04 with 93,000 miles from the orig. owner who had a new baby and needed a larger family car, paid $4500. (Bought it on eBay because it was close enough to look at and test drive.) It was very well cared-for: immaculate, beautiful paint, perfect mechanical condition, new oversized Michelin ACT-APT tires, flip-up sun roof, new 10 CD changer. Now, two years and 15000 more miles on it, NADA's average retail is still $5000--$500 more than I paid! It is the most nimble, responsive, fun to drive, never-let-you-down car I've ever owned, and I've owned some great ones. The cigar lighter still works, the paint gleams, the interior looks beautiful even with my dog & my zillion grandchildren & friends as regular passengers, all trim & gaskets supple and sound, no rust after 10 years in the rust belt; expenditure so far only scheduled maintenance, new catalytic converter/O2 sensor, new brake pads. There is not the faintest squeak or rattle, the on-the-fly 4WD is simply amazing: I've never once slipped or fishtailed on winter roads, and it zips up & down my very steep driveway even through a foot or more of ice/snow. Gas mileage isn't the greatest but the XJ's outstanding frequency-of-repair record (and modest cost of parts & repairs) more than makes up for that. ~17 in town, ~22-25 on the highway. I switched to Castrol Syntec 5W/50 immediately and had no resulting leak problems. I keep it washed free of road salt in the winters, have just one mechanic who does all my work, and I have no doubt I'll get at least another 100000 good miles from the car. I've always thought the Cherokee was the most sensibly-sized & handsomest SUV--I love boxy, all-business-looking cars--and was crushed when Chrysler discontinued the line. Now that I finally own one I can say that it is as good as it is handsome.

I own an orginal-model Jeep Cherokee and it has never failed to take me from point A to point B with a strong engine, good handling, and long-lasting durability.

purchased a used 94 four years ago. had to replace crank position sensor. easy to change oil and brakes. easy to work on. replaced front end parts myself. good reliable off road vehicle with plenty of power to tow a boat.

I had a new '96 Cherokee for 8 years. We got 80K Miles out of it, but it was a semi-rough 80K. As the previous review inferred, there is an issue with Fit-and-Finish. We had a door hinge break in the first year. That wasn't too big of a deal. But in 2001, the engine mount failed and nearly dumped our motor onto the interstate. The front disk brakes gave up with less than 30K on it. I had to not only replace the brakes, but the rotors as well. By the end, the oil leaks convinced me that it was time to just get a new SUV. On the good side, we did get 80K out of it without breaking down. The truck was pretty zippy with a 6-cylinder engine. It was also pretty easy to maintain. I did most of the work myself, including the above-mentioned brake job. [Compare this to my Chevy Cavalier where you have to be Elasti-Girl just to get your hand on the oil filter].

There is a great magazine called Intellichoice it rates cars and trucks.The low points of the Jeep Cherokee is V8 gas mileage,comfort of seats for long trips,and BUILD QUALITY.I don't think I want a vehicle with uncomfortable seats, lousy gas mileage and poor build quality!

I love my Jeep Cherokee 4x2 (ha thinks its a 4x4) i would recommend a vehicle like this one if you know basic mechanic skills and have your own tools (can fix anything on it) lots of after market parts, very dependable (mine has never left me stranded but stuck a few times. tons of power with I6 (I pull ford,chevy and dodge full sizes out of the ground, and rocks and trees and trailers ect.) gas milage depends on how well you keep it tuned and what size tires you have mine gets about 325 mi. on a 19 gal tank, um body does rust in some places (but who really cares about cosmetics) fender flares fall off(haha long story on that one) very tough in crashes( my mom in her cherokee got hit in the side by a full size van at 35 mph and after 1500 worth of shop work it is still running good(not totaled like most vehicles would be) i love my jeep and if you are a home mechanic, dont mind paying for the extra gas and want one beast of a motor and STEEL around you i suggest this one sincerely JEEPGUY

This is the orignal SUV, none of the plastic crap on this beast. I have taken my wheeling so many times I have lost count, I have had it up on three wheels, and in places only where wranglers were the only thing else that could make it, it is the best vehhicle I have ever owned. Unbelievable off road and on road, it's a badass!!!

I have a 1990 Laredo with 250K and still going strong. Pros: 1. Solid axle front and rear for maximum articulation on uneven terrain. Disconnect your anti-sway bars when going off road to keep all four tires in contact with the ground. 2. Huge selection of aftermarket upgrades. I installed a suspension lift, larger tires, and locking differentials. Still rides nice on the road and yet it can conquer the most extreme terrain. 3. Inline 6 cyl engine. Incredibly durable power plant with plenty of low-end torque for slow crawling on rocks. 4. Rock solid tranfer case with 2.73 ratio reduction in low range. 5. Plenty of cargo space. Cons: 1. Solid axles and truck-like suspension mean rougher ride on the street. I like it, but your grandma might not. 2. Hard on gas. 3. Noisy in cab. 4. For the off road enthusiast, some components need replacing. The rear shaft is 'slip yoke' style that is weaker and more prone to vibration after a lift than a double cardan shaft. The rear Dana 35 axle is know to break in off road situations with bigger tires and lockers. If you never go off road, get a pretend SUV like a CRV or something. For an inexpensive SUV with truly amazing off road capability, you really can't do any better than a Jeep Cherokee.

I like jeeps it still run good all it needs is a tun up and its like a beast agian.i have one it is buck skin tan year is 1987 so it is as old as me.

Piece of junk. Had good dealer service but, I got to know them on a first name basis. Power & engine-great. Body will rust in unexpected places and suspension will cost you your first born plus your left arm. Resale value will probably be about half of what you still owe. But Japanese, they don't use labor unions (maximum pay and best working conditions for minimum work), and they still put pride into anything they make, Cameras, electronics, machinery etc.

Good offraoding capabilities, good cargo room, not good anything else. The new Liberty has replaced it. Reliability was suprisingly good- at only average. Poor resale values.

We've had a 2000 Grand Cherokee since it was new and it's nice ride. The V8 tows anything, and it is as refined as anything on the road. We did have a new transmission put in (under warrantee) after the first 6 months, but trouble free since then. For the cost it's a nice SUV, especially if your on the road with a 4x2.

Very reliable vehicle! Great for off-road. A real suv.