The styling is traditional and never looks outdated. This is my 3rd Cherokee and I like the fact that the style has remained consistent to the Jeep brand. A yuppie SUV it isn't and that's what makes it appealing. Other strengths include the powerful engine, excellent towing capacity, durability (w/maintenance), and the price/value equation. The 99 (newer) model also has a much improved interior. The switches for the power accessories are easy to reach and are rugged and functional. Front seats are more supportive than previous models. Stero is also good.

I've owned a '90 and 95 Cherokee. What I don't like about the model is the tight back seat and the internal mounted spare. Paint quality could be a bit better; however, it is not horrible. It's had two recalls in the 1.5 years that I have owned it (emmisions and airbag) and has had the driver's power door regulator break twice causing the window to fall into the door. Jeep service in Richmond (Whitten Brothers) has been excellent in repairing these problems.

With prefered options the 99 Cherokee Sport came in at 24K. It's fully optioned so when you compare this to an Explorer XLT at $30K, you really get a lot for the money. The Classic, Country, and Limited versions are all nice; however, the best price to value proposition can be had with the Sport model. You can get most of the other models' options in the Sport and come out way ahead in price. Unless you need to position yourself as upscale and competive with all of the over-priced Yuppie SUVs, stick to the Sport. The baseline SE version will get youn in a Cherokee; however, it is a bit spartan and I would not recommend it. The Cherokee is quick, nimble, reliable, and different. While other people get rid of their luxury SUVs after a couple of years so they can keep up with the newest body style, I always keep mine for over 100K and feel good about driving it since it retains body lines with models since 1984. As long as you don't expect luxury level appointments, the Cherokee is a great vehicle and one I would highly recommend to others. As for problems, I have several friends with $30K-$50K SUVs that also experience problems with their "quality" vehicles.

Similar Products Used:

None

It has a decent warranty, good interior room, it's a Jeep brand product. . .that's about it.

Lets see where to start. . . it's got 85,000 miles and has had the following replaced (all under warranty, or extended warranty): Engine (35k), A/C, Transmission, rear diff/axle, radiator, catalytic converter, and numerous other small items. . .essentially after the radiator that was replaced this week it's pretty much a whole new car than what was originally purchased.

For the price, it's probably one of the best SUV's out there (in comparison). It's a solid vehicle, good body, and performs fairly decent on the snow, and off-road (if you can deal with being shook all around. If you buy one, get the Up Country package. The suspension, and other options associated with it are well worth the money. Also, the tow package would also be worth it.

The newer Jeeps are a lot cheaper than they were. . .not pricewise, interiorwise. Everything is plastic, and due to the newer interior it's also lost some of the leg room.

I've since upgraded the suspension, added a 3" lift, and put on 31" BFG A/T TA's. . .so it's a little more capable than it originally was.

Finally, if you're thinking of buying. . .make sure you get the extended 100k warranty (it's been well worth the money), and also don't move to Wyoming because a simple service could take you 3-4 weeks. Finally, if you're not in a rush, special order everything directly from the factory. Who wants an off the rack model, when you can get the individual options, colors you specifically want.

Oh yeah, and go to Camp Jeep too. . . you'll learn a lot about your vehicle, and actually see what it can do.

The Jeep was well worth the money even with the problems, but due to the problems I've had I'm giving it a very low Overall rating.

voodoo-1 (who would buy a Grand Cherokee if it didn't require "Service" so often when that stupid light comes on)

Similar Products Used:

1999 Jeep Cherokee, and 1990 Jeep Wrangler. All fairly similar, the 1990 Wrangler never had any major problems with the exception of the clutch, and the other Cherokee has only had problems with rattling, and the A/C going out as well.

Engine Power, Acceleration, Fuel Economy, Traction in Snow/Mud, Appearance, Premium Sound System, build quality.

Tight interior space for back seat passengers. Floor mats wore out quickly.

After having driven SAAB's for over 20 years (a Model 99, two 900 Turbos and an SPG) I decided to try something that still went like mad through the snow but had more interior room. Several friends had Cherokee Sports and they seemed reliable. After a few test drives and much shopping around I ordered one from a local dealer.

Because of the equipment package I wanted - Manual Five Speed Tranny, 4 Liter Engine, Skid Plates, overhead console, Sound System, Power Package, A/C etc., it had to be done on a special order and was built to spec. at the factory. Bottom line - great vehicle - all expectations met.

Approx. 38,000 miles driven to date and the only problem has been a speaker wire that flexed to the point of breaking in the driver side door cable bundle. It was fixed at the dealer under warranty.

Gas economy is running about 21 mpg or a little over on the highway, about 15-17 in town. Although the manual says Regular (87 Octane) is fine, I find mine will ping quite a bit on the cheap stuff. Mid-grade fuel seems to make it much happier.

I have had the rig in all types of conditions from mud and skidways to deep snow and ice. In 4WD Low Range there is no stopping it. For most people, 4WD will be used very infrequently but when it is needed, it works, works well and is rugged enough to get throuh relatively difficult conditions. The stock tires seem to do a credible job.

One last note, Jeeps, perhaps more than other SUV's are really built for rugged conditions. If you are expecting a glassy ride, rich leather interior, etc. don't bother looking here. The stiff suspension, designed to keep the wheels on the ground in rugged terrain, is going to jostle you. The upside is that when the going gets tough you'll get where you're going.

Similar Products Used:

First SUV

No real major problems
Smoother ride then some SUVs
Very very capable off-road

None really, a little noisy and possibly a leak causing mildew.

An incredible car. . I've got 175000 miles and still going fine. I would recommend an older model to anyone.

Similar Products Used:

2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee - It seems that now Chrysler is in charge of Jeep it has gotten cheaper and had a lot more problems

Wonderful power. Excellent towing ability. Good load carrying capacity. Long life over all (over 200,000 miles so far!). Solid. Decent tranny. Quick and responsive. Fairly reliable considering age. Comfortable front seats. Fair rear seat - great for kids and dogs. Cargo area large enough for decent load. More power than many cars and very fast.

MPG rating typical for SUVs.
Rear hatch rattles.
Full size, interior mounted Spare tire rattles.
Chysler doesn't know how to make a reliable Throttle Position Sensor. I have replaced it 6 times!
Exhaust manifold cracks around 30,000 miles.
Ride typical Jeep. Excellent for off road, good on hiway, but darty at speed on pavement and bumps.

Overall, the Cherokee Sport has been an excellent value for me. It now has 203,000+ miles on the odometer and maintenance has been minimal. A repeated failure of the throttle position sensor has plagued me every few years but the 170 HP 4.0L engine, even with 200,000 miles, is still VERY strong! I tow over 4300 pounds (a car trailer with a 1962 CJ-5) from PA to NC each year and generally maintain speeds in excess of 65-70mph - I cruise at a higher speed than my friends in their full size trucks and still get about 14mpg towing the above package. I had to replaced the cracked exhaust manifold with a Borla system. The stock manifold is notorious for cracking and had done once under warrenty, once after. This Cherokee has hauled everything from airplane wings and motors to other jeeps to a full load of varmint hunters in SD. It has been in deep goo and driven across the nation. You do not even notice trailers under 1500 pounds. So far, other than the typical things you replace with age, it has been 98% reliable.

I can not speak for the new units, but the 1990 was a winner. If you are a yuppie looking for an image, go elsewhere and pay more, but if you actually plan on using your SUV as designed, hard and often, the Cherokee is the way to go.

Similar Products Used:

Various full size trucks, CJ5s, CJ7s, mini trucks.

I don't care for futuristic curves, so the cherokees' classic look will never get old to me. It's built and has the power of a tank. Silverstone is a great color for this
SUV. Not too big, yet not too small either.

Should come with a full size spare tire and fog lights. I was told by the dealer that the gas mileage should improve as time goes by, but no improvement yet.

I paid 21,000 for a durable and powerful vehicle, and that's what I got. I've seen some Cherokees on the road poorly maintained, but the ones I see well taken care of still look and work fantastic. So I don't put too much stock in the negative reviews. I believe in the long run the vehicle will perform fine as long as you don't abuse your vehicle by poor maintenance.

Similar Products Used:

Ford Explorer and Dodge Durango are both over-rated and over-priced. Pound for pound they're no competition to Jeep.

Looks, Perfofmance, 4WD 4.0L 5-Speed Manual

The previous owner owning it, the performance fluctuates with temp.
Also the 5-speed manual Expensive to fill up

I have the 2DR 5-speed 4.0L Base as hell!!! But I do have AC.
I wanted a 2DR because 4 DRs looked like I have 2.3 kids and labrador.
I wanted the 5-speed because I drove a Jeep Comanche with one mated to a 4.0l, and it had INCREDIBLE power, however, the Cherokee doesn't have the same power the comanche did, but the power is plenty. I kind of wish I would have gotten the auto, especially when in heavy traffic. Also, I think the previous owner screwed up the tranny towing something. I really love my cherokee, I'm glad I have one, becuase they've stopped making them to cater to the Soccer Moms. If you've ever wanted one, buy one now before there all gone. It is not for everyone, though. Families with 3 kids, forget it, get a minivan, or 02 explorer, there is just not enough room in the back for kids and cargo. If you're a young guy, there excellent, or a young married couple. I fall in the young male in college category.

Similar Products Used:

I've driven every SUV on the market (work at a used car dealership) the Cherokee is just the best for me, I'd like a grand cherokee w/ an 8cyl, but I can't afford.

It is very powerful, I like the styling, and the four wheel drive definitely comes in handy. The price is also very reasonable.

My Jeep has miserable build quality, it creaks and rattles at all speeds in all temperatures. When the temperature dips below 60, the steering wheel squeeks. The paint has orangepeal, and the Jeep dealer out here has terrible customer service.

The build quality of my Jeep completley detracts from any enjoyment I may derive from owning it. I have given up on taking it to Meginnis Jeep out here, they are incompetent idiots who could care less about their customers. I think it is frustrating how Jeep could have such a nice product and they ruin their name and reputation with such poor manufacturing. Really, how difficult is it to build a vehicle where the steering wheel doesn't squeek in the cold, my Wrangler had the same problem. When my friends ask me how I like my Jeep, I tell them that it is built horribly and I recommend against buying one for that reason. I would tell you the same thing.

Similar Products Used:

1997 Wrangler

It will do what ever you ask.

6 years later, the hood is fading. Cannot hear the cell phone above 75 mph. City feul economy

w/91k miles 30k in the last year, the jeep runs like a champ. Sure it has its litle idiosyncracies, but that's just its character; it happens to all cars after 4-5 years. Mine is the 2wd model, and has proven very capable. It has towed everything from 28' keelboats to tractors out of the mud. @ 6'5" I fit well in the front, few will sit behind me though.

The ride is tight, but that translates into better handling its the comfort/performance trade off. She'll run fore days, not the most aerodynamic, but can hold on @ 120 mph and still drop many 4 banger sports cars at the tool plaza.

The cherokee has beenaround since the early 80's, it was the around before "SUV" was ever thought up. It comes very capable to handle most tasks, and can be modify to suit your specific needs easily.

the final word:
get the sport package
do not put Wal-mart tires on it
enjoy the ride

Similar Products Used:

all the other suvs

RELIABLE. Car can handle anything.

Small interior

I would highly recommend this car to anyone. All the other comments against the JEEP in this column seem to me like the people driving didn't know how to take care of a car. How could you possibly let your engine go at 50K? This SUV can take on any SUV on the market in a off road competition!

Similar Products Used:

Blazer
Ford