1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Consumer Reviews

AMERICAN MADE JUNK

Written by: Sarah G. on 07/24/2009

Vehicle

1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4 Dr Limited 4WD Wagon

Review

Bought this after my '98 Camry got totaled in an ice storm. Thought I was upgrading...boy, was I wrong. Shame on me for not reading the reviews before purchasing; shame on Daimler Chrysler for poor build quality and shoddy reliability. Only owned for 6 months because repair bills kept piling up. Went to four different garages; none could figure out why the vehicle kept stalling. Replaced computer, coil pack, went through three fuel pumps...nothing solved my problem.

Favorite Features

exterior styling.

Suggested Improvements

Reliability.

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Not to bad!!

Written by: Pineman on 05/05/2009

Vehicle

1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4 Dr Laredo 4WD Wagon

Review

I bought this Jeep used with 128,000 miles. This one has the Inline 6. I have only put a couple hundred miles on it but it seems to run great. I cant believe how good the body is holding up. No exterior rust yet. The only issue i have with it is the transmission has a very slight leak. When I park I see one or two drops of tranny fluid on the ground. After a tranny flush and new seal, no more leak. In the past I have never been a Chrysler fan and still am not. But this vehicle so far is my exception. I like it and I could NOT pass up the deal I got on it. So far, no major complaints. Overall satisfied. I know several people that got 300,000 miles on the inline 6. Hope I do also.

Favorite Features

4X4, sharp looking vehicle. Very easy to do your own maintenance. Handles well. Anytime 4X4. Power windows, door, mirrors. Body seems to hold up well.

Suggested Improvements

Better gas mileage. One thing I dont like is that this vehicle seems to have more engine noise than other vehicles. I hear from others this vehicle is hard on brakes. Well we will see. Interior kind of cheap.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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THE TRUE SUV WORK HORSE

Written by: Benjamin B on 04/30/2009

Vehicle

1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4 Dr Laredo 4WD Wagon

Review

Aside from using it as a commuter car, it was used as a utility truck carrying anything from logs to pavers to furniture, etc. A transmission leak was noticed on the 7th year which was never really "fixed" by anyone=although it never gave u a big problem=no breakdowns. Additional minimal problems up until the AC conked out on it's 10th year. Had the freon loaded just to get through the summer. After the winter of 2008, we traded it in for an import. Overall, a very pleasant experience. Very reliable vehicle.

Favorite Features

Built and style.

Suggested Improvements

Leaky transmission.

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97 Jeep grand

Written by: Dave on 04/18/2009

Vehicle

1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4 Dr Laredo 4WD Wagon

Review

The Jeep was the best auto I ever owned. I have owned over 40 different types of autos, not one can reach he style and grace of my SUV. It looks good under the lights and driving in a blizzard. It is as a safe a high profile vehicle.

Favorite Features

Strong and sexy.

Suggested Improvements

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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sell,sell,sell

Written by: lemon on 02/05/2009

Vehicle

1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4 Dr Limited Wagon

Review

Bought last year @148,000 mi. It's a play vehicle and gets about 5000 mi. A year. Have spent money on it from day one. Staring off just trying to make everything perfect. Then I started getting a rear bear nosie. Replaced all rear end bearings. The Carrier bearing was the only one pitted. That didn't fix the the problem. Right rear axle was pitted changed it. That fixed the bearing noise. Then I got a vibration @1600 rpm and on deceleration. Changed u-joints (a waste of $). From what I've read sounds like this is a Major problem that is very hard to trouble shoot (even at a dealer. Don't want to spend any more $ on it. I'm torn between spending and just selling it. I love to drive it but the vibration.

Favorite Features

leather steering wheel,looks,leather seats, cockpit,

Suggested Improvements

Jeep needs to man up and if the transmission and rear end problems. High maintenance. Not worth the problems I don't think. Will not buy another one. Only if Jeep would build a better product.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Love it!

Written by: WVJEEPGRL on 01/04/2009

Vehicle

1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4 Dr TSi Wagon

Review

Bought the TSI 4 dr with over 200000 miles on it. Everyone loves it. I have alot of cars in my lifetime from a firebird with t-tops to a chevette but nothing comes close to my Jeep!

Favorite Features

Seats

Suggested Improvements

Cup holders in back for passengers need to be deeper

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Bad Rear Differential

Written by: eric on 12/12/2008

Vehicle

1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4 Dr Orvis 4WD SUV

Review

I bought this drift-wood colored V8 Orvis at 55000mi, and have put 113000 more on it. Brakes are a bit weak. Careful driving helps a lot. I occasionally haul light utility trailer-loads and have replaced rear differential at 75 and 160 miles. A/C controller went at 150 miles. Lift gate sprung leaks, causing light/alarm problems. E-Brake very weak. Can drive easily with it engaged. Engine still strong. Tranny original. Body very good. Some interior screws work loose. One and 1/2 speakers blown. Rear wiper frozen forever. Good truck to 140,000. Fuel mileage 13 US city, 19 at 75 mph, measured. Paint/exterior holding up really well. exhaust and entire front- end original (one link replaced at 94)

Favorite Features

Very nice looking truck. Interior easy to reconfigure for utility loads, long wood/saws/tools. Interior colors are attractive/unique. comfortable front seats, back seats are decent but not the best leg room (though it is a mid- size SUV). Original shocks just finally weakening. Quite easy to park.

Suggested Improvements

The post '99 diff. should be retro- fitted. A better functioning tranny. Stronger console. Higher build quality eg. lift-gate/rear wiper/memory computer/E-brake/front brakes/rear differential/shifter/overdrive system and the button placement for it.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Wife displeased

Written by: RFBookman on 08/27/2008

Vehicle

1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4 Dr Laredo Wagon

Review

Bought new in 1996, was initially pleased. Had to have radio replaced under warranty but was fairly problem free until the rear end needed replacing. Mechanic said that gearing was misaligned from the factory and it was only a matter of time until it went out. Had other small intermittent problems. Then the computer unit went out. It took Jeep dealer about 3 months to find the problem. We would take it in and they would give it back saying they could not find any problem. It would have same problem and we would take it in only to start the cycle again. Wife who drives vehicle says we will never buy another Jeep. Plan on replacing it soon with import.

Favorite Features

Nice exterior looks. Good turning radius. Paint has held up well.

Suggested Improvements

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Great Jeep

Written by: supercoolslug on 06/08/2008

Vehicle

1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4 Dr Orvis 4WD SUV

Review

This is the first jeep iv ever owned, and so far its lived up to its hype. bought it at 68,000 and its currently at 70,000. Only problem I've ever had was the first week when my check engine light came on, but a free O2 sensor from the dealership fixed that. The powerful V8 makes it one of the fastest SUVs on the road, even after over 10 years. Although the interior colors aren't my favorite, it's unique and never see anything like it. Seats are very comfortable in the front, in the back its a different story, with very little leg room.

Favorite Features

My favorite feature is its very powerful V8, it outperforms almost any suv on the road. Power everything, along with sunroof and very comfortable seats. Although i don't LOVE the all time running 4wd, it's handy at times.

Suggested Improvements

Add leg room to the rear seats. Speakers seem to blow out frequent, had to replace one right as i bought the car, and another one has already blown.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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I Love this Jeep

Written by: Skippy97 on 04/17/2008

Vehicle

1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4 Dr Laredo 4WD Wagon

Review

We now have 195,000 miles on our Jeep and have had no major problems. We drive in some of the worst weather conditions in the northeast. It runs great and looks great. Regular service and oil changes and plan on another 60,000 miles or more.

Favorite Features

comfortable seats, easy to handle, fun to drive, goes anywhere, looks and acts like a Jeep

Suggested Improvements

air conditioner could be better and rear window wiper motor needs improvement

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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