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Used 1996 Jeep Cherokee Consumer Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
77 reviews

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3.63 out of 5 stars

Classic

Martino, 11/12/2003
1996 Jeep Cherokee Country 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

The is the second cherokee I've owned and enjoy the 4wd in the snow and off road conditions. With the right tires you realy don't need to do much regarding a true off road vehicle. But after market options are bountiful.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

My savior

4dr jeep country, 12/29/2004
1996 Jeep Cherokee Country 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Thank God for my Jeep! I bought it with 77000 miles; it now has 91000, and I only got it 8 months ago. It's been very reliable; the only thing I've had to replace so far is a power steering pump which is nothing. My Cherokee is great in the snow. It is very comfortable for a driver that's 6'3" and it's fast. The gas mileage isn't the best, but what is these days.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Too bad it's extinct!

Maddog, 04/25/2002
1996 Jeep Cherokee SE 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I don't understand the decision to put this vehicle out to pasture. For the price and versatility, this has, by far, been the best vehicle I've owned. At 6 1/2 years old with 102,000 miles, mine is still going strong. All I've had to do is keep up with the basic maintenance. The worst mechanical problem I've had is the water pump went bad at around 100,000 miles. The model that took it's place will never match up to this awesome vehicle. I'll drive this til the wheels and engine fall off and then I'll replace them and keep on going. This will probably end up being the vehicle my kids inherit when they get their driver's licenses. I agree with the other review - BRING IT BACK!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

What an SUV should be!

Objective Owner, 06/10/2002
1996 Jeep Cherokee Country 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The Cherokee is what an SUV should be; power to tow, excellent off-road capability, reliable, versatile,tough, and still comfortable and fun to drive. I have not had any problems with the vehicle. It tows a trailer very easily, is confident off road in some very rough country, and still works great for hauling groceries or clients. I admit to being a little critical of SUV's that were never meant to work. It seems like a bit of a waste.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

327,000k and still going!

Stillgoing, 07/20/2009
1996 Jeep Cherokee Country 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My '96 Jeep Cherokee Country was handed down to me with 280,000 miles on it and me being the 4th driver! It came from Texas and driven all over the eastern coast. Very reliable! The motor has been rebuilt, new transmission, but other than that, just typical wear and tear maintenance. It has been a great vehicle for our family and we plan on buying another Jeep soon.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Great Vehicle

ShaggyisMBM, 03/07/2010
1996 Jeep Cherokee SE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned a Bronco, a Wrangler, a F- 250, and a Tacoma. This is by far the best overall. The straight 6 has almost as much power as the V8's in my 2 Fords. Before I put new tires on I often had trouble not spinning the tires in rain. For an SUV it is quick. The 4wd has never left me stuck. There is room for all I need. I have only had minor problems other than needing a new rear end. These are cheap and easy to find and well worth the money. You can find after market parts for it almost anywhere. It is easy to work on. It has classic styling and almost everything is practical. I recommend it to anyone. Great in snow, off road, and in traffic.

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5 out of 5 stars

these SUV's last forever

jobusto, 08/04/2002
1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

had a catalytic converter fail on me, and thats it. at 100000 miles, it still runs like a charm. best vehicle i've ever owned.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Best midsize SUV bargain

-, 10/02/2002
1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Overall, an awesome vehicle. It's made by Jeep and certainly lives up to it's name being a very serious off roading vehicle. Low weight and a very powerful engine makes for great acceleration and power (extremely high power to weight ratio). Dated design, but I like it - I'd prefer to call it rugged.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

A Great Suv

John Perrin, 01/21/2003
1996 Jeep Cherokee Country 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Overall I have really enjoyed owning My 1996 Cherokee. It is a very useful SUV. Other that the cup holder and the rear seat, I have no complaints. I am not quite sure why Jeep discounted the Cherokee; it looks a hell of a lot better than the new Liberty.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Still Kicking!

TheNotoriousBLA, 12/06/2003
1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had this car for 2 years now and I absolutely love it! I don't ever want to sell this Jeep. It's so dependable, yes it has some drawbacks, few options and not that comfrotable but you never have to worry about it tearing up.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

1996 Jeep Sport Classic 4DR 2WD

mariobox, 04/15/2004
1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After seven years the only problem I've had is a couple of oxigen sensors that needed replacement ($350). Other than that, this Jeep has earned its keep and then some. Strong and reliable as can be.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

awesome

JustinKN, 05/05/2004
1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love this vehicle. It is my 4th vehicle, and easily the best. Its not the most expensive but its the newest and has the best feature content and performance of all the rest. The only problems I've had were an old worn radiator hose that had to be replaced ($8 big whoop), and a tire that fell apart. Not the Cherokee's fault. Worn Uniroyal tires...It has brand new Michelins now. Big improvement.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

1996 Jeep Country

brushn228, 05/28/2004
1996 Jeep Cherokee Country 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Purchased in spring of 96 this vehicle has held up very well no repair issues other than tires,brakes,LOF,tuneups and such. At 200K my daughter still drives it daily.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Work and Fun Mobile

dazimae, 08/01/2004
1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought the Jeep in 96. Have had very little problems with it other than the standard battery etc. Would recommend this vehicle for anyone with a family or pets. Great for moving furniture and household items, transporting passengers. I have kept it for 8 years because of the low maintenance, and the many possibilies of its usuage. Have gone one vacation with it and have more than ample room to stretch out and keep the luggage in the back. It rides smooth. I would definately think positive about trading it in, in a few more years and buying a new one.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Build the Old Way.... Bring It Back !!!!

anibal, 08/27/2004
1996 Jeep Cherokee SE 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My uncle bought the car with cero miles on it in 1995 and was his car until recently when he sell it to me. I always wanted a old sport/utility. The original Isuzu Trooper was my other choice but MAN THIS WAGON IS FAST! You look at her and you can't imagine that a big powerfull engine is under there. The size is great (although a little cramped inside) and the looks are timeless. More than a few have asked me if I sell it and the awnser is NO. My only complain is with the ride quality, wich is awfull... somethimes irritating. I think Chrysler could have keep bulding the basic model, just like Chevy its building the Astro. When this one dies I'm buying another

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Jeep Cherokee the greatest Car

David2, 10/11/2004
1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this cherokee 96 around January 2003 with 90000miles. Now, mine has almost 120000, but still runs strong!!! No major or minor problems so far. Great car! this vehicle is built really well. Only thing I have little complain with is its fuel economy. However, this vehicle has 4.0 L engine meaning that naturally fuel economy can't be good as one expects. Moreover, this vehicle has fast acceleration.~ good good good. I don't see any bad things.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Jeep 96 sport

Johnny Dare, 10/22/2004
1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my 96 sport with 112000 miles i now have 126000 on it with no major problems, other than the shake at mid speed which im checking into it has done well for me, gas mileage is about 18 so im not complaining at all, cup holders are another issue, more would be better but were to put them is the other problem.back seat good for kids not much else, received recall notice about the hubs and steering box, nice to know that jeep is still covering any problems that come up years after the warrenty is gone

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4.38 out of 5 stars

115K and still going

KT2003, 05/30/2003
1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Have had this vehicle for 7 years and 115k miles. I've been hit twice and it is still going strong. Never had any major mechanical problems.

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5 out of 5 stars

Jeep Cherokee XJ, not for everyone.

Jon, 10/05/2017
1996 Jeep Cherokee Country 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a hands on vehicle. No whiz bang electronics. Rides like a log wagon. Not the best gas mileage. Interior harks back to the 1970's. Still I prefer to drive over my Grand Cherokee. I love the retro-ness of it. My Country is the higher end model so it has some of the nicer options but underneath the semi glossy dress up it is still a Jeep under the sheet metal. The engine runs forever as well as the tranny. Parts are cheap and even cheaper from the junk yard. They made 2.5 million of them so there's no shortage of carcasses. I love mine.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Great care not great wires

Bryce, 04/04/2019
1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Love the Jeep owned it for 1 month with 220xxx gonna keep on keeping on long after my ownership. The only thing that I’ve had issues with are the horrible wire issues/fuses just had to charge a battery and my computer is confused. Other than that a solid built vehicle with the perfect balance of Witt and rust ;)

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Good Workhorse, but Noisy.

CloseTheFed, 09/10/2021
1996 Jeep Cherokee Country 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had a 1996 Jeep Cherokee Country, Automatic, 4WD, with factory tow package, for over 4 years. Bought it used with 160k on it. Now has 203k miles on it. Almost every accessory worked when I bought it: A/C, lights, electric windows & door locks, rear windshield wiper. It did have an intermittent issue of not starting. It would turn over, but not start. After replacing, I believe, it was the crankshaft sensor, that problem ended. Also, had to replace the exhaust manifold because it cracked. Cost me $700. The repairman said this is a common issue, and the replacement is designed not to avoid this. Considering it lasted 24 years, I don't think the design was bad. What I love the most is the large windows and GREAT visibility. As an aggressive driver, I spend a lot of time looking to my sides and rear to clear the next lane, and it's perfect for that. The transmission has malfunctioned since I bought it; although it's an automatic, I manually shift it. For the first couple of years, I kept waiting for it to quit, but it never has.... and I just keep shifting, and it just keep working. Miraculous. The back is pretty spacious, but I don't like that when I am pushing something in, a little lip where the back seat has been folded down, always impedes me. I wish they had made the seat a little more flush when it is folded. Very annoying. All in all, a very practical vehicle.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Great mechanicals

Charlie, 05/22/2022
1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport 2dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Very dependable

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5 out of 5 stars

Reliable and capable

Eric , 03/23/2025
1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Incredibly reliable and capable, not bad on power for a old motor

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.13 out of 5 stars

Just plain great vehicle

freebird, 01/03/2003
1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

The only thing that comes to my is Great vehicle! Try it you'll love them Enough said, no need to say more

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4.5 out of 5 stars

My Jeep Cherokee

Calvin Bevard, 06/11/2003
1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

This jeep has alot of miles on it and the inline 6 engin is a good strong engin0

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3.25 out of 5 stars

4x4 jeep

abster, 03/14/2010
1996 Jeep Cherokee SE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought this 96 Cherokee back in 2006 with 70k. I have replaced a couple of sensors-1 was causing the car to die intermittently. It took about 4 different trips to the mechanic before they figured out what was wrong. They thought it was the o2 sensor but it wasn't. It was the-hmmm...can't remember sorry. I have also replaced the water pump, radiator, starter, brakes and had a couple of flushes. It has been running great since. Great 4WD & good pickup. Bad gas mileage- about 14 mpg. Took it up to 100mph+ & got some intense shake. The doors and locks could have been designed better. Had problems w/the a/c-vents stopped blowing due to a broken lever inside. Very bumpy ride.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

One Of The Best

Boston, 12/24/2004
1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I really can't say enough about my 1996 Cherokee Sport. It has been an amazing vehicle, and I've had my share. No doubt about it, this is a JEEP, not a luxury car - and it looks and feels that way... rugged and utilitarian. However, they are great for a varity of scenarios, including the urban jungle. If I had to pick a bad spot, I'd have to say gas mileage and comfort on longer trips. This classic model is a bit aged these days, but they're a wonderful value for the price.

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