Used 1997 Jeep Cherokee Consumer Reviews

Loved mine!

I bought my jeep back in 2002 with 90k miles ALREADY on it! I just got rid of it at 205k miles to get a new Jeep Patriot 4x4. Awesome transition. I loved my Jeep, super dependable, great 4x4 performance, perfect cargo space, etc. Had to deal with water pumps, radiators, catalytic converters, and all other wear and tear of the car, but it lasted me 205k miles and it is STILL running strong. Go get one with low miles if you can find one

Great engine and transmission but rest sucks

I bought my 1997 Jeep Laredo 4 Dr Cherokee used in 2010 for $3400 with a busted odometer showing about 75,000 miles. Now it is Feb. 2018 and the odometer shows over 100k (it is underrecording mileage, but does work). I am retired and am the only driver, and drive it mainly 3-5 times a week for local meetings, with the longest trip being perhaps 60 miles. It still has the original shocks, 6-cylinder engine and automatic trans. The engine and trans still run well, but everything else goes to hell and it is only 20 years old and not abused. I had to have the starter replaced and it cost over $500. Compare that to my 1965 Mustang where many more parts still work vs this Jeep. The speakers go in and out - not sure if they are stock. The headliner has fallen out, so I had to pull it all out after trying to glue it back up. The 4WD didn't shift right in 4WD after I got it, so I have been afraid to use it since then. This Jeep didn't have a tow bar, so I installed one and was surprised it cost over $400. Then Jeep had a recall due to gas tank safety, and the fix was to install factory tow hitches, but I already had one. The dark green paint clear coat has "crizzled" so it is flat (it does sit outside). The rear two door electric windows failed soon after I got it, and it cost me $400 to fix that. The mechanic said Jeep cheaped out on the switches so they always fail. The horn has failed, and apparently it is because the switch is in the steering wheel airbag, and you have to replace the costly air bag to just ensure the horn works. The dome lights go in and out. The return spring and bushing in the driver door hinge has fallen apart, so the door squeeks each time it is opened. It is on a welded fixture, so can't easily be replaced. The left rear door window just fell out of the track and down into the door. I finally had to just wedge it to stay up and had to disable that switch I had put in earlier. The driver seat material has failed and ripped. I hit a truck with a trailer hitch at about 5 mph and the entire front plastic bumper fell off. Had to re-attach it with screws. The bumper "black" finish has gone ugly flat. Apparently, like the paint, it wasn't designed to last past 15 years. I recently had to tow the vehicle becuase a fuse blew, and found there was absolutely NO tow hook or place under the front of the vehicle. So I hooked the chain to a steering bar for a short 8 block tow and bent the rod, costing $600 to fix. So, I will continue driving this until the engine or trans fail then junk it. I will never buy a Jeep again because their quality control and longevity of many lesser parts and electrical systems suck. They are great to drive in the heavy Florida rains, but not that great to put up with bad quality in a lot of small things. Before buying a Jeep or any other vehicle, be sure to check for Federal government recalls to know what they are.

Own a Jeep !

Very very good car

A true SUV

I purchased my Jeep Cherokee sport a year ago and I love it. Despite getting bad gas mileage (16 mpg city), I realize that this is an SUV, so it's understandable. The only complaint I have is that the engine is extremely loud and roaring. Otherwise, it's a very sturdy car. It accelerates well, has great steering, has comfortable front seats, and pretty good road traction. The real fun begins when you go off road, though. This is not an SUV for someone who really needs a station wagon (aka Ford Explorers, Expeditions). The ride on rocky ground with bumps is surprisingly smooth. This is a classic, REAL SUV that will remain a favorite of mine. And, what's cooler than having a JEEP?

Great Jeep