Used 1997 Jeep Cherokee SE 4dr SUV Consumer Reviews
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Great engine and transmission but rest sucks
Vance Jochim, Eustis, FL, 02/26/2018
Jeep Cherokee SE 4dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
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Good Jeep!
Antoine, 08/07/2010
Jeep Cherokee SE 4dr SUV
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
My Jeep was given to me for my 17th birthday present, I like it a whole lot, accept for the low gas mileage, and the rough ride. My o2 sensors went out and I needed a new caddy converter. One more thing is my seats are beginning to squeak a lot but other than those its a fun car!
Like the Energizer bunny, it keeps going
jeep4ever@puertorico, 02/16/2010
Jeep Cherokee SE 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Always wanted a Cherokee since high school and it came true about 7 years ago. Bought it with 60,000, in RED no less and with the 4.0. Picked a 2wd (less weight/better fuel econ). Repairs have been few: water pump;radiator;gas pump;starter. Take good care of it and it will last forever!
Indestructible
P Beck , Antioch, IL, 08/06/2022
Jeep Cherokee SE 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
4.0 HO runs awesome 173k and keeps on running 👍
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I love my Jeep
Chris Jeep, 12/20/2003
Jeep Cherokee SE 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Jeep has been dependable, reliable and a great fun to drive. I have enjoyed my Jeep and very sad to let it go. I wish these vehicles were still in production. If so, I would have bought another just like it. The engine light came off and on, but you learn this was just a malfuction and nothing mechanically wrong. My wife never like the ride, but she just could not appreciate it.