Used 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Consumer Reviews
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10 years trouble free
mm, 08/08/2006
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought new in '96, now with 110K. Runs great, always starts. Have always done routine maintenance and that has paid off. Lately though I am putting more money into it each year. Recent radiator, AC leaks, 1st muffler/exhaust replacement last year. Good brakes, strong engine. Take care of it and it will do likewise.
Reliability
jtravis2, 04/24/2004
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Like vehicle, unfortunatley I can't because of reliability issues and high maintenance costs.
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee for sale near you
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- Laredo 4dr SUVMSRP: $6,900164 mi away
- Laredo 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,995487 mi away
- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $10,999779 mi away
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My next car will also be a jeep!!!!!!
jeepy, 05/07/2004
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Some normal things hav gone wrong with it, but most have been after 90,000 miles, and are expected. I love the jeep and I want to buy American cars, while many people gave me a hard time about doing that- my American car has outlasted their foreign cars.
I love my Jeep Grand Cherokee
ginger60, 05/16/2004
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This 96 Jeep has never broken down or left me stranded, has only had general maintenance as demanded by age and is the best car I have ever owned. I will never sell it (I have had offers), it will simply wear out. Except for a couple of dings & scratches caused by other drivers, it is in excellent condition, inside and out. I love it!!I service regularly and always take it to a Jeep de
Excellent Value
GupDawg, 05/26/2004
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Forest Green over Tan Cloth Laredo is a very sharp color combo. It is a 4x2(but it will go off-road) and an Inline-6. The six, while super- durable, is a bit underpowered for this heavy of a Jeep, but it can do the job. It now has 130k miles and still runs strong. I replaced the spark plugs, wires, oxygen sensor, and distributor cap and rotor myself and saved $200. But $900 for new radiator, hoses and belts from the dealer! Now it needs new brakes and the e-brake is worn completely out. But this is normal stuff for 130k, and when properly maintained, will last 200000+ miles.
Love it.
chickster, 06/04/2004
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been bullet-proof. I have had no problems and can fully rely on it to get me where I need to go comfortably. I have been told (per my mechanic) that the straight-6 2wd version of this car is in a different league than the v8 4wd, which tend to come with many more mechanical problems. Fuel economy is between 18 and 23...no complaints!!
GOOD YEAR
slaughter, 06/21/2004
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am at 99000 miles. I have the 318 V8 which is not a gas milage engine but the power is good and I tow a 5500lb travel trailer in the summer. I have replaced the brakes at 65000 and the right rear axle at 90000 also a power steering pump bolt broke at 68000. All in all I have been satisfied with my GCL. I owned two K5 Blazers and I prefer driving the Jeep. I don't know how the 2004 models are holding up so I will put another 100,000 on this one.
sweet car
mister jeep, 07/02/2004
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for almost two years now and have recently reached 111,000 miles. Within these past two years, I have put a little money into keeping this thing running smooth, but I understand its a jeep, and old jeep and these things will happen. Mine has the 318 V8 which makes this thing fast and makes towing heavy trailor loads a breeze. The spare tire in the back gives me more vertical space than if it were mounted under the car, and vertical space is what I need.
Never again!!!
formerjeepowner, 08/29/2004
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this Jeep shortly after college with 78,000. The car ran wonderfully for another 15,000 miles but then the problems started happening and they never really stopped for 5 years. First it was the transmission which cost $1800 just to fix the clutches. Then the water pump, the alternator, the battery, the fuel pump, O2 sensor, gear shift panel broke, the ignition casing went faulty and then finally the radiator went bad and I had enough. I did not fix it I just donated the vehicle to a local charity. I will never buy a Jeep again and I will never buy an American car again. I gave it a chance and it failed me miserably.
Finally Give Up
Jeep24Rnr, 10/09/2004
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
82000 miles. Since new have replaced: rear axel vent (twice); PW motor; Intake MANIFOLD gasket; Tranny Cooler line (leak); Peeling dr panels; leaky AC Accumulator line; Wtr Pump; Oil Sensor Sending unit (twice); CV boots; Now tranny starts slipping due to bad clutch seal(wanted to fix) but transfer case starts to leak. Had eeeeeenough! traded in for a 4runner. Did rigorous maintenance, all by my self except tran fluid including wtr pump. Overall, I see DC has a good product design team, but there is no body puting the product together, and had zero quality control. "The Jeep Thing" can only go so far. Sure, "There is Only One", it perfectly described my feeling, plus "ONCE is enough"!!
Good and Bad
Charlie Brown, 10/27/2004
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For the most part I love my jeep. However, I bought it with about 78,000 miles and got to about 100K before starting to have problem after problem. All my issues center around the serpentine belt...we've replace every motor or compressor attached to it as well as the tensioner arm (too many times to count). We've also had to replace the CV joints and boots on both sides. I think it's a bad design and that's why so many of us have had to replace items working off the serpentine belt. We get one thing fixed that's attached to the serpentine belt and then something else on the belt needs to be fixed...sigh...
Maintain it
Michelin Man, 11/17/2004
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Grand Cherokee! It is a very spacious and comfortable SUV. The Jeep is great off-road. Being a Jeep expert, make sure the Jeep has been maintained. Both the Inline-6 and V8 have seen 300k miles in many instances. The drivetrain and suspension are of less quality. The trannys are prone to break, some at 90k miles and others at 200k miles. Never get a tranny flush or a radiator flush! Both components will likely fail. The 1993=1998 Grand Cherokee (ZJ) is maintenence-intensive. Mine has 135k miles, has required a new steering box, starter, battery, steering stabilizer, many brake components, shocks, and various bushings in the front suspension. Great Vehicle for the expert.
96 Grand Cherokee Laredo
J C Golden, 01/06/2005
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very good vehicle with the 5.2L engine and Quadra-Trac full-time 4WD. ABS worked well on snow and ice. One annoying problem with the auxilliary transmission oil cooler lines located near the front bumper--they leak and it's a $200 fix to repair them when they do.
keep your money
kds2, 06/02/2005
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I saw this vehicle and it looked like a good car. Well, I could not have been more wrong. At 90k the transmission needed a full rebuild. At 95k the 4x4 went out along with the exhaust needing replaced. Keep in mind this Jeep never went off road. We only drove it when there was snow in the ground. Shortly thereafter both axles needed replacing. By this point we had had enough. We sold it for $4000 under valuation just to get rid of the thing. Buying that thing was the biggest mistake we have made to date. It just made me realize how much I missed my Nissan Pathfinder. If I were you I would pay a bit more for the Pathfinder ... I think you will be happier in the long run.
Leaky Jeep!
P V C, 06/17/2005
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Lived in Japan for a while; bought and shipped a Jeep (with 56,000 miles) when I returned to US. After over a year of ownership and 5,000 miles of driving, I have taken it to a 5-star Chrysler dealer for numerous reasons: busted CV boots, leaking transmission lines, leaking valve cover... what's next? Is it the vehicle that's unreliable, or is it the mechanics that work on it? Just waiting for the right time to take it for trade in.
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo
Cristen, 08/04/2005
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got my Jeep this year, of course used. It is a great vehicle. I have had no problems with it at all, it runs very well and I love the power with the v-8. I was very surprised about how well it turns in tight spots. It maneuvers like a car. The interior is very comfortable, and it has power everything. I like that the seats move up and down, because i am only 4 foot 11 inches tall. And it is no problem to drive. It has plenty of space to haul just about anything, and the back seats fold down. I like the navigational system. All in all it is a great vehicle, the only bad thing I can say is it gets 15 mpg in town and 18 on 4-lane, and I was used to a Geo Tracker that got 35 mpg.
Jeep Grand Cherokee with no complaints
Weez, 09/16/2005
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
One of the better vehicles I have ever owned. It reminds me of my '72 Nova but without all the problems, and I never had to keep tools onboard. Nice firm ride on the road and great off road ride. Handles all the bumps and ditches with ease. The only complaint I have is the location of the overdrive cutoff switch. It was hard to see. I like this Grand Cherokee so much that I bought another in 2004.
Jeep's best engine EVER
Jan, 11/12/2005
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The inline V6 is the best engine Jeep's ever made, this is fact. Might run 250k ... but, in last month alone, I had to replace battery, starter, alternator, and finally got around to getting estimates on $1,200 air conditioner replacement (leaking), new exhaust, and total electrical system overhaul. My stereo was stolen, and now the windows and locks work only intermittently, and the check engine light has been on for 2 1/2 months, EVEN WHEN THE CAR'S OFF. No diagnostic tests have solved puzzle. It was fabulous until it went bad, and it went bad FAST.
solid 4x4
hunter, 01/26/2006
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The gas mileage and reliability were not what I had hoped for but it has performed the towing and off road job very well. It is comfortable on highway and the V8 has plenty of power. It now has 120,000 miles and has required no internal engine work. I have an "up country" suspension and limited slip rear end which makes it a good hunting vehicle.
It's A Jeep!
drive it, 01/29/2006
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you know Jeeps, there's not much to explain. The car comes super loaded, more so than most new cars now. With the V8, gas mileage isn't too great, about 16 mpg, but what do you expect. The only problem I've ever had on mine (now at 98,000 miles) is the heated seats which seem to have a tenancy to go out every couple years even if you keep getting them fixed. But most cars don't even have them in the first place so it's not a big deal to just not have them. To me, it's one of the best looking SUV's ever made with comfort to match. Even at 10 years old, it's everything you need in an SUV. Recommended to anyone not worried about gas mileage.
Love it!
Stacy, 06/14/2006
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We've had our Jeep for about 4 years. It has over 230,000 miles and we've only had to replace the transmission and water pump. It is safe in the Wisconsin winters with our child, or pulling our two horse trailer anytime.
I would buy another one
trouble, 10/14/2006
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This Jeep has very high miles, regular up keep no major problems, only ball joints at 175,000 miles, very comfortable ride, and everything still works. Always drove a Chevy, but thought I would try something else, glad I did, it has a v-8 and I get 24 average miles to the gallon according to the tripometer. The paint looks great everything is original except for the custom stereo.
fun offroad and on road
zjeep, 01/15/2007
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
No major hitches, with little mods It did Moab wonderfully. On road quiet and roomy. Best front seats of anything I have sat in. Modest 6 banger performance is sufficient. Plan on keeping it till I cant find parts.
It's a Jeep Thing!
Burkey, 02/13/2007
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Jeep off a lease with 39k back in 99 for $17,000 and its been an awesome vehicle. I do a lot of bowhunting and take it off road and have never once had a problem getting stuck...it'll go through quicksand! It has been a very reliable vehicle and have never had a major problem with it. At around 90k the electrical system starting getting funky...the radio took a lot of button pushing to get it from FM to AM and now the headlights mysteriously blink on and off sometimes in AUTO mode. Probably a short. I do love this vehicle. It has 103K now and I'm buying another one for the wife. Very safe for the family and the dog can go in the back too. Jeeps are where it's at!
Known it since day one!
Brad Pollard, 02/10/2007
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought my 96 JGC Laredo from a friend who was the original owner. The mileage is still real low at under 45k. From what I know to be factual, the ONLY things that the previous owner had to buy/replace were a new battery at about 35k, and new tires at about 30k. EVERYTHING else has & continues to function properly. The oil on the 4.0 litre 6 cylinder has been changed every 3- 4000 miles, & car has been washed & waxed (black in/out) frequently. My personal experience & observations after only putting about 1500 miles on it are all positive. I find the vehicle highly optioned, quite comfortable, & predictably reliable.Of course I will know more in years to come, but so far I LIKE IT!
Family Member
Rod, 02/21/2007
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought as new and have 120K with nothing other than normal maintenance items and has been driven off-road. Original engine and tranny, still easily passes CA smog gets 25 mpg hwy and 16 city. Change oil every 3k - 4K miles. Paint in great condition but rear liftgate shocks are wearing out. No other complaints.
Great SUV
Lilsurfingsteve, 05/25/2007
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I recieved my car for Christmas of 2004. Since then, it has been a great car. The guy before me was not the best to it. It has a few dents and dings but not too bad. All I've had to replace was the radiator. I'm definitely going to buy another Jeep Grand Cherokee after I give this one to my brother.
Our first AWD Jeep GC
JerryP, 05/11/2003
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Vehicle purchased as a lease return with 36K miles. Overall it has been a good car for comfort w/o big money spent for repairs. AWD is nice in wet & rainy Puget Sound weather. The V8 gas mileage is just over 12 MPG after almost 5 years of ownership. Recently hadthe car at a Seattle dealer and were advised that the rear-wheel bearings and CV boots needed replacing. Other reviewers have also noted the interior failures of the linings of the doors but stuff like that IS fixable! Overall we are generally satisfied and feel we have chosen widely, having bought it used and not shelling out the original invoice of around $33K.
Learn how to build an auto
JAck, 09/18/2002
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Problems with transmision and bulb burnouts.
Jeeping!
zees, 07/02/2003
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought it with 111k miles, love it. Exhaust manifold was replace by previous owner as was A/C leak, several rubber joints in the suspension, had real seal on difference replaced ($50). In lin e6 has lots of power. Low gas mileage 13.2 mostly in town. Rides great, very comfirtable seats in front, kinda of small in back (typical mid-size anything).
Better than the Last One
laurelmt, 03/16/2002
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the second Grand Cherokee Larado we have owned. The last one was a totaly different car. This one has been a perfect gem. Even after all these miles, it has been very low maintanence. The only major problem was the computer went out with no warning. Only cost $600 to fix. Great cars but be careful what you buy..there are a bunch out there with problems.
The original suv
jerrymax, 03/23/2008
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1996 Grand Cherokee Laredo from my neighbor last December after thinking for a while that I needed an SUV. I've got no complaints. I frequently visit my daughter in upstate New York and traversing her 175 ft driveway with 9 inches of snow on it was a breeze in the Jeep. Cruises very smoothly at 60 mph but feels like it's being pushed too hard at 70. Made for traction, no speed. Jeep has unique qualities, like unibody construction and solid axles, not found in other SUVs. And its the original 4x4, the workhorse vehicle born out of necessity in World War II for the military, the grand-daddy of all SUVs. I'll always have a Jeep from now on, as well as a sedan for summer driving.
Luxury group 2 and a v6
Topher, 12/07/2019
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have a 1996 Grand Cherokee with the v6 and luxury group 2, which is essentially the same as the 2020.. The v6 has a lot of guts, despite what the reviewer says. We have towed a 3000 pound trailer over hilly terrain with no strain and the acceleration. In normal driving including highway on-ramps it has plenty of power. Try it out before opting for a much more expensive v8. Luxury group 2 gets the larger sunroof and a great radio, among other things.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Unleash the beast
i love my jeep, 09/30/2010
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
I love my Jeep and would trade it for the world. I've never had a problem and would recommend to anyone. The inline 6 is great. Gas mileage is great for an SUV. I get about 26-28 hwy and 16-19 city. I put on over 5000 miles in the last 3 months and still no problem. I added some new features such as wider rims and cold air intake and its the hottest thing on the streets. Reliable, strong, efficient. Keep it up Jeep
Perfect
krstd3, 04/21/2002
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have not had my Jeep very long but I just love it. The drive is great no matter if it is a long trip or short trip.. I wanted something that my family would be safe in and I found it..I will have a Jeep from now on.
Learn how to build an auto
jack, 09/18/2002
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Problems with transmision and bulb burnouts.
In my opinion......
ELLE99, 04/26/2004
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Granted it is a 96 and with age it will ultimately depreciate as will any other automobile out there. So that being said you'd typically want to buy something that's reliable. This car is anything but reliable in my opinion. It's broke down twice in a year. I've had a series of problems which has cause me numerous headaches. A helpful tip... if anyone is looking to purchase this Jeep I would advise them 100% not to. Spend alittle extra money and purchase a used Nissan Pathfinder. It's an outstanding SUV.
Jeep 1996 Grand Cherokee Laredo
Jeepin95, 05/22/2004
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love this Jeep!!!!!!
less than a jeep thing
daniel storrs, 04/21/2003
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
The car has cost us a ton of money in repairs. Jeep replaced half of the engine in the first 1000 miles. We have had to repair a head gasket, a rear end twice, an automatic transmission twice, etc. It just is not a well made car.
Over Torqued Tranny for In-line 6 Cyl?
Drive For 5, 01/04/2003
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought my '96 Grand Cherokee Laredo from my folks in April '01. The SUV drives itself about 8 mph without hitting the accelerator. It constantly bangs in gear, especially reverse. It has had these problems since day 1 and the dealership told my folks that it's "normal". I'm worried, especially since it has only 57,XXX miles on it. I am considering upgrading to a full size SUV for my family. Drivers seat feels tight. Rear seat room is also tight. The child's car seat takes up most of the space. 4.0 In-line six cyl is adequate at best, wish I had the V8. Sluggish acceleration.
piece of crap
ex-jeeper, 06/29/2003
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This jeep has been the worst automobile in my life. Everything has been replaced at least twice. Don't pay attention to any warranty because it will break again when it gets out.
up country down south
chad pike, 04/10/2016
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Orvis 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Must see to appreciate
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
!996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo
Jeep Driver, 03/26/2002
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This was a good car. We trimmed out a Grand Cherokee Laredo like a Limited at much less cost and got an excellent car with wood trim, power seats and leather. We experienced no major mechanical problems in 6 years.