Used 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Consumer Reviews
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ONE CATASTROPHE AFTER ANOTHER
I have a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, Automatic, 2WD, the vehicle starts up perfectly but then instantly dies.Not a sputter nothing it's like it just loses spark.The power works fine, the dash lights come on,no problem, automatic & manual head lights work great so far.Power windows and door locks work,my interior lights work.Gas light comes on,but there's gas in the jeep.None of the gauges move at all.After trying to start it multiple times there is no sort of clicking from inside my vehicle like when my alternator went out & my battery kept dying.I recently replaced the alternator 2 days ago.I replaced transmission catalytic converter,muffler,& major tune up 6 weeks ago. PLEASE HELP
280000 miles just wont die
I bought this jeep with allot of miles cheap. It is the fourth jeep I have owned. Cheap to fix and lots of used parts out there. Can't go wrong if you havn't allot of cash to blow on some over priced ero-trash leather llivingroom. You can still drive it with many things wrong with it then fix it at your own pace. 280k starts and runs great. and the interior is just as good, leather, heated seats, premium sound, comfortable, I can go on.
- Laredo 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,995734 mi away
- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $10,999786 mi away
- Laredo 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,995930 mi away
What more can you ask for
Most dependable and sturdy vehicle I have owned in years. Actually like it better then my Lincoln.
Take care of your vehicle
I've been a Jeep person for 25 years. I've owned nearly every model at one time or another and there are few vehicles which can come close to the craftsmanship these vehicles are built with. I am religious when it comes to maintaining my rigs (especially the CJ) and because of that, they last far longer than the same vehicle in "average Joe's" hands. Most negative comments are from people who do nothing more than gas and go and expect the car to last forever. It just doesn't happen. Treat this vehicle right and it'll take you anywhere you want to go.
My poor Jeep
Bought my beloved Jeep GC with 107k miles. The good far outweighed the bad. 24+ mpg highway with the inline 6 and auto transmission. Would haul anything I put in it (1200lbs of Pavers) or towed behind it. Water poured in by the passenger A pillar while raining, brake rotors warped easily, power locks worked most of the time. It never left me stranded even though I used the heck out of it with little maintenance. As it was "dying" something would fail ONLY at the end of a long trip **after arrival**. A trans fluid line to the oil cooler blew off at 192k miles and the trans was toast, but it still drove me safely to a parking lot and out of traffic. My poor Jeep was good to me. <snif>
Bought as is from a used car lot.
Step daughter wanted a Wrangler but we talked her into a Cherokee. This vehicle was found on Craigslist and is white with gold trim. It has dark grey leather interior and a lot of extras. Had a lot of issues with the jeep in the beginning. Radiator sprang a leak and had to be replaced, then the water pump and thermostat soon went out. The jeep then had a problem with shutting down when driving and was totally unreliable. Had to replace the crankshaft and cam shaft position sensors before that problem went away. Changed out the battery for a heavy duty one. Replaced the rotor, distributor cap and spark plug wires. Changed out the fuel filter and worked on the shift cable.
MY WORKHORSE
I bought my Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo from my neighbor in Dec. 2007 and have put 21,000 miles on it. I've taken it to upstate NY 21 times, a 600 mile round trip. Only got stranded once when the water pump seized up on a trip to Pennsylvania. Snapped the serpentine belt. Had to replace H2O pump, belt, tensioner and radiator. Car severely overheated but it did not damage the cast iron engine, an indestructible workhorse of a motor. No other problems. With 158,500 miles it still runs like a freight train. Always starts. I have the Quadra-Trac system, full-time AWD. On a recent road trip at 65 mph without the AC running I averaged 20.3 mpg. I use 89 octane so it runs cleaner. Great old car.
awesome.
My Grand Cherokee has about 170,000 miles on it now and it's still going strong. If you're looking for a vehicle and you're afraid about high mileage, do not dismiss the '96 Grand Cherokee. It's powerful, it's comfortable, and it rides well for an SUV. Gas mileage is not great though. We've only had a few problems with it- anti freeze leak, bearings wearing out in rear. Other than that, its a good, solid, reliable vehicle that you can take literally ANYWHERE. Thumbs up
Sounded like a good SUV @ time
Where should I start mmm...bought with 42,000 in '99, interior hardware failing,side mirrors memory set failing, stereo buttons sticky hard to change mode, heating seats don't work anymore, back wiper sticky, replaced CV boots(@93k),power steering brackets before 90k, there's acouple of other things that have failed right before it hit 100K but overall still runs great. We've been across the border twice and other long trips in the state, not sure what other SUV we could have bought at time (NOT FORD). Would like to sell but only for gas mileage reasons, I drive alot in town.
Reliable SUV
I bought this vehicle with 140,000 miles and it runs really good! I had a couple of sensors go out, but the dealer replaced them. Other than that, it is awesome! It got me around in the Blizzard of '06 in Colorado! Excellent sound system, love the leather, just looks like new! I will buy another Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited when the time comes and give this one to my son!
Luv my Cherokee
Bought the rig in 2000 with 35K miles, now have 159K and no real problems. Had to replace the brakes, fuel pump @ about 125K and recently the water pump. The rig runs like a charm, my only complaint is the suspension is a tad too loose, otherwise been a great vehicle and plan on keeping it a few more years
'96 Laredo 4X4
My Laredo has 186,000+ bought it for $1. Have had to replace about everything under hood. Normal wear and tear. Have had it for 5 yrs now and I love it. Been good to me. Went from VT to AZ spent 4 yrs their then AZ to VT again. Both ways towing a 4 wheel Uhal trailer. Not a hiccup or anything either way. I wouldn't try that with anything else. On our way back and forth we slept in the Jeep. The back is perfect size for two average sized people to sleep comfortably. LOVE MY JEEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DECENT VEHICLE
Overall, a good SUV. Very little trouble until now. Recently replaced the water pump, fuel pump, and Battery. This is it's third Battery. I can't complain though, I see this as normal wear and tear items for a vehicle with 175k. The only complaints I have is with the door panels. They started to come apart at 100k. All 4 panels will run you around $600.00, and you install. Exhaust header is also a problem. It cracks and develops a leak. There are aftermarket headers available. I found Gibson headers to be the most desirable. These are direct replacement, and bolt right in. All in all, I like my Grand.
150,000
Just hit 150,000 miles and it is still running strong. The thing wont die! The interior is falling apart, my A/C dosen't work and im leaking a bit of oil and antifreeze but thats an easy fix. Most reliable vehicle i've owned, engine wise. It's no Aston Martin but i'll take it I guess.
NOT A SMART PURCHASE
I've now owned my '96 Limited Grand for about 3 full years.... that's plenty for me. I'm in the process of selling the piece right now. The reasons for the sale are endless but basically, the transmission is continually "failing" by shifting hard or not at all, even after repeated "Transmission Flushes". The brakes have gone out twice, both axle's have cracked from simple highway commuting, the CV Boots have cracked repetitively, the interior "integrity" is marginal at best with cracking plastic pieces, sticky/jammed buttons, chinsey fake wood paneling that's falling apart.... AAAHHHHH!!!!!! If it's not one thing, it's another with this Jeep...
Still Run'n
After 136k miles our Jeep ZJ is still running great. The raves about the I-6 are true. No oil burning to speak of. It's basically a tractor engine-very simple-nothing fancy but very reliable. More reliable than the v-8 counterpart and easy to work on for the shade tree mechanic. Output on par with many other manufacturers V-8s of similar years. Selec-trac is very competent. Nice to have just 2x4 when you want it. The NP242 transfer case is one of the best Jeep has. Ours get's only the good stuff (Mobile 1, Royal Purple, et. so take good care and it will treat you right.
transmission
at 70,000 miles I now need a $2239.00 major transmission repair. I verified the mileage before purchasing this car in March 2002. I thought the mileage was low and my wife and I are in our 50's and we don't drive rough or go 4-wheelin in the woods. The car went quickly from slow shfting one day to big time slipping the next day and getting lost in no gear at all before the automatic transmission shifted to high gear. terribly disapointed.
96 JGC Limited
Bought used in great shape and now at 65,000 still a great deal. Full loaded (except for the sunroof :( ) everything. I have the 4.0L and it seems to be more reliable especially with 2WD. It seems Jeep does have 4WD transmission problems if you don't take care. I change the oil (synthetic) and transmission fluids (also synthetic) per manufacturers guidelines. I also firmly believe a good mechanic (not a dealer) is the most important thing to have. I had an intermittent engine problem that was worked out over a few weeks, check this (change cheap stuff first) and finally resulting in a new ECM.
Attach Stuck vehicles here!
I have a 1996 jeep grand cherokee it is a 5.2l beast that puts trucks to shame. Goes any where anytime and always kills the competition. I have over 216k miles on her but all she needed so far is a water pump and some some new axle bearings. transfer case was never shifted into low until i got her at 200k miles some lil old lady had never taken her to play around in the dirt. transfer case is an achilles heel but works great if you take care of it. Tows great, sounds like a beast, does better of road than tradition cjs and tjs im always pulling those out of mud. Some beefy tires and a cold air intake give it some traction and better power and fuel economy.Who needs roads when you have a jeep
Great SUV
I bought my 1996 JGC new. I now have 215k miles and it still runs very well. I do regular maintenance; had to replace radiator twice. Still original motor and tran.
Thank God it was a Jeep!
Best truck EVER! Bought as a traded in lease with 40K miles on her and very few problems. Crossed the country towing a trailer, trucked across the outback of New Mexico no problems. This Jeep did it all with ease. handed her down to my son who beat the crap out of it and still ran great with over 225K miles on her she saved my son's life when a wrong way driver hit him in a 160 mph head on collision.The Jeep stood up to the test and not even the windshield broke, my son walked away with one broken arm. I'm sorry to say the other driver was not so lucky, may he rest in peace. I bet his family wished they gave their son a jeep. I'm looking for my next one now.
Jeep - never again
I have the 4.0 liter, 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. Had 65,000 K when I bought it. Worst car I have ever owned. I am shopping for a replacement now. I have replaced catalytic convertor twice, out again. Cracked exhaust manifold, hoses, radiator,crank shaft sensor (going out again I believe), idle motor also. Have to hit starter 6 to 8 times to connect. I am 64 years old and put 5,000 miles on it a year..so rough treatment is not the excuse.
96 Grand Cherokee 5.2 AWD Limited
Due its' age, it is still a great SUV. If you are driving on a bad road, it shakes a lot and that makes you a bit uncomfortable. Front bumper design could be better. Braking could be better. Besides these It is a great reliable car. Handling is just fine. MPG is alright for a v8 engine. Modifiable and cheap parts(In non US country). If you have a lpg installed, you get around a 1.6 litre car mpg. 4.5/5 stars !!!
Still Going Strong Great S
I have had a 1996 Limited Grand Cherokee since 2002. I like everything about it and it only has minor problems that need fixed. I have only had some major work on it done every few years usually the same stuff. This jeep stays outside year round in all weather conditions and it still gets me to point A and B without any problems. A jeep this age of course needs routine maintenance so its understandable when it has issues. I truly enjoy driving this jeep even today and I still have people ask me about it and people still comment it. I am sorry for all the owners out there that have had problems with theirs I will have this jeep till it stops running a truly great suv to own! Thanks Jeep
Great Ride!
My Jeep has done everything I've asked of it with only insignificant problems. Was skeptical of Jeep quality at first, and have only driven GM cars in the past. Now a big fan of the Gr. Chreokee. I've replaced the stab. bar and tire rods at 90K and water pump at 105K. Nothing else has gone wrong and I've driven this car long, fast and hard. And the heated seats in cold MI weather are great!
Indestructable
While the 4.0 l i6 is not the most powerful or fuel efficient engine it is truly bullet proof. I bought my grand Cherokee in 1998 and it had 60,000 mi on it. It now has 262,000 mi on it and the engine still runs strong. I beat the crap out of this car taking it off road. I sank it in a swamp, blew the shocks rock crawling, and various other adventures. The engine hung in there. The exhaust rusted because of the swamping and needed to be replaced and the transmission was replaced when I sank it in the swamp. But the only parts I ever replaced were ones that werew broken from my harsh useage.
old reliable
I bought this Jeep used with 98,000 miles on it (4.0L six, 4x4). It had an oil pan leak, had no radio, needed tires, and had a crack in the exhaust. Once those items were addressed, I have to say that this Jeep is more comfortable and easy to drive than the 1992 Cherokee that I had before. My average gas mileage is 18.5, it doesn't burn any oil, and it always starts. The 4 coil suspension makes driving around town and long distance very comfortable on my back.
great ride
Owned my Jeep for more than ten years towed 23 ft fishing boat for 8 of them this Jeep is amazing I have over three hundred and thirty thousand and have done very little I replaced tranns at three hundred thou along with one front axel one rear originally water fuel and power steering pumps I have used Lucas products and I highly recommend a buying a Jeep busing Lucas oil products I cant tell you enough great things about this Jeep put a set of bf all terrains she handles like no other ac always cold even with as many miles as I have on it
Next one will be another Jeep
Was very leery about buying this vehicle with all the negative reviews from earlier years. Dealer offered a 48000 mile warranty no charge to clinch the deal. Haven't regretted my decision from day one. Very dependable vehicle, excellent dealer service, respectable milage (17.5 mpg overall). Now with 121000 miles on, it rides like the day I got it. Next one will be another Jeep.
Review
This is the best car i have ever had. The 4x4 works geart and you can't go wrong with the I6 its the best motor in the world! I have 109,000 miles on it and the only thing that goes out is the radiator and the power streeing. This Jeep looks great with a 4in lift and 31s and it goes any where at anytime through mud and snow it does it all. Gas miles will drop if you lift it. If I could do it all again I would just add tires and rims if you do that you'll be able to go most place a Landrover can with a lower price!
Bring it on
This vehicle has been problem free. I always service when recommend and change the oil every 3,000 - 4,000 miles. Like any vehicle, if you are good to it, it will be good to you. I have definitely received my moneys worth and will get a good price when I go to sell.
1996 jeep
My 1996 jeep has been great overall. I have had to replace the water pump, the oil pump, the alternator, the radiator, and the brakes/tires/shocks. In addition, I had to replace the catalytic converter. Otherwise the jeep is rock solid other than minor issues. It is great in the rain and snow.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4
I bought this car because of it's large size and high ride. I was not disapointed! Over the past 3 years I've had a lot of fun with this car, and it's saved me tons of money in UHAUL trailers because of it's large cargo capacity. Occasionally I would use the 4 wheel drive for snow and ice, and it worked well for that. The only real problem I've had with it was the fuel pump. I had it changed out twice. The A/C would also give me problems from time to time. I think it has a small leak. Otherwise, it's been well worth the money.
Never Again!
I will never buy another Jeep. We bought it used with only 15,000 miles on it. We have put at least $4,000 into fixing the A/C over the last 3 years. The switches have never worked consistently. One of the switches went out, at the same time the A/C went out, so all the windows were stuck OPEN for 2 weeks until the part came in. There have been other problems. It seems like we have a repair at least once every 3-4 months. I'll be glad when this piece of junk is OUT of my garage.
One of the better Jeeps
This is the third GC I have owned. Used it off road and put lots of highway miles on it. Just traded it on a new wrangler. This CG came with a transmission problem that took the third dealership to correct. By this time the vehicle was out of warranty and Jeep refused to pay for fix. Cost me over $600. Overall trouble free, for a Jeep.
Great Jeep
Overall, this has been a great Jeep. The 4.0 is one of the best engines ever made, despite some ancilliary equipment that was poorly designed (water pump, exhaust manifold, crankshaft position sensor). I've got over 130K miles on it and it is still going strong. I am a fanatic about maintenance, and changing fluids before they are due, which is why all my cars are good for 300k miles.
Reliability to the extreme
I inherited my Jeep as a gift, it had 210,000 miles on it and everything was still original. Its an inline 6 limited now it has 240,000 miles on it and only the fuel pump and the radiator have been replaced everything else is still good. As many people say move the spare tire! Its annoying I've seen a few grand Cherokees where the spare is mounted on the liftgate like any other SUV and the rear window doesn't open other than those two things its awesome good power and ride, comfortable I'm definitely getting another Jeep in the future so is the girlfriend
Not sure what to think
This vehicle has been fun to drive but has had problems since day 1. Bought it at 55,000 miles, it had the 318 V-8 engine in it. Dealership could never fix engine "pinging." Rod bearings went, then entire engine had to be replaced at 101,000 miles. It was my wife's vehicle and she used it to commute back and forth a short distance to work. This vehicle has never been driven hard or abused. We also had trouble with the 4WD slipping out of 4WD low--wouldn't engage. The CD player quit working, radio shorts out. Sunroof leaks during big rainstorms. Vehicle has bled us dry for repair bills. Gets 15.6 mpg. Trannie seems to shift back and forth unnecessarily when going up hills.
Ya man it's a jeep
This is a very good vehicle. It has lots of power, great for offroading,and it's good for the highway. The person before me didn't take very good care of it but I have put some money into it and now it runs great. I had to replace the transmission, the water pump, and the alignment was a little screwy when I bought. I'm very glad I bought it over a truck I was looking at. I recommend this vehicle to anyone who doesn't care about gas mileage. I get about 16 mpg.
Great SUV
I bought this vehicle in 2004 at 190,000 miles and its still running good. I'm at 196.6 now. I bought it because i was really impressed with the interior. It was in excellent condition. 4wd still works very well. The previous owner did a lot of routine mainteance on it which is why it still runs well. I paid $4000 for it. Overall, I'm very satisfied with. I just wish the gas mileage a bit better. The paint still looks as it was new.
Forever Reliable Plus Comfort
My Jeep has taken me through college and now with 4 children. I don't doubt that if I keep up with regular maintenance that it will easily last another 150000 miles. It is the only one of our cars we trust in all forms of weather.
Overall Good Quality
Second Grand Cherokee that my wife and I have owned. First was a '93 with the I-6 cylinder which was a little under powered for towing a medium sized trailer (17'). The '96 has the 5.2 liter (318 cid) which has been more than adequate. The only problem we have had with the vehicle is an automatic transmission rebuild at 100, 000 miles. I felt this was totally unacceptable for a transmission to fail at this mileage and the response from the dealership was less than what we had hoped for.
Dependable
I have replaced all of the anxillary parts, e.g. battery, alternator, power steering pump, water pump (2x),... My biggest complaint is that the A/C gets clogged with leaves. I had to "gut" the dash to replace the evaporator. I did it myself only because I was a student at the time and couldn't afford to pay $1,000 in labor to install a $100 part. It taxed my shade-tree mechanic capabilities, however.
It just keeps going
We bought our Gr. Cherokee brand new and have loved it until today. The V-8 engine is great and is needed on the car. The heated seats are also a great feature.Now after 7 years we have 98000 miles on the Jeep and it still runs great.
Penny wise, pound foolish
Bought this vehicle off lease with 28k miles. Needed a high-clearance vehicle for work as I occasionally have to drive on dirt/gravel roads. I really wanted a 4Runner, but thought I'd save $3,000 or so and "Buy American" - BIG mistake. Interior trim is peeling off of the doors and the seat fabric failed early. For some reason, I'm always banging my foot on the door lip getting in & out. Has that "tippy" feel on corners. Worst of all, I had to replace the transmission at 65k mi, spending the $3000 I "saved" on the purchase, but it still doesn't work that smoothly.
A sad farewell
I'm writing as I'm about to take up the Cash for Clunkers option on a new Jeep. I believe that the 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited must have been the miraculous model where Jeep did everything right for about an hour, and out came my wonderful old car. I've got 152K on a 12 year old model. Not a speck of rust. Original engine. Everything works (with, of course, some replacement expenses over the years) except the passenger side seat heater gave up the ghost 5 years ago. I've got the straight six, not the V8. It needed a little more room in the back, but I almost can't bear to part with it. They're just giving away too much money right now to say "no". Adios with a tear.
It's a Jeep Thing!!
I bought my '96 GC Limited in 2000. It had 70,000 miles on it already but I needed a larger vehicle and didn't want to spend a fortune so I bought it. Best decision I ever made!!! I have had to make very few repairs and most of those have been normal wearing type. It now has 218,000 miles on it and I am just now thinking of trading it in for a new one. Not because it won't run anymore, but just because I figure it probably won't be worth anything for trade in if I wait any longer. I highly recommend this vehicle.
Work Horse
Bought the beast with 79k miles and now has 215k. Maintained every 3-4k and only major issues were front steering knuckles, sway bar links and most recently the exhaust manifold. 4.0L 6 cylinder engine is a workhorse.
HARD TO BEAT A JEEP
A wrangler or Grand Cherokee is hard to beat. The 96-98 years for the ZJ was one of the best. Highly modifiable and good for off road and trailer/boat towing. Get you about the same place as a wrangler will go. Have had both; now we have as a second vehicle, our 3rd 96 Laredo with 4.0 liter six with 4x4.
great
amazing vehicle