Used 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Consumer Reviews
Used Grand Cherokee for sale
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd
DougNH, 02/08/2004
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Jeep has been nothing but good to me. I really use it off road plus drive it to work everyday. It's been the perfect vehicle for someone who truly uses their 4WD. In winter, I've driven it through a solid foot + of snow for hundreds of feet and it made it (barely).. try that in a Ford Explorer HA! Great vehicle for the northeast
Lemon with a golden wrapper
Brooks, 09/05/2002
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been almost anal with the up- keep of this car. I have followed the manual and performed every service recommended to the letter, but it has been nothing but problems in return. I know 4 other people, besides myself that have owned upper end Grand Cherokees or Loredos and not one of us would ever buy another one. Every time I have taken it to a shop and talked about the problems I have experienced, the mechanics confirm my frustrations by agreeing that this is not a reliable car.
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee for sale near you
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Jeep grand cherokee limited 5.2
DNorem, 02/16/2004
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this Jeep for 3 1/2yrs and had no problems. I have it serviced regularly and change oil religiously. I've had other Jeeps and definately recommend the 5.2L engine. It seems smoother, has more get up and go and pulls a trailer much better.
jeep review
josh lundy, 03/04/2004
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great off road capability but needs to have the reliability problem taken care of.the also need the spare tire put underneath the vehicle.but all in all i love it!!
For Sale
No American Cars, 05/17/2002
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Jeep was my first American made car out of three cars. It was my most expensive and most disappointed investment. It is fun to drive and has a great look, but don't judge a book by its cover. I have had brake problems from day one. My horn use to go off for no reason, my check engine light is on for no apparent reason, and my rear differential is shot! I have fixed most of those things and intending to sell right away for a killer price...only $8K.
You really need to want a Jeep!
You gotta fix it! , 03/13/2004
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wife loves the styling. I hate fixing everything. Buy yourself a service manual otherwise you will make the $tealership rich. These vehicles are bought broken and you have to fix them to make them work right.
1997 ltd w/v8
mkenn363, 03/17/2004
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
just a very nice car. VERY COMFORTABLE!!!! sits up tall, goes through anything.V-8 is nice. Great interior, like a plane cockpit....
Quality SUV
Good Buy, 09/09/2003
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had it new since '97, and I have few complaints. Motor does seem slightly tired, but that's understandable. Belts squeak a bit, and tranny slips a bit at times, but only momentarily. Bottom line: a well-conceived and designed SUV that lived up to its billing as the best SUV value out there at the time of purchase. I've driven it daily since purchase, and towed a small boat at least a couple hundred times without any major mechanical issues.
Own one and youll understand...
JeepinKansas, 07/12/2002
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee TSi 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle from a Jeep dealer at 90K miles in 2001,It now has 100K and Ive mostly LOVED it.I have the Q-Trac/V8 Setup and my trans vibes a bit when shifting to 3rd,the rear end is also very NOISY(growls).80% of Grand's experience the rear diff bearing problem.Mine was even replaced in 98.That aside,I fixed a $90 IAC and now my Catalyst and Steering Dampener need replaced.Not bad for 100,250 miles. Biggest complaint? Interior Quality.These vehicles arent cheap and dealing with such a spotty interior is rediculous.Was going for a 99 or 00 but they have SEVERE problems,perhaps a 98 5.9 Limited will fit the bill,or ill wait for the 02s to come down.
1997 Jeep GC Laredo
theos, 04/20/2002
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
at 64,000 had to have the rear axle rebuilt, cost over $1000.00. Now at 66,000 the front end is making the same noise the rear did, was told front end needs rebuilding and the ABS doesn't work. At only 66,000 miles!!!??? Nice riding vehicle, but poor on gas and expensive repairs.
Gotta love a Jeep!
jeepcrazy, 03/21/2004
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased this jeep in 2001 with 44k miles on it. Just ticked off 119k and it still runs and looks just like it did when I bought it. Have had to put new brakes and such on it but other than the general maintenance stuff I have not spent a dime on it. This has been the best vehicle I've ever owned. I will probably drive this till the wheels fall off and plan to buy another jeep when that happens!
after 180,000 mi
stott, 10/17/2003
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
still runs well...i do change oil 2500- 3000miles...i get about 15-1/2miles gal..i will buy another...5.2V8
reliable
Perian Dunmire, 08/01/2009
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought it from a private owner. It has approximately 130,000 miles. Drives well. It does not have very good mpg. As it is a v8. I have put brakes on it and new a. C. I feel it is a reliable vehicle, but with the unsure gas prices, it is scary.
Not Like a Car
soylent::black, 04/16/2002
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
But a good 4WD vehicle. After some of the places I took it I am certain that it will go anywhere. I do not like the way it handles for street driving. I do not see how this thing handles anything like a car. CD Player sucks, we have replaced it twice, still does not play the last song of a disc. Vacuum hoses for AC have been "fixed" twice and still do not work correctly. Lots of outside noise from the rear end.
An old friend.
Todd Rode, 11/01/2002
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited is a finely appointed, durable and comfortable vehicle. It has been my primary source of transportation for 5 years and I have found the vehicle to be as fun to drive today as the day I bought it.
Decent for the money.
kentman, 06/19/2004
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reliability has been an issue. Transmission failed at 43K ($2200). Fuel pump failed ($600). Many leaks (trans., axles, oil, etc.). Exhaust header broke ($400). Many check engine lights for sensors (four for pressure sensor and one for oxygen sensor). At 165K miles, it is still driving strong and looks good. I am shooting for 250K miles. If you can stomach repairs, it is a decent vehicle for the money. Build quality is good, and styling is the best. At 165K, it still looks and runs as well as it did when I got it at 34K for $19.5K. If it runs to 250K without any further large component failures, I will buy another one.
great vehicle
trailblazer1997, 07/18/2004
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent vehicle to drive. Minimal repairs. Good power, well thought out interior,looks great
Wife displeased
RFBookman, 08/27/2008
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought new in 1996, was initially pleased. Had to have radio replaced under warranty but was fairly problem free until the rear end needed replacing. Mechanic said that gearing was misaligned from the factory and it was only a matter of time until it went out. Had other small intermittent problems. Then the computer unit went out. It took Jeep dealer about 3 months to find the problem. We would take it in and they would give it back saying they could not find any problem. It would have same problem and we would take it in only to start the cycle again. Wife who drives vehicle says we will never buy another Jeep. Plan on replacing it soon with import.
cheap jeep
lyn, 05/19/2002
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee TSi 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
No a/c vents for rear passengers. No cup holders for rear passengers. No hand holder for passengers (roof grips) Rear end noise is so loud you can not hear the radio. Several mechanics have tried and can not lower the noise. Why do american car builders keep putting the fuse panels in such a difficult location........ Jeep leans to much in 30-45 mph turns.
The Grand Cherokee
mghicks, 10/04/2002
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had no complaints. So far it is i feel secure when driving.
Love this Jeep!!!
Prat, 08/12/2004
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee TSi 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Can't believe the deal I got on this Jeep! 97000 miles and it's running stronger than I could have asked. Fuel economy is amazing compared to my father's 4.3 V-6 GMC, I get 25-28mpg on the highway! Handles like a dream, and the Quadratrac is great. There are some squeaks and little rattles, but nothing overly noticeable. Wonderful quality. Love the leather seats, they are soft and comfortable. Tons of room, I'm 6'2" and don't need the driver's seat all the way back. I love this Jeep more every day. I am very confident it will go over 200kmi!
maintenance nightmare
jo, 09/09/2005
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Only drive 5,700 miles/year. 43,815 miles when I bought in 1999. Replaced differential, power steering pump, rear hatch supports, water pump, power steering pump, manifold, unplugged drain for a/c. Headliner is falling down, door panels coming off. My ABS light stays on and computer shows it to be "ABS pump motor circuit" Normal maintenance items replaced were battery and serpentine belt. Is it me, or is this a high maintenance vehicle? 77,850 miles now.
Great SUV
SVG, 12/20/2004
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee TSi 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Everything is great on this SUV. It rides very smoothly and I have never had any mechanical problems with it. Gas isn't bad for an SUV. The options are a very big plus for this SUV.
Where's my gas and oil?
Jimmy Jim, 07/01/2002
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee TSi 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
gas mileage blows...and in a 100 mile trip i used 2 quarts of oil...no leak nor smoke so i'd like to know where's my oil?
97 Grand Cherokee
sfxd, 03/15/2003
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my third Jeep Grand Cherokee. I have had very positive experiences with all three. This 97 I purchased used from a returning lease. It originally had 22,000. I now have 77000 and have had no major problems. There was one issue with the air conditioning unit last year that was, if you could believe it, still under warranty. Obviously Jeep acknowledged this without a recall and provided a brand new unit with installation at no charge, (If you were under 70,000 miles)
jeep grand cherokee
spinelli, 08/10/2002
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This jeep has been my baby for the past 5 years and I LOVE it...it is comfortable and safe and secure. The exterior color is black and the interior is a charcoal grey. It has never been in an accident or broken dow. It has also been very reliable.
Jeep
Derek3237, 02/11/2004
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nice car to own!
These cars last forever
Mark Paul, 03/12/2006
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned a previous Jeep Laredo 4WD and had over 208,000 miles on it when I sold it for $2,850.00 last week. This one just turned 200,000 miles and runs perfectly. Very dependable and good looking. Excellent value for the money. I paid $4000.00 for a loaded model and everything works.
Jeep Grand Cherekee 4WD V8 Limited
td, 09/23/2002
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The jeep is a mixed bag. First hand it is great for towing and offroading. It also looks the best in my opinion of every other mid size suv out there. However the jeep has some very noticeable quirks. I've had to replace the brakes repeatedly because of poor engineering allowing the brake routers to get heat cracked. It has also suffered from a lot of other issues as well, and always needs some type of maintenance.
Excellent Vehicle
Chetster72, 10/17/2006
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Orvis 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was the first Jeep I had ever purchased. I have been so impressed with the quality and reliability since then, that I have purchased 2 more and kept my original one. They are rugged, comfortable and very reliable. I chose the I6 4.0L motor, it has plenty of power and is one of the most durable ever built.
Accident "first hand"
Dwayne Rothrock, 01/31/2006
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was involved in a near head on collision with a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix going high speed on 1/26/06. My Jeep was totaled, but I managed to walk away with no cuts, or broken bones, suffering only neck & back strains. Thanks to Jeep for building such a safe vehicle. You saved my life.
Jeep Cherokee Review
JeepLover, 04/30/2002
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned this vehicle for two years and have never experienced any problems. I maintain the vehicle, and have always had excellent service, it is dependable and used for work and farm use.
97 Gr Cherokee
Jhosler, 03/16/2004
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle has been one of the better vehicles I have owned. I do most of the PM on the vehicle, so I know it's done right.The main problem I've found with the vehicle is the exterior paint job from the factory, which easily chips and requires touch-up on a regular basis. I've never owned a vehicle longer than this Jeep, so I guess it says something for my satisfaction with the product.
Good and Bad Jeep
jenniferw, 10/31/2002
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love the Jeep - BUT, has cost me a lot of money this last year. Bought it used from a dealership 3 yrs ago. This year I needed new pistons b/c they were cracked = $1800. Also needed new U- Joints = $350 and the A/C died over the summer. My husbands 1996 Nissan Maxima has 225k miles and he hasn't had a single problem with it! I'm unloading it soon and buying an import.
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee review
Billy Johnson, 04/28/2004
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
grand cherokee has been reliable for the most part.the only major repair i've done is to replace the fuel pump & regulator assembly.I pull a boat with it frequently and the 4 liter engine is a little week for towing, but the performance of the 4 liter has been very good to excellent.The four wheel drive performs great.I've been very pleased with this vehicle, in fact, my wife and I agree that it's the best vehicle we've ever had.We love this vehicle!
RELIABLE WORK HORSE
jerrymax, 11/13/2009
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this as a third vehicle. I also have a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee and a 1997 Nissan Maxima that I keep on Long Island. I bought the 1997 Grand Cherokee with 138,000 miles on the odometer to keep at my other residence in upstate New York. As with my 1996 model it has been a reliable work horse. My '97 has the SelecTrac system that allows you to shift between RWD and AWD. In AWD it handles upstate winter weather conditions beautifully. The inline-6 engine is noisy but tough as nails. Good as a second (or third) car and local daily driver. A bit bouncy on long trips. No problems to report in first 5000 miles of driving. I recommend using 89 octane fuel rather than regular.
great car!
cheryl graham, 07/11/2004
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i have enjoyed the car immensely! great for hauling kids & stuff. no major problems. my only issue has been service related. some sort of dealership rearrangement took place and all jeeps were moved from performance to dwanye lane. i have not been particularly impressed with either dwayne lane or town & country service centers. since performance still has jeep proficient service people - i take all non warranty issues to them. all of their service people have been incredibly gracious. their hours are much better, they provide pickup & dropoff driver service & facilitate rentals cars if needed. the only thing that they no longer do is car washing!
Warrantee Magic
VAB13, 10/31/2002
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
All you have to do is spend $2,000 on the extended warrantee like I did. They must have flipped the reliability switch on mine when I paid for it, because in 88,000 miles I've had almost no problems other than 3 (count 'em 3) fuel gauges. I love the car, but talk about depreciation! Never again.
Cheap Jeep
Sad Jeep Owner, 11/23/2002
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Brakes and rotors on the vehicle are terrible and undersized. The tranny leaks, rear main leaks, rear end had to be replaced at 80k and I don't even go off road. The paint is thin and fades, chips bad. Tire eater, noisy v- 8 engine. Jarring ride, makes people bounce around.
repairs too much
Cecil, 12/08/2004
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought one year ago with 68,000 miles. I have put 20,000 miles on it in 12 months. I have had to replace fuel pump for around $600, light sensor for $250, heater blower and heater switch $700. Very concerned about ongoing repairs; these Jeeps seem to be very costly to repair. It also seems to leak a lot of fluids, I have taken it in several times to try and get leaks to stop. Do not like that the tire is inside and takes up space. I would not buy another one.
Not Bad For A Ladies Car!
Jumpjak, 10/01/2002
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We live in Pennsylvania and my wife needed something besides a Monte Carlo Super Sport to drive on slippery roads. She purchased this Jeep and loves it! I'm trying to talk her into a Trail Blazer, but I may see another Jeep arriving. It has 46,000 miles and hasn't been back to the garage once. Six cylinder gets over 25 mph which she loves. It's not my cup of tea, as I drive Chevy Silverados but she swears by it.
Outstanding Vehicle
automan, 04/25/2002
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car used with 22000 miles and have driven 44000 since then. Ride is very comfortable on long road trips as well as in urban setting. Fuel economy on the highway is good at about 23 miles per gallon but get only about 17 in an urban-highway mix. Car has had no mechanical problems since I bought it. This car has the V-8 engine and it is very powerful - that probably is why gas mileage is as it is. i would recommend this model to anyone interested and particularly for off- road and hauling (trailer).
THE TRUE SUV WORK HORSE
Benjamin B, 04/30/2009
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Aside from using it as a commuter car, it was used as a utility truck carrying anything from logs to pavers to furniture, etc. A transmission leak was noticed on the 7th year which was never really "fixed" by anyone=although it never gave u a big problem=no breakdowns. Additional minimal problems up until the AC conked out on it's 10th year. Had the freon loaded just to get through the summer. After the winter of 2008, we traded it in for an import. Overall, a very pleasant experience. Very reliable vehicle.
Once a Grand Cherokee Doubter
warreaglpam, 11/24/2002
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall, this has been an excellent vehicle. A couple quality problems at purchase, with stereo and front passenger seat. Quickly replaced. This car has been involved in 2 accidents with significant damage. Quality of repairs by Jeep Dealership excellent. Still a blast to drive and looks great. Interior holding up beautifully at almost 150,000 miles. Only mechanical problem experienced happened at around 144,000 miles: fuel pump. We have gotten a great value in this SUV.
SoFarSoGood
scwad, 12/19/2002
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Leased very inexpensively for 36 months. Had 23k when acquired. Getting ready to buy a Mountaineer or turn in. Have had no problems, but hear about all the expensive tranny and brake problems.
no complaints
argonnichols, 12/24/2002
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought it last year, I've had to replace a few things but that's to be expected in a used car. I don't think a have owned had a better car. It does everything I have asked of it. Last year I had to help my father out with a half fallen tree. We thru a 1 1/2 in rope in the top, and with a little pull the rest came down. Now were not talking about a small tree when it was hit by lighting it stud over 6 stories high. And the part we pulled down made up most of it.
Watch out for bad O2 sensors
Riggs, 06/27/2002
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had to replace both O2 sensors in a span of less than 6 months. Jeeps have two of them. It will cost you over $200 bucks to change each O2 sensor unless you know how to change it yourself. Steering is a problem. When making tight turns the front wheels will shake and pull. Other than that, the Jeeps are a decent vehicle.
Pleasantly Surprised
Jackson Lawless, 03/02/2002
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned this vehicle for 40k miles (currently has 91k). It has needed some small repairs (Idle Control Sensor $127 w/labor, Trasmission Gasket $223 w/ labor), but I drive this vehicle in some very rough conditions.
mistake
sucker bought a jeep, 02/25/2003
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Worst piece of #$%& I ever owned. Problems @ 25K miles when I was told that the mean time before failure (MTBF) was rated @ 27K miles- very poor.
Not to bad!!
Pineman, 05/05/2009
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this Jeep used with 128,000 miles. This one has the Inline 6. I have only put a couple hundred miles on it but it seems to run great. I cant believe how good the body is holding up. No exterior rust yet. The only issue i have with it is the transmission has a very slight leak. When I park I see one or two drops of tranny fluid on the ground. After a tranny flush and new seal, no more leak. In the past I have never been a Chrysler fan and still am not. But this vehicle so far is my exception. I like it and I could NOT pass up the deal I got on it. So far, no major complaints. Overall satisfied. I know several people that got 300,000 miles on the inline 6. Hope I do also.