Used 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Consumer Reviews
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Don't even bother looking!
Let's see, where do I begin. My '02 Laredo has the 6-cylinder engine, which fails to measure up to most other v-6's in its class. Ever since the day after I purchased this vehicle, there has been a pronounced brake shudder when I brake (which has been fixed twice), and the transmission likes to make a clunk noise when I stop at a stoplight. This is my second Jeep, and compared to my old '95 Laredo, this one sucks! After this year I will sell it for the measly trade-in value that its worth and buy a Toyota.
Pleased
Moving from a cadiliac eldorado, Ride is confortable and visablitiy is great. Drives much smoother than Fords SUV's. Infinity sound system could use a sub-wover. Air condition is by far not cool enough. Lots of complaints about A/C also could definetly use rear vents like every other SUV. Other than that very fun to drive Quada Track is very responsive as well. Tried my hardest to get wheels to break and could not. Locking gas cap could be nice as well.
- Laredo 4dr SUVMSRP: $2,950100 mi away
- Laredo 4dr SUVMSRP: $10,888173 mi away
- Overland 4dr SUVMSRP: $8,995193 mi away
cry of the jeep owner "never again!"
Purchased this vehicle brand new off the lot in 2002, have had nothing but problems since day one. Breaks down at least twice per year, I am writing this becaue I am on Edmunds lookin for a Toyota, last night Christmas eve was the last straw, broke down again, seems like it wont come out of four wheel drive and am burning something, smells like oil. Am guessing from the transfer case. Constantly in for brakes and rotors, this is a design flaw, was even a class action lawsuit for the breaks. Power window on pass gone, not working, has been in the shop way too much for a new vehicle. Never again will I buy a Chrysler product.
going jeeping
the 4.7 is very peppy wont let u down except in the wallet my 350 got better millage the comfort is great everything at your fingertips you melt into the seats the cock pit is that no plain styleing here.one flaw the cup holder is at the shifter small amout of coke on the cover and the cover sticks when moveing to park or drive.the quradrive makes sure you dont slip unexpectedly or when you try to on purpose haveing fun.maruveing is awesome.
Nice Looks, Poor reliability
I love the look and comfort of my 2002 Laredo but... I bought this Jeep used at 36,000 miles last September. Here it June with almost 57,000 miles and my air conditioning is broken for the 2nd time...not too nice in Florida in the summer. I have a power steering leak and the leather on my drivers seat is starting to crack and separate at the seams. Also, on the overhead console, the coolant low warning keeps beeping at the car's start up but the coolant level and quality is fine. I would really love another one that works great but I think I'll be trading mine in for another brand as soon as I get the air conditioner fixed this month.
A TRUE SUV
I LOVE MY JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LOREDO. IT IS FUN TO DRIVE & IS ALL YOU WOULD WANT FROM A MID-SIZE SUV. I COULD NOT HAVE BEEN HAPPIER W/ MY CHOICE OF VEHICLE.
BETTER THAN BENZ,LAND ROVER & MOST
I HAVE OWNED MANY JEEPS AND I CAN SAY THAT THEY ARE BETTER THAN ANY BENZ SUV,LAND ROVERS,BMW, ETC.IT HAS THE BEST PICK-UP AND IS A DEPENDABLE VEHICLE,WITH SLEEK STYLING,AND A REASONABLE PRICE..NO VEHICLE IS PROBLEM FREE IN THE REAL WORLD.I HAVE HAD SOME PROBLEMS HERE AND THERE,BUT NOTHING THAT WOULD STOP ME FROM PURCHASING ANOTHER.(WE HAVE HAD NINE IN THE PAST SIX YEARS,BETWEEN 5 FAMILY MEMBERS.
Will my Jeep make it????
This jeep is my first SUV, and my first "American" car in years. Having an SUV has been so helpful during the winter. Lately I feel as if the car is starting to fall apart. At 26,000 miles the transmission slips when cold; service has not resolved the problem. When I brought it in for the last service they found a number of items wrong with the car and kept the car all day. I've always driven my Hondas and Toyotas over 100,000 miles; I certainly don't have the confidence in this vehicle's reliability since I'm already having major mechanical problems. I'll never go without an SUV again, will stick to the imports though.
Love Jeeps!
The Grand Cherokee is what a real SUV should be like. Excellent balance of features, reasonable price, all the powers you might need, fine, yet just plain tuff. Not a vehicle for everybody. This is a man's vehicle. Rugged, strong, fast, with a can do anything and drive over you attitude. If you want an economic vehicle go for the toys SUVs like the RAV4, Escape; or a minivan with a SUV look like the Pilot or MDX (off course, don't go off road cause they're too fragile). If you you want the real thing, theres nothing like a Jeep. The first one and still the best 4 by 4 period.
Junk
I have been stranded in a 99 Grand Cherokee twice. Please don't support Chrysler, force them to get their act together. Too many other problems to list. I'm a very unsatisfied Jeep customer.
i LOVE my jeep
Had it new since March 03 only had 2 window cylinders go under warranty I'm at 88k and I drive like I should have 500 hp. I am replacing tires and shocks now. The front brakes were replaced and upgraded to the new version, 2x as big + under warranty > around 50k .... The rear are good at 88.9 k still. Have a friend at work put new headlights.. N .. Boxes in for 90$ for both after shipping looks like new
On last leg
We bought ours in 2001 October. It stopped on us a year after we purchased it. It just stopped in the middle of the road but they fixed it. The maintenance cost started to get high in 2012, 2013 and so will be in 2014, with expected repair cost of 5000. We have 135K miles now and it still looks great inside and out but maintenance cost is going up. We are seriously thinking not to do any more repairs and just let it fall apart. What do you think?
my grand cherokee
so far i havent had any problems what so ever with my jeep before i goit this one i owned a 1999 grand cherokee ltd with the 4.7l V8. i was surprised about how this truck performance off road and on road.
Superb
Initial evaluation is superb. Well- built; handles and rides great.
Unreliable
Since my purchase of the Grand Cherokee, I have experienced multiple suspension and steering problems. After the amount of repairs I have incurred in just 9 months, I will most certainly never purchase another Jeep.
My comparison of Laredo -vs- Durango
Am testing driving a Laredo this week in anticipation of trading my 99 Durango SLT - both are 2WD models. Laredo has far less blind spots, smoother handling (less truck feel),shorter turn ratio (nice), V6 engine peppier than the large V8- averaging 4 miles more a gallon (18.3) than the Durango, seats material and fabric is more comfortable. Have added 6 features on this model vs 3 take- aways from Durango (3rd bench seat, fold-down rear armrest and some cup holders).
Not worth the investment
I bought a used 2002 GC Limited with less than 50k miles in 2008. JGC is pretty reliable and fun to drive since its more truck than car and I enjoy Limited features of leather heated front memory seats, power mirrors, power sunroof, 4WD as well as having a tape deck and rear 10 disk cd changer. But like other reviewers I have experienced numerous repairs and the poor gas mileage that make the vehicle not worth owning. Repairs: several coolant leaks and had to replace driver side power window motor in addition to routine maintenance. Frustrated with poor gas mileage, memory seat malfunction, rubber coming off of doors,and lack of side window defogger. I prefer Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot
lemon
LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH TWO DIFFERENT JEEPS. TOOK FIRST JEEP BACK 13 TIMES ON THE TRANSMISSON STARTED TO LEAK AT 23000 MILES. WAS TALKED INTO A TRADE HOPING THAT THE FIRST ONE WAS A LEMON,IT WAS WORSE THAN THE FIRST ONE THEY REPLACED THE BRAKES AND ROTOR AT 5000 MILES AND HAD THE SAME CLUNKING FROM THE TRANSMISSION AS WITH THE FIRST I HAD IT AT THE DEALER THE FIRST WEEK WITH FUEL PUMP PROBLEM AND THE RADIO ALSO WOULD NOT GET FM. I TOOK IT BACK A TOTAL OF 12 TIME IN LESS THAN 7 MONTHS. .
buy a older one forget about the 02's
Well I am a huge Jeep fan this was my second purchase it had 40k miles on it when I bought it back in 05. Drove it everywhere loved the thing had it for a year put maybe 30k miles the transmission went out luckily i bought the extended warranty they fixed it a couple months go by the ac quits working ($1,000 repair) then the window motor breaks on the passenger window ($500 repair) another month later the driver window motor breaks ($500 repair) power steering ($300 repair)the heated seats broke the speakers busted didn't fix those two repairs. The transmission just went out again at 120k miles so I sold it for salvage because i refuse to spend another dime on it
This isn't my father's JEEP!
The comfort, performance and styling make this one of the most fun cars I've ever driven. I've got 10,000 miles so far and have had not one problem.
Still Love it
This is the only vehicle I have ever purchased that I like as well today as the day I took it home. It is a great all around vehicle for towing, going off-road, taking on vacation, etc. It has done everything I have ever asked it to do and I have never had to do anything other than regular maintenance. With the 4.7 V-8 I average 18+MPG on mixed driving and have gotten 22+MPG on the highway. However towing 2500lbs drops it down into the 13MPG range. I will probably purchase another one however, the Commander is also in my line of sight.
Swapping Ends
This 4x4 Jeep is fun to drive if the front end is in front. If you ever need extra adrinaline in your life you can occasionally spin a tire or two (only in 2wd) and if you're lucky, fish tail it in the rain. The reliability could be better. At about 3000 miles a camshaft sensor malfunctioned, shutting down the entire car, immobilizing it.
2000 JGC
In spite of questionable reliability of the JGC, mine has performed very well. My only complaints: on very hot days, the air conditioner does not seem to keep the interior as cool as other vehicles that I have owned (i.e. Toyota 4-Runner). Also the vehicle is louder than previously owned vehicles. It is, however, much more powerful and comfortable than any other SUV that I know of in its class AND I can pull my 25 foot trailer in the Colorado Rocie Mountains without any problem!
Great SUV
I love this vehicle. It is quiet, rides great, comfortable, and has great performance and fuel economy. I am averageing 18.7 MPG. We drove a lot of vehicles before we decided to purchase the jeep. We drove a Trailblazer, Durango, Explorer. For just over $29,000.00 MSRP with Leather, V-8, Dual Power seats, Power windows and lock, AM/FM CD Cassette, and much more. Any thing from GMC, Ford, Chevy with the same option was $4000-$7000 more. The jeep is more responsive and performs better than the other vehicles. It rides better than the Durango or Liberty. The 5 speed auto-transmission and V-8 work great with each other. Before you buy anything else go drive one of these.
Save your money and buy something else!
It looks great and is fun to drive when it is working but that is not very often. I have had mine in the shop (all covered under warranty) 6 times in the first 9 mo. with problems from a leak in the fire wall that let rain water flood in to the drivers area to the transmission jerking every 10-15 sec at highway speeds.
Awesome Overland
I have 28,000 miles on 2002 Inferno Red JGC Overland. No problems at all since purchase August 2002. Absolutely the best all around vehicle I've ever owned. I drive approx 36000 miles/yr and expect this truck to last 7-10yrs.
Awesome truck
I just bought this truck......I was a little aprehensive with the negative relaibility reviews, but with 0% financing and getting the truck for $3200 off sticker, I couldnt pass it up. I compared it to the 4runner, pathfinder and the durango. The cherokee has many more options for the money. The truck rides great and I love it....!!!!!
the best SUV on the market
its luxurious, fast, good looking what else can you expect from a SUV. It goes 0-30 mph in 2.3 seconds that is comparible to a high performance sports car. I know that is enough for me!!!
Keep Trying Chrysler/ Jeep
For a $30k+ vehicle, the Grand Cherokee is more trouble than it is worth. 4 recalls, 2 rear diffs. later and only 10k miles. I should have bought an MDX!
Poor Control
I purchased mine brand new and have had nothing but problems..Im only at 18,000 miles and am ready to dump it. The steering is very poor, stability and the Tire Pressure Monitering sucks..I have a loaded one w/on board computer, etc..I must have been loaded when I bought this as Im very disappointed with its performance. The lights flash on and off ..I could go on forever...
Marred by atiquated technology
Probablly the best domestic mid sized SUV on the market. Unfortunetly Jeep conintues to utilize antiquated motor designs poor quality single caliper brakes that are too small for the truck. Even the transmission "bangs" into reverse or drive every time it's engaged. Fit and finish is fine and the interior is much more comfortable than most imported SUVs. The stereo system is supurb. But I'd much rather have the ability to brake and change gears than the added creature comforts Jeep adds. Replaced the front brake rotors at only 7k miles.
Love my Jeep!
I would love to buy a new Jeep if only they would start offering the manual transmission again. Mine is a '94, the last year they offered the standard. It now has 103,000 miles on it, still has the original clutch, and runs great...it is a real workhorse. I still love it so much I won't give it up. Now that it's getting older it does cost a lot to maintain, but it has been very reliable all these years. Only once did I get stranded...when the water pump went. If Jeep ever starts offering the JGC with standard trans again I will definitely buy one!
Love My Jeep!
I own a 2002 Grand Cherokee Limited Edition with probably all the bells and whistles of the Overland Edition. I have the POWERFUL 4.7L High Output V8 engine that literally throws passengers heads back when you punch the gas. I have the Quadra Drive 4WD system with 3 well placed skid plates in the front, middle, and rear of my Jeep and I am able to go most anywhere I want to whenever I go onto the trails. Yes I said trails, don't be fooled, just cause I have leather and heated 10 way power seats with dual climate control and every creature comfort possible in the cabin, as well as an amazing sound system, I can still take my Jeep out on the weekend and tear up the trails.
Stay away
Bought new (for a really good price) in March of '02. Started having trouble from the get go. Had the left rear tire blow out every 3,000 miles, then at 11,500 the tranny blew up. That's just the beginning. Nonstop problems...gas guzzler...inside is bland. If you do get one get the V8
Jeep can be better
I have had mine for just over two years, I had a couple of issues the worst is the steering system & suspension. My previous Jeep had the same problem with the Steering and Suspension issues these cars are not meant to be abused too much. I think Chrysler needs to improve this if it wants to stay with the competition. Toyota finally learned its lesson after a few years of screwing up on the 4 Runner, that the 2004 4 runner is actually better then the Grand Cherokee Laredo. Yes it's a little more expensive but it's worth it. If Chrysler cannot improve the quality of this model, especial when the new version comes out in 2005, then my next SUV will be a Toyota 4 Runner.
Jeep Rating
Very good experience so far
Overland overall value
High end features such as rain sensing wipers and tire air pressure readouts make for safer and less worrisome driving. Luxury truck features at blue collar price. Sure footed. Reasonable gas mileage you really look into the long term averages, the Jeep as an off road capable SUV, averages over 16mpg and doesn't mind 87 octane. It accelerates better than most of the other mid sized trucks and can tolerate 80 mph with 4wd operating. At $37k this is a well equipped, very functional vehicle that in my experience, has not presented any reliability issues.
Could be better
I bought my 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD in 2007, used with 70k miles on it. I thought I got a deal of a lifetime on the price. I've only had this vehicle for about 8 months. So far, things that have been wrong with it include: Car lost power and wouldn't start back up for about and hour, then it would die again (had to get that fixed $300), brakes are making a grinding noise even though I am told the brake pads are fine, in reverse it makes a weird clunking and vibrating sound, the mechanics say nothing is wrong. The engine light has been on for a month. Feels squirrely on the highway. I can't afford to keep getting things fixed! I also own a 2000 Honda Civic, never have any problems!
Disappointed
Still bought the car as it was my first serious buy ever. SO far, replaced front axle seals($800), transmission at 75k($2600), rear axle seals($800), front and rear wheel bearings($600), all around rotors and pads at 90k($500), valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket.
........
Good Car
Yes, offroad
I purchased my GC used with 24K miles in Dec of 02. This is my second GC and I have had it for 15 months now and I have nothing but good things to say about it. I drove many other suvs before deciding on another jeep, but after driving a GC with the 4.7 I could not compromise on its power and handling.23-24 MPG on the country roads and 19 in town in coastal NC.My GC has select- trac and a rear vari-lock coupler to help move it through the tuff stuff. It locks both wheels in so they will turn together to provide positive rear traction. I take my GC off-road and i'm pleased where it has taken me and carried me back from.
2002 Jeep GC Limited best vehicle ever!
Love this new Jeep, 8 months and 8000 miles and so far perfect in every way shape and form. Perfect finish and fit, well-thought out interior. Powerful engine. This is a very fun vehicle to drive, high speed or low. Over 100mph smooth as silk, no vibrations or rattles.
For the love of God, buy something else!
Where to start?! I have had nothing but problems in 2 years of ownership. Loud dashboard rattles and vibration, only to be told "that's what the radio volume is for." Speaking of the radio, I've had 2 of them stop working completely. My stearing column had to be replaced because of loud "crack" that it made on left hand turns, and now the new column is doing the same thing. This time, rather than replace the column, the dealer claims it is "normal." My heated seat stopped working, my seatbelts no longer retract, and I've had the brakes replaced due to a recall. I'm trading it in for a 4Runner this week, and NEVER buying Jeep again.
Run away from this GREEDY manufacturer!
Another disappointed Daimler-Chrysler buyer get's the shaft! From day one corporate has been the worst when it came to getting things resolved. The care for customer is nonexistent and the attention to quality leaves much to be desired. Do yourself a favor and save yourself many ulcers and headaches, forget the Daimler-Chrysler lineup until they can get their act together. Boosting the corporate bottom line is their primary concern while deleting 26,000 jobs and refurbishing top-level executive offices. Don't reward the crooks like so many of us have already done due to poor research, here's your warning.
Where transmissions go to die
First trans went at about 90,000, second at 135,000. Also, it is no longer a 4wd until i put another 1,000 into it bringing the grand total of mechanical repairs i needed to make on this vehicle close to 7,000 or slightly half of what i paid for the car in the first place. Wouldn't recommend another jeep, looking at other cars now none of which are a jeep because I'm afraid I'll get burned again.
BEST DAMN VEHICLE I EVER BOUGHT
I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FOR MY WIFE. IT HAS A VERY SMOOTH RIDE IT HANDLES VERY WELL AN IT IS VERY RELIABLE IT HAS A LOT OF PICKUP AND GETS GOOD FUEL MILEAGE FOR A V8. MY WIFE IS AVERAGING ABOUT 24MPG BECAUSE OF HOW SHE DOESN'T KEEP HER FOOT ON THE PEDAL. BEST SUV PERIOD.
It's Still A Chrysler Product
Jeep is noted for recalls and this one has had a few already. While I love the apparent fit and finish, there are obvious design flaws in Jeeps year after year. Certainly overpriced when optioned out. I think I'll find a more affordable vehicle when this one wears out. If you own one for just a couple of years, you may avoid the expensive repairs, but for long-timers like me, they will get you well before 75,000 miles.
Poor Long Term Reliability
The Jeep Grand Cherokee was a decent SUV for the first five years - but for the last three years it's just been bleeding money. In the past 24 months, I've spend over $7,000 keeping this thing running. New rear axle, right rear bearing, left rear bearing, power steering pump, fuel pump, battery, fuel filter, power window motors (2), two speakers, hood shocks, all new shocks, tires multiple times, 3 new oxygen sensors for the engine, two new engine (spark plug) coils, new fuel regulator, starter. The worst thing is the alignment. Because Jeep does not allow the camber to be adjusted, I have a slight pull to the left, and need to have the tires rotated at 3k miles and replaced often.
Looks aren't Everything
correct me if I'm wrong, but a new trans before 80k is NOT OKAY and this seems to be a common trait among jeeps. I bought mine at 60k. I got sucked in by the super comfy interior, stylish exterior and the price range. It felt luxurious to me at the time and I went for it despite problem jeeps I'd heard about. And guess, what they are all true. Lately it seems one thing after another so I am selling it now because I'm sick of pouring $ into it and having more things happen. I think a good car should easily go 160k with proper maintenance. Hopefully my next will be more sufficient.
You gotta like
Overall, a solid buy. Like the comfortable seating. Could definitely use improvements in AC, mileage.