Used 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Consumer Reviews
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Sorry I rushed into this purchase
The V-6 is too sluggish getting on freeways, no pickup. Heater on floor level on either driver/passenger side virtually gives off no heat in very cold conditions. A very loud ticking noise at idle from under hood, dealer says it is normal, live with it! Chrysler advised me yesterday to get a second opinion at another dealer. Huge gas guzzler, costs $34-38 to fill up. Snow gets all over front seats from roof top when I open doors to start car. Uncomfortable radio controls in steering wheel causing aches in hands from repetative use. Driver rear view mirror doesn't heat up as quickly as the passenger mirror. .
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.
- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $2,995138 mi away
- Sport 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,995258 mi away
- Laredo 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,995364 mi away
Update since 03/02/03 on my 02 JGC
I've not had any problems since my last review. I have 39,000 miles on it now and I've only changed brakes once, at 33,000. Still my only gripe is that the A/C is not cold enough for the Texas heat. I still plan on keeping it past my 7/100,000 warranty.
2nd Jeep Grand Cherokee
This is my 2nd Jeep - I feel they're very reliable, but it is a DOG in the mountains, no oomph up there at all - all the other SUV's pass me by. Wish it just had a little more "kick" to it! Other than that, it's been reliable - I bought it at 21K and I'm at 84K right now. Very dependable still.
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.
Gets dirty....See's Mud....3rd Jeep
I have owned 3 grand Cherokees and I have to say the WJ (99-04) is by far the smoothest I have owned. The ZJ (93- 98) that I owned where nice as well. I recommend to anyone that buys a Grand Cherokee to get the V-8 the difference in MPG is barley noticeable. The I-6 is a good engine but makes noise at idle and doesn't have the snap of the line. The H.O. V-8 is very strong. My current MPG is 16 City 23 Highway. Quadra-drive works great off road and in snow. Off pavement ride is by far the best I have experienced. If you but one take it off road. Will buy a 4th
Under Appreciated
This a very good SUV choice for a car enthusiast. It really goes. I use mine for virtually all on-road duty both city and suburban. It handles well in traffic and on the open road.
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.
Very strong Jeep
I bought this August of 2003 with 114,500 on the odometer. Mine is a 4x4 because i have needs with my work where I will be offroad a lot.. I now have 256,830 on my odo. Only brakes once and fuel filters to maximize performance and mileage. I average 5,000 miles a month and drive it hard. Constantly at 4-5500 rpm range. I have tested this proven 4.0 engine. Use 4x4 4-5 times a week. Mud, rocks, sand, deep water, asphalt. I hit a deer on I10 in south texas and it drove away like a champ. Tranny still shifts good and engine starts every time. I know I can get 350k or more.
2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee - Laredo Sport
I bought this vehicle for my college age son who drove it to school. The transmission went out at 75K miles Recently, he has had problems with the starter (intermittent starting problems). I was hesitant to buy a Chrysler product due to known quality and reliabilty issues but decided to take a chance on Jeep because he liked it. Never again! Once everything is corrected, I will sell the vehicle and buy a Honda.
Disappointed
My previous experience with Jeep has always been positive. However, this 'extended warranty' nightmare is turning me off Jeep products. The first few repairs (note: not covered under warranty) seemed trivial enough, but when the regulator went out I started reviewing complaints online. It seems that the little problems I am having are systemic to Jeep owners in this year range. Compaints: ashtray doesn't stay up, parts replaced: hood lifts, gas cap, rotors, starter, window regulator(s), mirror memory doesn't stay, head lights turn on by themself, heated seat temps too far apart: too cool or too hot, differential leaks. Not too happy.
Love Jeep, Hate Quality
I love my Jeep, from a driving standpoint. With the V8, it's quite responsive and fun to drive. Everyone always comments on how comfortable and quiet it is Great for long road trips and nasty weather. But this is the most unreliable vehicle I have ever owned. Luckily we bought an extended warranty when we purchased this vehicle. I can't imagine how many thousands of dollars it has saved us. Problems we have had: the rotors warp and need replacing (3 times so far, until we switched to non-Chrysler parts), bad power steering system, transmission pump, electrical shorts, jammed locks, faulty heating and A/C.
Mystery Repairs
Bought this car with an extended warranty from CarMax back in 2004 and thank goodness we did. Granted we have put a lot of miles on it - right now has 80,000 miles. About 20,000 miles ago I was driving down I-20 in the middle of a major metropolitan city (you can guess which) when the entire panel illuminated (oil light, engine light, gas light etc...), the windows failed to operate and the AC went out. Since that incident the same problem has happened over 10 times and the CarMax mechanics cannot figure out what it is. Now, the engine light is on half the time while no one seems to know why exactly. Transmission is probably going to drop any day now. Will likely sell within the week.
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
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).
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!
Never Again
This JGCL was my first ever American car and i assure you all it will be my last. My first inspection a rear shock was bad. A year into my lease brakes and a fuel sensor went. 18 months into my lease transmission slipped. After four visits to the dealer and being rebuilt twice its still giving me problems. Do not buy this car. Thank God I leased it!
Gas Pumps become tourist destinations
First off, we bought this car brand new and drove it to the grave (totaled in an accident). So with that said, I feel now that its gone I can write this. The car ran perfectly to 100k. Never had a single mechanical error other than the AC failing 2 times. Car was fun to drive, could go anywhere. But it was slower than molasses. The V6 just simply didnt move the car. The gas mileage stunk. I averaged 13 city 15 highway. Still though I had a lot of great times in the car, and really nothing much went wrong. If gas ever drops in price I would get another.
3 Jeeps and still going
Owner of two jeeps, a sport and Laredo. I have over 30,000 miles the 2002 Laredo and 165,000 on the 1996 sport. Happy to say that I have had no major problems with either jeep. Once the engine light stayed on for two days and then went out on its own on the Laredo. Since the light generally has to do with polution control sensers I have not had it check out. Some of these problems people complain about seem to be petty. Keep on Jeeping.
........
Good Car
My 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD
This is my third Jeep, 1st Grand Cherokee and I do use them off road. The vehicle works excellent off road and has been very reliable, no problems at all, great car!
Almost but not quite
This vehicle is an odd and frustrating mix of good and bad qualities. The good: The styling (interior and exterior), ride and options are nice. It is impressive off road, and that is a Jeep. The Bad: Certain mechancial systems are simply flawed, like the front break system, the steering system and possibly the transmission on some units. You'll get to know the service guys.
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.
Best Yet
The Grand Cherokee(V8) is a top shelf 4x4. I have been driving Blazers for the past 8 years and the Jeep Grand is a much more capable vehicle. If you are looking for gas milage, buy a 4cyl. econo car. If you want a quick, real 4x4, get a Jeep Grand (V8).
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.
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!
I LOVE MY JEEP!
The Jeep was the only thing on the dealer's lot that appealed to me. I went in looking to purchase a new car and feel in love with the used jeep! It has never left me any where and runs great plus I love the way it looks. The inside is a little plain and simple but over all it's an awesome car. I feel safe in it. The only down fall is the gas mileage but that is the price you pay driving as SUV! All-in-all I am a very satisfied Jeep owner and don't see myself ever purchasing anything other that a jeep.
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.
My Jeep
I think the my Jeep Grand Cherokee is fantastic. I test drove a 4runner, Explorer, and a Montero Sport, and the Jeep blows them away. Great ride. Very comfortable. Since I've bought mine, 3 of my friends have bought one b/c of how great mine is.
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.
Not bad for the money
Second jeep I buy. I live in Colorado so I do go off road often (driving in a graded dirt road is not going off road so I really mean it). Last March we got a big winter storm that put 4 feet of snow (yes like in 48 inches) in my driveway and I was able to drive out the next day. The guy with the F350 superduty got stuck, the Explorers were hopeless, the guy in the 4 Runner couldn't make it and the snow plow broke the blade trying to follow me (no exageration). The JGC is not perfect but as long as I live where I live I will keep Jeeping.
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.
Only one: Jeep
Love my JGCL. 2500 trouble-free miles. Solid and functional design, no sqeaks or rattles. Quarda-drive is excellent in snow and on ice.
My 2nd Grd. Cherokee
Drives like a luxary car. Superior handling. The 2002 exhibits a bit more power from a standing start than my 1999. Other improvements are a more even cooling/heating system and better stereo sound.
There's Better Out There
I bought this 8-cyl model as a lease, intending to keep it for 200K+ miles. Routine maintenance, no problems except rear rotors until 95K miles. Then front end going out (typical for jeep, due to BAD design flaw) and 4WD biting the dust... plus I had to put in new front rotors and front hub assemblies. I am terribly disappointed in the lack of high-mile dependability of this vehicle; my Mustang was better! No wonder the power train warranty is only to 70K. After reading other reviews I am now heading to a Nissan dealer; too much $$$ to spend on a vehicle with 97K miles. Owners, look out for that "magic" 100+/-K miles on the odometer, you'll be in for trouble I guarantee it!
Used to love Jeeps now annoyed
This is my 3rd Jeep Cherokee. I used to love them now I hate it. I have had many problems in the past 2 months. Such a shame because aside from the numberous recalls on the other jeeps I had no problems. This one I have had the fuel pump replaced twice. I had to have the entire bottom of the car removed because of a loss bolt? Or that is what they tell me the loud noise was. I would think twice before buying a jeep. I am actually looking into getting rid of this and getting a reliable car.
Jeep AC problems
I just bought a 02 Grand Cherokee Laredeo and the AC is horrible. We live in El Paso TX were the temp stays above 100 degrees. The problem is that my Ac does not produce cold air at all it is a sauna in the back seat! The dealer says that it is fine but you can not tell by looking at my young children getting out of the rear seat. The maintenance Tech said they have numerous complaints about it. So if live were it gets very hot think twice before buying a Jeep
kpl
Love this SUV. This is the 3rd one I have owned and the first Linited and fist V8. Will not go back to a 6 cyl. Rides like my Mercedes only more low end torque!. With black interior I get nothing but good comments.Real Plush looking. Have not had to take it back only for standard service. Only thing I do not like is gas millage. It is ok for a V8. It only looses 1 MPG against my wifes 6 cyl. Millage is typical with all similair SUV's.
I Love This Truck
I bought this truck in May at 73,000 and now it has 80,000 6 months later. I have not had any problems with it. The fuel economy on my 4.7 V8 is 13.5 - 14 city and 18 - 22 highway. There are a lot of V6s that do not get that.
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.
my second SUV
this is a fantastic SUV. after driving an explorer XLT for a year my overland feels like a jag. handles well, on the test drive took it off roading and it felt great. gravel or dirt roads you wont even notice. i am excited to drive everywhere now.
I like it!
Not sure what everyone is complaining about - I really like this SUV! We used to have a Pathfinder and that was definitely more refined inside and drove more like a car, but the Jeep is great too. It is a bit more "trucky" than the Pathfinder but it is a lot of fun and looks better in my opinion (less sporty, more classy).
TERRIBLE DO not NOT not buy this car!
Unless you have boatloads of money you should not buy this car. Every problem I have read about is true. I got it at a good price, cheaper than most suvs, looks better than most, with 85k. Rust and bubbles on roof, gas cap, window failure, have to use my head to keep hood up, brake light on and off, interior pieces have come off (rubber around door), leather seats are like a slip cover, mysterious coolant leak, burnt smell, turning corners acceleration fails than jumps moments later without pushing it, engine light is now blinking, paid 160 to tow from 95 (the major highway when this occurred) and after reading everything I will not get it fixed and pray I will break even, still owe 2k.
Jeep is a heap of junk
After buying our jeep grand cheerokee for the great looks and good comfort, we soon found out that it was the biggest piece of junk we've ever owned. for the money that i've poured into that thing, i could have a hefty down payment on a bently. This car has been nothing but trouble since the day we drove it off the lot. Our jeep dealership has not been helpful AT ALL (quite nasty actually). Needless to say, we are trading in that horibble hunk of metal.
We love our Jeep
Admit brake rotors junk, Chrysler replaced at no charge (battle) Gas mileage with K&n filter the only change is 20.5 average city and country driving (4.0 straight 6). torque of engine great.Costs less than Ford Escape, Better Warranty, better ride, less wind noise,more standard accessories,and more comfort. Full size spare on Matching mag wheel.Unless something drastic happens we will buy another.
2002 JGC
Great SUV!! I recommend it to anyone! Great value for the money! Bought it new and now have 12,000 miles on it. No problems with it at all. I've taken it to the scheduled maintenance appointments and that's it. I bought it while the 7/100,000 was still standard which I'm happy about because it gives me a piece of mind. Rides great and I get 18-19 mpg in mixed driving and about 23 mpg on the highway. I have all options except sunroof and heated seats. Looks great and the inline 6 has enough power for what I need. (I don't tow anything) I plan on keeping this car for a loooooooong time.