2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review

Name: 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review
Brand: Jeep
Price: 1732 USD
Rating: 4.1 (170 reviews)

2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD 4dr SUV

2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4WD 4dr SUV

2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4WD 4dr SUV

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Powerful 4.7-liter V8, all-terrain capability, roomy comfort for four.

Cons

Noisy and unrefined, questionable reliability.

What’s new

For 2003, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has received refinements that improve its ride and handling. The suspension features reduced pressure shocks and the brake master cylinder output has been increased to improve brake pedal feel. There are also new brake calipers and a revised steering gear torsion bar. Available trims have been narrowed from five to three; the Sport and Special Edition trims have been discontinued. Standard on 2003 Laredo models is a new high-back cloth seat. Finally, in all Jeep Grand Cherokee interiors, a new cubby bin for holding sunglasses or cellular phones has been added to the instrument panel, replacing the ashtray.

Edmunds says

The Jeep Grand Cherokee wins high marks for its off-road prowess. But if, like most SUV buyers, you're merely seeking a rugged-looking daily driver to haul your groceries around the suburbs, there are more comfortable rides to be had.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.80 per gallon for regular unleaded in Hawaii.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Hawaii

$369/mo

$264/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

5 (47%)

4 (25%)

3 (18%)

2 (7%)

1 (3%)

4.1

170 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Fair ride if you leave it stock - more info below

Jeff, 09/19/2015

2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)

I have never purchased my jeep, however it was given to me. Several years without an oil change before i was handed the keys. After adding seafoam in the oil letting the jeep run for 15 minutes, drain it out and add new oil. Runs brand new after over 180K miles. Till this day im still driving my jeep! now it has over an above stock. Do NOT underestimate the power of the Inline-6 … Cylinder motor. The motors are very durable and extremely hard to bend. I will be writing this review with some small mechanics advice to all of you if you buy a jeep with an Inline-6 Motor. And some advice with the issues of the A/C and Heater Defrost only issue and other things. First off with little motor maintenance. Seafoam is NOT only used for the gas tank. It helps a lot of things out. to keep your motor working in good condition. and decrease daily driving temperature, Put seafoam in the oil when its time for an oil change, Let it run for 15 to 20 minutes at idol after warming up. Drain the old oil. and change with fresh new oil. (Removes Gunk and sludge underneath the pistons, valves, rods, etc.) A/C and Heater Defrost only issue - The cause 10 out of 10 times is a $2 vacuum hose underneath the battery tray. There is a valve that soley works for the settings on AC and heater pannel. The hose is cracked or broken and needs to be replaced with a new 1/4 foot long hose. (1/2 inch size i believe) If you believe this can be the problem. Start the jeep up, pop the hood, and put your head by the battery to hear a hissing noise. Whether loud, or seems unusual under the battery. Radiator fan cooling issue - If the radiator fan stops working it has to do with a Relay. This relay is underneath the Passenger headlight and My advice to you is buy an aftermarket one from an auto store like Advanced auto parts or Auto zone with a couple years warranty. Mine went out too but it was a $60 fix. Replace myself. Never experienced any electrical problems myself. But if this is the case for you. Make sure ALL ground wires are properly grounded. Including for lights, Sensors, and your engine computer. (Secure tight, and make sure there is no metal to paint contact, Metal to metal only) I will advise you that this model jeep includes 2 different types of transmissions. (dont remember the names off of my head) But 1 of the 2 of those has the issues of Electric solenoids overheating or your rear wheel speed sensors are worn out. (Speed sensors are also very important to jeeps) Causing your transmission to shift very ruff with close or above 3000 rpms, making a nasty meddle knocking noise underneath. No matter on how lightly you touch the gas pedal. If it takes for ever to downshift when you need to get on a freeway these can be the same fixes. Even if you made sure properly Adjusting the TV Kickdown cable in the engine compartment. Window regulators do have a tendency to fail. Make sure next time you replace one. Do NOT put grease all over the wheels and cable. This causes your new window regulator motor to end up off track, bind up the wire, and break. This advice is given to you based on self hand experiences and these were all 1 time repairs for me ever since. My jeep is still running strong. and im gaining 32mpg adverage with some weight reduction, and under the hood upgrades. NOTE: A lot of the stuff the breaks on a jeep is actually lest cost to fix than you think, if you know what your doing. If you dont? there are millions of youtube videos for simple fixes that you think could cost an arm and a leg. Jeeps are way more durable than you think. Go Big, Buy a jeep!

To drive until it dies

gkmichael, 08/09/2013

2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)

Have read some of the reviews in disbelief. I bought my Jeep 3 years ago at $4k with 190k miles,. Am a commuter for school and work. I put about 1,000 miles on the truck every week and since purchase, I have added 107k miles on the car but the 'thing' wont die. Apart from regular maintenance, I have only worked on A/C blender doors yet everything else works as it should. At one point I …

It's a Jeep Thing!

Gabriel Welch, 12/18/2016

2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)

I purchased my 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 183,000 miles from a private seller because I needed something with 4WD that would carry me through the harsh New England winters. The Jeep was it! It was a great value and the Jeep never let me down! It was stylish and comfortable too. It was probably the most reliable vehicle I've ever had the pleasure of owning. The only issue I had during …

Grand Cherokee still a workhorse

janmarie, 10/19/2015

2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)

Updated review: Still love my '03 JGC, still going strong, have only had minor maintenance since the big expenses of knock sensors & axle replacement, etc. which I wrote about in my earlier review. It is a 2nd car for me, & have put on another 14k miles on it. The ck engine light came on again & will probably have to do O2 sensors & maybe cat(S) again. Interior is still comfortable, 1 …

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2003 Grand Cherokee Highlights

Trim:

Laredo

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$26,480
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	16 MPG
Cost to Drive	$369/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	38.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Key safety features on the Grand Cherokee include:

Alarm

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver3 / 5
Passenger3 / 5
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver4 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover2 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Marginal
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested

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2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.80 per gallon for regular unleaded in Hawaii.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Fair ride if you leave it stock - more info below

To drive until it dies

It's a Jeep Thing!

Grand Cherokee still a workhorse

2003 Grand Cherokee Highlights

Safety

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2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.80 per gallon for regular unleaded in Hawaii.

Most helpful consumer reviews

Fair ride if you leave it stock - more info below

To drive until it dies

It's a Jeep Thing!

Grand Cherokee still a workhorse

2003 Grand Cherokee Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Consider these recommendations

Related Used 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Jeep

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.80 per gallon for regular unleaded in Hawaii.}