Used 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Consumer Reviews
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Excellent choice for SUV
E, 10/01/2022
updated 08/14/2023
2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I am a mechanic so I choose my vehicles with a lot of consideration before making a purchase. I bought my my 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee [Laredo] WK with the 4.7 PowerTech V8 a little less than thirteen months ago. It has 188,200 miles on the odometer. I drive the vehicle daily, have towed a few times with it, and have taken it on one road trip. Although not a Toyota, this Jeep is still quite reliable. Both the engine and transmission are original and running as strong as day one. Contrary to what a lot of people think, the 4.7 is an incredibly reliable motor, and the 545RFE transmission is very reliable as well. My dad owned a 2001 Grand Cherokee (WJ) with the same engine and transmission that had 340k miles at time of sale. With proper maintenance, a 4.7 V8 can run practically forever. The engine burns absolutely no oil between changes. My only complaint about the motor is that it is a little underpowered for the WK, although not disappointgly so. However, the 4.7 in the lighter-weight WJ feels noticably quicker. As for mechanical problems with this Jeep, it has had a few but nothing out of the ordinary. I have had to replace: both valve cover gaskets and the engine oil pan gasket, the transmission oil pan gasket, the crankshaft pulley seal, all four ball joints, A/C condenser and compressor, the ignition switch, and the REC navigation radio. I will soon have to replace the heater core as it is leaking, but thankfully it can be replaced without removal of the dashboard due to an easy hack job. For a vehicle with nearly 200,000 miles, I consider these very minimal repairs, especially since the Jeep runs perfect now. The only other issue I've had with my Jeep is some exterior paint failing on the hood and fenders. The rest of the paint is still in excellent condition. Since purchasing, I had the front end repainted and now it looks perfect. Thanks to the independent front suspension, this Jeep handles very well on the highway and stands up to some minor offroading. The torquey 4.7 is not a slouch; it has neck-snapping low-end torque and acceptable passing power. However, I have driven the 5.7 HEMI WK and it feels amazing. I get 23 MPG highway going 70 MPH, a little higher at lower speeds. My daily commute is through Virginia countryside, a lot of backroads, twists, and hills. My regular combined gas mileage is between 15-17, determined by calculation. I have found that the vehicle's MPG calculator is very accurate, usually spot-on. I am very satisfied with the MPG I get out of this vehicle. There is plenty of information on the internet as to how reliable the WK Grand Cherokees can be if they are taken care of. I maintain my vehicle meticulously: flushing the transmission every 30,000 miles, changing engine oil and filter every 3,000 miles, and coolant every 40,000 miles. I flush the differentials and transfer case every 60,000 miles and keep an eye on power steering fluid and brake fluid condition. With so many online reviews and me having had positive past experience with the 4.7 V8 and 545RFE, I have no doubts my Grand Cherokee will make it to at least 350,000 miles without needing major repairs. As to the other engines that come in the WK, I would only consider buying the V8s and the CRD diesel. The 3.7 PowerTech, while similar to the 4.7, has a number of issues that the 4.7 doesn't. I would not recommend buying the 3.7 V6 for reliability and also for power. The 3.7 gets virtually the same MPG as the 4.7 and is nowhere nearly as powerful; you will be disappointed with the 3.7 if MPG concerns you. But any WK with the 4.7 V8, 5.7 V8, 6.1 V8 or CRD are an excellent choice for someone looking at buying reasonably-priced, used SUVs. But above all else, make sure there is evidence that the Jeep has been well maintained before purchasing a WK. These vehicles are highly sensitive to maintenance. ***UPDATE 2/14/23*** Jeep has still been very reliable. However, I am currently fighting interior water leaks which are EXTREMELY frustrating. I still love my Jeep but water leaks on these WKs are not a matter of if...its when. And they can be a pain to locate. Currently, I have a small drip from the passenger's side "A" pillar and also found the passenger's floorboard soaked with water even in the back seat. Yet to be diagnosed when I find the time to do it. ***UPDATE 8/14/23*** Still using the Jeep but not daily driving it anymore. I have towed a car through the mountains with it and been otherwise using it as a work truck and off-roading rig since February. It is running like a champion and all the rain water leaks are fixed.
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200k Miles and still going strong
Jes, 06/09/2022
2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
By far the best vehicle I've ever owned and I've had quite a variety. I bought my 2005 Laredo *trail rated* used with 60,000 miles on it. 1 owner. With only normal routine maintenance, I've put a little over 140,000 miles on it in about 10 years, it's seen 39 states and it's been driven West coast to east coast, twice. With 205,000 miles, it's only needed the starter replaced and a clutch fan motor, oil changes and tires. She's old, but she's still got it. You simply can't go wrong with a Jeep Grand Cherokee, especially a Laredo. Unless I find myself in need of a truck, I plan to have a Jeep Cherokee when it comes time to make a will.
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- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee for sale near you
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Never Again
Donna, 07/15/2010
2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Rwd 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)
8 of 11 people found this review helpful
Bought this car new 3/2005 12/2005-new mother board-under warranty 11/2006 esm assembly replacement, under warranty 7/2007, new key needed/failed $271.00 8/2007, multiple cylinder failure under warranty 6/2008 new battery $198.00 11/2008- replace electronic shift module $664.00 7/2009-replace turn signal assembly- $200.00 11/2009-failed emissions tcm $599.00 6/11/2010- replace a/c compressor & accummulator-$892.00 7/2010-engine failure light is on and going to dealer tom. Can you smell lemon? Knowing I will never, ever buy another Jeep or Chrysler product ever ever again. Pricelesssssssssss!
Modifications are Fun!
LuckyAZ, 12/14/2008
2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Rwd 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
I have the 5.7L Hemi and have added a performance chip and cold air intake. This made the Jeep awesome off-road and fun in-town. I love going on the trails, and then beating performance sedans in town.
Problematic Vehicle
carguru12, 05/26/2014
2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
14 of 21 people found this review helpful
We have owned the truck since it was brand new, and now it has 177,000 miles on it. Recently, the EGR valve had to be replaced, as did the front C/V joint, radiator, and water pump. The transmission is noisy, and gas mileage is horrible. It was a good car when it was new, but has started to show its age.