Used 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A) Consumer Reviews
Used Grand Cherokee for sale
Solid 4x4
wbrem588, Indianapolis, IN, 12/25/2017
Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
I do not own this vehicle, it is my mother's. However, I do get plenty of seat time behind the wheel, so here's my personal experience. After owning a late model XJ Cherokee for over a decade, my parents picked up this 2005 WK Grand Cherokee almost 5 years ago. I believe it is the Rocky Mountain trim? Not 100% sure, but it is not a Limited model. It has the 4.7 8-cylinder, Quadra-Trac 4x4, two-tone grey leather, sunroof, heated seats, and that's about it on options. It now has almost 154K and it was bought with about 64K. It has generally been a very reliable rig in the almost 5 years of ownership. The 4.7 has been pretty much bulletproof. It runs great, it's pretty quiet, and it sounds damn mean if you lay into it. Not a Hemi by any means, but it and the 5-speed makes for a worthy power-train. With the exception of a new water pump installed and some electrical gremlins resolved at approximately 135K, and a 90K tune-up, oil changes have otherwise been the only maintenance performed. In the beginning of ownership, we did had issues with the vehicle stalling when you're coming to a stop. The dealer couldn't figure out the cause of this either. But, we found that if you run mid-grade gasoline, the stalling doesn't stop completely, but it stalls a whole lot less often, and it even seems to run a little better. It has never stalled on me personally. One more thing of note, the key fobs are not made very well. Both original keys fell apart maybe two years ago. Aftermarket fobs do not last long either, so buy new ones from a dealer the first time. Also, I believe that the TPMS sensor is going bad. Even with all tires filled to recommended specs, the sensor will beep and the light will flash at start-up, and then will flash every so often while you're driving. Not a huge issue really. Quadra-Trac has been flawless. It's a Jeep, after all. Mileage is so-so, it's gotten no more than 19mpg on the highway, and it seems to average between 15-17. Interior wise, it has all held up pretty well. The driver seat has a tear (there when bought), and the climate controls on the dash have never illuminated the whole time we've had it. Not sure if this is a common issue with the WK models, but it can be a pain in the rear to make changes when driving at night. Other than those two things, the interior has again been pretty solid. No leaks from the sunroof, and the heated seats get real nice and warm. Overall, the Jeep has been a good reliable SUV. Being the first year of this body style, it has had its little issues and quirks. Definitely pick up a 2008-10 if you can find one. I believe the 4.7 for those years received a significant bump in power and a small gain in efficiency, and there are a few details inside and outside that I think dress up the vehicle a bit. But the 2005-07 models won't leave you regretting your purchase by any means. If I didn't need to have a truck, I would not hesitate to daily one of these.
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DONT DO IT! !
jeremy, Schertz, TX, 03/09/2016
Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)
29 of 42 people found this review helpful
I will never ask anyone to get this kind of vehicle! It was my dream car. I got mines from a dealership, saw car facts, clean title no accidents. Only 1 owner. really nice looking. This vehicle is not worth it. Too many mechanical problems. Once one thing messes up everything messes up! I was very good with keeping up with the car, but not even that could stop it. Out of the 2 1/2 years ive had it ive probably driven it for 8 months. At one point I had it parked for 2 months straight. Towed it to different mechanics not one could figure out what was wrong with it. Spent almost the same amount I paid for it. Fixing it. Its not reliable. It turned off on me 2 times on the hwy going 60. So scary!! Its was to the point where I could only turn it on 2 times a day & that was it. Till the next day it wouldn't turn on. It would stall, battery would drain every other day. I had re wiring done still wouldn't work. Nothing sucked more then getting stuck in traffic because the truck would turn off. It was just too much. I would not recremend this vehicle. Worst decision ever.
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2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee for sale near you
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- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $7,998127 mi away
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HEMI BEAST
AJ, Cincinnati, OH, 11/17/2016
Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)
9 of 12 people found this review helpful
I'm the third owner of my 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with the Hemi option. At roughly 131,000 miles it still runs like a dream. Its common to hear that these Jeeps run into mechanical issues but I've had no such misfortune (knocks on wood). What can I say? It's an all around extremely capable SUV. The interior is simple and spacious (I'm 6'6), the only change I needed to make was adding a new Kenwood radio. And for its size and rugged Jeep reputation its an extremely comfortable ride. As the title entails the HEMI is a plus, especially if you regularly tow like me. The only negative aspect of this SUV is how hard it hits your wallet at the pump, its just too tempting to slam that gas pedal at every stop light to hear that big V8 roar.
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Excellent choice for SUV
E, Dunbar, WV, 10/01/2022
updated 08/14/2023
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, Pelzer, SC, 06/09/2022
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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