1997 Jeep Cherokee Owners...?

Question

This is for any 1997 Jeep Cherokee owners out there. I would like to know your personal opinion about the car.

Is it safe?

Is it as noisy as I've heard it can be?

Do you think it would be a good first car?

Is it easy to handle?

Just the basic pros and cons of the vehicle.

I'm thinking about buying a '97 Jeep Cherokee, so I thought I would try to get all the information on it I could before I do so. Thanks a bunch!

-Michelle

Answer 1

Outside of what the pro-rice-grinders might try and tell you the biggest defect on the Grand Cherokee is the disc brakes. Make sure you have them checked and replaced if necessary other than that it is built like a tank and was one of the motivating factors behind the buyout of Chrysler by Daimler.

As a first car it will use a lot of fuel compared to some other choices but today it should be pretty cheap to buy, so there would be an offsetting factor.

I kept a 99 4.7 Laredo for towing and general hauling when I sold my store.

Answer 2

Listen to Mike.  I'm on my third Sahara and don't ever see myself buying anything other then a Jeep.  My entire family is on their 2nd or third purchase as well.   Parts are cheap.  Labor is very simple when repairing and quite frankly they are just fun to drive and kick out quite a few Horses..  My only gripe is the front disc rotors.  The came apart at the hub when I stopped at a light one time.  Darn near wrecked a bunch of cars.  I came to find out they were half the thickness at the hub of what they should have been fo a SUV.  My 95 Sahara was still going great at 170,000 until I bought a 2002 Sahara about 10 months ago.  Not a single problem with the new one yet.

Answer 3

I've owned one, and I got ~170k miles out of it, though I did sell it because of a) smog issues (It would overheat and smoke a LOT, keep in mind this was 120F weather in Las Vegas summer) and b) the noise. Overall though, it was a good truck, mechanically sound, tough, and safe. Not the easiest to handle, as it is fairly big. Gas prices are also going to be a problem with it. Best advice is to really be vigilant on the upkeep of it, and don't let mechanics try and talk you into expensive repairs that aren't needed. You'll know if something DOES need to be done, and if you're vigilant about maintenance, it shouldn't be too often. Good luck!