Need vehicle opinions - Jeep Grand Cherokee

[Bugeater]

Originally Posted by gblowfish

I have a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 225,000 miles. I have the 4.0 liter straight six engine.

All the old beat to shit Jeeps you see on the road (even the old square body Cherokees) have that straight six engine. That engine design goes all the was back to the original Hudson Hornet automobile. Except now, they're fuel injected.

Jeeps are hard on batteries, brakes and are prone to electrical issues. I've replaced three of the four power window motors, had problems with the instrument cluster for windows and mirrors on the driver door, had to put in a new seat -the power seat frame is notorious for breaking, bad welds. But the power train has been great, and haven't had any spots on the body rust through.

Gas mileage on a six is actually just a couple miles better than a V8, but the engine is much more reliable and easier to work on.

Unless you plan to tow something, you really don't need the V8.

225k and no transmission issues? That's what really scares me with any Chrysler product.

The electrical gremlins can be frustrating too, I've fought them with my latest Caravan. The must be a ChryCo thing as well.

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by Bugeater

225k and no transmission issues? That's what really scares me with any Chrysler product.

On the regular Cherokees, the auto tranny is an Aisin transmission and is really solid (also used in some Toyota pickups of that vintage). Don't know if that's the case with the Grand Cherokees with the 4.0L, though.

[Bugeater]

Originally Posted by Frosty

On the regular Cherokees, the auto tranny is an Aisin transmission and is really solid (also used in some Toyota pickups of that vintage). Don't know if that's the case with the Grand Cherokees with the 4.0L, though.

Can't do the Sport. I have driven them and the doors are too small, I have trouble getting in and out of them.

[kaplin42]

Originally Posted by Bugeater

Can't do the Sport. I have driven them and the doors are too small, I have trouble getting in and out of them.

Sport only refers to the version of the model. For instance:

Sport
Sport S
Sahara
Rubicon

The further down the list, the more features you get, with the Rubicon being best if you plan on off-roading at all.

The current Series model is the JK (as opposed to CJ, YJ, TJ). I think when you say Sport, you're thinking of the 2 door model, like I said in a previous post, take a look at the 4 door model (JKU), it has a lot more room in it.

[Bugeater]

Originally Posted by kaplin42

Sport only refers to the version of the model. For instance:

Sport
Sport S
Sahara
Rubicon

The further down the list, the more features you get, with the Rubicon being best if you plan on off-roading at all.

The current Series model is the JK (as opposed to CJ, YJ, TJ). I think when you say Sport, you're thinking of the 2 door model, like I said in a previous post, take a look at the 4 door model (JKU), it has a lot more room in it.

Oh, I thought the boxy Cherokees were called the Sport. That's the way most of them seem to be titled in the ads.

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by Bugeater

Oh, I thought the boxy Cherokees were called the Sport. That's the way most of them seem to be titled in the ads.

No, Sport is just a trim level for either 2 or 4 door XJ (mine was a Limited). The whole "Cherokee" thing confuses people. When I was looking for a car for my son, I was considering the small Cherokee (XJ) but it seemed like every add that said something like "2000 Cherokee" was actually a Grand Cherokee. Two diferent vehicles completely. To make matters worse, "Cherokee" used to be a trim level on the big jeeps in the '70's.

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by kaplin42

Sport only refers to the version of the model. For instance:

Sport
Sport S
Sahara
Rubicon

The further down the list, the more features you get, with the Rubicon being best if you plan on off-roading at all.

The current Series model is the JK (as opposed to CJ, YJ, TJ). I think when you say Sport, you're thinking of the 2 door model, like I said in a previous post, take a look at the 4 door model (JKU), it has a lot more room in it.

I believe he was talking about the XJ (small Cherokee). He's right about the doors being small and being a pain to get into and out of. That's the reason I got rid of mine (small children at the time). Once you were in, though, they were roomy.

[Exoter175]

Originally Posted by Bugeater

Ugh. How bad of gas mileage are we talking here?

Honestly and realistically, if you're in the city, don't expect more than 16-17 MPG. On highway road trips, expect 20-24 depending on how well she's running.

If you want a fuel efficient 4wd smaller suv, get a Honda CRV.

Originally Posted by Frosty

On the regular Cherokees, the auto tranny is an Aisin transmission and is really solid (also used in some Toyota pickups of that vintage). Don't know if that's the case with the Grand Cherokees with the 4.0L, though.

The WJ (99-04)grand cherokees are all Chrysler transmissions. In the ZJ grand cherokees (93-98) there was an Aisin automatic offered, but there were also 5 other Chrysler transmissions offered in that body style, and I'm pretty sure the Aisin was a mid model change over to Chrysler so up until about mid 94 they were Aisins, and the rest were chryslers.

In the regular cherokees the only Aisins were Manuals, the Autos were Chrysler. Actually I take that back, I think there were a few model years with the 4 series aisin in it, probably the 92-94.5 model years, somewhat similar to the grand cherokee.

The transmissions aren't super terrible honestly, you have to remember what they are mated up to.

You've got a 4.0 liter inline six mated to a 4 speed auto chrysler transmission, running power to some Dana Axles , life isn't so bad when you've got Danas in there which almost all of them have.

[Exoter175]

Originally Posted by kaplin42

Bought a Jeep Wrangler Sport last may. I have to be honest, I was expecting the stereotypical bumpy ride, "it's a jeep, deal with it" type of scene. I am so pleasantly surprised at how comfortable and roomy the Jeep is. It rides smooth, and with the Penstar v6, it has quite a bit of power. On top of that, 4x4ing is a lot of fun. You can get it with nav and power everything, remote start, engine block warmers and all kinds of stuff. If you haven't, take a look at a Wrangler.

I should make a note. The suspension and engine were re-done in the 2012 models. Do not get anything less than a 2012.

Uh, no. If you buy a wrangler, you buy one fromt he mid/late 90's and no newer than early 2000's, after that, the drivetrain becomes dominated by Chrysler and they turn into mall crawlers with bells and whistles that people don't need for what the Wrangler was built for........driving over shit.

I had a 2004 TJ Sport with option Dana 44 in it, it was literally the BEST combination in the world with that 4.0 liter straight six. The only downside is that I had the 6 speed Chrysler Manual in it, which was "meh". I never got stuck in that thing. Went rock crawling, mudding, swamping, you name it. With the 6 inch lift and 35's, never got stuck. I sank that thing in a swamp and was a little over waist deep in the absolute sloppiest swampy mud scenario you could find, kicked it in 4 low and go out. It was awesome. The new jeeps on the other hands, are for people with vaginas.

Originally Posted by gblowfish

Grand Cherokee has the basic Laredo, then Limited, then the super nice one is the Overland. I don't think they made the Limited or Overland with the straight six. I think both of them were V8 only.

Overland? You're talking new jeeps now, and new jeeps are bad.

Originally Posted by COchief

Boiled down legit advice from owning several jeeps and other makes:

- 4.0 only, no exceptions, one of the best engines ever produced.
- Everything around the engine and drivetrain is crappy and will probably break, you want the least amount of bells and whistles possible, cause that is all crap you'll need to fix.
- Drivetrain will rarely if ever, let you down if maintained.
- Best value and honestly ten times the vehicle would be Xterra/Pathfinder/4runner of the same vintage, disagree? Eat shit, I have gone from Cherokee/Xterra/Wrangler. You haven't so . Also drive them, you'll see.

I disagree here slightly, the suspension and brakes in stock form are very good when you put them to the extreme pre-sissy jeeps. In my 04 the brakes should have seriously faded on me on many treks but they didn't, as much shit that was put through them, they worked like a champ.

Completely agree with you on the 4 runner mention, anything Toyota and 4wd is worth the money, especially older 22RE trucks.

[COchief]

Originally Posted by Exoter175

I disagree here slightly, the suspension and brakes in stock form

You're probably a little more mechanic oriented than me, I meant drive train to say basically anything under the body. We're the same guy, 2000-2002 is the ultimate year if you're going non-rubi.

[Exoter175]

Originally Posted by COchief

You're probably a little more mechanic oriented than me, I meant drive train to say basically anything under the body. We're the same guy, 2000-2002 is the ultimate year if you're going non-rubi.

In my opinion you don't get anything better than the TJ really. Which is what? 97-06ish I believe.

You get a 4.0 straight six, at least a Dana 35 if not Dana 44 with 3.73's, and some awesome brakes.

My '04 was just a little too new for my liking.

You see, when I think Jeep, I think lifted, 35's, 33's minimum, top off, doors off. I need a heater, I don't need AC, and a radio is questionable.

That's how I like my jeeps.

[Exoter175]

Originally Posted by Frosty

All 1987-2001 XJ's with the 4.0L had Aisin-Warner AW-4 4-speed automatics. The 4-cyl XJ's used a Chrysler 3-spd tranny.

I think you're right there, I just seem to remember having a 92 3 speed 4.0 at some point early in my life lol

Originally Posted by Bugeater

Oh, I thought the boxy Cherokees were called the Sport. That's the way most of them seem to be titled in the ads.

That's just one of the most common trim levels for the boxy cherokees, and they are very plentiful. I've had 3 myself, my buddy has had 6 in the last 3 years.

Guess what our common maintenance has been on them?

Plugs, radiator hoses, and differential fluid changes. lol.

And we put them......through......hell..........

[kaplin42]

Originally Posted by Exoter175

In my opinion you don't get anything better than the TJ really. Which is what? 97-06ish I believe.

You get a 4.0 straight six, at least a Dana 35 if not Dana 44 with 3.73's, and some awesome brakes.

My '04 was just a little too new for my liking.

You see, when I think Jeep, I think lifted, 35's, 33's minimum, top off, doors off. I need a heater, I don't need AC, and a radio is questionable.

That's how I like my jeeps.

My "made for vaginas" 2012 sport came with Dana 33's and a 3.73 ratio. The Rubi's come with Dana 44's and a 4.10 ratio with front and real lockers.

It's cool though, I have power locks on my Jeep so it must not hold up to the old ones.

[kaplin42]

Originally Posted by Exoter175

Uh, no. If you buy a wrangler, you buy one fromt he mid/late 90's and no newer than early 2000's, after that, the drivetrain becomes dominated by Chrysler and they turn into mall crawlers with bells and whistles that people don't need for what the Wrangler was built for........driving over shit.

I had a 2004 TJ Sport with option Dana 44 in it, it was literally the BEST combination in the world with that 4.0 liter straight six. The only downside is that I had the 6 speed Chrysler Manual in it, which was "meh". I never got stuck in that thing. Went rock crawling, mudding, swamping, you name it. With the 6 inch lift and 35's, never got stuck. I sank that thing in a swamp and was a little over waist deep in the absolute sloppiest swampy mud scenario you could find, kicked it in 4 low and go out. It was awesome. The new jeeps on the other hands, are for people with vaginas.



Overland? You're talking new jeeps now, and new jeeps are bad.



I disagree here slightly, the suspension and brakes in stock form are very good when you put them to the extreme pre-sissy jeeps. In my 04 the brakes should have seriously faded on me on many treks but they didn't, as much shit that was put through them, they worked like a champ.

Completely agree with you on the 4 runner mention, anything Toyota and 4wd is worth the money, especially older 22RE trucks.

New Jeeps are awesome, just because soccer mom's like them, doesn't mean that you can't actually use them for off-roading like I do all the time. Typical BS though "if it's newer than X year, it's not a Jeep. If it's got 4 doors, it's not a Jeep."

You can lift, and mod, and deck out the new Jeeps just as you could the old ones.

[Exoter175]

Originally Posted by kaplin42

New Jeeps are awesome, just because soccer mom's like them, doesn't mean that you can't actually use them for off-roading like I do all the time. Typical BS though "if it's newer than X year, it's not a Jeep. If it's got 4 doors, it's not a Jeep."

You can lift, and mod, and deck out the new Jeeps just as you could the old ones.

New jeeps are dominated by Chrysler, that is not awesome. There is literally nothing left from AMC in the new jeeps, and that is sad. That is what Jeeps are, or were.

Yeah, the new jeeps still function like the jeeps of old, but the break so much more now than they did a decade ago, and most of that is due to it being a Chrysler product, and partly due to the extra bells and whistles.

When you buy a 92 Jeep Cherokee, you get a 4.0 liter inline six, some baby danas, and 4wd. That's it. You can drive it through anything.

You don't need Navigation, you don't need all the extra bells and whistles.

Quite literally the new Jeeps have traded out their toughness and ruggedness for bells and whistles, and now charge a premium for models and trim levels to attain that ruggedness again.

So while you talk about jeeps being jeeps and being able to mod the new ones like the old ones, remember now that a Jeep Liberty can't do 1/50th of what a Jeep Cherokee could do 15 years ago.

in the early/mid 90's, Jeep Cherokees were the standard for excellence in sport SUV's.

Now look what happened with Chrysler's hand in the middle of all of that, douchebags and soccer moms in their mall crawlers looking the part, but incapable of acting the part.