Overview & Reviews

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the pioneers that ushered in the modern midsize SUV in the early 1990s. Jeep has always wanted the Grand Cherokee to be maneuverable enough for urban duty, roomy enough for family duty, stylish enough to take out on the town and capable enough to tow your toys or shuttle your passengers to a remote campsite. Modern Grand Cherokees are far more refined than the early models, but they're no less versatile.

Unlike most other traditional SUVs, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has always been built using a carlike unibody platform for superior on-road handling. Yet Jeep's strong reputation for off-road prowess is retained, thanks to the Grand Cherokee's advanced four-wheel-drive systems and capable suspension. It's a rare combination of attributes in a modern utility vehicle, as the Jeep is able to venture farther off the beaten path than competing crossover SUVs.

User Reviews:

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  Watch the brakes - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SDS - June 20 - 10:00 am

  This has been a pretty good car for us, with two exceptions. First, there was a knock in the rear end that could not be found for over a year. The "spider gear" in the differential was rattling and had to be replaced. Second, the front end braking system is too small for the weight of this vehicle. You will go through rotors very quickly. My first set was replaced at 15,000 miles. I am goint to have to replace them again at 45,000. This time, with a very heavy duty, heat displacing rotor.

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  2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bwill9126 - June 19 - 5:20 pm

  I have owned 3 cars and all have been the Jeep brand. I purchased the Limited with Lux II package and couldnt be more happy with the build quality, extra features and fuel economy (as compared to the Wrangler). My 30 mile/day trip averages 19 to 20 mpgs, but is up to 21-22 on highway driving. A tank of gas will last me two weeks with my standard driving routines. I have read reviews regarding problems with the UConnect system (the screen going blank or slow to no response), the electronic shifter being difficult to get used to, and the panoramic sunroof leaking. I am fortunate to have had none of these problems.

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  1st Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BruceJ - June 19 - 3:40 pm

  This is my first Grand Cherokee, and I have not been overly impressed. The build is very good, not one rattle or squeak, however the transmission is very slow to change gears when you need to down shift. The 3.7l V6 has adequate power but would be nice if it had about 20 more horses. During the first 6 months, it spent a week in the shop due to check engine light, had to replace fuel rail and air conditioner compressor. Fuel mileage is about 23mpg on the highway, not bad for this size vehicle. Back seat is cramped for adults. Standard radio fair, should have upgraded to better unit. Not sure I would consider this vehicle again. Weak transmission.

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  MY WORKHORSE - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jerrymax - June 19 - 1:43 pm

  I bought my Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo from my neighbor in Dec. 2007 and have put 21,000 miles on it. Ive taken it to upstate NY 21 times, a 600 mile round trip. Only got stranded once when the water pump seized up on a trip to Pennsylvania. Snapped the serpentine belt. Had to replace H2O pump, belt, tensioner and radiator. Car severely overheated but it did not damage the cast iron engine, an indestructible workhorse of a motor. No other problems. With 158,500 miles it still runs like a freight train. Always starts. I have the Quadra-Trac system, full-time AWD. On a recent road trip at 65 mph without the AC running I averaged 20.3 mpg. I use 89 octane so it runs cleaner. Great old car.

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  One great jeep - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rjfster - June 19 - 8:13 am

  I bought my 2002 grand Cherokee 4.7 v-8 model at then end of 2008, as an upgrade from my 2x4 94 Cherokee. I have to say this thing is amazing, I take it off road almost every weekend, this thing drives as good off road as it does on road. Absolutly no problems with it. Only minor, routine repairs, brakes, one tie rod end and alignment, one o2 sensor. Perfect balance of size, good amount of cargo/passenger space, but not too big that its awkward driving.

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  KEY NOT DETECTED MESSAGE/KEY LOCK IN CAR DETECTION DONT ALWAYS WORK - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kkfoster54 - June 17 - 10:19 am

  I have been having problems with the key not detected message which is happening quite often, I thought it may be the key battery. I switched keys (spare) and its doing the same thing. I was thinking it was the key battery at first, but when I switched keys after a while it started doing the same thing so I dont think its the battery. I have to try anything and everything to get my car to crank. The problem seems to be getting worse, I hope I dont get stranded. Also I have accidently locked myself out the car a few times and the car lock key feature works when it wants to, the key was in the console or my purse in the passenger seat less than 2 ft and it still locks.

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  For a 16 year old rig very pleased. - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mrlypage - June 17 - 6:00 am

  No big complaints. Getting ready to sell it after 2 years of ownership. I figure with repairs and maintenance it cost me $100 month in depreciation-- not bad, especially considering the abuse the previous teenage owner surely put it through. Very torquey (V8) and grabby 4WD. Speaking of grabby 4WD, I do NOT like the full- time 4WD-- it costs you in gas mileage and the front wheels differential doesnt work well when making low speed, tight turns.

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  Still Runn - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JS - June 17 - 12:46 am

  After 136k miles our Jeep ZJ is still running great. The raves about the I-6 are true. No oil burning to speak of. Its basically a tractor engine-very simple-nothing fancy but very reliable. More reliable than the v-8 counterpart and easy to work on for the shade tree mechanic. Output on par with many other manufacturers V-8s of similar years. Selec-trac is very competent. Nice to have just 2x4 when you want it. The NP242 transfer case is one of the best Jeep has. Ours gets only the good stuff (Mobile 1, Royal Purple, et. so take good care and it will treat you right.

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  Great SUV - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Molly - June 14 - 4:53 am

  I have only owned my Jeep for 5 months, but am happy with what I see so far. I drive it to the mountains every weekend and use it to commute to school and have not had a problem yet. The only concern I have is that the gas mileage is not too great.

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  6th Grand Cherokee each keeps getting better - 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bob Brawner - June 14 - 2:28 am

  The Grand Cherokee has been a quality built SUV since my first one in 1996 with no serious issues to deal with. My 2013 is a Laredo X which has the hemi, the 9 speaker sound system, and all the bells and whistles slightly short of the Limited edition. It drives and handles like a champ for an SUV, the gas mileage is challenge but to have the hemi power it is well worth it. I would highly recommend this model jeep since I have had 6 of them!