Overview & Reviews

Last year's integrated child safety seat has mysteriously disappeared from press kit and dealer order sheet radar. Other big news is the availability of the optional 5.2-liter V8 engine in 2WD models, and a six-cylinder that qualifies the JGC as a transitional low emission vehicle (TLEV) in California. Refinements have been made to the ABS system, entry-level cassette stereo and floor carpet fit. In January, a sporty TSi model debuted with monotone paint, special aluminum wheels and other goodies.

• Lightweight unibody construction, excellent on and off-road manners, optional V-8, standard ABS, dual airbags, lots of standard equipment

• Spare tire hogs cargo area, engines hog gas, not as roomy inside as some competitors, price climbs rapidly as options are added

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 119.00

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  Going Strong - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Long Time Owner - June 11 - 9:10 am

  I bought my V8 Laredo from the dealership with 17K miles and have almost 200K now. Drove it in Los Angeles for 2 + years then mostly in the mid-west, with frequent cross country trips. This car has held up superbly over time. The body and interior are still in excellent shape. There have been a few standard repairs over the years. The only real problem is the rear axle and bearings; they have had chronic problems since around 100K miles - they need to be rebuilt replaced about every 2+ years which can hurt the wallet. This car has been otherwise excellent in all driving conditions and weather. Very good car for long trips! Im shooting for 250K miles for sure.

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  1997 ltd w/v8 - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mkenn363 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  just a very nice car. VERY COMFORTABLE!!!! sits up tall, goes through anything.V-8 is nice. Great interior, like a plane cockpit....

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  Quality SUV - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Good Buy - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Had it new since 97, and I have few complaints. Motor does seem slightly tired, but thats understandable. Belts squeak a bit, and tranny slips a bit at times, but only momentarily. Bottom line: a well-conceived and designed SUV that lived up to its billing as the best SUV value out there at the time of purchase. Ive driven it daily since purchase, and towed a small boat at least a couple hundred times without any major mechanical issues.

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  1997 Jeep - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By inches - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for four years. It does a nice job and is generally reliable. But it seems to wear or at least show wear quickly. Rear end went out at 100K miles.

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  Dependable & Fun - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ray - April 22 - 2:40 am

  Ive owned this vehicle for over 5 years and have had no major problems. This is my primary work vehicle and I spend a lot of time working on the road. I also use it to pull an oversized boat and to go into the field hunting and fishing. It goes and comes back where others cant. 4x4 is easy to operate and totally dependable. The only weak points have been the electronic accessories: heated mirrors, photochromic rearview mirror and rear windshield wiper. Fuel mileage is very good considering its an SUV. I average 22 MPG highway and 16 MPG around town (according to the DIC). 6 cylinder layout is such that regular maintenance is easily accomplished by owner.

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  Great Jeep - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By supercoolslug - April 4 - 4:06 am

  This is the first jeep iv ever owned, and so far its lived up to its hype. bought it at 68,000 and its currently at 70,000. Only problem Ive ever had was the first week when my check engine light came on, but a free O2 sensor from the dealership fixed that. The powerful V8 makes it one of the fastest SUVs on the road, even after over 10 years. Although the interior colors arent my favorite, its unique and never see anything like it. Seats are very comfortable in the front, in the back its a different story, with very little leg room.

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  Capable off-roader with a few Quirks... - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ebayauctions - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Its been a joy to drive,and ive fallen in love with it...but these vehicles are plagued with various mechanical issues which would make them better for someone with mechanical expertise.

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  Own one and youll understand... - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JeepinKansas - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle from a Jeep dealer at 90K miles in 2001,It now has 100K and Ive mostly LOVED it.I have the Q-Trac/V8 Setup and my trans vibes a bit when shifting to 3rd,the rear end is also very NOISY(growls).80% of Grands experience the rear diff bearing problem.Mine was even replaced in 98.That aside,I fixed a $90 IAC and now my Catalyst and Steering Dampener need replaced.Not bad for 100,250 miles. Biggest complaint? Interior Quality.These vehicles arent cheap and dealing with such a spotty interior is rediculous.Was going for a 99 or 00 but they have SEVERE problems,perhaps a 98 5.9 Limited will fit the bill,or ill wait for the 02s to come down.

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  Solid vehicle - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JohnQ - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Jeep w/ 52K miles. Now has 80K and havent had any problems. Nice SUV which handles like a car, but can tackle off-road obstacles with ease. V8 provides great pickup and towing power. Only downsides are the cheap exterior molding/bumpers, horrible gas mileage, and limited cargo space. Have considered buying larger SUV, but love the size of the Jeep and its capability to go anywhere.

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  Wheres my gas and oil? - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jimmy Jim - January 6 - 10:00 am

  gas mileage blows...and in a 100 mile trip i used 2 quarts of oil...no leak nor smoke so id like to know wheres my oil?