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 21 through 30 of 119.00

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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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  Lemon with a golden wrapper - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Brooks - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I have been almost anal with the up- keep of this car. I have followed the manual and performed every service recommended to the letter, but it has been nothing but problems in return. I know 4 other people, besides myself that have owned upper end Grand Cherokees or Loredos and not one of us would ever buy another one. Every time I have taken it to a shop and talked about the problems I have experienced, the mechanics confirm my frustrations by agreeing that this is not a reliable car.

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  97 Jeep grand - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dave - August 26 - 8:10 pm

  The Jeep was the best auto I ever owned. I have owned over 40 different types of autos, not one can reach he style and grace of my SUV. It looks good under the lights and driving in a blizzard. It is as a safe a high profile vehicle.

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  Worst Mechanical - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By William Beckerley - August 17 - 7:13 am

  Vehicle had problems for the time it was delivered. It suffered multiple leaks oil & grease. It is extemely hard on brakes and tires in city driving. Shocks leaked at 36,000mi. U joint went at 36,000mi. Transmission locked in 2nd at 37,000. Had to be replaced. The SUV had mild city driving in very mild climate. It is very expensive to maintain and very unreliable. I have owned many new vehicles and this has been the worst.

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  A Fine Automobile - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By spencesdad - July 27 - 2:00 am

  We have loved our Jeep for 4 1/2 years. Our previous Jeeps had been virtually depreciation-proof, so we were shocked at this models depreciation. At 104k, we are apparently lucky to have had no tranny problems. Ate up several sets of Goodyears before we found Bridgestones which have been awesome. Been hard on front brake pads, but not excessively. Still runs and drives flawlessly, has the most comfortable and durable interior ever. Looks showroom new after six kids! Would love to keep the seats when we finally sell it! We love the way it handles, and handles anything.

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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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  This Jeep rocks - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By singletrack - June 20 - 8:06 pm

  I bought the AWD Jeep grand Cherokee used in 2000 with 60K miles. I have more than 162,000 miles on it now and it has been incredibly reliable. It is a V8 with plenty of power. I has all of the bells and whistles and everything still works great. I have never experienced any mechanical problems, just the normal expendables such as brake pads, shocks, and tires. All normal stuff. It is the most reliable and road worthy machine I have owned. I drive it in the Rocky Mountains and on road trips and offroad - Moab and 4x4 mountain passes. GREAT SUV!

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  You really need to want a Jeep! - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By You gotta fix it! - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Wife loves the styling. I hate fixing everything. Buy yourself a service manual otherwise you will make the $tealership rich. These vehicles are bought broken and you have to fix them to make them work right.

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  I love my Jeep! - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ms Suzi Q - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this Jeep used and with 145K miles on it. The only repair Ive had to make was to replace the water pump, which cost a whopping $23. I saved on labor by having a relative do the work. The Jeep is very comfortable and has the feel of a car. I have owned other SUVs and this is by far the best one Ive had. I put a lot of miles on my vehicles and reliability is a big issue. 13K miles and 7 months later, its still going strong!