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 51 through 60 of 119.00

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  Good and Bad Jeep - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jenniferw - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Love the Jeep - BUT, has cost me a lot of money this last year. Bought it used from a dealership 3 yrs ago. This year I needed new pistons b/c they were cracked = $1800. Also needed new U- Joints = $350 and the A/C died over the summer. My husbands 1996 Nissan Maxima has 225k miles and he hasnt had a single problem with it! Im unloading it soon and buying an import.

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  Warrantee Magic - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By VAB13 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  All you have to do is spend $2,000 on the extended warrantee like I did. They must have flipped the reliability switch on mine when I paid for it, because in 88,000 miles Ive had almost no problems other than 3 (count em 3) fuel gauges. I love the car, but talk about depreciation! Never again.

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  Sad and disappointed - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Time to trade - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought this care one year old. I was immediately impressed by the cars comfort and interior styling. It didnt take long before things began to disintegrate, one by one. the dealer just informed me that the entire rear end needs replacing. Estimated cost of another $3000!!!!! I have performed maintenance on this car very religiously. Upkeep has been exhorbitantly expensive and very frequent. Im not Bill Gates, so im trading in.

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  Worth The Small Headaches... - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeepo - October 28 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 5.2 V8 in late 2001 and have put 10K miles on it since. In that time I have grown to love this vehicle despite its quirks. The most common problem across the board is bad differentials which cause a loud growl or whining noise when bad. Other than that,my only problems have been a bad IAC motor($90)and a steering dampener and Catalyst,probably about $700 total. Not bad for a vehicle that has over 100K on it! Nice interiors,but cheap parts overshadow this,not good for a 35000+ vehicle.These are capable offroad vehicles that will reward you if you take care of them. You MUST keep on a strict maintenance schedule to avoid problems.

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  sell,sell,sell - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lemon - October 26 - 2:50 pm

  Bought last year @148,000 mi. Its a play vehicle and gets about 5000 mi. A year. Have spent money on it from day one. Staring off just trying to make everything perfect. Then I started getting a rear bear nosie. Replaced all rear end bearings. The Carrier bearing was the only one pitted. That didnt fix the the problem. Right rear axle was pitted changed it. That fixed the bearing noise. Then I got a vibration @1600 rpm and on deceleration. Changed u-joints (a waste of $). From what Ive read sounds like this is a Major problem that is very hard to trouble shoot (even at a dealer. Dont want to spend any more $ on it. Im torn between spending and just selling it. I love to drive it but the vibration.

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  maintenance nightmare - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jo - July 9 - 3:10 am

  Only drive 5,700 miles/year. 43,815 miles when I bought in 1999. Replaced differential, power steering pump, rear hatch supports, water pump, power steering pump, manifold, unplugged drain for a/c. Headliner is falling down, door panels coming off. My ABS light stays on and computer shows it to be "ABS pump motor circuit" Normal maintenance items replaced were battery and serpentine belt. Is it me, or is this a high maintenance vehicle? 77,850 miles now.

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  $$$ - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SC Rich - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Like to drive it but it has had its problems over the years. Had to replace rear axle differential, and A/C unit. Now it is 6 years old, the ABS system, heated seats, and other misc. items do not work. The factory speaker system is also starting to fail. Would not buy a Jeep again.

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  Jeep Grand Cherokee - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lp1968 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Overall a great SUV! This is my second Grand Cherokee, and I have had very few major repairs. I did have to have the tranny overhauled, but that was close to 100,000 miles. The 4x4 is great (I think my 95 was a little better), but for our tough winters it is a must!