1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.05/5 Average
119 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
  • Lightweight unibody construction, excellent on and off-road manners, optional V-8, standard ABS, dual airbags, lots of standard equipment
Cons:
  • 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
  • Jeep grand cherokee limited 5.2 - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
    By -

    Ive had this Jeep for 3 1/2yrs and had no problems. I have it serviced regularly and change oil religiously. Ive had other Jeeps and definately recommend the 5.2L engine. It seems smoother, has more get up and go and pulls a trailer much better.

  • Watch out for bad O2 sensors - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
    By -

    Ive had to replace both O2 sensors in a span of less than 6 months. Jeeps have two of them. It will cost you over $200 bucks to change each O2 sensor unless you know how to change it yourself. Steering is a problem. When making tight turns the front wheels will shake and pull. Other than that, the Jeeps are a decent vehicle.

  • 220,000 miles and still going !!!!! - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
    By -

    I have had my jeep over 10 years no major problems...just minor things...very comfortable...I have 220,000 miles and still going...I want a newer one but I just want to see how long this one will last...highly recommend one...

  • repairs too much - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
    By -

    Bought one year ago with 68,000 miles. I have put 20,000 miles on it in 12 months. I have had to replace fuel pump for around $600, light sensor for $250, heater blower and heater switch $700. Very concerned about ongoing repairs; these Jeeps seem to be very costly to repair. It also seems to leak a lot of fluids, I have taken it in several times to try and get leaks to stop. Do not like that the tire is inside and takes up space. I would not buy another one.

  • great car! - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
    By -

    i have enjoyed the car immensely! great for hauling kids & stuff. no major problems. my only issue has been service related. some sort of dealership rearrangement took place and all jeeps were moved from performance to dwanye lane. i have not been particularly impressed with either dwayne lane or town & country service centers. since performance still has jeep proficient service people - i take all non warranty issues to them. all of their service people have been incredibly gracious. their hours are much better, they provide pickup & dropoff driver service & facilitate rentals cars if needed. the only thing that they no longer do is car washing!

  • Wife displeased - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
    By -

    Bought new in 1996, was initially pleased. Had to have radio replaced under warranty but was fairly problem free until the rear end needed replacing. Mechanic said that gearing was misaligned from the factory and it was only a matter of time until it went out. Had other small intermittent problems. Then the computer unit went out. It took Jeep dealer about 3 months to find the problem. We would take it in and they would give it back saying they could not find any problem. It would have same problem and we would take it in only to start the cycle again. Wife who drives vehicle says we will never buy another Jeep. Plan on replacing it soon with import.

  • 97 Gr Cherokee - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
    By -

    This vehicle has been one of the better vehicles I have owned. I do most of the PM on the vehicle, so I know its done right.The main problem Ive found with the vehicle is the exterior paint job from the factory, which easily chips and requires touch-up on a regular basis. Ive never owned a vehicle longer than this Jeep, so I guess it says something for my satisfaction with the product.

  • Decent for the money. - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
    By -

    Reliability has been an issue. Transmission failed at 43K ($2200). Fuel pump failed ($600). Many leaks (trans., axles, oil, etc.). Exhaust header broke ($400). Many check engine lights for sensors (four for pressure sensor and one for oxygen sensor). At 165K miles, it is still driving strong and looks good. I am shooting for 250K miles. If you can stomach repairs, it is a decent vehicle for the money. Build quality is good, and styling is the best. At 165K, it still looks and runs as well as it did when I got it at 34K for $19.5K. If it runs to 250K without any further large component failures, I will buy another one.

  • SoFarSoGood - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
    By -

    Leased very inexpensively for 36 months. Had 23k when acquired. Getting ready to buy a Mountaineer or turn in. Have had no problems, but hear about all the expensive tranny and brake problems.

  • Pleasantly Surprised - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
    By -

    I have owned this vehicle for 40k miles (currently has 91k). It has needed some small repairs (Idle Control Sensor $127 w/labor, Trasmission Gasket $223 w/ labor), but I drive this vehicle in some very rough conditions.

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