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 1 through 10 of 119.00

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  THE TRUE SUV WORK HORSE - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Benjamin B - December 23 - 3:00 am

  Aside from using it as a commuter car, it was used as a utility truck carrying anything from logs to pavers to furniture, etc. A transmission leak was noticed on the 7th year which was never really "fixed" by anyone=although it never gave u a big problem=no breakdowns. Additional minimal problems up until the AC conked out on its 10th year. Had the freon loaded just to get through the summer. After the winter of 2008, we traded it in for an import. Overall, a very pleasant experience. Very reliable vehicle.

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  1997 Jeep GC Laredo - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By theos - November 20 - 10:00 am

  at 64,000 had to have the rear axle rebuilt, cost over $1000.00. Now at 66,000 the front end is making the same noise the rear did, was told front end needs rebuilding and the ABS doesnt work. At only 66,000 miles!!!??? Nice riding vehicle, but poor on gas and expensive repairs.

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  Bad Rear Differential - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By eric - September 14 - 9:56 pm

  I bought this drift-wood colored V8 Orvis at 55000mi, and have put 113000 more on it. Brakes are a bit weak. Careful driving helps a lot. I occasionally haul light utility trailer-loads and have replaced rear differential at 75 and 160 miles. A/C controller went at 150 miles. Lift gate sprung leaks, causing light/alarm problems. E-Brake very weak. Can drive easily with it engaged. Engine still strong. Tranny original. Body very good. Some interior screws work loose. One and 1/2 speakers blown. Rear wiper frozen forever. Good truck to 140,000. Fuel mileage 13 US city, 19 at 75 mph, measured. Paint/exterior holding up really well. exhaust and entire front- end original (one link replaced at 94)

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  Good bad and ugly - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By d strickland - September 9 - 11:30 pm

  Very well pleased with the car. It has 123k miles and still runs well. Rear end noise has been a constant problem. Several attempts to repair and did not help. Cockpit very well appointed but needs more room. Very crowded with 4 adults. The ride is comfortable and fun to drive. Exterior paint has held up very well. No serious maintenance problems other than rear end. Sound system is very good but speakers are cheapos.

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  Love my 97, but scared of new models - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kevperks - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Thus far, my 1997 GC Ltd has been amazingly reliable. As expected, after 105,000+ miles, small problems have been showing up the past 6 mos. My latest concern is U-Joints. Prior to that, a leek in the antifreeze line, and three new batteries in 14 mos (obviously, something amiss w/ the electrical system, but no one can figure it out). Ive also had rotor issues (others mentioned). Had to have the front and rear replaced. When disengaging from reverse to put it in drive, I find it has problems moving beyond neutral until I do it two or three more times.

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  Buying a used jeep? Good Luck - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 4wheeler - July 9 - 10:00 am

  We wish we would have reviewed the listings on the chat rooms before buying. NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE! The transmission is lousy, expect problems!

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  RELIABLE WORK HORSE - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jerrymax - April 19 - 11:06 am

  I bought this as a third vehicle. I also have a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee and a 1997 Nissan Maxima that I keep on Long Island. I bought the 1997 Grand Cherokee with 138,000 miles on the odometer to keep at my other residence in upstate New York. As with my 1996 model it has been a reliable work horse. My 97 has the SelecTrac system that allows you to shift between RWD and AWD. In AWD it handles upstate winter weather conditions beautifully. The inline-6 engine is noisy but tough as nails. Good as a second (or third) car and local daily driver. A bit bouncy on long trips. No problems to report in first 5000 miles of driving. I recommend using 89 octane fuel rather than regular.

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  Nice Jeep - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By alamo889 - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I work on jeeps for a living, so I knew what to expect when I bought mine. Mine has the 4.0L engine. The only thing my Jeep needed when I bought it was an exhaust manifold ( they crack all the time on the 4.0)> Jeeps are high maintainance people! They need alot of T.L.C. You didn`t buy a Toyota. Keep the oil changed every 3k miles, rotate the tires every 6-7k miles (very important on a jeep) and dont beat the vehicle up on the road. Take care of your jeep and more than likely it will take care of you.

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  Good for everything - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ZJguy - April 16 - 2:56 am

  I own a 93 and now this 97. The new 4.0L gives a little less HP than the 93/4/5 but a few cheep mods can kick it up to about the same. I drive a lot of highway and offroad most weekends. ZJs are very good for both. I have driven no problem 3000 miles in 3 days, and even been excited to start the next day. In the snow this Jeep is as safe as any subaru etc. The balance and traction is second to none, and it is difficult to get out of control. Driving this Jeep is easier than most cars, and light years ahead of most 07 SUVs. Without a doubt the best SUV for the money.

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  cheap jeep - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lyn - April 15 - 10:00 am

  No a/c vents for rear passengers. No cup holders for rear passengers. No hand holder for passengers (roof grips) Rear end noise is so loud you can not hear the radio. Several mechanics have tried and can not lower the noise. Why do american car builders keep putting the fuse panels in such a difficult location........ Jeep leans to much in 30-45 mph turns.