1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0 I6

Summary:

I love this thing!

Faults:

Transfer case has been replaced, but that was at around 190,000 miles.

Oil pressure sending unit went out, but that wasn't too bad to fix.

The worst thing I have had happen with this jeep is for the first few months I kept having the Aux. fan relay blow out it took 6 times to finally get one that would work, but after the first 2 I found out where it was so it was cheaper to replace as I had to pull the old one to keep from killing the battery. When it would blow it would blow closed so the fan would run non stop with the engine on or off.

The catalytic converter is shot, but will get that replaced soon.

1 Funny thing I have found is once in a while I can't push the break pedal down far enough to get the engine to turn over, but that's far and few between. I think it may have to do with the brake interlock because sometimes when I jiggle the shifter for the automatic tranny it starts right up.

I have also been rear ended 3 times in this thing and even though its now on its 4th tailgate the frame is still straight and drives in a straight line. It has saved my life when I have been rear ended thanks to the air bags and the overall durability of this thing.

For the overall age I must admit that 1-2 of the dash light bulbs have gone out making it hard to see the speedometer at night and the rear speakers overhead? Who's idea was that!? And yes the speakers are toast, but then again you can't get very good sound quality out of a paper cone that's 5 and 1/4" in diameter anyway.

General Comments:

For a college guy whop is 26 going on 27 and with not a lot of money this thing has been a rock and will not die! I have the part time 4 wheel drive and do the maintinance as required and have no problems and feel very safe in driving it.

Also for the size I like that if needed even with 226,000+ miles on it it can still get out of its own way if needed.

When it snows I have Zero problems going anywhere and I do not take it off road.

I just wish the headlights were brighter, as it gets older they get a little dimmer. But this thing is built like a rock.

P.S. As a part time DJ when this thing is loaded I can feel the added weight, but overall the engine has no problem whatsoever hauling about 300-400 lbs in the back with the seats down at all.

I just wish they kept making them or at least still had the I6 Engine for any model Jeep, but oh well so much for old faithful!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th April, 2006

17th Apr 2006, 12:30

How do airbags save you in a rear-end accident when the sensors are in the front of the vehicle?

And how does a "poor" 27 year old afford a 14 mpg vehicle (if you're lucky) with gas prices again at $3/gallon? Seems like a false economy to me.

6th Aug 2007, 02:44

Well sometimes when you are rear ended, the force of the impact will push you into the car in front of you. Perhaps that's how the airbags deployed.

I'm on a tight budget also, and although a Cherokee might not be fuel efficient vehicle, some people have needs that cannot be met by a smaller car. He did mention he has to haul around 300-400lbs of equipment.

Another thing to consider is upfront cost. Why do you think you make payments on a new car? With the low upfront cost of a Cherokee, it's easy to pay a little extra for gas.

Great review. Thank you.

1996 Jeep Cherokee 4.0

Summary:

Only in a Jeep!!

Faults:

Head gasket leak. Cherokees are known for this, and the hood release was rusted and broken when I got it.

General Comments:

This is a great vehicle, the 4x4 is great and never got stuck so far, and I do take it off road almost every month. Keep in mind that if off road is your thing, get an auto tranny; it's more heavy duty than the 5 speed, and I can't tell you how many guys burn their clutches while off roading. Driving in the snow is no problem.

The 4.0L 6 cylinder has plenty of power for on and off road. Very reliable engine and bullet proof. They all leak oil and the headers will crack, but this is a known problem in the Jeep community.

Seats are not perfect, and aftermarket seats will be my choice. They are noisy after a few years, and the wires inside will bend flat.

Overall the best 4x4 I ever owned so far.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th June, 2005

24th Jul 2005, 17:58

With 220,000+ miles on my 1996 Cherokee 4.0 it has neither a oil leak, head gasket problem or a cracked header. They don't "all" do it.

10th Nov 2005, 14:18

Glad to hear you love your Cherokee!

Yes, they are great.

My 1996 Cherokee Country with the 4.0 H.O. has never had an exhaust leak (but it was reported as a common problem for the main seal leak on 1994 and prior models) and she has no oil leaks. She has 170,000 miles and perfect compression. Runs like new and very dependable.

Only problem I am experiencing, (there is a TSB out about it), is when I have to get on the brakes hard the front propeller shaft will rub against the exhaust pipe due to old bushings in the lower control arm.

When you fix your exhaust leak... have you considered the Banks Torque Tube Header?

7th Aug 2008, 15:52

My manifold was cracked when I bought mine. It was cracked right near the collector. I had my neighbor weld it back up. Still leaks a little but it sure beats spending $200 for a replacement or trying to find one on ebay.

23rd Sep 2010, 15:54

XJ fan here! The non-renix motors regularly crack at the exhaust manifold, and lots of older Cherokees leak a little. Well worth it.