Faults:

2001: O2 Sensor - $110 part - easy to install myself.

2006-7: wouldn't build fuel pressure to start, had to turn key 3 times to prime. Ran great once started. Drove it like that for a very long time and eventually replaced fuel pump assembly in 2007.

Power windows quirky.

Rear washer failed early in life.

General Comments:

This car has been a dream. Reliable as can be. Goes anywhere. Still looks good for its age. Purrs like a kitten.

Minor electrical problems can be a headache.

Faults:

A whole slew of minor things have made themselves obvious now that I've owned the car for a while. I noticed that there's lots of rust in the coolant bottle... meaning I'm going to have to replace my water pump, thermostat, radiator, and have the whole system flushed clean.

Another thing that failed on this car is the NSS (Neutral Safety Switch) and prevents the vehicle from turning on if it fails. Costs $150.00 - $350.00 + labor to replace.

In 4WD turning the car barely wants to move and creaks noisily.

Oil pressure sensor failed and oil gauge doesn't work anymore, even after replacement.

The A/C compressor whines and ticks when running, and in winter is a complete annoyance. Sound increases with acceleration.

General Comments:

After I threw some new stuff in it worked a lot better. New spark plugs, wires, oil and filter, fresh coolant.. It's definitely reliable and the engine is strong.

The seats are miserable, and I'm a bigger guy, so the drive selector hits my leg and its pretty painful.

Faults:

Seats have started to wear badly.

All rust on rocker panel.

Transmission slips.

Ball joints need to be replaced all the time.

Constant cupping of tires.

Coolant hose had pin hole and therefore leaked terribly.

Brakes always a problem.

Steering has a mind of its own.

Shocks, struts, joints, mufflers need to be replaced all the time.

The terrible gas mileage is killing me.

The door handles stick and now both my back doors will not open, and the passenger side door has started to give me problems.

General Comments:

It is a perfect height above the ground.

Even with the problems, it has never left me stranded.

It has a pretty smooth ride. Yet, the seats are uncomfortable, cheap, and there is literally no room in the backseat with tiny leg space and tiny doors.

This Jeep will go on forever, I cannot kill the thing even if I tried.

Faults:

Water Pump replaced under warranty

O2 Sensor

Transfer case leaks, main seals replaced twice.

Have had annoyances with brake bads and rotors at a pretty steep expense.

Currently have a small oil leak near front of engine block.

General Comments:

My 1997 Jeep Cherokee Country has overall been a solid performer. While it's approaching its 10th birthday (mine was manufactured in April 1997) I still love it. It still looks great for its age, and it often gets mistaken for a newer model year. Despite its minor problems, it has never left me stranded, and has always been fun to drive. The 4.0L In line 6 engine is pretty peppy and gets this SUV moving quickly. The interior is a bit cramped with 5 passengers, but that's kind of fun I guess--I always said the Cherokee was a Wrangler with a permanent hardtop in terms of space. Sure it was innovative back in 1984--it was the first SUV designed around 4 doors--but even with the 1997 redesign it does feel a bit dated. That said, I still think my Cherokee looks great compared to some of the current SUV trends, and Jeep should be ashamed of the new Compass. The new Jeep Patriot is what the Liberty (the Cherokee's successor) should have been in terms of appearance. I still love my Cherokee Country, and I hope to drive it far into the 100,000 mile range. If other Jeeps are any indication, I should see 150k and 200k without any other major problems.