2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0L straight six from North America
Summary:
Best all around 4x SUV I've ever owned
Faults:
Valve cover gasket, boots, brake rotors, slightly shoddy fit and finish in the cabin.
General Comments:
I do not buy new cars! It's the biggest rip, and worst way to throw away your cash, and the easiest way to get mad at when something goes wrong. Depreciation on a new car is no bueno.
I also tend to replace cars every year or two, and generally own more than 1. I currently own 3, a 06 Wrangler Golden Eagle, 78' BMW 320i, and my 2001 Cherokee.
I also do not mind and expect repair needs to arise on any used or older car. Minor inconveniences and fact of life. I don't care what car you own, Porsche, Chevy, Toyota, Jeep etc... it will break now and again. Used cars make much more sense than borrowing money from some auto company.
I bought my 01 Cherokee for 2500.00 with 80K on it. It is a theft salvage and needed a front bumper/and cover from a minor front end collision the thieves had gotten into. Had this work done in 4 days, 300 in parts and 300 in painting labor and body work. The thing is mint.
Took it directly to a mechanic and did 800.00 more in minor mechanical work listed above, and was offroad from San Diego to Cabo a month later.
Haven't had any problems besides normal maintenance since I've purchased it, and I USE this Jeep like any other 4X I've ever owned.
It is great, classic styling, decent gas mileage, and fits everything.
I've read a lot of commentary on "Japanese" 4X's being better and I disagree, did the same Baja trip in a 99 4Runner (that I paid 10500.00 for) and lost 1st gear 30 miles north of Cabo, drove back to the states and ended having to replace the entire manual tranny! Cost 2800.00 for a rebuild!
Did the same trip in a low mile 95 3.0L 4Runner (cost me 7500.00) and lost two cylinders in La Paz! The thing came all the way back on 4 cylinders, but a 3200.00 bottom up rebuild on the engine wasn't so cool. Both of these "Japanese" cars were clean, 1 owner, well maintained and reconned vehicles!
I've got about 4K into this Cherokee, and 25k miles later I love it and don't plan on getting rid of it.
As an aside, I think it takes a different kind of person to own a Jeep, and the 06 Golden Eagle I did 800 miles of the Baja 1000 in last year was the best 4X I've ever taken down the peninsula! Go Jeep!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 28th February, 2009
24th Oct 2009, 14:05
The same here. I have 3 Cherokees "84", "89" and now the "01".
This is my 7th 4X4. With the right tires they are very good off road. I may need to replace the front 2 wheel hub bearings, not hard to do. Have fun and don't keep it on the road!