Faults:

Had steering pump fail at 70,000mi - overheat.

Power antenna failed.

Back door cylinders don't hold in cold weather.

General Comments:

Very powerful V8.

Comfortable leather seats.

Reliable 4X4 system- Quadra-Trac excellent in snow and ice.

Very responsive ECT transmission- stays tight as long as regular service is performed.

Added Pro-Comp 3000 shocks at about 60,000 mile and vastly improved the ride off-road.

I put 50,000 mountain miles on this vehicle and it has never let us down.

Faults:

The ignition coil has been replaced several times. After several break-downs, I finally found out that Chrysler Corp. had designed a 2nd generation coil for this model year. I'm not sure if this is true for the 4.0L. Replaced the aftermarket coils, that had failed repeatedly, with the factory 2nd gen. coil at approx. 76,000 miles. and haven't had a problem since.

Several problems with the A/C. Mainly, loss of refrigerant due to leaking O-rings. Although I try to maintain the system by frequently running the A/C during the winter months (lubricating the O-rings), I have had to replace O-rings and recharge the system every summer. In 2002, a mechanic recommended replacing the condenser coil also. A very labor intensive task.

I've also had a couple of cooling system problems. Replaced two water pumps and one radiator. The vehicle seems to run excessively hot (especially when towing my boat). 200 - 215 degrees normally and 235 + when towing. The local Jeep dealer's mechanic said that this was normal. H'm?

Replaced brakes and rotors at 50,000 miles., 70,000 miles., and again at 90,000 miles. I contribute the warping rotors to towing in the mountains. Although I do not tow anything that exceeds the Gross Weight Rating for the vehicle, the rotors continue to warp excessively. Hopefully, a new brake system design is being implemented on the newer models.

The computer system in the vehicle has had a few glitches. Sometimes it does not allow the engine to idle and other times it has simply shut the engine down during operation. Simply disconnecting the positive battery cable for 20 minutes (allowing the computer to reset) usually solves the problem.

Other minor replacement items include:

EGR valve at 80,000 miles.

Rear lift-gate shocks at 65,000 miles.

CV joints at 40,000 miles.

Front stabilizer shock at 65,000 miles.

Transmission oil/filter change at 90,000 miles.

General Comments:

For a mid-sized SUV, the Jeep Grand Cherokee performs well. It's well powered (5.2L), rides very comfortably, and handles well in various types of terrain (e.g. hi-ways, off-road, snow).

Taking into consideration that this was the first year the Grand Cherokee was introduced, I'd have to say that I've been pleased with it's overall performance. Reliability...???

Faults:

When I first got the Jeep I put new tires on it at 165,000 or so.

1 month into it I put some Marvel Mystery oil into the tank, and clogged the Fuel pump.. so I had a $750.00 bill for a fuel pump.

I did some P.M.S. and changed the radiator at 175,000 that was about $200.00 for the part, and $150.00 for the labor.

General Comments:

For the amount of miles on this jeep, it still looks GREAT.. drives great, and have had very few problems.. compared to NEWER jeeps.

I paid $4,000.00 cash for this jeep..put another $1,500.00 or so to bring it up to date on tires, and other little things it needed. while my wifes 1998 Chevey blazer keeps bleeding us dry... the jeep keeps being the car that gets her to work, while her car is being worked on.

Faults:

The car just died on me. I went to a smart and final and when I came out to the car and tried to start it, it seemed like it wasn't operating on all 8 cylinders, I barely managed to get it into another stall where it died and wouldn't restart.

Rear hatch struts are weak and don't hold open the liftgate if the rear toneau cover is attached.

Growling noise from trans and or steering if turning a tight radius.

General Comments:

Overall, I really loved the power (until it died tonight - will have to have it towed to a dealer in the morning), but when it was running, it was tight, only a slight noise from the center console, but otherwise lots of power, smooth acceleration, and a really nice truck.