Very good
The driver's door won't shut.
This is from the door being cracked at the lock. Doors on (all) Jeep's are not a safety item in California. This was told to me by a California Highway Patrolman.
The overall driving and handling of this vehicle is the best car I have owned.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 29th August, 2005
Perfect
Nothing for running, just the hatch won't stay up and my sway bar on the right hand side is broke, but that's about it.
My radio - when I go to skip a CD, it goes back to am/fm. It won't skip without shutting off.
I love the Jeep to death. It handles great.
It's pretty much my first car as the Mustang died on me, so for my 16th birthday I got the Jeep. I love it so much that I wouldn't sell it for the world.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st August, 2005
An expensive, but go-anywhere, 4WD
Rear hatch struts failed.
Left rear central locking failed (servo).
All central locking failed (caused by shorting wires under dash).
Leaking air-con.
Electric seats were beginning to have a bit of movement.
Gears did not change down properly (caused be incorrect adjustment of throttle cable).
I suspect the rear LSD has locked, resulting in tyre squeal when cornering and increased rear tyre wear.
I loved my Jeep, but fuel prices here in Northwest Australia meant it became too pricey (AUD1.45 per litre).
It was an amazing vehicle off-road and has out climbed Landcruisers in some of the toughest terrain.
The leather interior is actually better in hot, dusty climates, regardless of what most people think, as it stays cool and doesn't gather dust.
Parts in Australia are expensive: headlight AUD950, air-con controller AUD2000, front seats AUD7000 each!! and if the seats go, there is no way of adjusting them.
The 4.0L flat six is getting on and is thirsty, but has plenty of power, especially low down.
If you are looking at buying a Grand Cherokee LTD, ask yourself this:
"Could I afford to buy it new?"
...because if your answer is "no" then you may not be able to afford to replace parts in a second-hand one.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th June, 2005
Keeps up with the YJs off-road, blows them away on-road
Needed one new U-joint ($100 + labour) at 130 000km.
A/C recharged at unknown mileage.
Overall this Jeep impresses me more and more after every mile.
Performance for the 4.0L straight 6 (185hp) is remarkable considering the vehicle's weight.
The truck handles great considering how top-heavy it is and has a solid, tight feel to it - unlike Explorers and especially Blazers/Jimmys.
Off-road it's a dream. The whole thing is stock with slightly larger tires (P235/75R15 from the stock P225/75R15) and it's incredile where it goes with the SelecTrac 4x4. It goes everywhere my buddies 1989 stock YJ will go and then some.
Does anyone have anything to share about the off-road capabilities of the '96 ZJ with SelecTrac? I've been arguing with a friend who says the YJ is 10 times better off-road than the ZJ. Yet I read everywhere that the ZJ is phenomenal off-road even having a longer wheelbase than the YJ.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th June, 2005
29th Jan 2007, 10:49
Commenting on my own review:
I kept this truck until December, 2006 and with a broken heart, I traded it for a 1997 TJ.
I installed 2" spacers, and 31" tires and beat the snot out of it off-road. In this time I had to replace some u-joints, front hubs, cardon joint, links, and maybe a few other small parts. Although I did put a lot of money into this Jeep, I drove it like it was built to be driven. Had I kept it on-road and stock, it would have been much more reliable, but in that case I would have just bought a car instead.
Near the end, it had 183km on it and was still going strong with no significant issues on the horizon.
I definately miss the ZJ, and there is a good chance I'll end up getting another one some day.