23rd Nov 2005, 10:44
Au contrare... I'm afraid you missed an important part of my previous comment:
"...they often get a bum rap from things which, quite frankly, are due to some bonehead not following the service schedule religiously OR THE 'GENIUS' IN WHOSE HANDS EVERYTHING FALLS APART NATURALLY." (My apologies for the transposing of letters in the word "form" in the original posting...)
Furthermore, I feel it is VERY necessary to clarify for those who frequent this website that the $9.95 oil change special at Jiffy Lube does NOT constitute "regularly scheduled maintenance." It involves such messy tasks as chassis lubrication (mostly negated nowadays by "sealed for death" suspension parts), engine coolant changes (a dicey undertaking in and of itself, due to the toxicity of Ethylene Glycol), replacement of the transmission fluid and filters (messy job, that), replacement of the front and rear axle lubricant (also very messy), periodic replacement of normal replacement items such as alternators, batteries, brake pads/shoes, rotors/drums, seals, bearings, and so on and so forth.
It goes SO far beyond just mere oil changes, old boy.
Now please, do all of us a favor so our expected lifespans (including yours) will be greatly increased. If you're the kind of person who doesn't want to do a single thing to their vehicle for as long as they own it, and simply trades it in for a new one while reaping the highest resale values, buy a Toyota 4-Runner. Believe me, you'll be much happier, but on that same token DON'T preach to the choir about what you drive, and DON'T condemn others for what they drive.
Thank you very kindly for your time. Now if it's okay with you, I'll stick by my "crappy" Grand Cherokee, for better or worse, 'till death do us part.
27th Dec 2006, 20:35
I am about to take the plunge you vigorous folk. I found a 2001 beautifully white with a promising heart 2D and 2WD. So it just felt like love at first site.
Love is something, but Faith is evermore.
22nd Jun 2008, 17:06
I'm not sure how useful this is, or of what use this forum is about, save for those opting to purchase a Jeep. In line with the latter presumption, I am on the side of buying. At 28, I've run through 5 cars already, all American (I refuse to go foreign), and currently own a 94 Cherokee that can do anything. You know what? CHANGE THE FLUIDS, as you would with any vehicle. I am at 185k miles, no leaks, no electrical BS, no nonsense.
I agree with previous posters on the premise that too many drivers put heated seats, and nonsense amenities above performance. My Jeep looks great in and out, and keeps up with the sportcars (thanks to a 5 minute chip installation)... except my baby can go where those sporty sedans cannot (4x4), haha.
So give it a rest. Change your fluids, check your tire pressure. Say whatever you want, but where I was once spending an avg. of $1200 annually for car repairs, my Jeep has required ZERO. No more mechanic bills, AMEN.
27th Oct 2008, 00:07
I own a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 125K on it now. No major problems so far. I do maintain my Jeep with a major 30K service at the dealer, run synthetic oil and good quality tires.
27th Oct 2008, 17:27
Not all Jeep models are problematic - the Wrangler is a very reliable vehicle - my current Wrangler with 140,000 miles on it has been more reliable than any Japanese vehicle I've owned. (I'm not saying the Japanese vehicles aren't reliable - this Jeep has just been amazing.)
The old Cherokee model was also a very reliable vehicle.
The 4.0 liter inline six cylinder is a fantastic engine.
The Grand Cherokee is one of the more problematic Jeep models - the premature brake wear and warped rotors being the most common problem - replace your rotors with a high quality after-market product - and transmissions can also be problematic in some. As well as some sensors and of course some of the Chrysler electrics.
26th Oct 2009, 08:44
I have a 2001 Jeep Laredo. Bought new and currently has 136000. I've had very few problems with it, and it still runs like new. Has never broke down, replaced brakes twice. Never the rotors.
20th Dec 2010, 18:47
My parents have owned Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles all their lives. Never any major problems... My dad has owned several Grand Cherokees since '97... Never ever any major problems. I owned a 2003 Grand Cherokee and put 90,000 miles on it with no problems whatsoever...
I now own a 2009 Grand Cherokee with over 30,000 miles on it. No problems. It's a very solid and smooth riding vehicle... Problems happen with all automakers. Just happens yours are with Chrysler at the moment...
Sorry you haven't had any luck with your Jeeps. The new 2011 Grand Cherokee is one fabulous Jeep!!!
27th Nov 2004, 11:08
I'm not really sure why people equate "reliability" with "not having to replace a single part on the vehicle for as long as I have it." Things eventually wear out, parts break under normal use, and neglect sometimes plays a role in the premature failure of something which should have never done so in the first place. I am not saying the Grand Cherokee is "perfect" by any means, but rather, that they often get a bum rap form things which, quite frankly, are due to some bonehead not following the service schedule religiously or the "genius" in whose hands everything falls apart naturally.
I like my Jeep, despite its imperfections, and while I may be equally served well by a 4Runner, I don't like high-revving overhead cam engines with timing belts. And simply because the 4Runner is made in Tahara does not necessarily imply that it will withstand willful neglect and abuse at the hand of its owner. The whole point of the matter is that anything which is well-cared and used within the limits it was designed for should provide years of trouble-free service sans the upkeep of normal replacement items.
Having all been said, I suggest a lot of people open their minds to the power of reason. Otherwise, might I offer some Camembert to go with your Bordeaux?