1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport review from North America

Replaced the Starter at 72,000.

Replaced the Key Cylinder at 73,000.

Replaced Alternator at 79,000.

Pump and Serpentine Belt at 82,000.

Somewhere around here, the transmission refused to shift from 2 to 3 without letting off the gas. Still not fixed.

As of now, it's beginning to overheat, and there is a problem with the alternator again.

I bought the Jeep for Wisconsin winters and for cargo capacity. In these functions it has performed beyond expectations. It is capable of handling of handling a foot and a half of snowfall (I do have a 2" lift), and maybe more, because I've yet to see a snowfall that would stop it. And not only could it handle this snowfall, but it could even handle very, very steep hills under these conditions. There is a hill in my town, only a block long, with a grade of around 10-12% - the Jeep went up it without protest.

On the road it is very capable at low speeds. The turn radius is surprising for an SUV, and it accelerates from 0-40 very quickly.

On the highway, however, it is to noisy, and it's real top speed is around 75 MPH. Going any faster feels unsafe, and the wind noise becomes intolerable. It's a box, and it aerodynamically it behaves like one. Also, the gas mileage is horrible.

These problems are not insurmountable, and overall it is a fun vehicle to drive - a small, sporty, capable truck. But the list of problems speaks for itself. The transmission and motor seem bullet-proof, but I've had sensor problems related to the transmission and fuel pressure for the life of the vehicle, and minor parts just seem to keep giving out. The real death-knell was a cross-country move from Wisconsin to Oregon. It was overheating in the mountains, and I had to

rent a u-haul to tow it the rest of the way.

I don't recommend this vehicle if you need a daily driver. It is capable off-road and will get you around in extreme conditions, like blizzards, mud, ice, and even water (most Jeeps can handle almost two feet). But if you're just looking for something to haul you and your cargo, look elsewhere.