2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport review from North America

The Jeep was acquired brand new. Beginning from the test drive shaking was noticed at about 45 miles an hour. The salesman was a friend of mine and said it was the big tires and it just needed the needed the tires balanced. I have brought the 2001 4-door Cherokee Sport back to the dealer repeatedly since I have had it for the same problem. The dealer said two tires weren't round and replace two tires. The Goodyear Dealer said the rims weren't balanced and they are at fault. The dealer claimed they took the tires off the rims and they were perfect. I was stuck in the middle with a vehicle that still rattles starting at about 50 mph to about 58 miles per hour. About the 4th time I brought the Jeep to the dealer they finally checked the alignment and that was off also. I wanted that checked from day 1 and they insisted that that could not possibly be the problem. I also had the rotors turned a couple of times at the dealer because of vibration during braking. It still does it.

Anyways in the two years that we have had it the engine light came on and the engine needed a 100 dollar service to clean the fuel injectors. The mechanic explained that these engines have the intake manifold right over the top of the exhaust manifold and if you use high test gas the gas carbonizes in the intake and clogs the fuel system. He was aware of this problem and said this is particularly bad for 2001 Jeep and worsened by emissions. He also explained that if you drive the Jeep and it shuts off it voids the warranty.

The next problem is a noise when backing and turning the steering wheel. It is a loud clunk and grinding can be felt through the steering wheel. The serpentine belt was changed at the dealer because they said it was the problem. It still does it.

I think the driver seat is very uncomfortable for trips. It has poor back support and causes back pain after about an hour of driving.

Something that I find very irritating is the loudness of the engine. I cannot believe that a 2001 vehicle could possible be as loud. It is especially loud at low idle. I think it is a combination of poor firewall insulation and a cheap muffler. The engines also knocks with hard acceleration. I am not even going to bother telling the dealer about that one. The solution is higher octane gas, but that is out.

The only redeeming factor is this is a LEASE!!! Thank God!!! Jeep should be ashamed to put out such a shoddy vehicle. Buy Nissan or Toyota or Honda!!! I WILL NEVER EVER BUY JEEP OR CHRYSLER PRODUCT AGAIN, Mitsubishi is in the same boat as Jeep.

By the way did I mention the $300 service for a oil and transmission fluid change for a Jeep.

Don't waste money on Jeep or Chrysler.