Faults:

Worst problem is the stalling, which either happens unexpectedly, or with a sputtering. The fuel pump, filter, spark plugs and wires, air filter have all been replaced. Assumed the fuel pump was bad and have replaced it with two new ones, and still hear a very loud humming. The acceleration is difficult to impossible. Even in town driving is not attempted anymore.

All the fluids are quick to need filling.

Passenger side door locks intermittently, and won't open with the automatic locks, or manually until the vehicle chooses it wants to.

The passenger seat is stuck now at a 45 degree tilt, and can't find the problem when looking under the seat.

The tail lights keep going out.

The fan has been replaced.

There is a knocking sound that is horrific when in 4th gear. It happens without warning, and goes away when we take it out of 4th gear.

The cigarette lighter hasn't worked since I bought the vehicle.

There are a great deal on miles on the vehicle, which says something for the fact that it still runs, however much of the vehicle is a mystery.

Faults:

The headliner fabric came loose after 10 years.

The paint finish began to fail after 13 years.

General Comments:

After driving my 4-cylinder Datsun pick-up around for six years, the pep and agility of this Cherokee was a real thrill.

I used the 4WD feature during South Dakota winters, and was pleased with the immediate, sure-footed response.

Mechanically reliable when maintained on a regular schedule, this Cherokee has been very forgiving with less regular care.

The seats are comfortable for long-distance driving, and the cargo area is very adequate.

The rear seating area is not easy to enter and exit for any person over the age of 10.

Faults:

The original clutch gave out after 202,000 miles. The second clutch was replaced at the same time the engine was, and had 397,000 miles on it.

The original engine was replaced at 599,000 miles, mainly because it was leaking oil out of the rear seal as fast as I could put it in.

The original starter failed almost 11 years to the day I bought the vehicle.

The front axle has been rebuilt twice.

The clear coat finish started to peel after a few years, and is now completely gone from the hood and roof.

On the average, a water pump has lasted two to three years.

The belt idler pulley seized after 20 years, causing the belt itself to break. I replaced both after having the vehicle towed home that same day.

General Comments:

When I bought this vehicle, I said there was no reason I couldn't put 300,000 miles on it. Well, it's got 669,000 and is still rolling along!

It still has its original muffler and exhaust system, and the muffler has the old American Motors logo on it.

The transfer case, transmission and rear axle are still untouched. I've been running synthetic gear lube since 1989-90.

Although most of the front suspension has been replaced, the ball joints are still original. I grease them whenever I change the oil - every other month.

I've averaged 90,000 miles on a set of tires. Two sets lasted over 100,000 miles. I'm on my eighth set now.

The biggest surprise has been fuel economy. Most of my driving is on the highway, and I generally average between 25 and 28 mpg depending on the season.

Most of the engine components are readily accessible.