Faults:
The only problems I have had were, the exhaust manifold split (was told it was a known jeep failure) fixed w/used manifold, and welded a brace across tubes.
Bolts that hold right motor mount to engine block broke. Replaced w/grade 8 bolts.
Front door hinge welds broke... I weld better.
Drive shaft yolk backed off of rear diff.(at 165000 hard driven miles) Which is the weak point of the whole vehicle. Dana 35c's are not known for their strength.
These are the only parts failures that I have found typical w/Jeeps... All were fairly simple fixes.
Other than that the usual parts that wear out w/age (water pump, a/c, brakes)
General Comments:
I have treated this Jeep like a dog, run the wheels off of it, and it still starts and runs great. But I do keep the oil changed every 3000 mi. like clockwork.
I have even pulled my semi out of the mud w/it when I got it stuck off the edge of the driveway.
Even though there is a 3500 lb towing limit, I once pulled my utility trailer (700 or so lbs) and 6000 lbs of quickrete (concrete) home from one of those mega home improvement stores. I pulled it fine, stopping was another thing. Thanks to the e-brake and the manual transmission I made it. But won't try it again. I see why there is a 3500 lb limit.
This is one of the safest vehicles I have driven... I have been in 2 accidents w/it, one my fault, one the other driver. Both of the other vehicles were nearly totaled and had to be towed, my Jeep was able to drive away.
Jeep made a big mistake stopping production of this vehicle. Not the fanciest vehicle, but I couldn't see doing to a Grand Cherokee, what I have done to this and expecting it to last.
14th May 2008, 11:59
I have a 2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport that I bought with 111,000 miles. There seems to be a short in the power windows on the driver door. When I push the window lock, the problem goes away, but I can obviously only roll down the windows from my door. When I release the lock, the radio sometimes goes out and none of the power locks or windows work.
Other than that, the Jeep runs smooth, has excellent power, and does really well. Everything mechanically works great.
I plan on fixing the short and putting a better radio in it. The interior seems more modern than the older Jeeps, but mechanically identical to the 1991 Jeep Comanche pick up that I used to own.