1996 Jeep Cherokee

Summary:

Had some starting issues, but still it was a good car

Faults:

Every couple of months for the last four years, my vehicle would go through a small period of time where it would not start on the first try, and I would have to put it into neutral to start it. Sometimes this would go on for a couple of days, sometimes a couple of months, and then it would just go back to normal.

Brakes got a little squeaky.

Reverse lights developed a short in 2007, and only went on sometimes.

General Comments:

Overall the interior and exterior held up nicely. The car still looked nice after 12 years.

We kept it up pretty well, and we didn't have a lot of major issues.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd September, 2008

4th Dec 2009, 16:03

This is your interlock switch on the side of the transmission- a common failure item around 150K or so. Pricey part but easy to put in.

16th Dec 2009, 17:17

I'm car-hunting for a "beater" to use to go to work and haul stuff. I respect the opinions of obviously car-savvy folks on this site. I'm an avid car enthusiast, but I've had no previous experience with older Jeep vehicles. I'm looking at Jeep Cherokees with around 140,000-180,000 miles on them. I like the simplicity of the in-line 6's. I'd appreciate any objective advice on these cars from people with a knowledge of cars and experience with them. I'm looking at very nice '96 thru '99 Cherokees with nice equipment advertised at around $2500-$3500. That seems a decent price for them. The bodies and interiors on all of the ones I've looked at were like new. Most had leather. Does the price sound good?

24th Oct 2014, 10:50

It's the neutral safety switch. You don't need a new one, just take off and clean the old one. This is very common on Cherokees. Search Google and you will find detailed instructions easily.

1996 Jeep Cherokee

Summary:

Best street and off road car in existence

Faults:

Nothing really. Squeaky console I guess.

General Comments:

I have had so many cars, from top end Mercedes to an 85 Toyota Corolla, and since I got my Cherokee, I'm an off road Cherokee fanatic.

This car is absolutely the best ever reliable car, and is as hardcore as it gets.

I freaking love the Cherokee forever.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th December, 2007

1996 Jeep Cherokee XJ Country 4.0 HO Strait 6

Summary:

Takes a beating and keeps on running while still pleasing the owner with its performance

Faults:

Tranny began to go out at 125,000 miles, but is still going.

General Comments:

Holds up extremely well, has taken a beating, gone off roading many times and also been in three wrecks, but is still in good shape and only a slight shaking while driving because of the wrecks.

Very responsive throttle and is very quick for being a small SUV with a 6-cylinder engine.

Comfortable seats, but the interior is a little out dated for the time of production.

Poor acoustics with after-market stereo systems and speakers.

Overall a very nice vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th June, 2007

1996 Jeep Cherokee Country I6 hi output

Summary:

The best automobile ever made

Faults:

Fabric under motor came loose - son tie-wrapped it back up.

General Comments:

I was in love with this car. It was a meat and potatoes car - no frills, sleek and handsome to behold, never got stuck (except when I killed it) and had some you-know-whats when it came to get-up-and-go. I will always miss it. I killed it in an ice storm (going too fast the highway patrol man told me) against a telephone pole. Not a scratch on me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 2nd October, 2006

1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0L

Summary:

Love my bouncy red Jeep Cherokee!!

Faults:

Not much has gone wrong with the Jeep, considering I don't baby it or any silly such thing. It leaks a teeny bit of oil. The stabilizer bar went out at about 60000 miles. The oil pressure gauge has been reading too high lately- don't know why. It eats gas like a beast, especially in 4WD. Its been bashed a few times, most seriously when a semi truck ran it over, ripping the front 6 inches clean off the entire front end, and smashing in the rear end. We drove it home. (No kidding, although had to have a police escort since there weren't any headlights left.) Its been fixed, and back on the road, good as new!

General Comments:

I love love love my Jeep. Best car ever. My husband thinks its too bouncy and too plain inside, but I like that. Why does it need to be fancy? Its been a good boy, goes anywhere, runs like a champ with its big growly I6 engine. The body has held up really well-- not rusty, etc. Its too bad it doesn't have a shift-on-the-fly 4WD system: only problem with it in my opinion. Jeep made a mistake getting rid of the Cherokee from its lineup. Can't give the Jeep Cherokee enough raves.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th September, 2006