2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0

Summary:

It's all I need in a 4WD vehicle

Faults:

So far nothing seems to be wrong with my Jeep.

When I first bought it there was a problem with the speaker wiring in the doors, but the dealer fixed them.

General Comments:

I like my Jeep.

It handles well and has very quick steering.

It has a lot of power for it's six cylinder engine.

I do wish it got better gas mileage. I'm only getting about 18.5 miles to the gallon.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th October, 2004

2001 Jeep Cherokee 4.7

Summary:

Automatic transmission nightmare

Faults:

The transmission has been clunking hard when shifting and droning while driving down the road. The transmission had defective bearings in the differential on the first trip back to the dealer. On the second trip two weeks later, the transmission sensor light came on and the droning was worse. The dealer fixed the sensor and said it could do nothing for the droning or hard shifting. The third trip back the dealer said there was nothing wrong. On the fourth trip back, they finally found the problem with a defective valve body in the transmission. Now it has been in the shop for two weeks and we are on our third defective valve body and it is still not fixed. The last valve body wouldn't let the car shift down into first gear.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th July, 2004

29th Jul 2004, 18:21

So rebuild the tranny and go on your way!

11th Dec 2004, 09:17

Are you sure this is a Cherokee you are talking about & not a Grand Cherokee?

Also, the differential is something separate from the transmission...

And as regards the valve body, does it have one? The AW4, the Cherokee's usual transmission, is electronically controlled...

2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0 Liter I-6

Summary:

An unrefined, reliable, off road masterpiece that shames newer small 4x4s

Faults:

For 2 weeks it exhibited some brake squeal however this has subsided.

General Comments:

This car is decently quick around town though if pushed too hard the gas intake increases tremendously.

Off road this vehicle is amazing. The suspension and engine are bulletproof.

The suspension does require a little lift as when off roading seriously, the undercarriage scrapes on taller obstacles, but for light off roading it is perfect.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th July, 2004

2001 Jeep Cherokee Classic Inline 6 Cylinder, 4.0 Liter

Summary:

Trade it when you reach 50,000 miles

Faults:

31,300 Miles- Check engine light came on. The diagnostic check at the dealer diagnosed it as a misfire on cylinder #1 from cold start. The recommendation was to have a tune up and replace the spark plugs and wires. Went to my trusted small town mechanic and was told this is nonsense and that the plugs and wires should last more than 31,300.

Front, driver side speaker in the door no longer works. Have not diagnosed the problem yet. Hoping it is only a bad connection, but am prepared to replace the speaker.

Rain gutter on passenger side of vehicle is already starting to rust, up near the front door, right at the weld joint. The water must sit in here and has no way to drain out. My friend has a 97 Cherokee with the same problem, on the same side of the vehicle. Coincidence?

45,000 Miles- Had the serpentine belt changed. This vehicle does not have self-adjusters, and as a result, you need to re-tighten the belt several times, over a period of several weeks, as the belt stretches. My mechanic was going to change out the fuel filter, but unfortunately for me, the filter must be inside the gas tank and is not easily serviced. Did not have this done as a result.

50,500 Miles- Noticed a bad grinding sound in the right, front wheel when making slow, sharp turns. My trusted, small town mechanic had to replace both front axle u-joints. The original joints did not have grease fittings. The replacements have grease fittings and will hopefully last much longer. Also, the Pitman Arm grease boot, located on the steering assembly, is shot and will need replacement. Mechanic could not get the part right away.

At this point, the vehicle is nearly paid for and I am seriously thinking of trading it for a Japanese brand truck. My fear is that I am now going to nickel and dime this thing until I am broke. This vehicle is never driven off-road, only to work and around town on road surfaces. It seems to me that Daimler-Chrysler cut corners on the quality of this vehicle and at 50,000 miles, it is starting to show. I am fortunate to have a small town, independent mechanic that can perform my Jeep repairs, for a reasonable cost.

General Comments:

Very happy that it is nearly paid for so I can look forward to trading it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th June, 2004

19th Jun 2004, 13:50

I would be more than happy to take that Jeep off of your hands, since you obviously do not know how to take care of it. If you want to throw away a perfectly good Jeep for a Japp. tin can, I hope you know what you're doing. Keep in mind the Honda CRV has had a few recalls this year. If you drive your Jeep like a sports car, it will break. If you drive it like a Jeep, treat it like a Jeep, and respect it, it will last you forever. This is why The same engine was put in the Jeep Cherokee for over 10 years. They obviously did something right when this engine was designed.