1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Summary:

The only SUV I recommend

Faults:

The rear door no longer shuts.

The glove compartment doesn't open.

The truck has a habit of going through brake pads and rotors.

The water pump went out at 130,000 miles.

The catalytic converter fell apart once every year until I replaced it with a Ford catalytic converter. Note: the Ford catalytic converter came off my Ranger and I didn't have a problem with it at all.

General Comments:

I have a friend at the Jeep dealership in town and all of my general maintenance and product repair was done through them for free. I recommend that you get a close friend at the dealership near you so you can have the same luxury.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th October, 2004

1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0L Inline Six-Cylinder

Summary:

I love this Jeep!

Faults:

The rear main seal was changed at 66,500 miles. This is a common problem with the 4.0L engine.

The transmission cooler lines were changed at 66,500 miles since they were leaking at the fittings.

The sway-bar bushings were changed due to wear at 66,500 miles. Grease-able polyurethane bushings were installed to replace the rubber to give a better road feel and reduce the side to side characteristics of a solid axle vehicle.

The water pump was changed at 71,000 miles due bearing failure in the pump pulley.

Oil changes are at 3000 miles with 15w40 motor oil and an over-sized oil filter.

Shocks were changed since the old ones did not have any life left in them. The old oil filled shocks normally have a life of 40,000 miles.

General Comments:

This Grand Cherokee is a great vehicle. It has had its fair share of problems, but that could due to neglect by the previous owner. The Jeep has never let me down. When I am on campus, I drive about 200 miles per month. Once a month, I make a 300 mile trip back home. This vehicle makes the trip with no problems, even after sitting for long periods of time.

Even though it does not have 4 wheel drive, it does have the "Trac-lock" limited slip differential, which is very effective in low traction situations. The 4.0L engine provides decent city acceleration, but excels on the highway when you need to pass. Having the towing package with the 3.73 gear ratio enables the 4.0L engine to accelerate with ease and with little trade off in gas mileage.

The leather seats are very supportive on my road trips home from college. The speaker system is great in OEM form and I have left the majority of it intact.

The vehicle information center provides the date and time and any problem that the Jeep has. This feature really helps. It notifies me if any of the fluids are low, doors are open, or rear taillights have burned out. The overhead console provides good storage and with the trip computer, I can monitor gas mileage, outside temperatures, distance till my fuel tank needs a tank of gas and the direction I am traveling in.

The flexibility of the interior allows me to pack my whole dorm room in the back of my Jeep. The seats are very easy to fold down for additional storage.

On the outside, I see signs of rust, but this is due to the neglect of the previous owner. The Jeep will need a paint job, but it will last until I graduate. The 15 inch wheels look outdated now, but I still like them. The tires are a little on the small side, but a larger tire can fit without lifting the vehicle.

Even though the third generation of the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been released, my 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee still looks up to date.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th September, 2004

1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 5.2 Liter V8

Summary:

For the year it is a good SUV, but plan on putting a little money into ones with high miles

Faults:

Brake had to be replace, normal.

Viscous coupler which engages the front wheel for four wheel drive is bad. Pops and bangs during tight turns. $500 to repair.

Gray plastic trim on sides, front and rear bumpers faded.

Power door locks went out on 3 doors. dealer cost was $80 per lock. Bought 3 used ones from the junk yard for $5 each. They were easy to replace.

Chattering noise from motor during acceleration when using typical octane fuel. Have to run premium in it to quiet it down.

Headlight had to be replace due to the plastic yellowing. Looked like the car was blinking at you.

Rear hatch lift supports does not hold the hatch up during cold weather.

Metal behind the gas cap cover is starting to rust.

Rear view mirror fell off during hot weather.

Water pump went out at 120K miles.

General Comments:

Overall I like the truck, but by todays standards the ride is somewhat disappointing.

I would not recommend the quadra-track all time four wheel drive. The viscous coupler is a common problem in this system and expensive to repair ($500).

Most of the engine components are easily accessed for replacement.

A/C is sub-standard and on hot days it has to work to keep the truck cool.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th September, 2004

26th Jan 2005, 14:33

When the Viscous Coupler went bad, did it pop worse when making tight turns in reverse? Was that the installation price, or the price of just the coupler? The reason I ask is because mine is doing the same crap..