1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD 4.0 liter inline 6
Summary:
If you put a little money in to maintain it, it will pay you back 10 fold
Faults:
Couple major problems in the few months I've owned the Jeep:
Starter cut out at 199k miles two months after purchase, which was expected... was replaced for $400 with labor.
Two days later, Check Engine light came on and off intermittently. Couldn't have it checked out right away, but three days later while going down the highway, all electrical on the Jeep failed... EVERY gauge, light, everything. Waited 2 hours for a tow. Turned out there wasn't proper voltage between alternator and battery/engine, that caused the failure and required a new alternator. Another $400, with labor.
Then just some MINOR things:
Passengers side power mirror acts funny. Doesn't move where you want it to.
LED display on Infinity Gold sound system head unit blown out. I've since replaced the head unit.
Heater/Air blower won't blow at certain times out of front vents, only from defroster and floor. Will randomly switch when accelerating.
Minor cosmetic deficiencies in the interior, due to 10 years of wear and tear. Exterior/paint in amazing condition though with no rust evidence.
General Comments:
Road trips and excursions are tons of fun in this car. 4-wheeling over sand dunes is a blast, and you routinely pass other makes and models stuck in the sand... not Jeeps, and certainly not mine! I have tons of trust in this car... I know it's old, but its not going to let me down.
Great traction in all weather conditions with the Selec-trac 4WD system. Beware of cracked transfer cases with these models, it could be QUITE expensive to replace if you don't catch it soon enough.
There is a ridiculous amount of room in this car. 4 people going camping can ride comfortably with all the gear in the back.
Gas mileage? I get about 12-15 in the city and 20-25 on the highway. It's drastic and fairly inconsistent. At $2.50 a gallon, it costs about $50 to fill up.
Overall its been a wonderful experience having this car, even with its age, and I'd definitely buy a Jeep again!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st October, 2005
23rd Mar 2006, 22:41
I own a 95 Cherokee and I love it! It has 180000 miles on it and she purrs like a kitten. I have had it for over a year and the only major problem I have had besides routine maintenance (tires brakes tuneup) was the steering stabilizer went out. Only 100 dollars to fix so no big deal. going to drive it till the engine blows than get a new one!
19th Jan 2010, 13:35
230,000 miles!!! Still runs great knock on wood... 95 Laredo. Replaced the radiator when I bought it a year ago.. Keep oil in it and it runs great.
9th Aug 2010, 22:08
You paid someone $400 to replace the starter? And then you paid another $400 to replace the alternator? A starter costs $75 and an alternator $100. Paying $300 labor to install a starter and an alternator is robbery. Find a new mechanic, or just do it yourself next time.
22nd Feb 2006, 20:48
I have just bought a 1995 Grand Cherokee with 100975 kms on it. I have always wanted a jeep and for the price of this one I could not resist. On Christmas day, I had to replace the transmission seals (apparently common on these things). It left me stranded in a hotel with 1 wife and 3 children. Other than replacing the front rotors myself, I would not give up this vehicle for anything. I have the 4 litre engine and it has enough torque to pull my trailer. The only problem that I have now is that the air deflector switch always blows to the floor with very minimal air to the other selector settings (defrost etc.). If anyone has a solution (cheap) to fix this problem, please let me know. All the vacumm lines seem fine - I'm wondering if it is the switch itself.