2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland

Summary:

Perfect for me

Faults:

Rear differential lubricant pump failed - Jeep replaced at no cost to me.

General Comments:

I bought this vehicle for several reasons. First of all, I have a family, so I needed a four door vehicle. Second, I live in Colorado so I need a 4X4 for the winter weather, and for the four-wheel-drive roads that take me to the places I love to go. I also have a small travel trailer (21ft 3500 lb dry weight). Jeep equipped this vehicle with a towing package that will pull 6500 lbs. My trailer, family, bicycles and kayaks have never had to stay home.

My experience has been very positive. I have had the vehicle for 6 years, and other than normal maintenance, no repair expenses have been paid by me. I have never replaced the brakes or had any pulsating problems, and at 62000 miles there is plenty of wear left.

I have the original tires still on this vehicle. The vehicle itself looks like new.

The 4.7L HO engine is a hard worker with gobs of power and torque. It pulls my trailer easily, even over Colorado's high mountain passes.

When I have pulled my trailer to a campsite, set up and dumped my gear, I now have a vehicle capable of negotiating Colorado's exciting back roads and Jeep trails with ease. I think this is where this vehicle separates itself from the rest of the trailer pullers. It is narrow enough for back country roads and has the ground clearance to climb over rocks, tree roots, ditches and etc.

If I could ask for anything more, it would be for a larger gas tank. Pulling a trailer, I am lucky to get 11-12 MPG, and if I am not careful enough to refill before I leave civilization, I have to curtail my exploration so I will have enough fuel to haul my gear out of the outback.

One last thought - I didn't buy this vehicle to drive to work, and I hardly ever have - except during periods of deep snow - where this vehicle performs exceptionally well. I have virtually no city driving miles on this vehicle and it REALLY DOES make a difference. The vehicle that I drive to work everyday has 30000 miles on it, and the tires will need to be replaced within 10000 miles. The brakes have as much wear on them as this Grand Cherokee with twice that many miles.

I take good care of my vehicles, follow the recommended maintenance intervals, and they have never let me down. Also this vehicle almost never sits outside. Keeping everything as clean as possible makes a difference too. It has lived up to every expectation that I had when I bought it. I am looking forward too many more happy escapes in my Grand Cherokee.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th March, 2009

1st Jul 2009, 18:05

Hello, this is a follow up to my earlier post. I just pulled my travel trailer on a 4400 mile road trip from Colorado to Florida, Virginia and back - some of the trip in 100 plus degree weather and thought I would let you know that this Grand Cherokee performed flawlessly. I could not be happier with it. Remember, consult your scheduled maintenance book supplied with your vehicle. If you bought a used vehicle and it didn't come with one, contact Jeep and get one. 4WD vehicles are expensive to maintain because they have much more equipment to have to service. I personally find it easier to follow a maintenance schedule than to worry about problems that might crop up. And one more thought - don't waste your 4WD vehicle driving it to work and the grocery store. You will be much better off having the appropriate vehicle for the job you do.

70000 miles now and still rock solid.

2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0 liter

Summary:

Not a bad car, and I am generally happy. Will consider a newer model again

Faults:

A/C condenser cracked (my fault I believe from a minor accident).

Vacuum pump for cruise control/ventilation.

Need to replace brakes/rotors for 1st time recently.

Rear wiper motor.

Occasional evap code with service engine light/check gages light going on/off at times... Mechanic says gas cap seal is bad.

Heat shield needs to be tightened over exhaust pipe.. causing a rattle.

General Comments:

4x4 is excellent, aggressive looks with brush guard, very comfortable front seats.

Visibility is fairly decent.

Acceleration is fine for everyday driving unless going up steeper hills. Decent cargo room.

Tight rear seat.

Front suspension squeaks when going over large bumps, tranny downshifts hard when stepping on it. Gas mileage could be better than 18 mpg/gall.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th March, 2009