1996 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4.0 from Union of the Comoros

Summary:

Small inside, but a real sport 4X4

Faults:

Radiator blew 2 times.

A/C evaporator leak.

Oil switch easily broken.

Gear switch PRNDL problem.

Central lock not working.

Interior ceiling peeling off.

General Comments:

Powerful engine, gearbox seriously quick to respond.

The main low point of the car is the cooling system.

Under harsh usage condition with the A/C working, the engine tend to heat dangerously.

I used to change the thermostat, electric fan, radiator 2 times and radiator cap, but whenever the thermometer goes above 38°C and A/C is on, the engine starts overheating.

Fuel consumption is OK for a 4.0L engine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th February, 2009

1996 Jeep Cherokee Laredo from North America

Summary:

Love the car because I keep up with the maintenance and thus far it has afforded me NO CAR PAYMENTS!

General Comments:

I have a 1996 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4X4, which I have had for 9 years.

After reading some of the comments, I am happy to have a car such as mine has been. This does not mean that I have never had problems, on the contrary. I suppose I have accepted those problems that have to do with cosmetics as part and parcel of aging.

Problems such as the switch board light problem, ejecting tape from the deck being a problem, the back wiper blade not working, and the back door not wanting to open.

Sometimes there are some examples of the cosmetics I am talking. I have come to accept and understand these problems as part of the wear and tear that does not adversely affect me, as I can live with these problems willingly, compared to the problem of monthly car payments for another vehicle.

I just dished out a total of $465 for my serpentine belt, transmission pump, engine cleanup, flash and previously on the radiator. All these repairs I do with appreciation since they are not monthly costs, but costs that spring up once a year and some after 9 years. My bottom line! I am happy not paying car payments MONTHLY.

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

Review Date: 3rd December, 2008

1996 Jeep Cherokee from North America

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?

In reply to 4th Dec 2009, 16:03

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 from North America

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