Faults:

Heater control valve. Cost around $30 and was very easy to install along with all new hoses.

General Comments:

I purchased this Cherokee Country with 161,000 miles on it. The previous owner has taken good care of it. I have always considered a vehicle with over 100,000 miles as being over the hill. I have come to a new understanding with Jeeps, as I consider this Jeep as having the equivalent of 60,000 miles. I reasonably expect to put 300,000 miles on it.

Many say and I agree, the 4.0 litre power-tech in-line six cylinder engine is "bullet proof" and very responsive with 190 horsepower and 225 foot pounds of torque.

It is also rewarding to modify for increased horsepower with a Jet Stage 2 chip, 62mm bored throttle body, Hi-performance ignition system, Hi-flow catalytic converter and Flowmaster 70 series muffler. These modifications should result with around 225 horsepower.

The Cherokee has a curb weight of only 2983 pounds which is about 800 pounds lighter than the Grand Cherokee.

The braking system slows the Cherokee very well.

The four speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly.

I strongly suggest the full time four wheel drive transfer case.

Addition of steering skid plate, transfer and fuel tank skid plate is recommended for those who really want to enjoy their jeeps well rounded capabilities. Tow hooks should have come standard on all Cherokees.

The interior is comfortable, but it certainly could use a bit more cargo area and with the spare tire designed to go underneath the vehicle (which Chrysler did eventually).

The handling is tight and precise and surprisingly agile. It is a bit choppy and you feel more "as one " with your Jeep while driving. Anyone who does not like that should choose a foreign Wuss U V.

The 96 Cherokee has a driver side air bag and received a government 4 star rating driver and passenger.

Fuel mileage is about 16 city and 20 highway. But it is so much fun to drive, it is hard to keep your foot off the throttle so mileage may suffer.

Parts are relatively inexpensive and are readily available.

There are many Jeep clubs and activities for Jeep enthusiasts.

Faults:

Started running warm Summer 2004. Repair shop recommended lower temp. thermostat. It helped a lot, may need fan clutch or radiator for Summer 2005.

Brakes began to grab at 135,000 miles. Rebuilt calipers and new pads fixed the problem (rotors still OK). This is a non-ABS Jeep.

After changing to Mobil 1 had to have rear crank seal replaced.

General Comments:

Runs GREAT! Love the engine, trans shifts fine (changed to Mobil 1 ATF).

Handles well for what it is. Sometimes bumpy, wind and mechanical noises on hiway; but, hey, it's a Jeep!

Solid, comfortable, reliable, dependable.

MPG has varied from 17 around town to 25 on the hiway (with a tail wind).

Faults:

There's a strange "clunk" noise coming from the rear of the Jeep. Started about 200 miles after I took owbership.

There's a lot of play in the steering wheel.

General Comments:

There's plenty of power from the 4.0.

Loud clunking noises from both rear and front passenger side. I haven't been able to track the noises down. A local mechanic says bushing in leaf springs/rear track bar may be worn.

The factory speakers are absolutely horrible.

Transmission shifts hard at times going into "reverse" and occasionally "drive".

Steering wheel is off center to the left and there's a lot of play...not sure what the fix is for these problems. Alignment however is good.