2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0 I6 from North America

Summary:

Tough little sled, inside and out

Faults:

The car had a vibration at highway speed when I got it. I snagged a front drive-shaft at the junk yard and that fixed the problem.

I replaced the O-ring on the oil filter extension to stop a small leak, and replaced the starter at 140k. Other than that, just brake pads, fluids and a serpentine belt.

General Comments:

Just a simple, reliable car, that does well in the snow, and gets me to work every day.

There are little quirks like weak gaskets on the engine, and the ubiquitous faulty dad-switch for the power windows, but the I-6 and auto tranny are rock-solid, and will last for several hundred thousand miles.

Panty-waists who run crying to the dealership for every little thing will probably not like this vehicle. I-6 motors have a longer stroke and are grumbly beasts, but last far longer than V-configurations, and there are few frills to the Cherokee to amuse the urban brat. But for sensible people who want long-lasting equipment and aren't afraid of slinging a wrench now and then, the Cherokee is pretty tough to beat. GQ types can buy a Toyota if they need the dealer to change their oil... and their diapers.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th June, 2010

2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0 I6 HO from North America

Summary:

Major lemon!

Faults:

Engine replaced by previous owner.

Replaced engine after we got it.

Fuel injector failed.

3 coil packs failed.

Flexplate cracked.

Brake pads replaced 3 times.

General Comments:

We bought it from a "friend", and it lasted just long enough to get out of Colorado's "lemon law" provisions, then started sucking money out of our wallet. We've spent over $4000 repairing its many failings, and we're sick of it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd April, 2010

25th Apr 2010, 09:08

This vehicle might have faced some serious neglect or lack of maintenance somewhere down the line, as the 4.0 liter inline six, is as close to a bulletproof engine as you can get. Did your friend buy it used?

25th Apr 2010, 14:04

Do you know what your "friend" did to the truck in the 90,000 miles they had it for? How can you fault a vehicle with so many miles on it when the previous owner obviously didn't take very good care of it, as it needed a new engine before you got it? Also, how do you know how well the work was done or where the new engine came from? Seems a little harsh to slam the car itself when you didn't buy it new, and then have the problems based on your own experiences.

I have known many people who have owned Jeep Cherokees with the 4.0 litre engine, and they all had great luck with them until well over 100K miles when they were sold off or traded.

25th Apr 2010, 21:53

Yes, the 4.0 liter six is an outstanding engine.

26th Apr 2010, 14:16

I own a 2000 Sport as well. I have 238,000 miles on it. I have climbed, Mt Tom, Prospect Mountain and Mt Washington, all the hard way.

One of the best trucks ever! It sucks that Jeep stopped making these to make the crappy Liberty.

Anyway, all I have ever done was proper maintenance. Nothing more. The most major problem is the one I have now. I have to have the tumblers re-coated in the ignition cylinder.

Sorry you got a bad previous owner, but you can't have mine.

8th Jun 2010, 21:54

Flex plate cracked because the motor was put in wrong - not Jeeps fault that someone tampered with and neglected the vehicle.

4th Oct 2012, 23:58

"Engine replaced by previous owner" -- Previous owner thrashed factory motor, despite the fact that most people get 200-300k out of this incredibly reliable motor.

"Replaced motor after we got it" -- New motor was rebuilt by a fool, using cheap aftermarket parts.

"3 coil packs went bad" -- Caused by excessive gap in plugs. You're supposed to replace the plugs on time. Look in the manual.

"flex plate cracked" -- New motor was rebuilt by a fool... or you re-started the car when it was already running. Either way, not Jeep's fault.