1991 Jeep Cherokee review from North America
"One of the most reliable 4WDs if you get the straight 6 (4L) engine"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Surface paint has eroded down to primer on body ridges at the sides.
Heater switch & blower repaired at 88651 miles.
Replaced fuel pump @ 111389 miles.
Replaced water pump, temp sensor @ 144362 miles.
At about 158000 miles the heater control valve (plastic) broke.
At about 162000 miles the right front vacuum operated hub wouldn't disengage. Some frisky forward/reverse action knocked it loose. No problems since.
Most recently, I had to replace rear U-joints. I'm surprised I hadn't seen these replaced in the maintenance log (4WD's are notorious for U-joints) but then I had neglected to lube them since I owned it (never again!)
General comments?
One of the most reliable cars I've ever owned. At 168000 miles the engine still uses much less than a quart of oil between changes and doesn't leak a drop of anything.
I bought it from a friend who bought it at a Missouri Conservation Dept (first owner) auction (I was there). As such it had every scrap of paperwork from dealer purchase on, including every drop of gas and every single repair and service. My buddy kept the "vehicle expense report" maintained and so have I.
The mileage isn't great (4WD, remember?), but I don't worry when I get out to pass, either. And this baby'll take me wherever I want to go.
Handling is exceptional for a 4WD. Police road tests showed this vehicle almost impossible to roll over compared to other 4WDs even under severe handling conditions, and I'm here to testify to that. I've had to make several hard maneuvers since I owned it and it always did what was required.
It's hard to get a good deal on one of these, partly because they are so popular and partly because the person who owns it loves it (like me). I paid retail book on mine and have never regretted it (guy I bought it from wants it back : fat chance). I use and depend my vehicles, regardless of looks or prestige. This answers my needs perfectly.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1991 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.0L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 117946 miles |
| Most recent distance | 168000 miles |
| Previous car | Mercury Cougar |
| Date of Entry | 10th April, 2002 |