2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD review from North America

Not much: brake rotors need replaced about once a year.

I bought a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee in December, 2001. It had 12,000 miles on it and was still under warranty. It now has 97,000 miles on it and has been one of the most trouble free cars I’ve owned. It was my second GC. The first was a 1996 model that I traded when it had 126,000 miles on it. That car, too, was trouble free.

So far, the only parts replaced on the 2001 have been brake rotors. The problems with the rotors for that series Jeep have been well published. About once a year the rotors need to be either turned or replaced. Other than that, all maintenance has been routine – oil changes, filters, and the like. I did replace the hood support pistons last summer, at a cost of about $40. This week, one of the dash speakers blew, which I understand is also a chronic problem with this series car. I consider these items very minor, considering the engine and transmission have been very reliable, never failing me once or even faltering.

The Grand Cherokee is a workhorse. I pull a utility trailer with mine and occasionally take it to the mountains with a canoe on top. I used to own a boat that I also pulled with the Jeep. It isn’t a luxury vehicle, but is plenty comfortable for most trips, and has most of the options you would likely be looking for. I test drove one of the new Grand Cherokees and didn’t care for it, so I don’t know that I will be owning a third GC unless I get a used one.