2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Sport review from North America

All of the brake rotors and pads needed to be replaced (for the first and only time) at about 110,000 miles. This is much better than I would have expected from any vehicle. This cost almost $900 at Goodyear.

The tires needed to be replaced at about 60,000 miles, which is pretty typical for sensible cars, driven by adults. I replaced them with the Michelin LTX M+S (about $900/set installed at Goodyear), which is quieter, and provides much better traction and handling in all conditions - I will definitely buy another set when these wear out.

The battery needed to be replaced after about 3 years, which is about what I would have expected.

The steering wheel occasionally sounds like it needs lubrication - this is infrequent and minor (and not worth trying to fix). It does not affect it's function.

The driver's seat (which is the only one that I ever sit in) will move slightly (just enough to be aware that it's not perfectly stationary) as if it's position in the track is a little loose. It does not slip out of position, and I have gotten used to it - but it annoyed me at first.

The transmission (Select Trac 4X4) is not very quiet. The whine took me a while to get used to. This would be my ONLY complaint about the vehicle. I don't know if this is the price that you pay for a no-nonsense 4X4, but I have accepted it. No passenger has ever commented on it.

The driver's seat (leather) showed wear pretty quickly (I weigh well over 200 lbs). I wish that it still looked as new as the others (which all look perfect).

The air conditioner's condensate drain appears to be clogged (I noticed it this morning, and haven't had an opportunity to investigate). This is the first occurrence in over 117,000 miles. I have done some research on-line and it looks like there may be a simple way to deal with it.

Lately, the engine has begun to race (2,000 rpm vs 900 rpm) occasionally when started. I understand that the engine control unit may need to be "reflashed" - perhaps another $100 at the dealership.

The vehicle has had no other work beyond routine maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer, and there have been no recall-related repairs.

I have maintained the vehicle in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, kept it clean inside and out, and it has never disappointed me. After 5 years, it still looks like new (except for the driver's seat and a couple chips in the windshield) - and everything works like new. It has been extraordinarily reliable.

It has always been a comfortable car, but it doesn't have the mass of an Expedition to smooth out the bumps. If you want the ride and quiet of a luxury car, you will need more mass, a wider stance, and a longer wheel base. But then, your vehicle would be less nimble off-road. The Jeep is a legitimate off-road-capable vehicle - not a puffed up soccer van.

It averages just over 18 mpg (combined hwy/city). The engine has plenty of power. The standard sound system sounds wonderful, and I love the steering wheel stereo controls. I am thinking about adding an Ipod2car adapter.

Service intervals and repairs have been as expected. Routine service, oil changes, battery, tires, brakes, and a few accessories (bug shield, cargo rails, cargo liner, etc.) have cost about $75/month when averaged over the life of my ownership. This is reasonable for a capable 4X4 with a V8 and leather interior, that has been driven over 23,000 miles per year.

Be aware that this is a truck - not a car - and as such, it does not have impact-absorbing bumpers. If you hit something (or it hits you) the bumpers (vinyl covers) will transfer the impact directly to the frame of the vehicle.

All in all, I have been VERY pleased with my Jeep. It has met every expectation. It is large enough to offer what most of us need from an SUV and small enough to get into parking spaces easily. I am not concerned about resale value because I will own it until it dies - and it shows no sign of tiring at over 117,000 miles. I am looking forward to at least another 5 good years.

I recommend the Jeep Grand Cherokee to anyone that wants an honest, capable and unpretentious SUV.

I could buy a more expensive SUV, but I can't imagine why I would. If you buy a Jeep, you must visit wjjeeps. com - it is an invaluable resource.

Isn't it odd that people who maintain their vehicles have reliable beauty's in their garages, and those who take their cars for granted get the lemons...