1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo review from North America

Rear main seal leaked at 140,000 miles.

Exhaust fell off at 150,000 miles.

Rear window wiper motor failed at 150,000 miles.

Radiator rotted out at 160,000 miles.

Transmission blew at 170,000 miles.

Transmission radiator leaked at 180,000 miles.

Master cylinder failed at 180,000 miles.

Half-shaft blew to smithereens at 190,000 miles.

Multiple CV joints replaced every other year.

I bought this vehicle in 2001 in pristine condition. The first 20,000 - 25,000 miles I owned it were great - just scheduled maintenance was all that was necessary to keep it going. Then around 140,000 miles things started seriously braking. Things just kept falling apart. Let me point out that I was religious in my maintenance on the vehicle - oil changed every 3,000 miles. All other fluids changed before scheduled/recommended intervals.

Also, the bottoms of all 4 doors and the tailgate began seriously rusting at about 180,000 miles (2007).

That being said, I beat the heck out of this thing. The 318 (5.2) V8 is totally bulletproof - there is no killing it. This engine is easily going to make it to 200,000 miles, and still has tons of power (I just smoked a BMW 318 last week).

I make it down trails that other so-called SUVs get stuck in. I "parked" it in about 3 feet of snow (the front wheels were totally covered), came back 2 hours later, put it in 4 Low and crawled right out - I barley touched the gas. A newer S-10 Blazer and a Ford Explorer tried the same thing and were still stuck when I left...

Luckily, I performed most of the listed repairs myself, which saved tons of money. If I had to pay for all of those repairs I would have junked this thing a long time ago - the repair costs would have far outweighed the value of the vehicle.

I use this as a daily driver and commute to and from work in it. I'm using it for 80% city driving, and as a result get a measly 11-12 MPG (but what do you expect from a 5.2 V8). Highway driving I'm getting around 14 MPG.

Overall, this was a great vehicle. If you're buying a used one, try to get one with low miles. Be prepared for serious repairs starting around 150,000 miles.