2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo from North America - Comments

The "Check Engine" light came on twice since I've owned the vehicle. The first time was for a cylinder misfire, and the second was for an emissions system leak. I had both problem codes cleared and I have yet to see the light come back on again.

I can confirm what most everyone else says about Grand Cherokee rotors having a penchant for warping. My Grand Cherokee has an occasional shudder when applying the brakes at moderate to high speeds. Since brake parts are normal replacement items, and considering that Daimler-Chrysler installs very aggressive calipers and brake pads on these vehicles, I guess this is to be expected. In my opinion, the shudder is more of an annoyance than an impending sign of catastrophic failure.

The 4.0 liter straight six has plenty of low end punch, but rather leisurely acceleration at higher speeds. The vehicle's weight (which is almost 4,000 pounds) may be partially responsible for this.

The automatic transmission's downshifts can be a little slow at times when traversing steep hills, but nowhere near as bad as Ford's transmissions.

I must say that this vehicle has proved to be far more practical in winter driving than my Lincoln Town Car. The Grand Cherokee's Selec-Trac four wheel drive and off-road capabilities have gotten me safely to and from my job time and time again. Because of this, my Jeep has already paid for itself more than once.

Sans normal maintenance and replacement items such as fuel filters, batteries, wiper blades and the like, I have experienced no mechanical or electrical reliability issues.

I perform my own vehicle maintenance, so I cannot comment on any dealership experiences.

The ride is not what I would consider "luxurious," but it is nevertheless very comfortable and refined for a rugged sport utility vehicle. The suspension soaks up bumps and potholes reasonably well with a minimal amount of noise leaking into the cabin.

The steering and handling capabilities are excellent in day to day driving. I do not pretend that my Jeep is a Porsche, but I am confident that it will stay on-course should the need arise to press it a little harder than usual. I also have no qualms about its maneuverability in tight spaces.

For me, the seats are more than supportive for long trips and highway driving is a dream.

The Power Tech straight six has all the power one reasonably needs for almost any occasion, and it has a proven track record of dependability dating back to the days of Hudson. It could very well outlive my Jeep.

Would I buy another Jeep, despite its flaws? Absolutely.

For those of you who try to find perfection in a Grand Cherokee, might I recommend the Toyota 4-Runner?

Finally, somebody who knows how to treat a Jeep. You said it best yourself "I do not pretend that my Jeep is a Porsche." I can't stand people who drive Jeeps like they are damn sports cars. Guess what? they're not! So when they break, they throw their hands up and go "what happened??" Nice to know there is another person out there that knows how to treat a Jeep. To those who don't, drive it like an SUV, not a sports car, and it will last you a lifetime.

Thank you for your comments. The saddest part of all is that it appears Daimler-Chrysler is attempting to cater to those who view Jeeps as high performance vehicles by introducing high-revving engines in the lineup with very high peak horsepower and torque figures to improve their "drivability" and make these SUV's more "car-like." Such things were never the hallmark of a traditional Jeep, which instead relied upon tremendous low-end torque to perform their duties.

I hear that Chrysler also intends to eventually phase out the tried-and-true straight six in favor of their newer single overhead cam 3.7 liter V-6. In my opinion, this will be a tremendous setback to the marque since that would only leave the Hemi as the sole engine choice for low-end torque without the option of the economical, but gutsy in-line 4.0 liter.

Times change, I suppose, and lines get blurred, but I do know one thing. Perhaps it's best that I hold on to my 2001 model because it still represents, more or less, the things that a Jeep has traditionally stood for and which are slowly passing away. Furthermore, things will never be the same again with the introduction of the 2005 models which I, for one, shall not be looking forward to.

If you really want to acquire the newest Grand Cherokee that still faithfully represents Jeep traditions, the 2004 models may very well be your last chance to do so.

As you probably know, the 3.7L V-6 is in the Liberty. I own a Liberty and find it to be a decent engine. It will suck gas a bit if pressed, and it does not have loads of torque, but it has enough for passing. If I had my choice, I would add a little bit more torque to it.

I fully agree with you, I have a 2001 WJ with 4 in of lift and an ARB bull bar with a winch, I have had the braking problem and a sensor in the trans fail. I do use my Jeep as a Jeep and there is nothing bad that I can say. I take the Jeep off road at least once every two week and just got back from the beach where I pulled a Ford Excursion out of the sand. Those who want a SUV that drives and only performs like a car than the WJ is not for you, but if you want the best off road and go anywhere anytime and get there in style and comfort then a Jeep WJ is the right vehicle for you.

I own a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee and overall I would buy it again. My wife drives it and has been very pleased with its features, comfort, handling, etc. Easy to park and drive in the city.

We have almost 100,000 on it and have had the front rotors replaced at literally every brake job. That is a major issue in my opinion. Also, the gas mileage is not very good. I have been driving Ford F-150's which have much larger engines and get better mileage? I seem to think that Chrysler-Daimler uses old technology in their computers.

We also have had some expensive window motor, rear hatch lock and other non standard repairs. That all being said, we still like our Jeep.

Gil, Bensalem, PA