Recall for Engine Control Unit Spring 2004.
Windshield trim started to separate Spring 2004, fixed under warranty.
Squeaking/Rubbing noise while going over bumps late winter-Spring 2004, fixed under warranty.
Perfect size for 1 driver.
Comfortable cabin.
Easy to use controls.
Maintenance interval reminder along with vehicle information center integrated into overhead compass/temperature display.
4.0L I-6 could use more power, better design (similar to Chevy Trailblazer/GMC Envoy's 4.2L I-6)
Great Infinity Gold stereo, although it breaks up a bit while under power lines.
Handles wet and snowy weather with ease.
Brakes need to be much stronger, too weak of a braking system.
We purchased a 2004 Grand Cherokee in August, 2003. In April, 2004 we had to have new brake rotors installed at approximately 7,000 miles. In October, 2004 at 10,000 miles new rotors were again installed because of pulsating when applying brakes. Will this have to be done every 3,000 miles with every oil change? And costing over $300 each time?! We may install heavy duty brakes if this happens again.
To stop warped brake rotors stop allowing the air wrench tightening of your lug nuts. I personally carry a Torque Wrench and tighten the wheel lugs myself each and every time they need to be loosened. I haven't seen a warped brake rotor in 15 years, since I learned that everybody over-tightens the lugs on all cars always. Besides if you ever get a flat and the lugs were air wrenched you can't remove them. I began doing this after discovering that I broke a wrench socket with a 4 foot long breaker bar and still could not remove a lug nut that the Jeep dealer 'mechanic' tightened with his air wrench.
The 4 L inline six is NOT the same as the GM six. This engine is the original AMC 6, updated for use in the Jeep. This is an extremely rugged and long life engine which will run well over 100,000 miles, my grand cherokee with this engine gets 22 mpg, and it is a four wheel drive. It now has over 130,000 miles and uses no oil and runs quiet.
I have written about the brake warpage on my 2004 as well. To anyone who reads this, my solution was a "Very good set of after-market rotors". The OEM rotors just aren't beefy enough, and I have been told that the factory rotor castings are not as good as the after-markets. Use a good set of semi metallic pads as well. I have done all my own work on my vehicles for the last 30 years and have never came across this trouble with rotors. There are many good manufacturers out there so do your home work and take a very good look at your driving conditions. City driving is the absolute worst on brakes, you may want to go with a little more expensive rotor. It may cost more now, but could save you much more in the long run.
I bought a 2004 2WD Jeep Grand Cherokee Special Edition used about a year ago. The car has now 50K miles and bounces a LOT. Doesn't keep traction as well as I expected, also squeeks at times when I use the brakes or make a turn. Can someone tell me what the problem might be?
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