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1996 Jeep Cherokee consumer reviews

$14,745–$17,294 MSRP range
side view of 1996 Cherokee Jeep
(28 reviews)
92% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.1
  • Interior 4.1
  • Performance 4.5
  • Value 4.7
  • Exterior 4.3
  • Reliability 4.5
Explore the 1996 Jeep Cherokee

Engine is great, everything else...not so much.

I bought my truck used in decent condition, it has about 150k miles on it now. Major mechanical problems that I had to fix: automatic transmission had to be rebuilt; pretty much entire cooling system had to be replaced. Other than that I had to perform regular maintenance and engine tune-up. Something that also needs attention is that these trucks rust, especially on bottom of doors. I tried some preventive measures, but nothing will work short of replacing an entire door. Overall this truck is poorly designed, and I'm not quite sure why it's a popular choice for off-roading. The stock 4wd system is actually not that good, so unless you want to spent money on upgrades, get a Subaru or something like that with a proven system. I will admit that the 4.0L engine is not bad in terms of reliability, but it gets poor gas mileage.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 2.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
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duramax

great car great buy would do something to it like lift it a turn it into a 4 wheeler and for 400 dollers who wouldn't

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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The standard for SUVs

Being a long time Jeep owner I have to agree with many of the comments by the other reviewers. While the Cherokee may not be the perfect vehicle I truly believe it is the perfect platform. I've had my '96 4 dr Sport for 6 years now and put almost 100K miles on it for a total of 183K. In that time it's been to downtown Chicago and northern Wisconsin. Being a daily driver the entire time I can say a few things for sure: * When you go the auto parts store get the premium parts. Don't over pay, but don't get the cheapest either. * Same goes for oil. Mobil 1 full synthetic buys years of loyalty from the torquey 4.0 * Check the 4wd system in fall. When the snow falls and you yank that transfer case lever you'll find any problem lurking around. A foot of wet snow is not the time to find that out. * Yes, you will only get 17+/- MPG from the 4.0 * The '80s interior is VERY cheap looking. However, there tends to be less regret when your German Shepard covers it with hair or your Weimaraner puppy eats parts of it. * The fold flat floor makes it easier to haul gear than you'd expect. * It's not huge so best for 2 people, gear or dogs. Might want to consider a Grand Cherokee or Commander for families. * The technology is not there. No gizmos to keep you on the road of soften the ride. It's up to you to use the 4wd in adverse conditions. New shocks and all season tire keep the ride descent. Don't skimp here either. This is a terrific vehicle if you need an all around SUV that offer a good driving position, all weather capability, durable life span w/ cheap repairs, room to haul moderate loads and an overall flexible platform for life.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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A Good On and Off Road Vehicle

My Jeep Cherokee Country is a pretty good vehicle. The 4.0 liter 190 horsepower engine has a fair amount of torque. It really moves from about 0-35 mph. I am disappointed with the gas mileage, I only 17 mpg. It is very good off road even with street tires. It has good on-road handling despite what it was designed for. I don't the interior very much at all. It is very small. It has a very, very cheap stereo, the sound quality is awful. It very reliable. The Jeep Cherokee is not the most beautiful car on the road but it does what it was designed to do.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 2.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 2.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Not a good car for a real beginner

The car has some unrealiable hondling issues in the rain. It is a very light car sitting up high so flipping is easier to do. I would recommend the Grand Cherokee it is more luxurious and safer and you can still take it on the back roads. The cherokee is a good car but i would recommend that you test drive it first. For a weekend.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 2.0
  • Interior 2.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 2.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
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1996 Jeep Cherokee Country

I have owned this SUV for several years now and it has been a reilable and enjoyable vehicle. The 4.0L/V6 Engine is a beast and it is capable of towing and hauling just about any size load within reason. This Jeep feels like a tank and handles reasonably well considering its purpose. Overall I give it a thumbs up but I'll be glad to buy a Toyota.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 2.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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This is a great car.

Hi. I am a car mechanic who just happened to work on this car for it's oil change. I have to say that it is such a cool car, and the girl selling it has taken great car of it. There's absolutely no mechanical problems, it's exterior is in pretty great shape for its age, and the inside is in great condition as well. Mechanically, this car is in prime condition, and I would recommend it for a teenager's first car perhaps, or if you are looking for a great value and reliable car. Just thought I would give my input on this particular Jeep.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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Great Outdoor Vehicle

This is a great vehicle for outdoor weekend getaways. There is plenty of space for gear and it handles well offroad. If you don't have a roof rack, a bike fits into the back (when the back seat is dropped down).

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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