1997 Jeep Cherokee consumer reviews

Best car I have ever owned. Hands down! I am at 186,000 miles and have never had any major repairs, just your normal wear and tear. A radiator a few years ago and that’s about it. I love that it’s a manual transmission and that it has four-wheel-drive. I bought this car when I moved to Idaho in 2008. Every time it snows my four-wheel-drive is my best friend. Weekly I get asked if I’m willing to sell this car. The young people love it! The only downside for me was that it was two door which most people love but it was really hard to get my kids in and out of when they were little. But now it’s just me driving it and it’s just about perfect!

I've owned many xj's over the years and the 97 has always been my favorite. Being the first year of the redesign with all the best from all the previous combined with a fresh interior and new body kit make it one of the most interesting of the XJ years. My current daily is a 97, I'm the 3rd owner and she's been meticulously kept with all records and just hit 170k miles. Compression between the cylinders is between 143psi and 149psi. Being a Montana car she hasn't been exposed to road salt and has literally no rust on the exterior. Under the carpet directly below the pedals is the only place I found any surface rust and that was easily cleaned up and painted before I added 204 square feet of sound deadening material. The road noise level would be my biggest complaint across all years of the xj.

I get compliments on this Jeep all the time. This is the year and type of model that Jeep people want. People loves this body style.

This car is amazing for being 20 years old with almost everything in working order! great off roader, would definatly call it the last real jeep.

I have been able hunt, camp, pull trailers, load to transport heavy purchases, cart my dogs in, and it has been one of the best vehicles Ive owned. Easy to drive, comfortable, and built to last. This engine goes and goes. Theres no stopping it, as long as you provide maintenance, its aweome.

On paved roads the Cherokee is pretty average, mediocre gas mileage, rides a little bumpy, a little underpowered. Off road or in winter driving conditions this vehicle cannot be stopped. There is such a huge aftermarket community as well and if you take it off the highway odds are you will meet other Jeep owners and make friends. I didn't buy the Jeep to cruise city streets, I bought it to take me to mountains and hiking trails and places where your normal car or even SUV can't comfortably make it to...And it does just that, I hope to never get rid of this Cherokee.

never left me stranded on the side of the road. this jeep is the pinnacle of a car you want for reliability.

The car had enough spaces and even the air conditioning is great, there is even a cruise control which allows for easy movement and easy to drive as the hand is soft and easy to turn

Just bought my third Jeep Cherokee. I was hooked after the first because they are just so much fun to drive.

I love my Cherokee. I haven't had it long, but it has 233,000 miles on it, and I have never had any issues with the drivetrain. I have replaced lots of suspension components, but that's because it is lifted. I love the looks and the heritage of the vehicle. The 4.0L has plenty of power, even with the vehicle being lifted. I have never felt the transmission slip. Keep the oil changed and don't let it overheat and the Jeep will run forever. When something does need to be fixed, chances are its something you can do yourself. I get compliments all the time and people are shocked when I tell them its a 97 with 233,000 miles.