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1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee consumer reviews

$25,545 starting MSRP
side view of 1997 Grand Cherokee Jeep
(34 reviews)
88% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.3
  • Interior 4.1
  • Performance 3.9
  • Value 4.1
  • Exterior 4.1
  • Reliability 4.2
Explore the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Good Ride

Purchased my Jeep Grand Cherokee limited in 2000. I now have 215,000 miles on it. I use it for hunting and trail driving, as well as a daily driver. I have had next to zero problems with this rig, all I have done is taken care of basic maintenance items. It is very capable off road and in the snow, although I don't jump gorges or climb rocks bigger than the jeep. It has always gotten me where I want to go and I go to some rugged spots. Can't say enough good things about this Jeep.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Most Dependable Car I've Ever Bought

The Jeep that I bought was used and it already had over 100K miles on it but it was in great condition. For the 3 years that I've had it, I've only had to fix minor work on it until this year (2011). They are reliable SUVs and I would buy another one in a second.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Good all around, still going strong

My Grand Cherokee Laredo has 117k miles and is still running strong. Good off- road ability, I have only been stuck once (3 foot snow bank got me). The 4.0 I-6 gives decent power. With the back seats folded down, there is a lot of room for firewood, seed bags, etc. Gas mileage isn't great, though mine is the all time 4x4 model and I average about 16 mpg. Overall a good vehicle. Everything kept stock. ( So far)

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

We bought a used Cherokee as a primary family vehicle for trips to the mountains and to the desert for hiking, fishing, etc. Never had a problem with the car at all and we took it all over including cross country. It was roomy, great back area for storage and could throw a canoe and additional luggage or carrier on top. I would recommend the Cherokee to anyone who is active outdoors but still wants a vehicle that looks higher end on its interior.

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
  • Does recommend this car
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UGHHH!

i have had this car for about two years. after i had an unfortunate wreak in my 92 cherokee. i have had so many problems with my grand cherokee i cant even remember them all. here is a list of things that went out after about one year: air compressor, water pump, my COMPUTER!, crank shaft sensor, o2 sensor, fog lights, cruise control, power stearing pump, and last week i had to replace the thermostat. ive had to replace 3 mufflers from it backfiring because of the computer sending it too much fuel. my alarm went off on the highway randomly and i had to take it to a shop and have it removed because it wouldnt shut off and it had done it several times before. it runs very loud. raddles somwhere from the back end. stearing is very loose. it stalls on the highway and tries to cut out even driving through town. the car has about 163,000 miles on it. my 92 cherokee had about 196,000 and didnt have one problem with it for three years. from all the other reviews i guess the prevous owner didnt take care of it at all, but i wouldnt chance it again to get another one. i cant even trust this car to drive the 5 minutes back and forth to work.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 2.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does not recommend this car
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good quirky used SUV

Parents bought the vehicle used and its pretty much serving it purpose. It has plenty of room and its good to know there is four wheel drive for the winter. My mother basically use the car as a grocery getter and getting her back in forth to work. It also keeps her precious benz dent and scratch free (Insurance cost for damage is A LOT CHEAPER!!!). The car has been pretty reliable so far except a worn wire on the starter that had to be fixed. Other than that its been good. Handling is car like but ride is still truck like. The vehicle was in a bad accident and repaired and now seems to have an alinement issue which causes the car to shake at 60mph. Looking at having that fixed soon. Like the title say it has its quirks. The engine delivers plenty of power but is loud, Gas mileage is not good, transmission seems to lag sometimes, shifts are very jerky sometime when accelerating, and air condition takes a while to cool cabin. Other than that, decent used car good for getting the kids and hauling stuff. Don't think this a good car for me as a struggling college kid that needs solid transportation, but current car needs to be replaced any suggestions?

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 2.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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1997 Grand Cherokee (used)

I bought this Jeep used with 128,200 miles. So far I love it. Only thing to really go wrong so far was the rear differential. That was replaced by the mechanic I bought the vehicle from for free. The steering is a little loose compared to other vehicles. The body is holding up amazingly good for a 1997. Gas mileage is ok, not great. About 22 MPG on highway, 18 on Freeway. I have owned the vehicle now for about 7 months. I cant wait to drive this in the heavy snow months. The quad 4X4 im sure will be better than my 4X4 truck. Transmission and motor (I-6) seem very strong. No issues. FOr whatever reason this vehicle does seem to want to eat up brakes. Had to replace rear pads and rotors.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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Best vehicle I've ever owned

I bought my Jeep new and have had very few problems with it. Just had to replace the usual parts that go after a while (water pump, starter). It's very reliable. The gas mileage isn't the greatest since it's an 8 cylinder, lifted and has over-sized tires, but I don't put many miles on it annually. I plan to drive it until it doesn't go any more.

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

I have had my Jeep for three years. It has electrical problems. the radio plays when it feels like. The dash lights and headlights flash on and off randomly. Had to replace the starter. The battery cables dont fit nice on the posts causing starting problems.The exhaust manifold developed a hole and was very loud. The bright lights quit working. There was an unexplained rattle in the back end. The rear wheel bearings went bad and had to put myself out of my misery. I have been told by many dealers that jeep has a problem with the rear end going bad.The drivers side passenger door won't open. Sure it has 208,000 miles but these problems started long before it hit 200,000. The engine and transmission are still great but to fix all the other problems would cost too much. Have had the jeep for three years and the first year was the best.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 2.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 2.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
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The best 4x4 vehicle on the market

I have owned two of these, and you can't find a better vehicle for off roading. Jeeps are in a class of there own on the trail. And offer a comfortable ride off the trail too!

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 Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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