Hello everyone!

I am looking at buying my first Jeep! I have been checking out cherokee's / Grand Cherokee's from the year 1995 to 1999 What motor has been the most reliable for people? the v6? the v8? I don't know anything about these trucks and any tips would be great! is there a certain year to avoid?

I am excited to pick one up and get it out on the trail ASAP!

,Thanks Everyone!

 

None of them had a v6 they had a straight 6 4.0 which is a really good motor. The v8's seem to have more problems from what I read.
In 99 the grand cherokee changed body styles. The grand cherokee has more updated interior features, the cherokee is more plain. The grand cherokee had 4 link front and rear, the cherokee had 4 link front, leaf rear.
The grand cherokee rides nicer on the street. Both are really capable offroad vehicles.

It all depends on what you want off road toy or street vehicle. My personel opinion is the cherokee, though I like zj's (grand cherokee). The parts are cheaper and more plentiful for the xj (cherokee).

 

this is exactly the feedback I was looking for! thanks so much! I really just need it to take me shooting up the mountain, hiking and around town every now and then.

 

Well if thats what you want I would go for the xj. They are cheaper also. Try to find one with no rust, They tend to rust under the carpet in the rear.
Also look for rust in the rocker panels. They made the H.O 4.0 from 91 to 96 or 97 I believe. I think it was 96.
I drive a xj with 4.5 inch lift and 31,s and can go offroad anytime I please or drive 200 miles down the highway then go offroading. One more thing the xj's tend to have wind noise in the cab, But I have almost all of this eliminated.

Goodluck and welcome.

 

Ya cherokees last a lot longer than Zj's. Ive bet the heck out of my Xj and its still amazing. Ive jumped it, mudded it, and taken past the numbers on the speedometer and it still lasts. Though engine, great power and a lot of fun to drive.

 

The speedometer only goes up to 85...

 

If I didn't already have a Cherokee and I wanted a Jeep for the road (and light off-roading), I'd go with the Grand Cherokee with the 4.0L and SelecTrac. The Grand Cherokee is a much more refined vehicle plus a much more comfortable interior especially the back seat.

 

Mine goes to 100, its a later moddel. Got it to just past that to around 105.

 

The '97-'01 has a 100mph speedometer. If you happen to find one with the police package, I think it goes to 120mph.

Anyways, the 4.0 I6 seems to be a better choice whether you get the Cherokee or Grand Cherokee. I've heard that the 5.2 itself is a great engine, but the transmission that it's mated to isn't so great.

As for comfort, the Grand Cherokee is a bit more comfy and roomy. The '97-'01 Cherokees are more supposedly more comfortable than the pre-'97. I cannot confirm this, as I haven't driven or ridden in anything but my '97.

I actually have the front seats from a '94 Grand Cherokee in my '99 Cherokee. They are a direct bolt-in to the rails.

 

i loved my 93 grand cherokee and would still have it if some dumb chick hadn't totalled it with us in it a few years back. very very nice vehicle. we drove it from south texas to north carolina with the kids and everyone was comfortable.

 

but we love our cherokees. they are good trucks

 

if you're gonna buy it as a pavement only vehicle, just get any model. they are all great. but for wheeling there are certain things that get you on the track faster.
get a 96+ (powertech OBDII)(pre 96 had OBDI, Renix, which is not a bad motor either)
chrysler 8.25 (better than dana 35)(get non-ABS)
2000 and 2001 have a low pinion front axle (not a good choice, all other years have high pinion)
99.5 had a redesigned intake manifold (better choice)
and just a personal advise, don't get a lifted one... you never know what it's been through and how strong the duct tape holding the motor on the chassis is.

 

Well that makes it a bit more impressive then 85. Although we better stop talking about that before they close this thread

 

Thank you again everyone! All the feedback really helped! I think I will be picking up a 99 grand cherokee 4.0 since I will not be doing heavy off road stuff and want to drive it around town too.

 

You ain't just whistlin' Dixie, Tex. And it tops out at aboouutt 113. Scary stuff. Never doing it again. Did I mention I did this on a closed road at a event. Legality feels good.