Best or worst model year?

Based on everything that's known today, what do you think is the best or worst model year and why?

What faults can be avoided?
What faults does it have?
What things are nice to have?
What sucks?
What would you trade (year) up or down from what you have now?
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XJ's I try to shoot for 92-95,96. With the 95 and 96 being preferred. I like the simplicity of the ignition switch assy and the feel of the airbag steering wheel the 95/96 have to offer. Also the seat bracket assy has a bit more ease of access as well. Obd1 system is a plus for me and the obd2 of the 96 though being a 1 year only deal is nice as well. Let's not forget the updated tensioner pulley setup in the 96 which disgraces the clunkyness of the earlier years power steering pump/tensioning dual function.

If i had to nab a 97+ i would try for a 98 specifically because I've had less issues with them vs other newer body style years. The claim about 99+ had a weaker motor, and the weak heads and split exhaust manifolds deter me.

MJs if I could spoil myself I would prefer a 91/92 just because of the obd1 system vs renix.

 

NMG Paint Protection

Honestly, a lot of people still swear by the 1999 model for reliability and simplicity. Some later models had more electronics that tend to act up. It really depends on how it was maintained more than the year though.

 

the power windows especially, if youve had a 97+ and not punched the side of the master window switch/door panel to get windows working again then you should be soo lucky. They're also known for the "no bus" cluster issue which can be troublesome to figure out.

 

To avoid:
The earliest AMC models with the GM V6
The AMC models with French fuel injection are HARD to get parts for

Be aware that '96 was a transition year and some have earlier parts and some later which makes getting parts a challenge

The Best:
The 97 thru 1999 are generally considered the best - Chrysler fuel injection, Chrysler 8.25 rear diff and you still have a distributor on the old 6

But the condition of any Jeep trumps all of the above

 

Firstly - Any XJ Cherokee is better than no XJ Cherokee.

Secondly - My 2000 is the worst year to have lol. Poor electronics, 0331 head, Dana 30LP, split exhaust, factory electronic ignition issues, etc..

I miss my old '97 XJ. It was great and never let me down, EVER! Manual roll down windows, distributor ignition, dana 30HP - simple and effective.

 

For a keeper 95 thru 97.
Never having to screw with air box blend doors is priceless.

Ideally a 97 body shell and engine block with 95 everything else.

 

Some reasons to avoid 2000/01:

• D30LP
• Weaker pistons
• 0331 head which is more prone to cracking.
• Many have the dual cat system which is known for producing more heat in the engine bay.

1998 might be the best year, but for sure I would get a 1997+. I prefer the more modern interior. And there are many other factors to consider - mileage, rust levels, how it was previously cared for, color, factory-installed options, and what mods it has. You could end up looking for a very long time if you limit yourself too much.

I ended up with a 2000 that was low miles, completely rust free, likely garage-kept, had federal emissions, and had a pretty clean interior and exterior. However, it had some issues - leaking heater core, sagging rear leaves with janky shackles, leaking RMS, leaking valve cover gasket, was not running particularly great. But after slowly working through issues and replacing work stuff for several years, its doing great now and have no regrets. And from what I've found, many of the issues I had with mine are common to all XJs.

 

Chrysler EFI was part of the H.O. upgrade in 1991.