Jeep Cherokee - 1998-2001

[LSK]

Anyone have one? What kinda MPG do they get? Any problems?? Im considering picking up one of them used as a decent mileage one can be had for around $10k.



ps: Not the Grand Cherokee, I mean the original Cherokee.

[tkmorris]

1. I considered buying one of those last year

As a matter of fact I was practically sold on buying one before I entered the lot. However.....

I am 6'4" tall. Now that isn't huge but I am used to having to put the drivers seat back almost as far as it will go in order to have enough room to drive. This simply was not possible with the Cherokee, it's seat didn't go back even close to enough. Seemed a bit odd as the Cherokee isn't exactly tiny, even for an SUV, but nonetheless it's true.

Also I anticipated having passengers often enough that the back seat area concerned me. IIRC sitting in the back seat afforded little leg room as well, and the problem was made worse by a large hump through the center where the driveshaft is.

I was already disappointed by the interior "living space" but the test drive sealed it for me. I drove a few of these just to be sure but the ride in all of them was VERY stiff. The suspension seemed to have little give at all, resulting in a ride that was quite uncomfortable. That in addition to the rather cramped driving position were a deal-killer for me. I have a bad lower back that will object painfully to being mistreated for any length of time so there was no way I could consider purchasing the Cherokee, even though I still love it's utilitarian appearance.

Of course your driving needs and physical size may make it a more viable choice for you. This was simply my experience.

[LSK]

2. thanks for your comments

Your concerns are not mine. At 5'11" I should fit in the drivers seat just fine. I would hardly carry passengers in the rear seat. I prefer a stiff suspension as I have had sports cars before. I drove my parents oldsmobile boat and I hated it. I currently have a 1994 GMC Jimmy that just keeps on going and going. But it only gets about 15 mpg and the Cherokees are supposed to be several pounds lighter and I figured it might be a little better on gas. I really dont want to spend over $20k on an Escape that doesnt even have real 4wd. I wish the manufacturers would make a real 4x4 that gets good mpg and is not very expensive.

[dipsydoodle]

3. I had a Grand Cherokee 1995

which did about 35mpg to an english imperial gallon. I changed that for a standard Cherokee 1997 but that was not as economic. In 1999 , when the balance of mind must have been disturbed, I got a Wrangler 4.0 Auto overlooking the fact it's got a 3 speed box. That was not a wise decision - it did about 24mpg. I bailed out of it 6 months later and got an Alfa GTV which was nice car but not much use for going fishing. 3 months later I got an Audi 225 tt Roadster and gave up all thoughts of fishing ! These days I drive a Honda CRV 2.2 Cdti diesel which I don't think is available in the USA. Prior to that I had a Nissan X-Trial 2.2 diesel and those have got more room in them then a Grand Cherokee.

[BlueCollar]

4. I've got a "99"

2WD Cherokee "Classic"...bought used in 2003 with 30K miles on it.

It has 65K on it now.

Problems to date:

1) Electric window switch on passenger side is intermittent but controllable from driver's side switch.

2) Replaced front brakes at 40K.

3) Instrument cluster short circuit- A service letter repair for this.

4) Airbag control module has gone out...working on affording areplacement...LOL

Mileage: approx 17-20 mpg with a/c on

[LSK]

5. thanks, I am really thinking of getting one of these

Doesnt seem like a lot of major problems.

Is that mpg for city or highway driving? Or combo?

[BlueCollar]

6. combined

Texas - Highway speeds 70-80 or you get rear-ended. I replaced the airbag module...cost $288.00