Who has a Grand Cherokee...

[Hale on wheels]

and how do you like it? My wife and I are looking at getting her a new vehicle (and no she doesn't want a Ram/Cummins... I tried), and we are considering the new Eddie Bauer Explorers and the Grand Cherokee Limited. I figured since there was more of a Chrysler following here, I could get some pros and cons of the Jeep, but Explorer comments are welcome as well.



My observations: The new body style Explorer I feel is much larger and more comfortable than the previous ones. We didn't drive a 4wd one, but I doubt they handle much differently. The interior was pretty comfortable, but I think the Jeep has better front seats, and a better 4wd system. Oh yeah, the Jeep had the HO 4. 7L 265 hp engine... what a rocket!



I am leaning towards the Jeep, but I must give the Explorer its due credit. She wanted an Expedition or Tahoe, but I think she would be better suited with one of the slightly smaller SUVs. We don't have any kids, just two Labs. Thanks for any comments.

 

[sdalton]

I have inlaws who had them, friends that had them. They look good for a few years then wear out fast. The resale is not that great. I had a Wrangler with the straight 6 in it and friend had a Grand Cherokee with the straight 6 in it. The straight 6 is more reliable and gets better milage. But, the V8 has more power and is more fun to hotrod in. Neither is good for towing.

I have said before, the only Dodge/Chryslers I would own would have a Straight 6 in it, whether a gas or a Diesel.

 

[BarryG]

Not the same vehicle but had a 92 Wagoneer lmtd and it ran good (and still was) for 170k till we sold it. Started having some electrical problems like seatbelt light coming on when seatbelts were on, door dinger dinging while driving, some idiot lights coming on intermittently for no reason. Obviously a short somewhere but I couldn't find it since it was so intermitent. at about 110k if you took a right turn it would die but start right up. Turned out to be a short under the hood. A wire which ran over the fuel rail had worn a pin hole in it and when you made a right turn it would short against the rail. That was a fun one to find.

 

[Hale on wheels]

Yeah, small shorts in accessory wiring are difficult to locate. I used to have an old chevy that would run the windshield wipers every time I put on one of my blinkers. I never could find that one. The old grand wagoneers have sure held their value. I saw a 91 with about 60k miles on it for $22k!

 

[klenger]

I had a '98 Grand Cherokee 5. 2L V8. I towed a 21' Trailite trailer with it. For the most part, I didn't have any problems with it. Well, you be the judge: 1) Had the transmission rebuilt twice under warranty. 2) Wire harness under the body fell and shorted to the drive shaft. Shorted out the voltage to the O2 sensor, blew the computer fuse, and vehicle wouldn't run (while on a camping trip). 3) Bearings went bad in rear diff. Rear axle replaced under Warranty Gold extended warranty. I still liked the vehicle, but sold it to get an 01. 5 Dodge CTD.



I would get 16 - 18 MPG, which I thoiught was OK.

 

[Hale on wheels]

Didn't they redesign them somewhat in 99? I know you cannot get the 318 anymore, the V8 is a 4. 7L. It has a lot of power for a vehicle that light! Its hard to tell these days what is a good vehicle and what is not on some models. I know some people very happy with explorers, and others who are not. Its the same with everything I suppose, I just wanted to make sure a whole bunch of people came on and said they all had a problem with a common dohicky. I don't plan on towing any travel trailers with it, so perhaps the transmission will be OK.

 

[klenger]

Yes, the vehicle was redesigned in 1999. 4. 7L replaced the 5. 2L, new body style, etc. From what I can tell, the redesign was for the good. I haven't heard of any major problems with them, but I haven't followed them either. I would certainly consider one. I've never cared for the explorer, but that's just me.

 

[NVR FNSH]

I can 'sort of' comment on this...

My wife drives a '98 Explorer - 2wd, 4dr, V8/auto

My mom drives a '94 Grand Cherokee - 4wd, V8/auto



I know both models have been 'redesigned' but I think these comments still apply.



The Explorer has been to the dealer for one recall - something with the cruise control. The Jeep has had a/c issues and a couple of other problems that I can't really remember.



The Jeep handles like a bathtub on wheels - very wallowy. The Explorer handles much better.



I'm 6'4" and wouldn't/couldn't drive either of them on a daily basis - just not enough room for me. The driver foot well is too narrow on both.



The Explorer has a lot more back seat room. Adults don't have problem. Can't say the same for the Jeep.



Hope this helps,



Brian

 

[Hale on wheels]

Thanks for the comments. Both models have had changes done to them from the models that your family have. I agree with you that the explorer is larger. There was more leg room in the back than in the jeep with the seats back. My wife and I are both short, so with the seat pulled up to where I would drive with it, I sat pretty comfortably in the back of the jeep. I thought the front seats were more comfortable in the jeep. We were not in an eddie bauer model though, just one that had leather seats as an option. I do not know if they are different. I drove the jeep along some pretty twisting roads and I thought it handled well. Not better than the explorer, but as well I would say, at least that was my impression. Keep in mind I have only driven them once each, so more driving will take place this weekend. I'll let you guys know.

 

[jeepit]

I have a 97 Jeep GC and a 1991 Ford Explorer. Maybe the new Explorers are different now but I would choose a Jeep over the Ford any day of the week. Jeep is little smaller in cargo area but the ride is much nicer. Our Jeep has a 318 and gets better mileage than the ford 6. Both have been good vehicles. To each his own.

 

[RonaldLarson]

Traded

our '99 GC for a Durango. Good decision! Better ride, interior room, fit and finish, comfort and ride. Wife loves it, so do I. The explorer has independent rear suspenders with half shafts, which are high dollar maintenance items. No comparison between power plants. The 4. 7 is an awesome, trouble free, very fast accelerating engine.

Can't beat the warranty either!

Ron

 

[Hale on wheels]

Well I bought her a Grand Cherokee Limited model. It is sweet. We really like it. They were trying to get rid of the 02's so I think I got a pretty good deal on it. Anyway, thanks for the comments from everyone. If anyone wants a 99 grand prix let me know.

 

[Alan Reagan]

My wife has a 2001. She had a 98 before that. I had a 96 before that. She doesn't want anything else. I really like it. Only problem we've had was on the 98. Internal fuel tank fuel pump went bad (under warranty). The only thing I haven't liked about them is that she is tough on brakes. Hard stops and hold the pedal. Well, that warps the front rotors. On the 98 and 01 they were replaced under warranty. So far, the 01 hasn't warped again and we are at 30K miles. I'd buy another one.