Jeep Grand Cherokee

aflong

Also I will add that I do the alignment regularly (4 times a wear) so it should not be due to bad alignment. At 28k miles I changed over to Yokohoma Geolander H/T tires that are rated for 50k miles.

I took the Jeep in twice to the dealer about the excess wear but they said it was normal and if I used all-terrain tires that were "tougher" I wouldn't see the excess wear. This is the only thing I think the dealer may be trying to pull a fast one over me.

Other than this problem I love my Jeep.

milous

I bought my first Jeep this spring, a 2001 Grand Cherokee Ltd. After I got it I discovered some of the message boards and read a lot of negative comments about repair problems. I had second thoughts and wished I had researched more about Jeep ahead of time.

However, this vehicle turned out to be perfect, the best I had ever owned. Comfort, speed, the ride and handling, stereo, I love everything about it. Fit and finish were perfect inside and out.

Over the months I have also followed some of the other SUV message boards as I was looking at several models before I bought the Jeep. They are filled with problem after problem on every brand. I counted 42 different problems for one import 2001 model SUV, some major and very annoying like excessive wind noise.

The bottom line is that Jeep has come a very long way in reliability in the past couple of years. 2000 models were far better than 1999, 2001 better than 2000, and now the 2002 even better than the 2001s.

And typically the Jeep problems have been just a few components - if you take away the warped rotors problem Jeep would almost be perfect. And they semed to have solved that with the late production 2001s and the new 2002s. Compare that to other vehicles with weeping mirrors, road noise, uncomfortable seats, shattering rear glass and on and on, and you will find Jeep is now near the top of the list in reliability. It's no secret Ford's reliability has plummeted to the bottom, along with other manufacturer's as well.

The Grand Cherokees are incredible fun to drive and extremely comfortable. Everything is laid out so nice in the interior. A very well thought out
vehicle.

I liked the 2001 so much I traded it in last week for a nice new 2002 Ltd model with the HO engine, side airbags, adjustable pedals and all the other options. Jeep has improved an already excellent vehicle. If you've never driven one check out the new '02s, you'll probably end up taking it home!

aflong

How much more horsepower does the HO engine have in the 2002 JGCs? Same engine, right, as the 1999 to 2001 V-8s?

leo948

here's some info i found at msn carpoint. i'm sure there's more at www.jeepunpaved.com and othere sites.

"New for 2002:
Overland trim with standard high-output 4.7-liter V8, 17-inch machined aluminum wheels, and a high level of premium equipment. A tire-pressure monitoring system, adjustable pedals, and side-curtain airbags are available.

The 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee is available in five trims: Laredo and Limited, each with either 2WD or 4WD, and Overland. Safety equipment includes dual airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags (standard Overland), an anti-lock brake system (ABS) and child safety locks. The standard engine on Laredo and Limited trims is the Power Tech 4.0-liter 6-cylinder engine producing 195 horsepower, while the Power Tech 4.7-liter 235 horsepower V8 engine is also available. The new Power Tech 4.7-liter High Output engine that produces 260 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque is standard on the Overland and optional on the Limited trims."

one strange note though.. on one page it states the new HO engine makes 265hp and on another 260hp? either way, it's a nice jump from the 235 that i get from my '01.

bobhex40

I have a 2001 and the 2002s look the same.

livetodrive

For MY 2001 the 4.7L V8 was rated at 235 horsepower, except in states where stricter emissions standards were in effect. In these states, it was rated at 230 hp. I imagine the same issue is involved between 260 and 265 hp.

aflong

Anyone with a JGC with the same tire wear problems I posted in an earlier note?

mark156

Al... My '99 JGC Ltd, QD, 4x4 that I just sold had 35,018 miles. My tires were excellent. They looked like they could go to 50,000 with no problem. On the other hand, my '96 JGC Ltd, 2x4 needed tires desparately at 36,000. They were evenly worn but hardly no tread. The later Jeep had Goodyear tires.

Mark

doublenerd

I have a 97 JGC Ltd, I-6, 4x4 w/ UpCountry and have over 103k miles and I'm only on my third set of tires. I have been averaging about 30-40K per set. The set I have on now will be two yrs old this January and have about 40k on them. I run nothing but Goodyear Wrangler HP tires.

You should try to keep them rotated every other oil change and aligned at least once per year. I routinely check the tires for wear at least once per week when I fill up; more often if necessary.

I've spoken with two different mechanics and they both agree that with the 4x4 you should try to replace all of the tires at the same time. It helps to extend the tire wear and life of tires. One guy I used to work with barely got 28k per set. Go figure.

I like the Wrangler HP better than I do the regular street tire. It's a Jeep and if I'm going offroad, through mud or snow, I would gladly give up a little smoother ride for the piece of mind.

Good luck,

Doublenerd

mjordanszd

i'm thinking about trading my '00 ltd in for an '02. the primary reason for trying this is my concern that my '00 is about to start exhibiting some real problems (i've had the warped rotor issue, the driver's door seal is coming off, the driver's power window and power seat motors are acting up, the right front ac vent area makes some new odd noises, etc., etc.). based upon the posts here, it looks like dc has remedied some build quality issues since '99/'00, and that the '01 and '02 models should prove more reliable.

i realize that trading out this soon usually makes no economic sense. however, with the current finance incentives, potential customer cash and the dealer's historical willingness to aggressively discount, i'm thinking it might work out. has anyone else flipped their jgc's after only 1 or 2 years? i'd be interested in hearing your thoughts. thanks.

fastdriver

Heads up- be careful

http://www.detnews.com/2001/autos/0111/09/b03-339423.htm

fastdriver

dell20001

I have a 2000 JGC with the I6 17,000 miles on her. I wanted to start changing the oil myself. What oil do any of you other owners recommend. I read the oil page under maintenance, but I found it confusing.

bobhex40

i use 5W 30 Mobil 1. Cranks like summer in January and gets better mileage.

minkman1

I just signed a PO for a new 2001 JGC. Dealer was giving them away and I could not resist. I was about to buy the 02 Lib Sport, but the JGC Laredo I bought was an unbelievable deal. I got it with the 26F pkg, Cold Wther Group, Full Spare, Leather, Fogs, Power Roof for just over 26K. Figured I can't go wrong. I had a 93 JGC and loved it (wish I still had it...).

Anyway, I am taking delivery Fri 11/16 and the finance guy was offering me a 7yr/100K mile extended warranty for $1,500. I have read all the issues with 99/00 JGC and do hope the 01 fares better - especially the rotor and brake problems.

Was wondering if anyone else had purchased the extended warranty and if so whether it was worth it? I recognize that that DC is giving 7/100 on the drivetrain thru 12/31, and also that the 01's are still kinda new, but thought I would ask the folks out there. Any input is appreciated.

mjordanszd

i highly recommend the extended warranty - although (depending upon your mileage/ownership tendencies), you probably don't need to go as far out as 7/100k. i selected 4/75k for much less than $1,500 (the finance guy was able to move on the price = negotiate) and on top of that chrysler will let you finance it over 12 months at no interest.

wlbrown9

Read the fine print...it does NOT cover brakes!!!!
Hum...went to Jeepunpaved.com and tracked down the 'service contracts'. Even though the "Better Protection" added care sayes it adds protection for brakes, among other things, under the NOT COVERED: Wear items such as manual clutch assembly, brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums and belts.

The warranty is 12,000 on brakes, so unless your 5 Star dealership goes to bat for you with DC, you can probably count on rotors going bad every 5-20,000 miles.

Hint...I went to Autozone and got a replacement set of rotors with a 24mo/24000 warranty for less than $100. Took about an hour to change them out.

Note that DC dropped the price on 2002 Grand Cherokee about $2500 over 2001, so they are probably giving dealerships at least that much incentive on the '01. Invoice on the 2001 shows about $29,563 but the 2002 same equipment shows invoice of about $27,150. Hum, wonder why they dropped the price so much? Of course, those of us who own 2000's are taking a value hit as well, really a double, economy crashed and the DC price 'reduction'.

Something fishy here...reduce the 2002 $1000 'Customer Cash' and you are down to about $26,150 invoice...can not find any incentives on the 2001 at Jeep site or Edmunds. Anybody know anything about that? Do you want to ask your dealer if he will give you a 2002 for say $26,500 instead of the 2001 for $26,000?

minkman1

I tried that tact - getting an 02 for the 01 basement price. No go. Dealer was willing to slice about $2,500 - $3,000 off sticker, but still did not get to the same # I got for the 01. The sticker on the 01 I am picking up is $34,800'ish. They showed me the invoice and I paid almost $5K below. There was no $ in the car for them, they wanted to blow out the 01 inventory to avoid interest, insurance and storage costs...

minkman1

I guess if you can find a nicely equipped 01 near you, you should consider grabbing it. The local dealer by me had 11 on Friday and they were all gone by Sunday at noon. All were similarly equiped to mine (see 663 above)

bobhex40

I have a 2001 V8 and I am thinking of using it this winter. The guys at Mobil said it was OK.

wlbrown9

Hum...I came up with $32,something trying to use the options you posted...must have been some more on there that I did not add in. Was there a difference in the MSRP for the '01 and '02 with the same equipment? I remember the news story a couple of months ago about DC dropping the GC price $2500 or so...have not thought until now about the transition from '01 -'02 with the price drop. Did they figure in the $1000 customer cash that seems to be available on the '02? I have not been by the lot to check them out so I am only going by what I have read and looking up invoices on the web, edmunds & kbb.com. Good luck on your purchase...remember about the aftermarket rotors if you start having that problem. Easy to replace at least on the 2wd. I bought a torque wrench to make sure the lugs are tightened correctly after rotate, etc. since this may be the cause of the warping...all 3 warped sets I had showed up soon after service that required removal of the wheel, thus they may have been tightened incorrectly.

ronc5

Hi guys and girls,
This is my first post. Wish I had found this board BEFORE I bought my jgc. I really want to love this vehicle, but after reading the posts on this board, I'm getting nervous. I bought the 2wd Laredo, 4.7 V8, 5 speed auto, limited slip with power everything. Got it for way below dealer invoice. I only have 650 miles on it and have had no problems yet, but a few annoyances. The 5 speed seems to hit 2nd gear with a bang, but not consistently. It also shifts hard into 5th around 52 mph. Can be very unnerving, if you aren't ready for it. The only other annoyance I have is a vibration, starting around 55, on thru 65 or so. I'm hoping that is caused by out of balance wheels. Has anyone seen a tech bulletin on any of these? I haven't taken it back to the dealer yet, 'cause their service dept has a lousey reputation.

tidester

ronc5,

Welcome to the boards! There's nothing quite like getting feedback from owners and I am confident those with experience will happily provide you with answers.

We're looking forward to having you share your experiences here!

tidester
Host
SUVs

bobhex40

The trans is controlled by the computer and adapts to your driving style. After about 1K it should shift smoother otherwise there might be a problem. I have and 01 and it shifts fine.

kdshapiro

Mine has 20,000 miles on it. I love it. Driving in inclement weather and snow gives me a feeling of security. I've been following these posts here for a while. I can't wait for my lease to end so that I can get the 2002 HO Overland. I haven't had a lot of the problems described by the people in the group. My feeling is that Jeep is no better or worse than any other manufacturer, except maybe Toyota or Honda who produce exceptional cars. While I may get pummelled here for that, I know people who bought cars much more expensive than the Jeep, who have had many more problems. Makes it worse the more you pay, I guess.

I was looking for another car and I drove the Toyota Highlander. I test drove the high-end model. It was gorgeous. But in the end I asked myself why am I getting this vehicle. For a SUV, it didn't inspire the type of "strong" road feel I want if I am buying a SUV. I would rather get a Jeep Liberty, which I also test drove and loved. If I'm gonna spend 35+ grand on a SUV, which drives like a car, but really isn't IMHO a SUV, I'd rather spend a few dollars more and get a BMW sports coupe.

Also took note of the new issue about the Jeeps going into reverse. While at this point it is unclear as to whether it's a defect or not, it reminds me of the issue Audi had with it's cars, where there was an alleged design defect and in the end they found people were pressing the gas and brake at the same time, causing the car to surge. However, the fact that the settlements for these lawsuits have been sealed does not bode well.

Anyway, thanks for letting me ramble....

mjordanszd

did anyone catch the jeep commercial that ran on espn during the nfl game last night? i only saw the very end of the spot, but the voice-over mentioned the 0%, plus no payments for 90 days. it looked like it might only apply to wranglers, and i did not see the commercial again. if anyone knows the deal on the 90 days, please let me know - there's nothing about it at jeep.com, nor here at edmunds. thanks.

tidester

mjordanszd,

You didn't happen to catch the microscopic print at the bottom of the screen that they display for about 3 milliseconds did you?

tidester
Host
SUVs

mjordanszd

if only i'd sprung for tivo last year . . .

alaska4

mjordanszd,

I purchased a 2002 JGC Limited with quadra-drive one month ago for 0% with 90-day payment deferral. You need to qualify for a "90-day" deal. The number of payments, however, does not stay the same, i.e. instead of 36 payments, you will have 34; so the payment amount goes up.

Have about 650 miles on it. So far no problems or issues. Very confidence-inspiring and stable on ice/snow.

milous

Earlier this year I owned a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd and just recently traded for a new 2002 model with the H.O. engine. Best cars I ever owned. Not a single problem with the 2001 and so far the 2002 has been perfect. Jeep has really improved their reliability in the last couple years. In fact from what I have read and researched most of the other brand SUV's have far more problems than the Jeeps do, and more major problems at that. The JGC is one of the best vehicles out there!! I would buy another one anytime, without hesitation.

mjordanszd

i'd be very interested in hearing your experience in trading your '01 for the '02 HO (see my post #659 about trading a '00 for an '01 or '02). what kind of a deal were you able to work out with your dealer? so far, the local dealers are either out of '01's or are not discounting either the '01's or the '02's enough for a trade-up to make any economic sense. thanks in advance.

cjaubert

I know what you guys are going through on this. I have a 2000 JGC Limited, white/agate, 4x4, with 29K miles. I saw the Overland model advertised and, for awhile, got hot and bothered about the HO engine, the new transmission (from the '01), the tire pressure monitoring, etc. I negotiated a deal for the Overland at straight invoice and $22.5K for my car, not including the $1K back from the factory and $1300 back on the extended warranty I had bought for the '00. Net difference in price was $11.4K, not including tax. I DID NOT do the deal because I just could not justify the difference . First, I LOVE my '00. It has had NO problems at all, runs like a champ, and looks great. While I would like the new bells and whistles, it just does not make sense. The cars are, for all practical intents and purposes, identical. The HO engine, while nice, takes premium gas, and everything else was nice, but not necessary.

flonyai1

I can fully agree with cjaubert's comments. Also, the numbers for the HO engine look good, but checking the fine print ( at what rpms are those numbers achieved ) you won't gain too much advantage. Both the horsepower and torque max points are at 400 rpm higher than the regular V8 and it needs premium gas. In practical terms, using regular gas, there is no difference between the engines.

john2step

Anyone know where I can get a front bumper to replace the plastic one so I can get a winch?

Thanks

bobhex40

If you want more horsepower you can by a chip from Mopar Performance (check the web site). They offer a performance chip for your V8 Jeep. Check it out:

http://www.moparperformance.com/

Looks like 24 HP gain and 25 Ft.-LBS

milous

I traded in an '01 for an '02 and am very pleased with the outcome, all things considered. I knew I would take a big hit on the '01. I ended up getting the fully loaded '02 LTD with H.O. engine at invoice cost, just under $35k. They gave me 26k trade on my '01, leaving a difference of about 9k. But the 0% financing, $2300 '02 price drop, and the added options helped offset that considerably.

I'm real happy with the '02 so far, love the H.O. engine and other new options. I think Jeep reliability has improved considerably on the '01 and '02 models, I had no problems with the '01 and so far the '02 is perfect.

As far as "just getting a mod chip" instead of the H.O. engine, that would be a very poor decision. Why spend hundreds of $ for a mod chip when you can spend just a little more for a true and trouble-free power gain? In my opinion mod chips are a total waste of money and introduce more problems than advantages. They might be "ok" for some older models but I'd never stick one in a brand new vehicle. The H.O. option is a much smarter way to get the HP gain.

oxx93

Has anyone bought an Overland model yet? Just wondering if it is worth the price difference.

mjordanszd

this is so incredibly frustrating - after three different dealers, the best # i've been offered for my '00 limited w/ v8, k package, cd changer, tow and 24k miles is $20,400. that's at least a couple thousand less than what both edmunds and kelly estimate on a trade-in.

any thoughts on this number? is it ridiculously low, or a decent number given what's been going on in the used market? i anticipated being able to get at least $22 or $23 for it, and can't believe i've taken almost a 50% depreciation hit in just 18 months.

oxx93

Has anyone turned in a 99 lease to get into a 2002 JGC?---I started looking around for the exact same vehicle that i am in now (JGCL-26k pkg-36 months) and they are now asking for $40 more a month for a 48 month lease! They say it is the residual value that is increasing the payment. Anyone else encounter this?

bluesun99

Question for a Maple Leaf member. Just what is the exact procedure for someone from the states to enter Canada and buy a Jeep Grand Cherokee? What forms, documents, etc. are necessary and which currency will payment have to be made in? Will there be a duty when the vehicle crosses back into the USA? And most important is the savings great enough to warrant traveling from the southern states to Canada to make a deal? How can a good dealer in Canada in the border area be found? Any comments, advice, procedures that would be helpful in a making Canada purchase would be appreciated.

garyrsch

Last Monday evening, while my 2000 JGC was idling in park (without the emergency brake pulled), it started to roll backwards. Fortunately, nobody was hurt as my car simply backed into a parked vehicle. Has anyone had a similar probleM?

bobhex40

I think NHTSA is looking into the problem and I would report your experience to them. Was the car on an angle and simply roll back or slip into reverse?

garyrsch

It was on a slight incline and after about 15-20 seconds, it began slowly going down the incline. I don't think it slid into reverse. It seemed like it was more like neutral.

fastdriver

garyrsch-

I posted this link earlier this month. Be careful.

http://www.detnews.com/2001/autos/0111/09/b03-339423.htm

fastdriver

milous

...the best # i've been offered for my '00 limited w/ v8, k package, cd changer, tow and 24k miles is $20,400...

That seems to be in the range as dealers are offering below wholesale prices for trade-ins. They gave me $26k for my 2001 LTD, showroom condition, fully loaded and only 6,000 miles! Check with a couple other dealers and see if they will do any better. Make sure also that you get the '02 at or below invoice cost.

ellers1

need tecnical advice- what are the performance differences between quadra trac II and select drive when they are both engaged as full time 4 x4?

livetodrive

Quadra-Trac II is always on. It sends power to the rear wheels unless it senses differences in speed between the front and rear wheels, at which time it goes into 4WD.

Selec-Trac must be shifted into 4WD by the driver, at which time it stays in 4WD.

Both systems can transfer power only between both front or both rear wheels. Quadra Drive can also transfer power to either the left or right wheel, front or rear, so can drive the vehicle even if only one wheel has traction.

Try the following link:

http://www.jeep.com/grand_cherokee/4wd/details.html

vixman

Just bought a 2002 Overland with every bell and whistle. So far (1000 miles later) it's a great truck and an excellent ride. This is our third Jeep with Explorers and Expeditions in between. However, I drive the thing home and then realize that the roof rack has no cross bars. In other words, it has just the two bars running parallel to the sides of the Jeep. I call the dealer. He says says cross bars are an option at $350. The Jeep website says crossbars are not a factory installed item on the 2002. I contend a roofrack is not a roofrack unless it has crossbars. Besides, every JGC I see on the road and in the website has the crossbars. Do we think that everyone else spent the $350? Or is this something new in 2002. Anybody know???? Anybody else buy an Overland with crossbars??? Lucky you..

milous

The crossrails and the rubber strips were deleted on all of the '02 models. They could have at least included them on the Overland models. I seem to remember pricing them at closer to $100 awhile back. Check with some other dealers on on-line discount parts companies. Did the $350 quote include the strips and installing everything perhaps? Still way too high. Jeep lowered the price on the 2002 models, but they also eliminated hundreds of dollars worth of items previously included on the '01s.

pstanos

I didn't get an owners manual with my used 2001 Grand Cherokee Laredo and the one that I ordered won't be here for two weeks, so I need some help in the meantime. How do I program the Electronic Vehicle Information Center garage door opener? I want to put it in the first spot, but haven't figured out how to do it. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

vixman

Well, thanks for confirming what they told me. I thought they were confused. It's pretty amazing in my opinion.