1995 Jeep Cherokee User Reviews

It's A Jeep Thing — It's a legendary brand with some very good things about it, but at the same time, you can't help but shake the feeling that if it wasn't for some dumb Chrysler design shortcuts it could have been a perfect truck. First the best parts about it: it has a strong, durable, reliable, and smooth Engine (I have had both the 4.0 Inline 6, and the Meaty 5.2 V8). Those two engines are just about impossible to kill, and provide ample power. This shouldn't be confused with speed, these engines are tuned almost exclusively for torque. But what really hinders the potential is a completely dumb transmission gearing. For some reason Chrysler decided to gear this car like bus. It's geared very low (especially the 5.2) which is good for towing and off-road, but terrible for acceleration, fuel economy and noise. Driving 70MPH baseline weight in my 5.2 limited and it's ruining 2500rpm with overdrive on! A very dumb design flaw. It is one of the toughest SUV's that exist. There are things that have been done with my jeeps that would demolish most other SUV's, and it didn't even slow it down. I once had the driver's front wheel break off (it was the tire shop's mistake) while going 80MPH, and I never lost control. Other then some cosmetic damage and some sheared studs on that wheel, nothing else was wrong with the truck (steering, engine, suspension). Numerous drops into ditches, ruing over curbs to name a few other abuses. The truck is basically a steel box, and will protect you quite well in an accident. It's un-moded off road capabilities is very good (thanks to it being heavy, with a strong engine, and a short wheelbase). The torque happy engine provides plenty of power to the good limited slip 4WD. Unfortunately the 5.2 comes with the full time T-Case, that has a viscous coupler (4WD torque allocator) that is almost guaranteed to fail (the 4.0 selectable case is solid). It gives a very smooth ride with full independent spring suspension, and with a very modern disc brakes (very ahead of it's time). But it is very noisy. Poor aerodynamics and very little sound padding, you won't feel the road, but you'll defiantly hear it. Unfortunately there are many small problems that really take it away from it's glory: The interior looks and feels cheap (even the limited). Easy to break plastic everywhere, drab style, the rear seats are uncomfortable, and even though it's a SUV, it lacks storage space in the rear. Jeeps can take so much abuse, but Chrysler's bad designs sabotage the reliability, which makes most stuff breaks on it's own. The electronics, AC systems, and various non essential parts are very prone to failure. The transmission's are not very reliable for this year either. General maintenance in the 4.0 is a breeze, but the 5.2 is a horror show. The engine bay is so tight and cluttered on the 5.2 just changing the oil filter takes a lot of time. Good news most of the parts are cheap, and there are no strange tools or methods for repairs on these trucks. Overall it's such a give and take when it comes to the ZJ line. What it does right, excels beyond all expectations, but those nit-picks hurts. Now it is defiantly much better the the early 2000's jeeps (which were so bad almost killed the jeep line). Personally, in my opinion, the best years to buy are the 1996-1999 models (which fixed the interior, transmission, some electrics and T-Cases in the Limited). I love my Jeep though, If you need a really tough dependable multi-function SUV, not afraid to get your hands dirty with some maintenance, and your not really concerned with bells, whistles or looks; look no further.

Primary Use: Family transportation

Its Good — I like it, it good in New England. Good ole' American engineering. It good in the winter, and pretty good in the summer. Automatic, window and locks make it a safe car for its time. Some problem spots but over all my jeep and I love each other. Good job Jeep.

Jeep Jeep — I bought mine for under four grand about 4 years ago. I have about 155,000 miles on it and it's still runs and looks great. Like the wrangler this jeep has a look that will last for years. The 4.0l inline six is also a very manageable and maintainable engine. I have had little issues with the car here and there but nothing major. In the bang-for-your-buck category this car has to be a top contender. I still get between 17-22 mpg depending on what kind of driving I'm doing. Even though it is 12 years old I'm VERY happy with my Cherokee. Things to look out for: - Front rotors warping - Neutral safety switch

Owner for 4 years, 2 months

Miles Driven per Year:16,000

Yeeeeeep — lots of funn to drive the drive was rocky but nice and ran great gas was decent it went many places and went the distance appearance was great underneath rust and inside was clean well kept in my eyes word

Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)

It Will Go Just About Anywhere With Out Paying $60,000 For A Hummer. — A cheap 4x4 that has great offroad capabilities and replacement parts are abundant and cheap.The only solid front axle SUV that is tough enough to take off road, yet tame enough for the road.The 4.0 ho motor is one of the best jeep motors ever made.

Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)