1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Jeep Grand Cherokee. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Jeep Grand Cherokee.

1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review

Jeep's flagship sport-utility vehicle was redesigned for 1999. A new V8 engine was available. Although the wheelbase was unchanged, the Grand Cherokee's body was more than 4 inches longer and 2 inches taller. Front-seat passenger space and usable luggage capacity increased modestly. The spare tire was relocated from the cargo hold to beneath the rear floor. Laredo and Limited models returned from the previous generation, and antilock brakes remained standard. The base engine was a revised version of the prior 4.0-liter inline 6-cylinder, newly rated at 195 horsepower--a gain of 10. A new 4.7-liter overhead-cam V8, making 230 horsepower, replaced the 220-hp overhead-valve 5.2-liter V8. Both engines mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. The automatic unit on V8 models had an extra gear between second and third gears, to improve passing response and provide smoother downshifts. Grand Cherokee again offered rear-wheel drive and a choice of three 4WD systems--all usable on dry pavement. Selec-Trac, which could be shifted from 2WD to 4WD; Quadra-Trac, a permanently engaged 4WD system; and, new for 1999, was Jeep's permanently engaged Quadra-Drive, which could send 100 percent of the engine's power to any wheel at any time.

Year to Year Changes

2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Two-wheel-drive Grand Cherokees now were available with V8 power. The 6-cylinder engine had previously been mandatory with rear-drive. For 2000, Selec-Trac 4WD was available with the V8, after being limited to the 6-cylinder. Front seatbelt pretensioners became standard, as did sunvisor extensions and a "Headlights-On" indicator on the dashboard.

2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Interior revisions and larger wheels were new this year. A 5-speed automatic transmission replaced the 4-speed for V8 models. A second overdrive top gear in the new 5-speed automatic was intended to increase highway fuel economy. Like the 4-speed, it had an extra gear between second and third gears, to improve passing response. Limited models exchanged their standard 16-inch wheels for 17-inchers, which were optional on Laredos. Aluminum-finished interior trim was added, and the available universal garage-door opener was newly backlit for easier nighttime viewing. New standard features included a rear storage net, rear child-seat anchors, and a connector for electric trailer brakes.

2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee: New models for 2002 included the Sport, with leather upholstery, heated mirrors, and other amenities standard, and the Special Edition, with a 10-disc CD changer and body-color exterior trim. Topping the line was the new Overland, with a 260-hp V8 engine, altered front and rear styling, and special interior trim. Side curtain airbags and power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals were newly optional.

2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Laredo got revised front seats for '03, and rear seats gained the LATCH child-seat attachment system.

2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Jeep offered a 2WD version of their most-expensive model, Overland, for 2004. Also new this year is an available navigation system.

1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Fuel economy

Cargo room	Reliability (early models)

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Handling and off-road ability are top Grand Cherokee strengths. Control in directional changes is good, despite a fair amount of body lean. Steering feels natural, though small corrections are needed at highway speeds. No midsize SUV rides more comfortably. The revised suspension handles all but the worst potholes with ease, but permits queasy fore-and-aft and side-to-side pitching motions through uneven pavement. And even the worst terrain elicits no squeaks or rattles from the stiffened body structure. Acceleration is adequate with the 6-cylinder engine, robust with the V8, and the new 4.7 liter is far smoother than the old 5.2-liter V8. The reworked 6-cylinder also is much quieter. A 6-cylinder 4WD Laredo averaged 16.1 mpg. Wind rush and tire roar may intrude at highway speeds, but the quieter engines help lower overall interior noise levels. Transmissions shift with prompt smoothness. Braking is strong and smooth. Selec-Trac or Quadra-Trac furnish more than enough traction on even the most slippery streets, but Quadra-Drive offers the ultimate in 4WD grip. A Quadra-Drive Grand Cherokee can climb in and out of places that leave rivals spinning their tires, though gear whine is intrusive. Four adults get plenty of space. Grand Cherokees still aren't wide enough to seat three adults comfortably in back, and the rear seatback is too upright for best comfort, with little toe space ahead. All seats are too soft for best support. Large outside mirrors are helpful, but roof pillars are too thick for full outward vision. Generously sized bins and pockets provide plenty of storage space for small items. Relocating the spare tire opened up more luggage room, but it's still only adequate and rear seats are somewhat difficult to fold. Back-seat entry/exit is hampered by narrow door bottoms.

Value for the Money
An even better dollar value than the old Grand Cherokee, this version offers good performance and overall design. Long-term mechanical reliability is still a question mark.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 6-cylinder	Rating

Performance	5

Fuel Economy	4

Ride Quality	5

Steering/Handling/Braking	4

Quietness	3

Controls/Materials	7

Interior Room	6

Room/Comfort (rear)	4

Cargo Capacity	7

Value within Class	6

Total:	51

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Engine misfire: The powertrain-control module (engine computer) may have to be reprogrammed or replaced if the engine sags with the A/C on. (1999)

Fuel odors: The gas tank may fill slowly because of a problem with the filler pipe, which has been revised, and there is also a revised gas cap to replace binding ones. (1999)

Hard starting: Engine may be hard to start due to an internal leak or bits of plastic wedged inside the fuel-pump assembly. A new sealing ring or complete pump assembly could be required. (1999-2000)

Hard starting: Faulty fuel pump assembly leads to low fuel pressure and long cranking times. (1999-2000)

Oil leak: Gear lube may leak from the rear differential, especially after driven at highway speeds following cold soak, and is caused by oil coming out of the vent. Installing an accumulator on the vent line is necessary. (1999-04)

Vehicle noise: Popping/snapping noises are usually corrected by replacing the front driveshaft. In many cases, that unit probably has a dry universal joint. (1999)

Vehicle noise: Replacing the rear driveshaft eliminates a whining sound above 40 mph. (1999-2000)

Vehicle shake: If camber alignment cannot be brought into spec, countermeasure offset ball joints are available. (1999-2000)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$555

Alternator	$340

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$1,125

Brakes	$490

Constant Velocity Joints	$1,405

Exhaust System	$405

Radiator	$620

Shocks and/or Struts	$1,240

Timing Chain or Belt	$400

NHTSA Recall History

1999 Grand Cherokee: Front-seatbelt retractor on certain vehicles does not work properly.

1999 Grand Cherokee: Rear-outboard seatbelt retractor spring can disengage from rewind mechanism, disabling retractor function and preventing belt from fitting snugly around occupant.

1999-2000 Grand Cherokee: Inadequately manufactured shoulder seatbelt height-adjustable turning-loop top mounting bolt may not withstand sufficient force to function properly in certain impact situations.

2000 Grand Cherokee: The plastic blades of the electric motor driven cooling fan may separate and penetrate the shroud, possibly striking a person in the vicinity of the engine by the blade and injured. Dealers will replace the electric cooling fan modules free of charge.

2000 Grand Cherokee: Improperly heat-treated end-of-travel stops in some steering-gear units could result in sticking, binding, or seizing of the steering gear.

2000 Grand Cherokee: Passenger-airbag inflator assembly in small number of cars contains incorrect inflator charge amount, which could increase risk of passenger injury under certain crash conditions.

2000-02 Grand Cherokee: Fuel tank on some vehicles may have suspect vent-tube welds; separation of tube weld could result in fuel leakage.

2001 Grand Cherokee: Some owner's manuals are missing full instructions for properly attaching a child- restraint system's tether strap.

2002 Grand Cherokee: The plastic blades of the electric motor driven cooling fan may separate and penetrate the shroud, possibly striking a person in the vicinity of the engine by the blade and injured. Dealers will replace the electric cooling fan modules free of charge.

2002 Grand Cherokee: Debris can accumulate in the intake and exhaust manifolds, increasing the risk of fire.

2002 Grand Cherokee: Fuel may spill out of the filler tube upon refueling the tank due either to a misrouted fuel-recovery vent or a stuck inlet check valve.

2002 Grand Cherokee: Instrument cluster could become inoperative due to a software error.

2002 Grand Cherokee: Passenger-airbag wiring harness was improperly manufactured and may not deploy properly.

2003-04 Grand Cherokee w/ heated seats: The front passenger seat electric heater element could overheat. Overheating could potentially cause a fire. Dealers will replace the heated seat elements

2004 Grand Cherokee: On 4.0L engines the crankshaft position sensor may become exposed, causing possible engine stall. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.

2004 Grand Cherokee: Some vehicles have defective steering gear assemblies, resulting in increased steering effort. Dealer will insect and replace affected parts.

1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1999
Grand Cherokee Laredo	$4,700-5,600	$3,900-4,700	$1,800-2,100
Grand Cherokee Ltd.	$5,400-6,300	$4,600-5,400	$2,200-2,600

2000
Grand Cherokee Laredo	$5,200-6,600	$4,400-5,600	$2,100-2,600
Grand Cherokee Ltd.	$6,100-7,400	$5,300-6,400	$2,600-3,200

2001
Grand Cherokee Laredo	$6,000-7,500	$5,200-6,500	$2,500-3,200
Grand Cherokee Ltd.	$7,300-8,800	$6,600-7,900	$3,600-4,300

2002
Grand Cherokee Laredo	$7,500-9,000	$6,800-8,100	$3,800-4,500
Grand Cherokee Ltd.	$9,500-11,500	$8,600-10,400	$4,900-6,000
Grand Cherokee Overland	$12,000-13,300	$10,800-12,000	$6,700-7,400
Grand Cherokee Sport	$8,000-8,900	$7,200-8,000	$4,100-4,500

2003
Grand Cherokee Laredo	$9,400-11,200	$8,500-10,100	$4,900-5,800
Grand Cherokee Ltd.	$11,800-14,300	$10,600-12,900	$6,600-8,000
Grand Cherokee Overland	$14,000-15,500	$12,700-14,100	$8,500-9,500

2004
Grand Cherokee Laredo	$11,300-13,300	$10,200-12,000	$6,200-7,300
Grand Cherokee Ltd.	$14,000-16,500	$12,700-15,000	$8,500-10,100
Grand Cherokee Overland	$16,500-18,000	$15,000-16,400	$10,600-11,500

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	105.9

Overall Length, in.	181.5

Overall Width, in.	72.3

Overall Height, in.	69.4

Curb Weight, lbs.	3916

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	72.3

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	20.5

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.7

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.4

Rear Head Room, in.	39.5

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	35.3

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

An inline 6-cylinder is the base engine, developing 195 horsepower. Also available is an overhead-cam V8 that makes 230-235 horsepower. Both engines work with a 4-speed automatic transmission. A 5-speed automatic became standard in 2001, for Grand Cherokees with the V8 engine. A 260-hp V8 was added--standard in Overland models--for 2002.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohv I6	4.0 / 242	195	230	4-speed automatic: 16/21	4-speed automatic: 15.7

ohc V8	4.7 / 284	230-235	295	4-speed automatic: 15/20 5-speed automatic: 15/20	4-speed automatic: 16.1 5-speed automatic: --

ohc V8	4.7 / 287	260	330	5-speed automatic: 14/19	5-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1999 Grand Cherokee

Front Impact, Driver	3

Front Impact, Passenger	3

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

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Also in the 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review:

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep Grand Cherokee Road Test

Jeep Grand Cherokee Reliability

Jeep Grand Cherokee Prices

Jeep Grand Cherokee Specs & Safety

Jeep Grand Cherokee Photos

Jeep Grand Cherokee Full Review