Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Best and Worst Model Years

Looking for a reliable and versatile SUV that can handle any terrain? Look no further than the Jeep Grand Cherokee. With its rugged design, impressive off-road capabilities, and luxurious features, this vehicle has been a favorite among adventurers and families alike. But with so many different model years to choose from, how do you pick the perfect one for your needs? In this blog post, we'll take a deep dive into the best and worst Jeep Grand Cherokee model years so you can make an informed decision before hitting the open road.

Introduction to Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-size SUV produced by the American manufacturer Jeep. While some other SUVs were designed for off-roading, the Grand Cherokee was engineered with on-road comfort and convenience in mind. It was introduced in 1992 as a 1993 model year vehicle. 

The first generation of the Grand Cherokee ran from 1993 to 1998 and was available in three different trim levels: base, Laredo, and Limited. The base model came standard with a 4.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produced 190 horsepower. The Laredo and Limited models came with a 5.2 liter V8 engine that produced 235 horsepower. All models came standard with rear-wheel drive, but four-wheel drive was available as an option. 

For the 1999 model year, Jeep made several changes to the Grand Cherokee. A new trim level called the Sport, was introduced and it replaced the base model. The Sport came with a 4.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produced 195 horsepower. The Laredo trim level now came standard with four-wheel drive, while the Limited continued to be offered only with rear-wheel drive. Both the Laredo and Limited models were now available with a 5.9 liter V8 engine that produced 245 horsepower. 

In 2000, Jeep made minor changes to the Grand Cherokee lineup. The Sport  trim level was discontinued and the base model returned. The base model now came with a 4.7 liter V8 engine that produced 235 horsepower. The Laredo and Limited trims continued to offer the 5.2 liter V8 as an option, but it was no longer the standard engine for those models. 

The current generation of the Grand Cherokee has been in production since 2011 and is offered in seven different trim levels: Laredo, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, SRT, and Trackhawk. Engines range from a 3.6 liter V6 (295 horsepower) to a 6.4 liter V8 (475 horsepower). All models come standard with four-wheel drive, although rear-wheel drive is available on some trims. 

Overall, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable mid-size SUV that offers both on-road comfort and off-roading capabilities. With its wide variety of trim levels and engines to choose from, there’s sure to be one that fits your needs perfectly!

Overview of Model Years

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a popular SUV that has been in production since 1992. There have been many different model years of the Grand Cherokee, each with its own unique features and design. Some model years have been better than others, while some have been worse. Here is an overview of the best and worst model years of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The best model year of the jeep grand cherokee years was 1998. This was the first year that the Grand Cherokee was available with a V8 engine, which made it much more powerful than previous versions. It also had a new interior design that was more comfortable and luxurious than previous models. The 1998 Grand Cherokee was a great all-around vehicle that was perfect for both off-road adventures and everyday driving.

The worst model year of the Jeep Grand Cherokee was 2004. This year saw a number of problems with the vehicle, including engine fires, transmission issues, and electrical problems. Many owners were very unhappy with their purchase, and the 2004 Grand Cherokee quickly developed a reputation for being unreliable. If you're looking to buy a used Jeep Grand Cherokee, make sure to avoid the 2004 model year.

Pros and Cons of Different Model Years

When it comes to choosing a Jeep Grand Cherokee, there are a lot of different model years to choose from. But which one is the best, and which one is the worst? Here's a look at the pros and cons of different model years:

The best model year:

The Jeep Grand Cherokee was completely redesigned for the 1999 model year, and this is widely considered to be the best model year. The new design included a number of improvements, such as a more powerful engine, a better suspension, and updated styling inside and out. If you can find a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee in good condition, it's definitely worth considering.

The worst model year:

There are two main contenders for the title of "worst" model year: the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Both of these years were plagued by a number of problems, including engine fires, transmission issues, and electrical problems. If you're looking at a used Jeep Grand Cherokee from either of these years, make sure to have it thoroughly inspected by a qualified mechanic before making any decisions.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Safety Ratings Through the Years

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a long history of safety ratings, both good and bad. The model year with the best safety rating is the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This is the highest possible rating and indicates that the vehicle is extremely safe. The worst safety rating for the Jeep Grand Cherokee was in 1998, when the vehicle received only two stars from the NHTSA. However, since then, safety ratings have steadily improved and the Jeep Grand Cherokee is now one of the safest vehicles on the road.

Common Complaints of Different Model Years

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a popular SUV, and it has been in production for over 25 years. With so many model years to choose from, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. To help you make your decision, we’ve compiled a list of the most common complaints about different model years of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

1990-1995: The first generation of the Jeep Grand Cherokee was plagued by engine problems. Many owners reported issues with the 4.0L six-cylinder engine, including head gasket failures and oil leaks. The 5.2L V8 engine was also known to be troublesome, with reports of piston ring failure and oil consumption.

1996-1998: The second generation Jeep Grand Cherokee saw some improvements in reliability, but there were still some common issues. Owners reported problems with the electrical system, including faulty ignition switches and door lock actuators. There were also reports of transmission problems, especially with the automatic transmission.

1999-2004: The third generation of the Jeep Grand Cherokee was generally more reliable than the previous two generations. However, there were still some common complaints. Owners reported issues with the suspension, brakes, and tires wearing out prematurely. There were also reports of transmission problems, especially with the automatic transmission.

2005-2010: The fourth generation Jeep Grand Cherokee was generally more reliable than the previous three generations. However, there were still some common complaints. Owners reported issues with the suspension,  brakes, and tires wearing out prematurely. There were also reports of transmission problems, especially with the automatic transmission.

2011-2018: The fifth generation Jeep Grand Cherokee was generally more reliable than the previous four generations. However, there were still some common complaints. Owners reported issues with the suspension, brakes, and tires wearing out prematurely. There were also reports of transmission problems, especially with the automatic transmission. Many owners also complained about poor fuel economy.

Maintenance Tips for Different Model Years

The best model years for a Jeep Grand Cherokee are typically the newer model years. This is because the newer model years have had any kinks or issues worked out and they usually come with better features. However, even the older model years can be great if they’ve been well-maintained. 

Here are some maintenance tips for different model years: 

For all model years: 

• Check fluid levels regularly and top off as needed 
• Get regular oil changes - at least every 5,000 miles 
• Rotate tires regularly 
• Inspect brakes and brake pads/shoes frequently 
• Have the alignment checked periodically 
• Keep up with general cleaning and washing, especially in saltier climates  

For newer model years (2015 and up): 

• Pay attention to any new features or systems that may need special care or attention 
• Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual to a T 

For older model years (2005 and below): 

• Be aware of common issues that tend to pop up with that particular year so you can keep an eye out for them  
• Common issues could include things like electrical problems, transmission issues, etc.

Conclusion

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the best-selling SUVs on the market and for good reason. It has a long history of reliability, performance, and capability that make it an excellent choice for those looking for an off-roading vehicle or an everyday commuter. While there have been some model years with problems, overall this SUV remains a reliable and dependable option no matter which year you choose. With so many great options to choose from, you’ll be sure to find the perfect Grand Cherokee to fit your needs!