Better Than New? This 20-Year-Old Jeep Is The BEST Generation Of Grand Cherokee, Prove Me Wrong!

[@RobertNuttmann]

Very enjoyable video.

[@floridafireflow6708]

I just got an 4.7 2002 with 75,000 miles! …. 1 owner… Was a grannies church transport… can you say unicorn

[@Rev1Kev]

My 2004 WJ, with a 4.0, still runs strong with 453,000 miles, still original engine

[@davidtrevino5211]

I have a 1991 Xj 2dr, 4x4 with the 4.0 HO.. 444,166 original miles on original engine, still runs like a top..

[@Danny-qq5nr]

I have one only covered 65000 UK had it for ten years

[@zortlak]

You guys are trying hard to jinx it :D Jokes aside; I sold my 4.0 XJ 4 years ago at 300k miles and bought it back few weeks ago at 500k miles. Same car, original engine, original interior. I mean it's kinda getting boring that it is the same car for 12 years right now. No tear or discoloration in interior, still below 10 secs 0-60 acceleration. Even the guy I sold it was complaining about the same thing. It just runs, only asks for fuel really...

[@p00ner]

What about the transmission?

[@Rev1Kev]

@@p00ner same, the original one.

[@anajay78]

My favorite part of your older Grand Cherokee is no car payment.

[@ninjabearpress2574]

Oh yeah, that feeling you get when you plunk down the whole price, can't beat that.

[@PistonShack]

If you're little bit a mechanic ZJ or WJ could be awesome rigs!

[@ninjabearpress2574]

@@PistonShack Sadly I'm not mechanically inclined at all, but I luv my Jeep.

[@damit505]

Lol

[@dogsarefun2]

@@PistonShack just replaced plugs on my wj 4.0.... about 1 hour....

[@fscottgray9784]

I just bought a 2000 WJ limited with the 4,7 engine and 131k miles for $1800 with a good working Quadra drive system. Great bargain with a lot of capability.

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

The sales tax on a new one is more than $1800.

[@fscottgray9784]

@@user-tb7rn1il3q I bought it just 2 weeks ago. Tax here on a 60K vehicle would have been $3600

[@aaronmodlin1871]

That's a steal, assuming it's in even halfway decent condition. I haven't seen one for that unless it's beat up with a bad cylinder.

[@graemejohnson9025]

When you buy a 4x4 that you want to take out and break.. Simple rules are, no technology... Your engine has a cpu, mapping ebd technology.. Screwed if you are stuck in the middle of no where.. My landy 3 series.. Has a Holden 202, sprint car engine... simple fix stuck anywhere...

[@fscottgray9784]

@@aaronmodlin1871 The sunrooof does not work but I do not care about that. It does need a front axle due to leaking CV joint. I always do the brakes anyway but they were about 50%. Engine runs strong and no check engine lights and all fluids look good.

[@fdmackey3666]

The last Jeep I had the great pleasure to own was a 1999 4X4 Grand Cherokee with the inline six. If Ex-wife #2 had not trashed it, like she trashed the 1988 Lerado 4X4 and the in line six I owned when we met...I'd still have both of them....The Jeeps...Not the wife.

[@johnswanson3741]

Women are a losing proposition!

[@notsureigaf]

Relatable :( I used to have a mint little Vitara with 5spd manual and 4x4, ex destroyed it.

[@davidnorbertgarza]

Our 95 Jeep Cherokee with a 360 CI. Was the bomb, i just bought a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4, 4.7 L. New tires, with 277,000 miles on it for $900.00 AC works on the passenger side only, someone took the blend door out, so I'll order a set probably tomorrow... So far so good! Godspeed from the Yakima Valley in Nortwest Washington State! 🙌🏾🙏🏽🕊️✝️😇

[@AU9377]

I put 437,000 miles on my 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. I replaced the engine at 280,000 and rebuilt the transmission at 200,000 miles. I was pleased with that, especially given that I am not someone that does maintenance like I should at times.

[@Kanakid]

Love the WJ! I bought an 04 last January with 4.7 HO. Installed a 4” long arm lift. Hidden winch behind the front bumper and Spartan locker in rear. Picked up a set of JK 33” take offs and cut out the wheel openings. True dual exhaust with Thrush glass packs. She’s a rocket! Works very well so far.

[@BigMateo24]

The WJ has a few quirks, such as the door jam wiring pinching and the auto-headlight sensor crapping out and turning your headlights when you park it as well as the blend doors in the dash breaking, but all in all it's a great low buck option with expanding aftermarket support.

[@drizzydew]

Did you fix the blend doors yourself? I’m having that problem and wondering how long it takes and how many curse words

[@femininebeauty5934]

I have a 2003 jeep Grand Cherokee Larado 4.0 V6. It had 190,000 miles on it. It was in good condition. I love mines. I paid 2,000. I love it. I had heard so many bad things about them, but I ignored it n bought one anyway. 😊👍🏼

[@stevenhobbs709]

I’ve had my ZG for 25 years and 500 000 Km on the original 4.0. It’s had 6 water pumps, one crank sensor and a distributor. I’ve rebuilt the rear diff, just changed the heater core and changed suspension bushings to poly urethane (front lower arm bushes are the key!) one of the most reliable cars I’ve ever had

[@krasnaludek298]

Same with my GCs (owned three) … routine maintenance & solid in our snowy mountains, dirt trails, & even trips to the coast (sand).

[@Long-nd8bq]

I like both the ZJ and the WJ. Grew up with them and XJ Cherokee. Never been a Wrangler fanboy but I do like the bigger and more comfortable Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. Newer ones are nice but you can't beat the older ones for price and off road capability. I work on my own cars and the 4.0L is simple to maintain. Easy to do belts, hoses, plugs, wires, coolant flush, oil changes, trans filter and fluid, and differential gear oil changes. If you take care of them, they last a very long time.

[@Monkeyman1119]

Honestly the ZJ is underrated as heck. I have a 97 with a 4.0, 3.5 in lift and 32” A/Ts. It rides like hell, but off-road beast and it drives surprisingly well on the highway. I think the ZJ is the best Grand Cherokee. But to each their own

[@xfactoroutdoors165]

I agree the zj with a 5.2 or 5.9 was an absolute beast. For the era it was a decent ride as well considering most 90s vehicles drove like a boat or really stiff.

[@trailrunnah8886]

Agree. I had a 97 ZJ with a 4.0. 3-inch lift and 31's, that thing has flex for days as compared to my late model 4Runner. Sure the 4.0 felt underpowered here and there, but it was super smooth and reliable.

[@leviluikart977]

My 96 4.0 has 362,000 miles.

[@chrisedmonds8810]

I pretty much said the same about my 98 zj with the 5.9.

[@davidtrevino5211]

ZJ Best Grand Cherokee, easily...

[@rustynuts8668]

I have a 2001 grand Cherokee 4.0 with selec-trac everytime I drive it it feels special to me especially when you compare it to newer jeeps, mine has 104,000 original miles and excellent condition.

[@SRMitchell91]

3x WJ owner here. I most recently had a 2004 Overland. Love that Jeep. I took it all over the west coast, slept in it out in the desert, never let me down. The Quadra drive was literal magic in the snow, with the two limited slips and brainless operation. I just upgraded to a WK2 Trailhawk, and I freaking love it. It’s also amazing off road… but I do miss the compliance of the solid axles in the twisty stuff. But the WK2 is insanely good on the trail, especially ripping down wash board roads out in the Black Rock desert. I now prefer the independent suspension for all around trail driving. It’s smoother and nicer to drive for long trips. The air suspension also keeps the Jeep at the ride height it should be, no matter how much gear you have. I can also sleep, totally flat and comfortable in the back of my WK2, and I’m 6 feet tall. Whichever one you pick, they’re great rigs and way cheaper used than a wrangler.

[@Gokywildcats11]

What year trailhawk??

[@SRMitchell91]

2021. Hemi. I actually kept the wj too. Love them both!

[@sdjrinc.6921]

First memory of my uncle's 95 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 5.2l V8, it was dark green with a tan interior and had the unique with the fog lights on the top of the middle of the front bumper I remember the first time I drove it, it felt powerful and fast for it's time.

[@xfactoroutdoors165]

That’d been an orvis editon model

[@andreipretorius92]

Yes I knew that. I had a wj 4.7 while my father had a wk 5.7. I loved the wj for it being really well rounded. Pretty comfortable on open road, quite fuel efficient for long distances and great off road. It was a better daily than the wk. the hemi just drinks too much. The wk is more comfortable but in a sportier way. Loved my wj

[@bobbygrey5859]

I had a great running 2004 Grand Cherokee limited I bought in August of 2019 for $1700. The body was in excellent condition for being a Michigan car and the interior was very clean and loaded with every option. For my first time not driving a Silverado I was really impressed. Sadly I totaled it running through a big telephone pole with live wires so I'm lucky to be alive. That jeep had the 4.0 motor in it and she ran like a champ with just over 238,000 on it. Great off road and i was about to put a 3" lift on it before the accident. Get one if you have the chance you won't regret it.

[@ninjabearpress2574]

Have one, luvvin it, even though it gave me a check engine light for X-mas.

[@digitalchaos1980]

@@ninjabearpress2574 Don't feel bad. You could fart the wrong way into the seat and throw off a CEL in those lol

[@ninjabearpress2574]

@@digitalchaos1980 Nuh, most of Big Red's problems are age-related but I love her just the same.

[@digitalchaos1980]

@@ninjabearpress2574 I love my '03 4.0 as well! I call it Peej 😂 But it's very sentimental to me, as it was a gift from a good friend and I've invested a lot in it already! 😎

[@ninjabearpress2574]

@@digitalchaos1980 Today's our anniversary, I'm taking Big Red out for an oil change.

[@kyotoau9095]

Great video. WJs are the best kept secret of second hand 4x4s for all the reason Tommy mentioned. Best compromise of old and new. We just added a second WJ to the garage and have both a 4.0 I6 and the 4.7 V8. More WJ content pls!

[@jetski54]

I had a 1996 Grand Cherokee. Bought it used. It was a Laredo. Great car! Felt like the offspring of my sons Cherokee and my brothers Cadillac STS! V8 full time 4-wheel drive. Never let me down! The only thing I didn’t like was the fuel economy! Day to day mpg 12-14! Highway trip best 18 mpg. That’s why I had to let it go. Still miss it!

[@thelittleguysoutoftexas421]

My favorite thing about the wj is the high quality parts, especially the window regulators. Can’t say I miss the 02 I owned back in 2004.

[@yeahman1975]

Electronics from those years are the worst. Manual windows and locks have their advantages

[@Columbus1152]

@@yeahman1975 Yeah, I agree, modules all over the place and hidden. I had some electrical problems with my 2002, I had high parasitic drain on three circuits, I traced two of them to electronic control modules. My solution, I put on/off switches on those circuits, as long as I remember to shut them off at night, I don't have to worry about a dead battery in the morning. May be a hillbilly fix, but it keeps the Jeep on the road a little longer.

[@terrystratford1235]

my favourite has to be the door blends, just after the warranty ran out!

[@travispoulin252]

I fixed the window regulator problem by bolting the end of the cable to the metal plate instead of replacing the whole regulator for a piece of broken plastic. I fixed all 4 regulators this way after they all broke shortly after I bought it and haven't had a problem with them after 8 years and I use all 4 every day.

[@petetimpone8023]

Great vid. I have an 02 4.0L WJ. 235k on the clock. She runs like a champ but it's a pig on gasoline. Super reliable and durable. One of the positives on this Jeep is the parts market. Tons of used and new parts can be found online and scrap yards.

[@mighty0mercenary476]

The new ones are nice but I rather have my 1995 jeep grand cherokee with a 5.2 v8 it's been a great vehicle and it's very reliable especially the 5.2 v8 and I love that engine and for a old 90s vehicle it's really quick and its fun to drive

[@ninjabearpress2574]

So much for reliability issues.

[@vincearmstrong5654]

Haha! 2004 WJ with the inline six. Got it for $500, with 295,000 miles on it. I now have 305,000 after many upgrades, mods, and replacement of old worn out components. These things are AWESOME! Goes anywhere i wanna try.

[@luchaDor]

I have had 2 2008 Jeep Commanders, both with the final version of the 4.7L...305 HP and they've both been excellent motors. Yeah, the exhaust manifold bolts break...but first one made it to 223k miles before it was totalled out when another driver rear-ended us...our current 2008 Commander has 236k miles on it and has never had an issue. Yeah, radiator has been replaced once, alternator just was replaced...still has its original battery even. I maintain my vehicles and they just continue to last. I love them and would buy a 3rd 2008+ 4.7L in a heartbeat if I could find a pristine, low miles one.

[@Bobby-cm7vu]

Those things take huge batteries not surprised it's still original

[@mbmorell17]

Glad to see this review of the older grand Cherokee. I’ve got a 2004 w/ 92k miles and it runs great and as you noted, very comfortable. One change I would make would be to rear seat comfort as the seating position isn’t great for long trips, otherwise unstoppable and love it

[@howardblair1664]

Tommy my friend as a former owner of a 07 Grand I need to point out some common issues found with the WJ. The 4.7 V8 was not a great engine especially in the Dodge trucks. Due to a design flaw with the cylinder head cooling, under heavy load the heads will over heat and warp allowing coolant to enter the cylinder and cause engine failure. (Ask me how I know). As I said before this was more common in the trucks than the WJ because not many towed heavy loads. The other issue was the alloy Dana 44 rear deferential. The rear suspension is a four link design with the upper center links attached to the top of the deferential. If larger tires and or a lift is added the stress of off road use can break the mount. The final blow to the WJ was the placement of the fuel tank. In a rear end collision the tank can easily be ruptured and that's not good. In crash test it was determined that a heavy skid plate or the installation of a hitch would deflect the majority of the collisions. There was a recall by Chrysler to install hitches. The V8 was only available with the full time transfer case and if you haven't already discovered in hi range it doesn't lock out the all wheel drive clutch. The only way to lock out that clutch is in low range. Again ask me how I know Your assessment of the WJ is mostly spot on. With some modifications the WJ is a very capable on and off road.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Thank you so much for this highly detailed clarification. You have done a real service to viewers who might otherwise have been caught up in Tommy's youthful enthusiasm.

[@TheShift1313]

100% agree. My wj had slightly larger tires and i ended up having just the fronts replaced at some point. The shop put the stock size and after a few hundred miles had a horrible shudder. Traced it to mismatched diameter tires and with the clutches in the tcase it ended up vibrating the driveline. Also on the modded 4 link rear ive had to swap the upper link and balljoint together. If anyone has to do this in their garage just buy the pair. These jeeps didnt have much suspension travel and unbolting the ball joint from the diff is way easier than trying to separate them. I could be wrong but i do believe the long travel suspension kit out there solves the d44 housing issue. The big tire thing is cool but it will require cutting. Not much room in those wheel wells stock. Wj was my favorite looking GC of them all.

[@JC021963]

@@TheShift1313 Who in the fuck thought that was a good plan at any point?? Fuck, that's off-road 101. Shits not causing vibration mate, it's tearing up your transfer case. Especially on a full time 4x4. Tires can't slip on asphalt to compensate for the different rotational speed, so something has to give and it's your drivetrain.

[@TheShift1313]

@@JC021963 yup. Well the noise was the clutch pack dragging in the tcase. Thankfully no damage was done and the tire place replaced the other tires free.... it was the day before i drove to the beach and the shake started as i got back.

[@SarabLoh]

The v8 didn't only come in only full time 4x4 (247) it was available with the selectrac 242HD as well compared to the 4.0's 242. A lot of folks with quadra drive switch to a 242hd tcase in order to have the variloks of the qd, with the select ability of selectrac. For non wj factory tcase's, folks swap in a 231 because the SYE options are more plentiful and cheaper

[@aaronmodlin1871]

Miss my WJ a lot. I've been keeping my eye out for an affordable one in decent condition, but we all know how silly prices on old 4WDs are these days. I couldn't get one in the condition I bought mine for in 2010 for what I paid then.

[@srmrlr]

Love my old 95 ZJ with the 4.0. 240,000 and still running great. I lifted it 2" 13 years ago, and will go another 2" and all new control arms soon. I will likely be trading my 2013 Dodge Journey Crew AWD for a 2015 to 2019 WK2 before long.

[@granth.2578]

Loved my 03 Grand Cherokee but can’t say it was reliable. Electrical issues, rear end went out, transmission went out, ac broke multiple times, transfer case literally blew up, along with many other small issues all before 180k miles and it was not driven hard and never went off road. The 4.0 was a great engine though, never had any issues with the engine. Road great and was awesome in the snow. It was really enjoyable to drive when it was at home and not in the shop.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@grant holdridge Your story reminds me of our experience with Chrysler's Slant Six engines in a couple of cars. The engine was still going strong when almost every other component had failed.

[@richardspleeban6583]

Bought an 02 4.7l v8 limited back in April. I drive it to work and back an hour each way and it still keeps on trucking. Got it with around 172,000 im now getting ready to hit 199,000. Going to replace the front differential bearings in the near future because its whining at around 30mph but haven't had any significant problems. Love it and would buy it again

[@jkholley1118]

Xj or wj 4.0, I have owned a few and loved them! Way tougher than even the newer wrangler. I destroyed a 15 in one off road trip and the 19 rubicon I had was a POS. Currently looking for a clean wj.

[@robertgolden1080]

I own a 1999 WJ. Liked it up for $1800. I installed a 4” zone lift kit, to easy. 265/76r/16 mile star Patagonia basically 33’’ tires. Rides super smooth. Just turned 200k. It’s an off-road beast.I absolutely love this Jeep.

[@johnbertram]

Had a UK market 2.7 diesel WJ Overland model. Absolutely loved it. Driving it gave amazing confidence that it would get anywhere I needed it to, regardless of weather/terrain.

[@Robdutton91]

What sort of real world MPG did you get with the diesel?

[@cristianfmendez]

I found the rarest of the WJs for a steal. 2000 with the 4.7 AND the select trac 242HD from factory. Most of them came with the towing package and this one didn’t so therefore it got the selec trac instead of the Quadra drive. It’s my first jeep and turned out to be my dream SUV. An absolute monster on trails AND drives so well on the roads. Luxury with off-road capability beyond imagination EDIT: got it for $1000, only needed a brake line to get it back on the road and previous owner lifted and put 32s on it and broke front DS so I did the double cardan swap for only $100 and had to install a bushing for the transfer case linkage and the rear brake line rusted straight through. So far I’m only 2200 into it and get compliments from many Cherokee and wrangler owners jealous of the steal and seeing what my cheap jeep can do compared to their 20-30k+ rigs

[@tonybp]

I'm still driving my Grand Cherokee 1995 with an inline 6 4.0 engine. Still strong, smooth transmission, took it to Baja, used the 4x4. Amazing. Best car I've ever owned.

[@rudedawg5087]

I realize this is an older video but I enjoyed it. The sales rep and I built my 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Freedom Edition on the dealership's computer in October 2003, it was ordered and arrived early 2004. It is Midnight Blue Pearl Coat, high back cloth bucket seats, 4.7 HO, Quadra-Trac II transfer case, tow package w/hd cooling and pretty much loaded less a sunroof. It has been very capable and reliable with the exception of a front axle seal fixed under wty., a couple of window regulators, an abs sensor out and trans output sensor of wty. (ouch). It is a pig on fuel consumption so the extreme long distance use has been limited hence the current 66k on the odometer. I had considered a newer 4x4 but had sticker shock and my old Jeep looks better everyday.

[@Iexpedite1]

I have a 2002 WJ. I’ve been using it around town and for hunting. I recently decided to purchase a small RV. My wife is talking about getting a new vehicle for towing. I told her the Jeep is a timing chain and oil pump away from being perfectly reliable. I did a lot of work on it to replace the parts that fail often in an older vehicle. It is very comfortable and it has V8 power. I’m a fan…

[@TheMnfrontierman]

I thought of a WJ, but just cant let my 95 ZJ Orvis go and I prefer the 5.2 over the 4.7

[@xfactoroutdoors165]

I had an orvis in high school. 318. It was a blast

[@daymianhayes2493]

The WJ with the solid front axle is amazing. I own a 99 WJ Limited with the 4.0, leather interior and sunroof.

[@rickreese5794]

The best....

[@BullittKid08]

I dont think ill ever sell my ZJ. 1995 Laredo 4.0L. Its a beast

[@ruk2023--]

I love the old WJ's. I can't really justify having on in England but I have spent a lot of time in them in America. The only one I ever saw with problems was a 235,000 mile one my father in law had that needed some transmission work. I never asked him what the problem turned out to be but it would only be happy if you put it in 2 or 3 until fixed. Lots of slippage in D.

[@jacobskirpan2657]

You’re 100% right. Have 2 2004s one 4.0 one 4.7. They both take trips from Pittsburgh to upstate New York a couple times a year. (500 miles) and back! I’ve beat the crap out of both in water halfway up the doors, mud above the tires, and hills that would surprise a lot of people. Best part is they’re both completely stock! V8 is pushing 250k and still running like a champ. Buy one!!

[@jeepercreepers54]

Great review Tommy! We are a Jeep Family with past and present 2 XJ's, 2 Grand Cherokees and 2 JK Wranglers. The 1999 WJ (4.0l) we purchased in 2006 for 4k has nearly 200k and runs beautifully and still turns heads. Thanks for confirming what we've always known about this model. No higher tech needed here. I can't imagine having to go to the Dealer every time one of those gizmos takes a dump. Besides, I like working on my own vehicles.

[@SilentPrepperFL]

I have a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ 4.7 V8 with 155K miles. I upgraded the sound system with a 10" tablet style stereo with apple play, etc... That brought my WJ to modern times. Like you said the solid axel makes this car a great choice. Seats are extremely confortable. Best part of my WJ is no car payments... LOL.

[@rcaive0875]

I've had my 2001 4.0 since new and I still look forward to driving it every day, with full confidence in its reliability. That really says something about a vehicle when the ownership experience still feels that way after that much time.

[@benjaminjzelent]

I have 2 wk's 2008 and 2007 love both of them. Limiteds with 5.7 hemis and quadradrive 2 very good jeeps really great off road plenty of options and cheap! 200k on the 08 174 on the 07 no major issues and basic maintenance is all they have really needed!

[@ctdope]

Love the 2nd gen Wk, not the Daimler one, BUT....my 2004 WJ 4.7 is my LOVE!!! Got my 2nd one last October, been in and out of shops and my garage getting new and updated parts to make her live another 18 yrs, and look and sound cool too, while doing it. My kids love the room inside, and cargo area can hold LOTS of groceries. And with a tow hitch, there isn't anything it can't do on the road and off, except for probably a road course or time attack. 😂😅 LOVE MY WJ!!❤❤❤❤

[@edwardsdigital]

I had a loaded 2000 WJ 4.7 limited that I got rid of last year with 290,000 miles on it. Only issues I had with it over the years was 3 alternators and 3 transmissions. Never had an engine issue in the 10 years I owned it. I miss that truck.

[@SeanDuu]

Love my WK, never driven a WJ. I wouldn't buy an off-road vehicle without at least a solid rear axle, just wouldn't, and most definitely not air suspension. I do wish it was body-on-frame though. I think some of the body creaks have to do with its uni-body construction after years of off-road use.

[@JC021963]

You're missing out.

[@SarabLoh]

I have both. WK is far superior onroad with with its IFS and QD2 locking capabilities are fantastic offroad that it makes up for articulation. The WJ though makes you feel more connected to the machine in terms of feedback, on road or off, and obviously the live axles with coils to wonders for articulation

[@bryanblake5358]

I have a 2001 WJ limited with the 4.7. Had to do the heads as a blew the head gasket at 250k. Other than that, it is has been absolutely wonderful and has made several trips towing my 19ft pop up camper all while having a 3 inch lift from surpreme suspension. It rides on 31'' Good year Kevlars. They are surprisingly good off road.

[@ng6865]

The 99-04 4.0 is a absolute tank.. you can not kill these motors, I've had them in West Virginia mtn snow and the south Florida swamps, straight stock. I've owned 2 of these models, the first cleared 350k miles and 2nd currently 240k, still purrs like cat. If you can find the 4.0 4x4 get it.. very dependable!

[@Abbadabadoo2]

Tommy thank you for doing this video. I too have a 2001 GC Laredo in same blue as yours only with the "cockroach" 4.0L six. Indeed, when I purchased this Jeep in 2018 for $500 with 246,000 some odd miles, years of spotty maintenance, borderline neglect and two bullet holes in the driver's side ... it was still running. A bullet proof roach. After only the most basic of tune ups I took it on a 700 mile round trip from California into the Oregon back country and while most of the trails were tame there was never a moment of doubt on the steep and rutted sections. The stock suspension and cheap tires did everything the select trac told them to. In similar fashion the aging SUV rode perfectly comfortably up and down the interstate to our weekend torture test. After this experience it's my conclusion the engineering behind this vehicle has resulted in a real balance of purpose on and off road. Most others have such major compromises to achieve this dual use inevitable they don't last. The WJ is both a cockroach and a unicorn.

[@AgentXRifle]

I got a ‘05 WK, watching my neighborhood vehicles getting stuck and unable to go to work because of ice on the hill to get out makes me giggle in QDII 😆

[@BigAltimaEnergy719]

One of the best vehicles I’ve ever owned I sold my ‘01 Laredo with 4.7 v8 with around 235k now own a new ‘23 wrangler with 3.6 v6 , solid built vehicles and last long if maintained correctly. Also own a ‘98 TJ project vehicle as well

[@ajakelife]

I recently got an 02 Overland with the 4.7ho. Gets a long arm lift and Ko2's this coming week. For sure the best style grand.

[@jamesaandf]

Actually, any Jeep with Cherokee in its name has been unibody since 1984, that’s about 38 years.

[@michaelbrown5980]

I would absolutely agree with you Tommy. I had an '04 WJ. I have a '12 WK2 now and it's nicer in some ways but it's definitely lost a lot of the off road capability and perhaps more importantly to me, the personality! It's just not the same.

[@aaronmodlin1871]

One thing I never see anyone mention in how it's the moat comfortable vehicle , at least the Limited. The seats are great, the ergonomics of the controls, the whole package.

[@Miami2015]

I have limited 4.0 WJ, 1999, and second that. Very comfortable car. Also, after 25 years, there are no signs of rust. Can’t believe it.

[@vanderz1012]

I'd say the WK1 is also a great contender. Solid axle in the back with IFS and powered by the 5.7 as an option. Also the Quadra drive 2 in the WK1 had vari-lok diffs front and rear unlike just the rear in the newer ones

[@8bitsamurai6]

The WK def a sleeper but needs a lil more cosmetics to look as good to me but not bad either.

[@323johnnybravo]

I have that very same one in grey , even the paint is still clean on mine. Things amazing.

[@Columbus1152]

I agree, the 4.0L is a bullet proof engine, my 2002 has about 160K on the clock and it purrs compared to a modern GDI engine. Too bad Chrysler could never build a solid automatic transmission, mine hiccups every now and then so I take it easy on her and once I make it past first she's fine. For me it's just an occasional utility vehicle, town roads and highway, nothing too ambitious. I do enjoy driving it, extra comfy on the highway and the 4.0L six moves it along effortlessly. Will keep it going as long as I can.

[@garyc765]

I have always heard alot of hype over the years about the 4.0. I work at the Grand Cherokee plant. I know a guy that has replaced his 4.0 in his WJ 3 times. Another guy has changed his once. I would rather have the previous model with the 318.

[@tonyjackson3714]

I have a 2004 collector Drive white with 153 thousand miles on it everything still works great oldie but a goodie

[@davidsparksjr5574]

I'll take the 4.0 over that 4.7 all day

[@rickreese5794]

ABSOLUTELY RIGHT, DAVID !

[@BigMateo24]

I'll take the 4.0l and stroke it to 4.7l. Might cost as much as rebuilding a small block chevy or ford though.

[@Logan-de3xx]

I love the 4.0L but I’d take the V8 as long as I have the select trac

[@donc6781]

4.7 is a Thirsty Pig...13mpg ( mostly highway )

[@9and12wholepizzas]

@@donc6781 I get 17.3 HO version

[@JustinTheMan369]

I have a 2004 Limited V8 with 251000 miles. Still drive it daily.

[@elsydeon666]

I love my 02 Overland!! I got mine for $900 because a harness was cut by a broken shock, so the transmission was stuck in 2nd and 3rd, as that is the failure mode of the 545RFE. Thanks to the Metra double-DIN kit and an insane amount of shameless butchery, I was able to "install" (more like bully) a 10" Dual head unit with Android Auto and keep my steering wheel controls. The XJ and Grand Cherokees are not unibody, but "Un". AMC wasn't confident in their unibody skills, so they added a traditional frame to the XJ and kept it for the ZJ. Chrysler kept that design paradigm for the WJ and later Grand Cherokees. The WJ's frame shocks and impresses everyone who sees it because of just how beefy it is.

[@jameshowey9958]

I have been a Grand fan since they first came out and have had several, all modified in some way or the other, I recently purchased a 98 ZJ 5.9 that will be my new off road rig (Dana 60’s lockers atlas already installed) after selling my 2019 Wrangler Rubicon that left me stranded in the mountains to many times. I’m glad to be back in a Grand and can’t wait to finish the build….. ohh wait they are never finished lol

[@PistonShack]

Uni-body contraction vehicle makes more difficult to swap different engine or transmission compare to simple frame design.

[@yuzeyang8847]

WJ is super capable with minimum mods. I was able to do Red Cone pass with a 3 inch lift and 31.5 tires, didn't even scratch the body when going over the "big rock" (gate keeper?) Cooling in 4.7 sucks, engine oil cooler is necessary in Colorado. I never worried about overheating when going up the IKE after the oil cooler installation.

[@Don-kr5tp]

I put 240K on my 1996 v8. Had to sell due to rust leaking in the roof. Still ran strong. The buy that bought it put it to work in a boat yard hauling boats. I now have a low mileage 2005 v8. The WJ interior was a bit tight for me. Love Cherokees.

[@scanadaze]

I owned both. The Laredo and Cherokee. I have the Cherokee now. I ran both engines. 4.7 is stronger. Then the straight 6. The Cherokee is more unstable in high winds. Although the Cherokee being an smaller vechicle. I can get it into tighter spots. For that I like the Cherokee better. 2006. 182,000 miles on it. You said the Laredo is cheap in price. 4 years ago when I bought my Cherokee. $3,400. Now some are going for over $7,000. No I will not sale mine. Yet mine needs now rockers on the engine. Blows no smoke. 20mpg. Down side. Small fuel tank. Although amazing. For trails and city. Small parking spots. Each to their own. Just shairing.

[@zaccorpseman7366]

WK2 owner here casually looking for a 4.7 WJ that's still in good condition. These things are absolute steals and are getting rarer and rarer. I love my current 2011 pre facelift exterior with the 5.7 but it's unfortunate that these independent rear axles don't provide enough articulation and ground clearance when offroading. I might keep both and keep building on the WJ

[@guyjordan8201]

You are seriously making me reconsider this car

[@brynnond.6952]

270,000 on my 2002 4.7 wj. Had the transmission replaced right before I got it at about 200k but other than a little body rot and transmission overheating on 100 degree days it’s been a good vehicle for me

[@dirtroadking4x424]

I’ve owned 2004, 2012,2017 and the 04 is by far my favorite maybe not as fancy inside with all the tech stuff but by far a better suv

[@TheShift1313]

I bought a 99 WJ limited in 05 with 67k on it and just sold it this year. It was a great vehicle but they are plagued with a few problems. In 99 they started to change metals in the 4.0 in an attempt to get closer to emissions standards. As a result cracked pistons were common. My #6 cracked at 129k. Mine had the d44 rear axle. Varilok front and rear and quadradrive. It did very well off road and the only time it failed me was in deep 2ft snow where it kept getting beached. However axle seals are common issues on the rear. What eventually did mine in was rust. Not visible but unibody. In 2013 i stopped wrenching on it and non of the shops ever mentioned it. So when i began thinking about a possible trail rig and was inspecting it i was shocked to see how bad it was. I had only driven about 20k in 10 years with it on road only. I was able to find someone with a 99 and bad engine that had done 300k but no rust to give it a new life. Oh forgot the electeonics suck. Worst alarm system ever. Gremlins with the climate control. Window switches and random stuff like a hood open warning when they dont even have hood sensors. An issue with chrysler borrowing parts from other vehicles.

[@yeahman1975]

Thank you for the great video. Would love to see a ZJ WJ head to head

[@juanjandujar859]

I have my 4v and I’m in love with it. It has 198k miles on it and it runs like new

[@bigbang7897]

I have owned two WJ's a V8 and 2.8 Diesel both of them give nothing but trouble with the heater blend doors failing and the electrics to all the doors and power windows they cost me a fortune to repair. I have now got a ZJ Jeep 4L which I believe is the best Jeep ever made I have owned it for 15 years with no issues it's a real workhorse.

[@nurivandominguez6244]

I can prove you wrong with the following sentence. 1998 Jeep Cherokee V8 5.9L. Best Jeep ever.

[@mikelangan2707]

I agree. I’ve had a 2000 and currently daily drive an ‘04 w the 4.7HO.

[@zachp831]

Just bought one today with no rust and 150k miles for $400! Its gkt the 4.7 and the front dif needs re shimmed but its such a nice vehicle for what i paid

[@plymouths1]

the 4.7 engine has a lot of problems, not the one I would choose

[@fanatic26]

As a WJ owner, can confirm "for the most part" is how you describe the functionality of every system on the rig lol

[@csandford6011]

I am a proud six-time Jeep owner.

[@visibilityshift]

I love my WJ. Beautiful car and the interior/exterior is so solid.

[@aldo90731]

No better testament to the inherent goodness of the original Grand Cherokees

[@saulpaxson4329]

I have the 4.7 and it has 180,000 miles and it still roars when stepped on.

[@DytliefMoller]

Was lucky to come across a 2nd hand 60,000 km 2004 model in 2020 and after 20 years, everything still works, great job . I also got it for a steal at R50,000, about $4000.

[@wenull3]

Luv our 4.0L 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Glad to hear FCA is going with a new i-6 engine design I just hope it can live up to the old AMC engine legacy.

[@toddshook1765]

I thought about a Wrangler, then I was looking for 1999 Cherokee with 4.0 XJ The WJ may be what I start looking into. I will be outfitting for overlanding but not rock crawling. Not into extreme or difficult trails. I heard the WJ had better brakes and front control arms for strength. Thanks for video.

[@clarkleakins879]

I enjoy the 1998 ZJ, and a 1989 XJ, both with 4.0 and Select Track. Transfer case can be shifted into N for safe towing behind RV. The WJ are nicer for the added wheel base/rear leg space, and the exterior spare. But I don't want the full time 4x4. And only if 4.0, not the optional V6! ZJ has an inherent ECU durability issue. But you can remove and repair yourself if skilled. Dealer/mechanics will sometimes charge you big $$$, or refuse to fix. New ECU are not available. Many many ZJ sold cheap for random engine shut down. It's very often only the ECU.

[@shellilogan771]

I am a proud 63 yr young mama of a 94 ZJ limited 5.2 4x it is clean as? a ?well you know hahaha garage kept no dings no dents no rust It's gorgeous !178,000 on it just replaced the water pump need to fix the door actuator it just blows ambient air No heat no cool and that's about it but my dream is to have the 94 is ZJ4x4 manual transmission!!! only 1500 made! Oh I would be in 7th Heaven if I found one! I've seen him out there online But I haven't yet found one to buy. The ones I had seen online go for as much as a new limited does! I love her mainly because she's easy to diagnose and even easier for me to fix!

[@sidstevens9035]

I own a 1998 ZG Grand Cherokee Ltd here in Australia (made in Austria). Only done 235,000 Km (150,000 mls). The mechanic tells me my 4lt straight 6 engine is almost run in now. Except for a constant Coolant sensor warning alarm everything is still going well.

[@friskywildthing]

Last year I picked up a '12 WK2 5.7 Hemi Overland, w/172K mi. No serious issues yet. Among the mods I'm considering, I'm thinking about adding an aux fuel tank.

[@Lowerclergy]

7 months ago I got a 2002 Grand Cherokee 4.0 straight 6 Laredo model with 210,000 miles with a brand new battery, less than a year old alternator, and they had also just replaced both the radiator hoses and coolant hoses, thermostat and thats because he said it was overheating despite always maintaining it well and.after spending money redoing the hoses and such it wouldn't overheat in.the slightest but I could tell he was worried it was on its last leg and had listed it for $2000 but I talked him down to $1800, and 7 months later, regular oil changes, a recent brake fluid bleed and change, new tires a month after I first got it, and last month I noticed my serpentine belt was starting to squeal when I'd cold start it and just to be safe I got a $85 kit that came with a new belt,, tensioner and idler pulley all of which I replaced in 20 minutes with the help of my tools and and KZbin video actually all of the maintenance/oil changes I've done myself since these older models are so easy to work on and parts are easy to find and are surprisingly very affordable (I couldn't imagine trying to figure out the complex 2022 models and all that tech nope a good old school jeep like mine is super easy to work on myself) and now 238,000 on it and it's unreal how well this baby has driven without issue... it doesn't even sound or drive like a 22 year old vehicle at all the engine still sounds great, the Transmission still shifts without any knocks or slips, it's very roomy and with the back seats folded down and the back windshield raised out me and my wife even took this baby camping one night and were able to lay down in the flat back that's as big if not bigger than a Truck bed with the seats down it's creates a level even with the trunk... anyways for an $1800 investment I've been so pleased with my jeep. Only complaint is the 4.0 is a little slow on acceleration at times but only when going from a stop and I didn't get this thing to zip around in anyways, also I need to replace the shocks because lately when I go over a pot hole or something it has that SLAM SLAM type of feel to it but still floats along the roads just fine otherwise

[@craigtupper103]

Tommy, step into a 2004 Overland and you’ll be surprised at even how much better those lounger seats get, and how many options were available. Even up to an early Navigation system. I keep toying with replacing mine, but I just can’t imagine being as happy in a new one especially for daily logging roads and forest applications.

[@spartanchirho]

I'm glad you guys have kept that ole girl! Cont with a long longer term review!! See how many miles she can get.

[@samvincent2589]

The wk1 has the best 4wd system for off road. Traction control and 3 diff locks. If they had that on wj it would be incredible

[@zaccorpseman7366]

That's quite interesting cause when you look thru used WK1s around 70% don't have that silver little 4WD Low switch besides the shifter. At least less common than the amount of WJs that have it

[@greggwelter6215]

I own a V8 ZJ And a 4.0 ZJ. Also have a V8 WJ And a 4.0 WJ WJs are awesome but my vote goes to the ZJ 🙌