2004 Jeep Cherokee Reviews

The introduction of the all-new Jeep Cherokee KL Series in July 2014 has resulted in quite a few people upgrading from their old Cherokees, resulting in many trade ins waiting to be shifted from used-car yards. There might be some good prices on offer as dealers try to clear their stocks. No promises, but why not see for yourself?Official imports of Jeeps to Australia didn't begin 1994 but many were brought in privately for years before that. These older models are probably best left to Jeep enthusiasts (of which there are plenty) as spares and repairs can be a hassle. Also, Cherokees prior to September 2001 are positively antique by today's standards, dating back to the early 1980s.Jeep Cherokee is a station wagon with very good off-road ability. It's not quite in the class of Jeep Wrangler in ultra-tough off-road situations, but does much more than most owners ask, and is significantly more comfortable than the Wrangler.Though the new Jeep KK Series, launched in March 2008 retained its off-road ability, it was more sophisticated than the KJ Series it replaced and it's certainly more than a soft-roader. The KK has the spare wheel under the rear of the vehicle, not on the back door. It's significantly longer in the wheelbase and the cabin. The boot is also longer, though it is relatively high off the ground, so loading isn't all that easy and the overall interior height has been compromised.Petrol engines are straight sixes and V6s. Both powerplants are pleasant to sit behind, with good low end grunt. The V6 has been improved substantially over the years and is more economical than the old straight unit. Turbodiesels first arrived back in 1997 and have become increasing common over the years. Some of the turbodiesels share components with Mercedes, as Chrysler and Mercedes were in partnership at one time.These are relatively easy vehicles to work onDrive is normally taken to the rear wheels only but four-wheel drive can be used on bitumen as well as off-road. That gives the added safety of extra grip if used on wet roads. Numerous electronic aids are used in the later models making off-road driving available to the relatively inexperienced. But we suggest you play it safe and have at lease one expert along before you get too bold.These are relatively easy vehicles to work on, with good underbonnet space and a relatively simple mechanical makeup. Spare parts prices are about average for a 4WD in this class and the dealer network works efficiently.Insurance is seldom over-expensive, and we know of no real differences from one major insurer to another as far as premiums are concerned. As always when shopping around for insurance, it's important to know what you are getting, and not getting, for your money.Check under a Jeep Cherokee for signs of damage caused by off-road driving.Check for salty-tasting sand, the latter indicates beach use and may mean heavy rust is on the way.Look out for poorly fitted componentsBe sure that the engine starts quickly even when cold. Idle should be smooth virtually from the instant of start up. The engines should pull without hesitation at all times. None are all that smooth at the top end of the rev range, but if it appears too bad there may be troubles. Listen for a rumbling sound from the lower end of a petrol six. Check there are no oil fumes from the exhaust or the oil filler cap.Make sure the transfer-case lever isn't too heavy and that the transmission works relatively smoothly and quietly at all times.Look out for poorly fitted components as build quality is nothing special, the interior is generally the worst.Check everything is working properly, even the minor items. Going through these one at a time using the owners' handbook is the best method.

The Cherokee has a bit of a name to live up to, having been crowned 4x4 of the Year 2005 by Britain's 4x4 magazine recently.The Cherokee underwent a week of trials by 4x4 experts, notching up high marks for performance, off and on-road ride quality, and interior and exterior appearance.With the Grand Cherokee named World's Best Off- roader 2005 by 4x4 magazine, the 3.7-litre V6 Cherokee automatic took out the mid-size category, scoring 39 points out of a possible 50.Land Rover's Range Rover came in second with 38, and Toyota's LandCruiser third with 37.While Aussie conditions are another thing, the petrol-driven 3.7L V6 automatic version proved itself a capable allrounder during our test over some 800km.The 12-valve SOHC Power Tech engine produces 150 kW of power and 307 Nm of torque which, when mated with a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and lockup torque converter, provides plenty of grunt in all situations.Style wise, the Cherokee wears its proud heritage in its front end treatment, where a six vertical bar grille and recessed round headlights give it an unmistakable look. That's got to be a nice thing in a world of cookie cutter vehicle production.The Limited edition test vehicle boasted 16 x 7 inch Mechanica cast aluminium wheels and seats trimmed in dark slate grey leather. Looks good, but these are seats you feel you're sitting on, rather than in. More lateral support would be nice, particularly when the going gets tough off road.The six speaker sound system is all quality with steering wheel mounted audio controls a practical touch. The six disc remote CD changer is located in the cargo area.Look beyond the creature comforts and Cherokee is a tough rooster, having been built on a high-strength steel UniFrame.Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard and work well pulling up the vehicle's 2540kg gross weight.Cherokee's solid-axle rear suspension makes for true off-road capability while the independent front suspension contributes to on-road flexibility.Running ground clearance is 221mm.Having a full-sized spare wheel hanging off the tailgate – unlike some more upmarket off-roaders, which opt for space-saver spares – is reassuring when you head bush.Fold away mirrors on both sides are an obvious plus when also going gung ho through the gums.The 3.7l V6 has a towing capacity of 750kg/ 2265kg (unbraked/braked).Chrysler Jeep claim a combined cycle of 13.3l/100km which proved pretty well spot on – our test vehicle returned 13.5/.100km.The 3.7L V6 Sport costs $39,990 and the Limited Edition $45,990 (both plus on road costs).