3
0
Midsize SUV; Built in USA
  • 4-door wagon
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $2,600 – $8,200*


2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo


2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited


1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee interior


2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited


2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo

Pros:
  • Acceleration
  • Cargo room
Cons:
  • Fuel economy
  • Reliability (early models)

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.

Overview

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.

Yearly Updates

2000 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 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 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 Grand Cherokee
Laredo got revised front seats for ’03, and rear seats gained the LATCH child-seat attachment system.
2004 Grand Cherokee
Jeep offered a 2WD version of their most-expensive model, Overland, for 2004. Also new this year is an available navigation system.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

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.

ohv I6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.0/242
Engine HP 195
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 230
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

 16/21

 15.7
ohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.7/284
Engine HP 230-235
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 295
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic
5-speed automatic 		15/20
15/20 		16.1
ohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.7/287
Engine HP 260
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 330
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic

 14/19

Road Test

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.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 6-cylinder

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 5
50%
Fuel Economy - 4
40%
Ride Quality - 5
50%
Steering/Handling - 4
40%
Quietness - 3
30%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Front - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Rear - 4
40%
Cargo Room - 7
70%

Other

Value - 6
60%

Total: 51

Specifications

4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
105.9 181.5 72.3 69.4
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
72.3 20.5 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.7 39.5 41.4 35.3
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 1999 Grand Cherokee 4-door wagon

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 3
60%
Front Passenger Injury - 3
60%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4
80%
Rear Passenger Injury - 5
100%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision 72
Injury 60
Theft 124

Trouble Spots

Engine misfire
Description: 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
Description: 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
Description: 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
Description: Faulty fuel pump assembly leads to low fuel pressure and long cranking times. (1999-2000)
Oil leak
Description: 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
Description: 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
Description: Replacing the rear driveshaft eliminates a whining sound above 40 mph. (1999-2000)
Vehicle shake
Description: If camber alignment cannot be brought into spec, countermeasure offset ball joints are available. (1999-2000)

Recall History

1999 Grand Cherokee
Description: Front-seatbelt retractor on certain vehicles does not work properly.
1999 Grand Cherokee
Description: Rear-outboard seatbelt retractor spring can disengage from rewind mechanism, disabling retractor function and preventing belt from fitting snugly around occupant.
1999-00 Grand Cherokee
Description: 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
Description: 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 Grand Cherokee
Description: 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
Description: 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.
2000-02 Grand Cherokee
Description: Fuel tank on some vehicles may have suspect vent-tube welds; separation of tube weld could result in fuel leakage.
2001 Grand Cherokee
Description: Some owner’s manuals are missing full instructions for properly attaching a child- restraint system’s tether strap.
2001-04 Grand Cherokee w/ heated seats
Description: The front passenger seat electric heater element could overheat. Overheating could potentially cause a fire. Dealers will replace the heated seat elements
2002 Grand Cherokee
Description: Instrument cluster could become inoperative due to a software error.
2002 Grand Cherokee
Description: 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
Description: Passenger-airbag wiring harness was improperly manufactured and may not deploy properly.
2002 Grand Cherokee
Description: Debris can accumulate in the intake and exhaust manifolds, increasing the risk of fire.
2002 Grand Cherokee
Description: 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.
2002-2004 Grand Cherokee
Description: Airbag control module may fail, causing airbags to deploy inadvertently while vehicle is operating.
2004 Grand Cherokee
Description: Some vehicles have defective steering gear assemblies, resulting in increased steering effort. Dealer will insect and replace affected parts.
2004 Grand Cherokee
Description: On 4.0L engines the crankshaft position sensor may become exposed, causing possible engine stall. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on July 18, 2014.
Share this:
, , , , , , , ,