Cars Service

Here we go again. After that remark we made last year, the one about Jeep selling Cherokees until we are old and gray, it now appears that the Cherokees life span will continue for awhile longer. Due to "overwhelming customer demand," the Jeep people now tell us, "Cherokee production is extended past the original November 2000 close." Weve heard this before.

The Grand Cherokee was supposed to replace the Cherokee, but due to the demand for this solid, inexpensive SUV, they kept making them. Now, theyre coming out with another, smaller SUV that is supposed to replace the Cherokee. But people keep buying them.




So there is going to be a 2001 model, but after that, who knows? Jeep is eager to introduce newer, more modern, more aerodynamic products, such as the upcoming Liberty. You might want to wait and see what develops. Or you might want to buy a classic while you still can.
The four-cylinder Cherokee is already gone, which partially explains this years significantly higher base price. All 2001 Cherokees will be powered by a 4.0-liter, overhead-valve inline-6. This is the same engine that was re-designed last year for 50-state LEV (low-emissions vehicle) certification.

Highlights

Subtle styling revisions for the 1997 version of the Cherokee wagon did not disturb the popular models well-established character. Though substantial, the design alterations enhanced but did not alter the overall slab-sided look. Up front, the grille and front fascia were new, as was the bumper. Bodyside moldings were revised, and wheel arches now flowed into the front and rear bumpers. A new stamped-steel liftgate had hidden hinges, a new outside handle, and an inside pull strap. Inside, a revamped interior now included a passenger airbag, as well as one for the driver. Sound insulation was increased. A new central panel housed climate controls and the radio. New lighted power mirrors and power-window switches were installed. A new overhead console contained a storage compartment. Also new were a 5-function trip computer, and a center console with cupholders.



The Cherokee was available in base SE form with a 4-cylinder engine, as the midlevel Sport, or in top-of-the-line Country guise (the latter offered only as a 4 door model). Powertrains were unchanged. The 4-cylinder engine came only with manual shift. Standard in the Sport, the 4.0-liter inline six could have either the standard 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Country wagon had the 4.0-liter engine and automatic only. Antilock braking was optional with the 6-cylinder engine. Cherokees came with rear-wheel drive or a choice of 4-wheel-drive systems. Command-Trac was a part-time system for use only on slippery surfaces. Available only with an automatic transmission, SelecTrac 4-wheel drive was a full-time system that could also be used on dry pavements.

Jeep Cherokee: Reliability

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.Air conditioner: The air conditioner gradually stops blowing cool air because the evaporator ices up. Replacing the low-pressure cycling switch usually fixes it. (1997-99)

Brake noise: Grinding and scraping noises under hard braking are caused by the driveshaft hitting the floor pan and is fixed by replacing the front lower control arm. (1997)

Brakes: The brake friction material transfers to the rotors (especially in warm, moist climates) causing brake-pedal pulsation when stopping. New pads should correct it. (1997-99)

Fuel gauge: The fuel gauge may show 1/8 to 1/4 full but the vehicle will run out of gas because of a defective sending unit that must be replaced. (1997)

Vehicle shake: Vibration at speeds over 60 mph may be due to a misaligned or defective driveshaft. (1997-98)

Windshield washer: Because of a bad check valve, windshield washer fluid drips from the nozzle for the rear window and can cause paint staining. (1997)

Driving Impressions

With its tight interior and stiff freeway ride, Cherokee might not be everyones choice for a long cruise. In fact, we suspect some people would dismiss the Cherokee as choppy on this score, and that would be true. This is not an Explorer, a sport-utility vehicle designed for people who see this breed as trendy station wagons. This is a Jeep, which means an implicit promise of off-road superiority.

Our Cherokee was equipped with the stiffer Up-Country suspension package and Selec-Trac four-wheel drive, making it even firmer than two-wheel drive versions.

Cherokee pogos a bit on uneven pavement -- certain stretches of I-80 in Pennsylvania, for example, the sections that inspire big-rig drivers to cruise in the left lane for slightly smoother going.

But on rutted dirt roads in the Pennsylvania outback, the Cherokee showed its true colors. Its combination of good ground clearance, short wheelbase and a favorable power-to-weight ratio make this boxy little veteran a tiger in the woods. The Selec-Trac four-wheel drive system, which can be used full-time, came in handy during a mini-blizzard that choked part of central Pennsylvania during this particular excursion.

Thanks to its relatively low curb weight, the Cherokee is something of an athlete among its peers. The Cherokee will smoke almost any other compact sport-utility on a slalom course, and its handier than most when its time to dodge traffic and potholes. Its on-center steering feel leaves much to be desired, however.

Cherokees optional four-speed automatic is a smooth operator, and theres enough torque in the venerable inline six-cylinder engine to generate excellent stoplight getaway, automatic or not. As always, wed prefer a manual transmission.

Power notwithstanding, the Cherokees inline-6 feels a little primitive compared to most of the V6 engines offered by Jeeps competitors. An inline-6 is supposed to be an ideal design for smooth operation, but Jeeps version generates noticeable vibration through most of its operating range.

summary

Jeep Cherokee continues to fall behind its competitors in terms of comfort and convenience. But if you value acceleration performance, the Cherokee still delivers. Its agile, and surprisingly quick.

When we speak of off-roading, one brand comes to mind too quickly, Jeep. This automobile marque of DaimlerChrysler carries an outstanding reputation for building tough and dependable off-road vehicles since the World War II when it was first used by the US army. The name “Jeep” almost got synonymous with “off-road” that even other vehicles used in farms were referred to as Jeep.

Jeep parts carry the same reputation as well. For such a dependable vehicle to withstand the dangers and difficulties of driving off-road and in worst conditions, highly dependable and hard-wearing parts are needed. Thus, it becomes a constant and rational requirement for a Jeep to have only the best replacement auto parts that could match its impressive off-road driving capabilities.


Knowing and believing that a Jeep owner deserves only the best replacement Jeep parts, fastbodyparts.com offers the most reliable and complete line of performance auto parts, replacement aftermarket auto parts, and auto accessories for various Jeep models, including the best quality auto parts for Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Wrangler.
Among the best quality Jeep parts offered at Auto Parts Fast are high quality Jeep fog lights. Fog lights, among the other auto lights in your Jeep such as the Jeep headlights, Jeep corner lights, Jeep tail lights and many others, are very important especially when driving towards mountainous and forested areas. In these places, visibility is very low and thus, chances of meeting accidents are higher.

It is important to be equipped with wide variety of auto lights when driving off-road. It is not enough to use only your Jeep headlamp and Jeep taillight when traversing uneven pavements, rocky roads or roads with thick snow and mud, especially when the weather is not that good. Your Jeep fog lights can help you cut through thick fog or rain with ease and without temporarily blinding your eyes.

Now that coldest months are approaching, you should already prepare your Jeep by getting top quality replacement parts should you find parts, especially the lights, not in excellent working condition. While it is true that accidents happen unexpectedly, exerting your best efforts to equip your vehicle can help reduce the risk of meeting damaging, costly and even fatal accidents.
Let Auto Parts Fast help you prepare your Jeep for the inclement weather days. Aside from Jeep headlights, fog lights, and corner lights, Auto Parts Fast also offers wide selection of top quality Jeep alternator, Jeep radiator, Jeep wheels, Jeep weatherstrip kit and Jeep mirrors. Go click through the link and find out what other auto parts are in store for your top-notch Jeep

About The Author
As a former news correspondent for an auto-related website, Stacey Wilson has gathered extensive knowledge and experience in the automotive industry.
This 34 year old mother of two from Memphis is a genuine car lover.
Auto Parts Fast http://www.fastbodyparts.com/parts/jeep
stacey@fastbodyparts.com