Cherokee vs Grand Cherokee

[98Chero]

Those of you that used to be cherokee owners then purchased a grand cherokee what are the differences. I test drived a grand cherokee today off a used car lot and it seemed to be more roomy for taller people. Is the grand cherokee a better built jeep than the cherokee sport ? Just curious because I do alot of driving each week for my job.

 

[rockfangd]

the grand cherokee is very different. Rarely 2wd if even. Different body style. usually all power windows and locks. Basically luxury model compared to the cherokee.
I like them both to be honest. the cherokee is simpler in design though

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

I wouldn't say it's any 'better' built, but it does have a little more interior room. The wheelbase and track is the same, and the drivetrains are often very similar. Avoid most the full-time 4wd systems as they can be problematic if not very well maintained.

 

[cherokeechick]

I like my xj but the gc's are definitely more roomy. Xj's also come with power everything and leather seats depending on which model you choose from.

 

[69jeepcj]

My brother has owned both, and I really liked his grand. As bounty has said, I would avoid the All time 4wd systems, He had to have his trany fixed in his grand.

 

[cherokeechick]

The np231 can go in either its an easy swap if you have select track

 

[98Chero]

Thanks for all the input on the grand. I went back to the car lot and drove the gc again just make sure it didnt have any major problems. I used my 1990 cherokee 4x4 as a trade in + 2k and ended up with a 2000 Grand Laredo 4x2 and as most of you have mentioned it is a luxury model compared to the std cherokee. It drives more like an expedition or navigator but i know its a jeep because it has the same front end rattle that every jeep i have ever owned had. I know its the front rubber bushings.. and I will address that later. Overall Im very happy with it and Im glad to stay loyal to the Jeep Co products.

 

[corvettezr1x]

I have an 04 grand cherokee and its pretty sweet. My sister has a sport. I like em both.. I get about 12 mpg with a I6 4.0 and i guess the v8s do worse on gas..and stay away from the full time 4wd

 

[98Chero]

well I have put 1200 miles on the GC sense my original post. Im real happy with my purchase but because it is a 2wd I dont really feel like Im "Jeepn" in it. We dont get alot of snow and ice in this area so i will have to wait and see how it will handle on the road in those conditions ?

 

[carnuck]

Lower fuel economy?

 

[jeepjeep!]

I have an 04 GC with selec-trac, I LOVE IT. 2 in lift Rubicon 17s and 255 bf mud terrains.

 

[volaredon]

I know where there's a 95 2WD GC for sale nearby.... I like the XJs better though. 12MPG from a 4.0??? HOW? I NEVER get that LOW. I get ~15ish on mostly in town driving and a solid 20 on the highway from my 97 XJ. stock lift 235/15 Michelins. I get slightly less from my 4.0 equipped 97 TJ, but never 12MPG bad. I attribute the worse mileage to the 3.07 gearing and 5th gear being all but useless. also stock OE height and 235 tires.

 

[carnuck]

Don't forget the JGC has a Mopar automatic. (except early '93 with 4.0L) I got 17 on a bad day with my '93 and 12 with a '94 and my son's '96.