Used Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 1999 - 2005 review

What's the used Jeep Grand Cherokee like?

The Grand Cherokee shows only too clearly how the 4x4 market has changed. In 1999 and 2000, it was top of many people's tree, but it was quickly overtaken by the BMW X5, a new breed of 4x4 that emphasised its on-road performance.

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Overview

It's great if you want an off-roader, but more road-focused 4x4s show up its limitations

Pros

• Off-road, it's up with the best
• and, it's good value
• too

Cons

• Cars such as the BMW X5 show up its limitations on-road, and petrol engines are thirsty

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Jeep Grand Cherokee

3.0 CRD S Limited 4WD 5dr

£2,480

Jeep Grand Cherokee

3.0 CRD Limited 4WD 5dr

£2,499

Jeep Grand Cherokee

3.0 CRD Limited 4WD 5dr

£2,499

Jeep Grand Cherokee

3.0 CRD S Limited 4WD 5dr

£2,500

Jeep Grand Cherokee

3.0 CRD Overland 4WD 5dr

£2,949

Jeep Grand Cherokee

3.0 CRD Overland 4WD 5dr

£3,299

Jeep Grand Cherokee

3.0 CRD Overland 4WD 5dr

£3,490

Jeep Grand Cherokee

3.0 CRD Limited 4WD 5dr

£4,195

Jeep Grand Cherokee

3.0 V6 CRD Overland Auto 4WD Euro 5 5dr

£5,195

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By any standards, the Grand Cherokee remains superb off-road. But, on Tarmac, it's well behind more modern rivals. The ride never seems to settle, the steering is too light and the automatic gearbox rarely seems to be in the right ratio.

For accommodation, too, the Jeep lags behind rivals such as the X5 and Mercedes M-Class. The front seats don't give enough support over long distances and the low-set rear seat can only really take two in comfort, and even then not for long. At least the boot is a good size, though.

Our recommendations

Which used Jeep Grand Cherokee should I buy?

Because this is a genuine off-roader, a diesel engine is the obvious choice. However, the only diesel worth considering - the 2.7-litre unit from Mercedes - didn't arrive until the end of the 2001. It's far better than the thirsty, unrefined 3.1-litre unit that it replaced.

On older cars, you're better off with the 4.0-litre petrol engine. Not only is it better than the diesel, it's also cheaper to buy, although you may be put off by the fact that you'll struggle to manage 20mpg. Even so, it's good enough to make the 4.7 V8 seem a pointless expense.

The impressive levels of equipment across the range mean you'll never feel short-changed with a Grand Cherokee, and early cars came only in lavish Limited trim. This remains the trim to choose on any age of car, even over the Sport and luxury Overland (with leather seats and CD multichanger), which joined the range later.