Is the jeep cherokee sport a good car?

Mileage isn't a strong point of any of Jeep (I don't consider the Compass or Patriot to be true Jeeps). The fact is any real 4wd with any useful amount of power is going to suffer at the pump. I get 14-16 in town, 18-22 on the highway. I'm on my second XJ (Cherokee) and the first one I sold at 160k miles only because I got the second for a steal. That XJ is at 120miles and still no major issues. Only thing I've ever replaced on either is tires and front brake rotors. Don't let that scare you, rotors for a Cherokee are some of the least expensive on the market.

It's not a comfy car for long distance drives, but then most comfy SUVs can't go where a Jeep can, and if they can, generally cost twice what a used XJ goes for with the same miles.

As long as the steering is firm, the brakes are good, it doesn't show obvious signs of offroading, and you don't see signs of oil leaks - you should be good to go. Just avoid the 2.5L engine, the 4.0 inline 6 is the only Jeep engine you want.

All the Cherokee Sports are pretty stripped down models. I would prefer a Country or Laredo model. Preferably with the pre-96 AMC style interior. The 2.5 is okay. It is loosely based on the durable 4.2 L6 but it's really underpowered. The 4.0 liter Inline 6 is a very durable motor. I have seen many 300,000+ mile Cherokees. Ideally, you should look for a 4.0 liter 6 cyl with the Aisin 4 speed automatic. (similar to the Aisin transmission used in the Volvo 740) Make certain the doors open and close easily. If a door or hatch sticks the unibody could be bent from serious off-road abuse or collision and the Jeep is worthless.

They are great vehicles, I've owned several of them. The engines are practically bulletproof, and last a long time. My Mom's 88 has over 320k and still runs good. For mileage they are pretty decent, My overall average is 19, on the hwy I've gotten up to 27. My Dad has an 87 with a manual tranny, and he gets 23-25 all the time. (He drives a LOT differently than I do though) Good luck!

I have owned a 96 Cherokee Sport for 10 yrs. My ex wife had it for the past 4 yrs but I bought it back from her. It has been a good, dependable vehicle, with the 4.0 liter HO engine. Still strong at 166,000 miles. Not a perfect vehicle of course but quite reliable and parts are easy to find.

I love the Jeep Cherokee. I drive one every day. I also have one dedicated to off road use. I used to race one in rally races. Both my boys drive Cherokees and so does my daughter in law.

My Wife's Cherokee gets over 20 MPG.

The Cherokees have been the most reliable vehicles I have ever worked with. I have over 310,000 miles on the one I drive to the office every day.

Mike

http://thejeepguru.com/

i have had 7 jeep cherokees from 89-99 body styles, and i honestly beat the hell out of them. just as long as you keep up on your servicing they do great. the 4.0 inline 6 motors can handle quite a bit, and they are cheap to replace/repair. you can see an average of 275-320 thousand miles out of a motor without replacing any internals. gas mileage is ok, i see around 15-16 out of mine in town and i have a 4.5 inch lift with 33's. i dont remember what my stock one got, but it was quite a bit better. i would recommend a jeep to anybody, i love them.

Honestly, Jeep isnt good ratings, they arent good ratings, but theyare good for off-road ability, especailly the grand cherokee. they are great for winter and off road, but the reliability and owners cost is bad, and the gas mileage for the cherokee is around 16-17 city and from 18-21 hwy. Good luck with it and if you do take care if it extremely well it will last along time. I hope this helps, but i would buy one too

The 4.0L motor is pretty un-breakable. I had 222k mile before selling and it and it was still running fine. Brakes are pretty scary. Overboosted, but still takes along distance to stop with terrible dives and front lock ups on emergencies.

Get some good new shocks and you can beat it up with no problems.

well its not a car first, but its pretty decent, i liked the older ones a lot myself (with the 4.0 i6)

gas mileage is decent for a 4x4 suv, buts its not up to car standards, if you don't need 4x4 or go off roading it kind of a waste, but its up to you