Jeep Cherokee KJ (2001-2007)

Great Car and Keeps going if you look after it – Owned our KJ since 160000Kms used. 2.8 litre CRD She's been a solid workhorse, although plays up with the wife from time to time lol. We are at 250000kms and have done usual wear and tear repairs such as the timing belt, water pump Ball joints etc... Tows beautifully and we love it's aesthetics. We have a young one now and are looking at doing… Read more

some camping trips in the near future and believe she'll old up for another 250000 if cared for. Would recommend if budget is of concern and you need a true 4WD that will go anywhere without breaking the bank. If you have a local mechanic who isn't afraid of troubleshooting unfamiliar turf you're home and hosed. If you only have fitters (Mechanics who guess the issue and replace unnecessary parts) in your town and no real mechanics don't buy a Jeep or European cars it will cost u a fortune. Stay Clear from a Jeep Dealership for repairs they have no idea. Ironic considering they sell the products. You'll love it we sure do :)

Poor Quality, continuous break downs, very expensive parts – Had the Jeep for 4 years now, its a 2.4 Diesel. It was problems from day one and then ever since. I've had many second hand cars over the years and with basic maintenance I have had a good run from them .. until I bought this money pit of a car. The first thing that happened was a cracked oil line, just days after I bought it .. that… Read more

was $1500 to fix that and a week off the road.

Then we had belt failure, leaving me on the side of the road broken down (the first time that has ever happened to me !).

Then the rear hand brake failed causing the wheels to lock up sometimes while driving and a massive banging sound (thought it was the diff at first).

Next was a roller failure, again leaving me on the side of the road.

A few months latter, the car just cut out, on the side of a mountain at 4000 feet in freezing weather. Nearly froze to death, but was rescued .. that time it was the crank angle sensor the failed.

Then we had 3 water leaks that required the gearbox to come out.

The latest in the list of expenses is the AC compressor has failed.

Parts are VERY expensive compared to other vehicles too.

I'm up to over $10K in repairs ... about the value of the car. It is simply a very poor quality motor vehicle, a real disgrace. It does look nice from the outside, but I am afraid with this car the beauty is only skin deep.

Also the suspension is terrible on these cars. It's both very soft and also very bumpy ! Compared to my Range Rover, the suspension on it is stiffer, less bumpy and goes around corners much better.

Avoid these cars they are terrible.

Good car for us – My KJ is a 65th Anniversary Sport CRD Manual. Drives well, but not a rocket by any means. Gearing could be a bit higher (e.g now 2,200 rpm @ 100 km, and would work if 1,800 rpm). Fuel consumption is in line with the sticker that was on it when bought: 10.5 l/100 km city and 8.5l/100 km country. I've had some electrical problems, though: 3 of 4… Read more

window winders broke down. 2 on back had less than 20 uses, maybe less than 10, and all just out of warranty of course. Dealers didn't want to know me. Others have been transfer case indicator switch and now a/c fan resistor. Ground clearance could be up a bit, but managed Fraser Is. sand OK in high range. Towed only less than 1,500 kg and all of this OK. All round happy with the car. I do services strictly by the book at independent mechanics and am just now on Continental tyres now after Coopers, up to 80,000 on these, but hopeless in the wet. Total km now 145,000.

More electrical troubles. 4th window winder just gone, rear window demister wire detached and clutch cut out switch gone -- can't start it without this!! A bit of an electrical lemon.

I still havent found anything good enough to replace it! – I bought this car over 6 years ago with 112k on it. It is a great tow vehicle (2.8 ton), great on fuel (2.8 Diesel), small enough to get around everywhere, tight turning circle, and plenty of power I did thing about trading it at the beginning of the year but I couldnt find anything that was suitable and could do the same things as this puppy! To… Read more

date the only problem is it will jump out of first gear if you dont know what you are doing, (it seems to have a fake first gear) the driving position is not ideal and to reach the pedals the steering wheel needs to be a bit closer than I would regularly have. Spare parts from Jeep Australia dealers are ridiculously priced, but I always buy them genuine from Jeep dealers in the US (1/4 of the price) Get it serviced by a local mechanic rather than a dealer and you cant go wrong!

Jeep KJ Renegade CRD 2005 - Brilliant – It has never missed a beat. As long as you don’t neglect you vehicle you shouldn’t have any issues. The Turbo Diesel engine seems great, no complaints. The only issues would be my roof lining kinda sagging down and the rear window shocks not holding the window open. Great all round 4wd that seems robust.  Show details

Jeep Cherokee CRD Renegade - Brilliant – I have had the Jeep Cherokee CRD Renegade for a long while now. Other than the usual log book servicing I can fault it. Whilst I only do lite FWD on the sand & snow a few times it goes great. It has that good old fashioned turbo diesel feel & has never let me down.  Show details

Be aware – Be aware! My Jeep Cherokee 2002 sport airbags exploded when I was driving!!!! Was like a bomb!!! On driver side the airbag from fire exploded have fire burn spots!!!! The car not having any single scratch no accident involved !! I can’t find any recall for airbags on this model!!!!!!!  Show details

The worst car I've ever bought , expensive to run and repair – Awful to drive no take off up hills, noisy to drive and expensive to run and repair. Back seats very uncomfortable. In summer when it was very hot the back door would not open . The drivers seat had to be close to the under dash to reach the pedals so cramped.  Show details

dissapointed – i have a 2003 jeep cherokee renegade and started giving me gearbox problems at 128000kms and was told it needs a rebuild costs around $4000,so i waited at 130000kms the ecu stops working and the the car stops working,jeep australia cant supply a new ecu and cant reprogram a second hand ecu,so the car is useless and for wrecking now,unless i come… Read more

across a jeep 2003 cherokee renegade wrecking and take out its ecu,control module,key reader with keys and replace it with mine i have no chance of getting this car back on the road,what a dissapointment in jeep australia,this does not happen in the usa,they ask for for your vin and reprogram your ecu unkike here in australia it cant be done,i will never own another jeep due to this reason,i cant believe in this day and age with so much technology around us jeep australia cant fix such a simple thing as a cars computer to get you back on the road,in the mean time my car is off the road not working waiting for the right parts to appear on wrecking sites and i have leaned towards a japanese made car to get me through this problem,i hpe no one has to go through the stress ive had to in the last two months because of jeep australia...................

History After Nine Years – Purchased pre owned in 2012. First 6 years basically faultless. then the auto transmission failed in the planetary gear train, In 65 years of driving I had never experienced a total transmission failure before. A rebuilt transmission installed and shortly afterwards the front propeller shaft failed at the transfer case coupling. Coupling replaced,… Read more

and 8000kms later the front shaft failed again, due to the rubber boot tearing and allowing dirt and water to enter it. Fed up with this I left the front shaft off and now use it as a 2 wheel drive only. No further problems in this area since. Other problems are retractable mirrors, which if knocked break the plastic gears inside. $750 for a new mirror or about $100 for a rebuilt kit to DIY if you are good at brain surgery. Dont be fooled by $130 mirrors on Ebay as these are not motorised. Other problems can be electrical if you live in a high humidity area, with surface corrosion on contacts to lights, fans, etc. but a bit of maintenance can rectify this. Series 1 had better parking brakes with disc drum combination. Series 2 with discs all round had a less effective parking brake due to a smaller diameter. The 5 speed auto transmission on this model was dumped when the KK was released. The XJ had a transmission set up that was bullet proof. I drove one for 19 years. Why did Jeep change it for the KJ? The KJ is good in the engine , suspension, brakes, ride, room, comfort and towing ability areas. A superb car for interstate trips when every thing is working right. Do I still love my Jeep? You bet!

Best jeep I’ve ever had – Love it. 2005 automatic. 115,000 miles on the clock. Smooth, classy, solid and very comfortable. As they say; look after your car and it will look after you. Get it serviced, don’t hammer it on the roads, enjoy the ride. I’m smitten Show details

Handy vehicle – I purchased a 2003 Jeep Cherokee Sport and loved it! Manual transmission was easy to drive. Great visibility with no blind spots. Could park it anywhere and was nice to drive on road. When it got real, it could climb the steepest and roughest hills off road with no dramas. Towed without a struggle and felt safe. Whilst it had a few issues… Read more

mechanically, I did drive it 140 klm's every day and it rarely let me down. Even my mechanic said "She just keeps on going doesn't she!". I would definitely have another one.

Solid performer – This Jeep has really surprised me. Ive taken it all over Cape York and despite a leaking radiator, it hasnt missed a beat. They modify really well and you can turn them into little beasts! Mine is the 2005 Renegade V6. I raised mine 2" (OME spring lift + Bilstein shocks), added ARB Front lockers, bullbar, winch, a snorkel and some aggressive… Read more

tyres. Its a weapon! Its a comfortable car to drive and has all the modern conveniences.

However, i really didnt like the limited storage space. The boot (trunk) is tiny. Once i added my recovery gear, fridge, toolbox and oils, there wasnt much room left. Also, this car is thirsty! At least mine is, but considering the mods ive done it was always going to use more fuel.

All in all, the KJ is a very underated 4WD in the Jeep line up. Its light, very customisable and will go just about anywhere. I recommend it.

Unstoppable but dealers are poor – Bought the Jeep new in 2005 and have used it constantly ever since. Use is 60% city 40% country with towing a car trailer regularly. Performance is quiet and responsive. Handling depends on tyres. I have had Cooper AT's on for 90K Klm. For wear they are great but in my view too hard a compound, particularly on the rear. Problems - mostly minor… Read more ·  1

issues which are of little concern. Upgraded transmission oil radiator to a larger one as the standard radiator was not coping on long hard country trips. Very worth while exercise.

Dealers - hopeless on servicing and the overcharge is shocking. Had to pre pay for parts before servicing!! Quoted $550 for replacement rear mud flaps! Find a reliable local mechanic and stick with them. Mud flaps were replaced for $110. Vehicle is serviced every 15K klm.

Summary - not luxurious but internally comfortable, practical, reliable and tows a 2100 kg load surprisingly well. Fuel economy for what you have (3.7 ltr petrol) is acceptable.

Still the best car I have ever experienced in 60 years – My second Jeep after 15 years. Even better than the XJ. Fuel consumption in city hopeless, in country a lot better. Happier to pay for fuel than tow trucks. Gas struts a common failure after five years, bonnet, tail gate etc.Still, cheap to replace. Found Jeep dealers service?(2) hopeless. Find a good independent mechanic and stick there. Still waiting 17 months for a part (tow bar) to be replaced under a world wide recall!  Show details ·  2

Jeep Cherokee 2002 – Our Jeep has 223,000 kms on it now. It has cost me next to nix in extra repairs from a used purchase at 20,000 kms and 12 months old (after it had already been around Oz as a lead tour vehicle). It has original everything and has never had the gearbox oil or air gas changed (and everything works). You can get duds, you can get beauties...I am a happy camper but I do change (the basic engine etc.) oils and filters personally and frequently.  Show details

Over 10 years running – Bought 2002 Cherokee 3.7L in 2005 and 10 years later she's motoring along. Have only had to repair a few things over the years as you'd expect across the lifetime like a new battery (years ago) and wipers once in a while. I use public transport for work so only gets driven to football training and at weekends. Only problem I've had is water leaking in after heavy rain on front passenger side - which I can't figure out!  Show details

Love my jeep – Love my 2007 jeep Cherokee, purchased a couple years ago and still going well. The only problem we've had is the back wiper stop working. It's reliable, feels safe, is affordable to run (diesel) etc. Cant fault it. I think I've been well and truly converted into a jeep fan.  Show details

MY05 Jeep Cherokee Rubbish – Everything fine (except for the normally excessive fuel consumption) until the oil warning light came on, and, half a minute later as I was pulling off the highway the motor seized. The wreckers all over Australia know how much trouble these vehicles are and want around $3500-$4000 for a motor in any condition as long as it is going. The… Read more

problems I have had are less than my Laredo diesel (which I sold to the wreckers to save anyone having any more trouble with it), but are still numerous and expensive to fix. Easy for my wife to park in the city, good radio. Average 18L/100km, noisy transmission, expensive parts (which you need often), hard on tyres.

Brilliant and suited me. Work rest and play. Does the long haul, adventure and daily work and family – Only consumable required for a 2002 jeep sport. Batteries and brakes. Travelled with the family and work. Still going strong. As a note have had Toyotas, mitsubishi and VW as well as holden. Actaully a really well built car that does run heavy on fuel but in terms of carbon print and it durability and multi use the premium of $1000 fuel a year… Read more

over a high pressure refrigerator or no use other than travelling to the shops is totally inconsequential.

On a final note with the car over 12 years old and servicing the family all this time no matter what happens now it is memories for litre for all of the family.

not that bad – 2006 diesel has let us down with a blown turbo hose...carry a roll of rescue tape....When the bottom turbo hose failed 2 months later, we felt the engine faltering and made for a large town a.s.a.p. as obtaining parts in country areas is slow and expensive. Suggest roadside assist through your insurance if travelling and towing as we do. We dumped… Read more

the front seats for a pair of Recaro's ...wonderful...Shop around for servicing, tows reasonably well, good fuel economy but thirsty when towing..15l per 1ook with a 12 ft poptop@95kph. Same figures for an 18ft van... Kumho all terrain have been my best tyres, squeks and rattles have been removed by a cheap visit to a local panel shop. Ours came with a 2inch lift kit and it needs it if in sand , mud ,or rocky ground.Air con has weakened over the years and cannot find fault neither can local auto elecs so we put up. Wife loves the turning circle. Auto annoyingly sticks in park at times...try rocking the car... 250000k's and we will see more of Oz before we soften and buy a soft new cherooke. turning circle; fuel efficiency; height in rear area...can fit 2 large bikes in with front wheels removed jeep parts are expensive when no alternative; hard seats; a bit plasticy

Jeep service what a joke – Purchased a kj jeep Cherokee 2.8l diesel brand new and noticed that the coolant warning light was coming on every 800km Canberra jeep dealer in [name removed] said it was loose hose clamps.After 850km warning came on again coolant low,back to dealer and more excuses. this went on for 5 months,until i diagnosed the problem. the head gasket was… Read more

leaking coolant into the cylinders and it was being burnt of,so I asked them to do a head service and fix it.To cut a long story short dealer mechanics hydro locked the motor causing more internal damage which they said they will fix.My vehicle sat in their workshop for 12 months and all I got was a load of lies from the service manager,and it was only when I went to see [name removed] in his office that something was done .Worst service in history,incompetent and inexcusable behavior from service manager,just didnt care.

This was my first and last jeep I am looking at buying a mazda bt50 but they are sold by the same dealer so I wont be spending my money with them. Nice vehicle to drive good on fuel and tow torque Expensive to service and dealer mechanics are useless-incompetent.

Surprisingly not good – My KJ jeep worked wel for 50,000 kilometres and then went berserk... Fuel line issues, terrible to start and the Canberra Jeep people were appalling. I spent nearly 8 grand trying to fix it and gave up, bought a hilux and no troubles after 180k. Don't buy a jeep in ACT is my advice. Handled well After 50k no service or support

JEEP - Just Empty Every Pocket – I have now owned 2 Cherokee's an XJ and a KJ, great cars to drive, but when the start to go wrong... it never ends. Both vehicles, although well maintained, started to develop electrical problems at the 9 year stage. In both cases, numerous visits to Jeep servicing centers, several over the years, resulted in often being told "nothing is… Read more

wrong with this Jeep" or "we can't find the problem"

In the last ten years I have spent nearly $15,000 in repairs, ay present my current Cherokee has an transmission problem, I have replaced the PCM, the Valve Body and am currently replacing the transmission so it will be roadworthy enough to trade in..

Would I buy another one.... I would rather walk, you'll probably have to if you own a Jeep anyway..

No wonder the US army doesn't use them anymore..

Buy A Nissan! Great to drive Unreliable, Expensive to repair, hard to source problems

OK – We really liked our 2005 CRD but the high cost of maintaining it and ongoing issues made us decide to trade it in. While I did not like it, I think the low resale price is justified. I would not buy another Jeep (though it was great to drive). Driving position and general feel of the car. The CRD diesel is a great towing vehicle for our large… Read more

camper trailer, except it will overheat under heavy load (i.e. going up hills) even on quite mild days. Relatively Economical to run. Good turning circle and safety features. Very expensive parts (CRD fuel filter etc) and expensive to repair. We had (like most) the front brake rotor issue which was not covered under wty, but when replaced with non-genuine parts had no further issue. Low ground clearance for 4wd activities.

Good – had jeep for just over 12 months done 15k with some longish caravan trips average towing fuel consumption 14 ltrs per 100 kl with a 6.3metre caravan,some small problems from new unable to remove key from ignition switch until one day it was stuck the steering column was replaced no car for 2 days under warranty jeep dealer helpfull, would I buy… Read more

another jeep I'd have a new grand cherokee tomorrow if I was allowed.(present cherokee 07 kj crd.) handles great, easy to drive reverse,comfy seats,looks tuff, its a real 4wheel drive, tows 2.5tonnes with ease and does it with quiet good economy, feels solid.engine torque. limited storage inside cabin handbrake on wrong side

Terrible – I purchased this car new, it was the 2.8 Turbo diesel, after 14mths of in and out of the work shop I couldn't wait to get rid of it, I will never buy and American built car again, it simply was not engineerd for Australia, it had engine and transmission software upgrades (5 in total) it needed to have a transmission cooler fitted (recall), fuel… Read more

pump replaced, High pressure fuel rail replaced, fuel lines replaced due to leaks which sent diesel fumes into cabin, ambient temp sensor replaced, glow plugs replaced,brake switch replaced (was preventing cruise control operation) and the lsit gos on and on Style/Looks Build Quality, Reliability, Lack of Support from Jeep Australia, Stability on Road, Handling in the wet

Excellent – Wouldbuy another in a flash if my wife allows me to ever sell this one. I just wish they did a bit more in the new one to make her convinced we can update one day but for now it is great. Had it since new, never given any trouble for over five years. Comfortable, tough and I gave it to my wife a year ago when we had our first child and she will… Read more

not part with it. It will be in the family till it dies and given its record could be quite a while yet. Can be a bit more rugged in feel than others in this price point but that is part of its charm. You really feel it and get something back from it. A bit thirsty and the rear door opens in the wrong direction. The indicator stalk etc is on the opposite side to our other car.

2002 cherokee, older style than in the other pics – The dealer told me the timing belt was replaced, i thought good no worries for a while, 28000 km later the wife rings me panicking saying the Jeep is dead on the side on the road. Yep the timing broke, replaced 4 valves, 4 rocker arms, new head gasket and the bolts to hold the head down, in because diesel burns at 67% so 33% of unburnt diesel; is mixed in the soot and blocks up in the intake manifold Looks nice Parts quality

Bad – as above plus thirsty also driver's seat leather cracked prematurely - can't wait to get rid of it - any offers ? Wife loves the small turning circle for parking etc Ours is late 03 model (bought new)pulls violently to the left, "clunky" auto and intermittant (drive train) vibration all not corrected under warranty so am stuck with it - probably would not buy another US built car or recommend it

Bad – Great car to drive, safety features are good, but you have to be able to STOP and without having the steering wheel shaken out of your hands, not suited to our australian conditions under brakes, untill this is resloved by chrysler i wont buy another one and want to sell this one and would not recommend one to anyone that cant afford this cost… Read more

every year.Simply due to the wrong suitability of these brake components to our driving conditions, they are great in the US,canada,Uk and europe but cant cut it here. I agree with all other reviewers, for what it is, it has to be said it is a great city, highway or off road vehicle, my wife loves her cherokee and doesnt want to part with it, a 2006 model, but i am just about to burst that bubble as it is going and soon and i will explain why ! I would love to know how many others have had or are now experinceing this problem, and i would have to say its my only real gripe and its enough to make me want to get rid of it, ours only done 25000 klm and both pads and rotors are worn out, this is at about a replacement cost of almost $2000 & is something that chrysler inform me is a long period of longevity as most of their customer are NOT getting this amount of KLMS, so this cost is going to be every 1 to 1.5 years for most of us, something i personally cant afford.

Excellent – I have just taken delivery of a new Cherokee Renagade 3.7ltr. It is the second jeep I have owned, the first was a 96 Limited. The new one is a huge step forward in fit and finish performance and suspension. The fuel economy is good in the first week I was getting 14ltrs/100k, who can complain about that. It is my every day car and it is great to… Read more

drive easy to park, just a great overall package for the price. A true 4WD for the price of a soft roader. Love the size you can have a true 4WD thats easy to park, good performance and economy, easy to drive and good interior room. None its all good

Good – Love it and would certainly up-date it when it's time, don't like the Grand much too much plastic used. Looks great and is a tuff truck as well as being a good allround city car, my wife drives it mostly and wouldn't have anything else, can't wait to get it off road and really put it through it's paces there's nothing all that bad, except maybe… Read more

fuel useage, i'm currently using 11L per 100km and would like to know if anyone is getting better, i have a K&N filter in and i'm thinking of installing a hiclone unit oh yer it's a 2.8L turbo intercooled diesel 2004 model

Excellent – love it reckon everyone should drive one. I just love my jeep its so comfy easy to drive dont have anything bad to say except fuel