just picked up a 97 sport 5 speed..always had a thing for these jeep's since my mom purchased a 94 back in 03..thing was bulletproof and is still around today..definitely one of my favorite cars ever made
I have a White 97 Cherokee Sport HD, I did some suspension work on it up grading the front coils to hold 450 pound plow and the rear to double leaf springs to hold a two ton tongue weight of the trailer with rancherro shocks because it lifted 2". It now rides firm and bouncy. I also changed all the bushings to synthetic, and changed bearings in both (Dana) pumpkins new drive shafts with heavy duty universals, new axle bearings and seals. I've owned it since new, I've plowed and towed with it all its life. It has 89,000 original miles on it. It's been a fantastic Jeep, it still looks and runs great as I keep after it to keep it new looking. I think the 4 speed automatic is great and actually is the only transmission rated for heavy duty towing or pulling 5,800 lbs as the manual transmission's max is 1,800 Lbs. My Jeep was ordered with a towing package so I have a trans oil cooler and its geared lower. Only complaint I have is I can't keep the air conditioner charged, and the tail pipe rattles against the body and getting it into low range 4 wheel drive is contrary. When the front wheels are turned all the way it plows and skips so I just go really slow but is great in mud and snow. Over all, I love my Jeep and I"m glad that back in 1997 I made the decision to purchase it over the Ford Explorer which was also a decent SUV Like the kid said, my jeep is fun to drive and for a slightly lifted platform still gets a lot of eyes looking at it. Other than a slight rip in the driver's seat at the cord which can be stitched the interior is perfect and all the electric everything works, elec windows, mirrors, fog lights. I do have a light problem with the defrosters, I have to check the wiring. Other than that, for a 20 year old vehicle that gets 12MPG with its 4.o inline six cylinder (very durable engine) on a good day, it's a fantastic and go anywhere SUV and I'm very glad I own it.
The AW4 is not mopar made. Its Aisin Warner, made in Japan. It is one of the most reliable transmissions out there. I have had both the AW4 and AX-15 (manual) transmissions and they are very reliable. Turning radius is WAY better on a jeep than most vehicles (especially when you don't rub) and is closely related to wheel base. The Cherokee has a 101.4" wheelbase, the wrangler has a 93.4" (YJ,TJ) wheelbase and a smaller turning radius, even with the exact same steering set up. I currently have a 97 XJ and LOVE it. Well built vehicle, cheap to own and fix, and the look other SUV's were modeled after!
Yeah dude overdrive is a gear lololol. Also since it wasn't mentioned. The aw4 is identical save from bellhousing and input shafts as the Toyota a340 aka Toyota Supra among many other high powered Toyota engines. The aw4/a340 can easily handle 400lbft+ and the internals from the TT Supra can handle 600+
The automatic is actually a AMC designed Toyota transmission. They are one of the best transmissions ever made. I'm surprised you didn't touch on the reliability.
+Aaron Armelin 97 is one of the better years for XJs. Just make sure everything works when you buy it and you should be fine. The 4.0 can last well into the 200k miles range. Rust is probably the thing to watch for on these awesome Jeeps. Good luck to you.
Have a dark Green 2000, I LOVE IT! II just came across it & bought it as a secondary vehicle from my neighbor who was moving and, I fell in love with it! I drive it now mor than I drive my newer car just because it's so much fun to drive! It has 218k mi. but, you would never know it. It still has plenty of power. Actually, has a lot more power than I thought it would! Over all, I can see why most people that still have them, still drive them everyday! And why, most people that still have them, don't want to get rid of them!!!! Ha
I bought one brand new back in 1997, emerald green. 5 speed manual. It was one of my favorite vehicles of all time I sold it in 2007, only had 56k on it. I bought the FJ cruiser, which I still own. Nothing beats the FJ though. It's a tank.
bought a '97 last month w/ 2" lift. in good condition for $500. Engine runs beautifully, transmission and 4wd all work. Floorboards rusted and header cracked of course but interior is immaculate. So far I put new shocks on, new tires, and new leaf springs. Exhaust is next.
@@ectomorphnranger5165 Actually I lost the one key I had, probably somewhere in the house but neither my wife nor I can find it so we drive our car lol. I do have another Xj but it's under construction. To answer your question though, it's perfect. Always been restoring it, getting rid of the death wobble was the biggest pain in the ass. I Every suspension component has been changed. 2 diff lockers too. But it was in good condition when I got it. Sorry for the ling reply, been drinking lol.
@@ectomorphnranger5165 I took out all the carpet because the floorboards were rusted through. I used the the trunk from a Plymouth roadrunner I took from a junkyard and bent and welded it into new floorboards. good as new. washed the carpet since I had it out. Yea those things are fun lol. With the tires I have on and the diff lockers the fucker can't get stuck so far.
I've had 2 Cherokees. If I can find a decent one, I'll soon have a 3rd. Here in Minnesota there is NOTHING that goes through the snow better. A foot of snow on the streets feels like dry pavement in these things.
@@Leo-vr3bg You need to have a good set of tires. My 1990 (Which sadly got killed in a Garage fire that I caused by accident about a month ago......... RIP) was amazing in the snow with All Terrain tires. I bought the Bridgestone A/T tires, best tires I ever put on her. Getting a replacement Jeep, and doing the same thing. I'm going to keep putting those tires on it or at least something similar to their tread design.
Awesome review! You have just renewed my interest in one of these classic 4x4's! Adding it back to my list for sure. Especially when considering the value proposition. Appreciate the info you have provided and look forward to other videos! :)
Hey please respond man, are those 31x10.5's on a 3 inch lift? Also do you know the spacer size? Thanks in advance man!!!! great review also I'll subscribe!!!
fast forwarded to the part where you said the turning radius "wasn't that great". Dude the turning radius is as tight as a fucking dime lol; unless you're used to driving a golf cart or something xj's have a tighter turning circle than almost any suv on the market except for the wrangler. I run 1.25" adapters.
I like that your review is completely your opinion, kudos. But still conformity is creativity prey. I felt you should have mention it can be a lot more than an off road car. Got a 98' XJ with 240k. Upgraded trans with shift kit and normal power train upgrades and it pushing 264hp and 337 ft-lbs at tire. It can be a silly little muscle car or an off-roader. Fairly okay review although you should get thoughts together.
I do not know that much about these jeeps except they are great trucks ; ) But I'm considering to buy a xj for my first car I could buy a '96 2.5 jamboree with 95000 km for 2500$ or a '91 4.0 limited with 180000 km for 4500$ What do you jeep guys recommend? I know the 4.0 is the much better engine. but is it worth almost double the price? btw I'm a student and 2000$ aren't peanuts for me. how is the fuel consumption compared of these 2 engines?
My dad has a 96 jeep xj. He has basically given it to me. Though I'm most likely going to buy another one with a steel bull bar on it. I don't know if I should buy a pre 97 model or buy a 97 to 98 model. In Australia there is no shortage of xj's around. :)
Late 97 ,and 98 were best models and if u goto 1999-2001 the have head problems also latermodels came with the8.25 instead of the Dana 35. So it's better off if u want bigger tires
Just so you know, the XJ series Cherokee is not an SUV. They are a 2 door or 4 door wagon. Look on the title. It will say "wagon." So technically, you're driving a 4x4 car. :)
No. Sofa is one piece, and no adjustments. But you can take the sofa out, or stuff it upside down just behind the front seats so you can take the sofa with you. Takes 2 minutes if you know what to do.
Yes, two gauges, speed and fuel and there's nothing funny about it! I have it and I f....n hate it!! Love the Jeep but what moron (had to by Chrystler) came up with those gauges?!
Trumby I never had a problem with that. The cooling system will rust easy and not work well if water is used instead of coolant or has too much water in the coolant.
Im so alone kid, of course, look at others but, you're definitely on the right path! There's a reason why Car & Driver named it as one of the best cars ever built! I'd put it up against many cars built today!!! It's safe, reliable, easy to work on (which isn't often), and just fun to drive!!!
Its not a CAR its an SUV so stop calling it a car. Do reviews when you have a few more years under you belt. O does you dad know you took his SUV ?? lol
Před 8 lety+8
+gaskan666 Actually, it's a Jeep. No jeeper will ever call it a car, or SUV.
just picked up a 97 sport 5 speed..always had a thing for these jeep's since my mom purchased a 94 back in 03..thing was bulletproof and is still around today..definitely one of my favorite cars ever made
I have a White 97 Cherokee Sport HD, I did some suspension work on it up grading the front coils to hold 450 pound plow and the rear to double leaf springs to hold a two ton tongue weight of the trailer with rancherro shocks because it lifted 2". It now rides firm and bouncy. I also changed all the bushings to synthetic, and changed bearings in both (Dana) pumpkins new drive shafts with heavy duty universals, new axle bearings and seals. I've owned it since new, I've plowed and towed with it all its life. It has 89,000 original miles on it. It's been a fantastic Jeep, it still looks and runs great as I keep after it to keep it new looking. I think the 4 speed automatic is great and actually is the only transmission rated for heavy duty towing or pulling 5,800 lbs as the manual transmission's max is 1,800 Lbs. My Jeep was ordered with a towing package so I have a trans oil cooler and its geared lower. Only complaint I have is I can't keep the air conditioner charged, and the tail pipe rattles against the body and getting it into low range 4 wheel drive is contrary. When the front wheels are turned all the way it plows and skips so I just go really slow but is great in mud and snow. Over all, I love my Jeep and I"m glad that back in 1997 I made the decision to purchase it over the Ford Explorer which was also a decent SUV Like the kid said, my jeep is fun to drive and for a slightly lifted platform still gets a lot of eyes looking at it. Other than a slight rip in the driver's seat at the cord which can be stitched the interior is perfect and all the electric everything works, elec windows, mirrors, fog lights. I do have a light problem with the defrosters, I have to check the wiring. Other than that, for a 20 year old vehicle that gets 12MPG with its 4.o inline six cylinder (very durable engine) on a good day, it's a fantastic and go anywhere SUV and I'm very glad I own it.
I'm going to buy an XJ for my first car. After watching your review I know it's a good decision :)
+Anonymous161Crew Awesome!
+Anonymous161Crew i had a 98 jeep xj my first jeep a when i wecked it it had 625362 miles if you treat they right they will last forever
Me too
:)
I dot know if I being dumb, but I have never came across a 97 stick shift Cherokee.
Good option for a first car as they are so cheap
Ya I have a 96 Cherokee with only 2 gauges, gotta love guessing rpms on a stick, you learn to know the cars sweet spots though.
That Contra Guy I have a 97 with no tach but has a yellow shift lift in the top corner that tells me to shift wayyyy to soon
The AW4 is not mopar made. Its Aisin Warner, made in Japan. It is one of the most reliable transmissions out there. I have had both the AW4 and AX-15 (manual) transmissions and they are very reliable. Turning radius is WAY better on a jeep than most vehicles (especially when you don't rub) and is closely related to wheel base. The Cherokee has a 101.4" wheelbase, the wrangler has a 93.4" (YJ,TJ) wheelbase and a smaller turning radius, even with the exact same steering set up. I currently have a 97 XJ and LOVE it. Well built vehicle, cheap to own and fix, and the look other SUV's were modeled after!
It's also a 3 speed not a 4 speed like the video says.
No it's a 4 speed. That is what the 4 stands for in AW4. Overdrive counts as a speed :)
I didnt know the overdrive counted as a separate gear! i learn something new every day haha
+MikeSaidHello1 it's considered overdrive when the gear ratio is less than 1.
Yeah dude overdrive is a gear lololol.
Also since it wasn't mentioned. The aw4 is identical save from bellhousing and input shafts as the Toyota a340 aka Toyota Supra among many other high powered Toyota engines. The aw4/a340 can easily handle 400lbft+ and the internals from the TT Supra can handle 600+
The automatic is actually a AMC designed Toyota transmission. They are one of the best transmissions ever made. I'm surprised you didn't touch on the reliability.
is that true?
+Aaron Armelin Yes, look up the AW4 transmission.
Well do going to be buying a 97 cherokee in a week or so
+Aaron Armelin 97 is one of the better years for XJs. Just make sure everything works when you buy it and you should be fine. The 4.0 can last well into the 200k miles range. Rust is probably the thing to watch for on these awesome Jeeps. Good luck to you.
+Justin1701xbox I would stay away from the 97s because they have wiring harness problems
I have a white jeep Cherokee 1997 it’s great, three inch lift 😎
These xjs are fucking tough. Gonna have one soon
Have a dark Green 2000, I LOVE IT! II just came across it & bought it as a secondary vehicle from my neighbor who was moving and, I fell in love with it! I drive it now mor than I drive my newer car just because it's so much fun to drive! It has 218k mi. but, you would never know it. It still has plenty of power. Actually, has a lot more power than I thought it would! Over all, I can see why most people that still have them, still drive them everyday! And why, most people that still have them, don't want to get rid of them!!!! Ha
I bought one brand new back in 1997, emerald green. 5 speed manual. It was one of my favorite vehicles of all time I sold it in 2007, only had 56k on it. I bought the FJ cruiser, which I still own. Nothing beats the FJ though. It's a tank.
bought a '97 last month w/ 2" lift. in good condition for $500. Engine runs beautifully, transmission and 4wd all work. Floorboards rusted and header cracked of course but interior is immaculate. So far I put new shocks on, new tires, and new leaf springs. Exhaust is next.
How is it today??!
@@ectomorphnranger5165 Actually I lost the one key I had, probably somewhere in the house but neither my wife nor I can find it so we drive our car lol. I do have another Xj but it's under construction. To answer your question though, it's perfect. Always been restoring it, getting rid of the death wobble was the biggest pain in the ass. I Every suspension component has been changed. 2 diff lockers too. But it was in good condition when I got it. Sorry for the ling reply, been drinking lol.
@@dickJohnsonpeter no problem! I thought the rust got to it. I'm looking at a few but the have minimal rust but it's cheaper.
@@ectomorphnranger5165 I took out all the carpet because the floorboards were rusted through. I used the the trunk from a Plymouth roadrunner I took from a junkyard and bent and welded it into new floorboards. good as new. washed the carpet since I had it out. Yea those things are fun lol. With the tires I have on and the diff lockers the fucker can't get stuck so far.
Nice review. I like the comparison to the wrangler. No need to brag about this vehicle, it just lives awesome.
I've had 2 Cherokees. If I can find a decent one, I'll soon have a 3rd. Here in Minnesota there is NOTHING that goes through the snow better. A foot of snow on the streets feels like dry pavement in these things.
They slip like there's no tomorrow though, I like to way down the back with a sand bag or a 45 lb weight to get some extra traction.
@@Leo-vr3bg You need to have a good set of tires. My 1990 (Which sadly got killed in a Garage fire that I caused by accident about a month ago......... RIP) was amazing in the snow with All Terrain tires. I bought the Bridgestone A/T tires, best tires I ever put on her. Getting a replacement Jeep, and doing the same thing. I'm going to keep putting those tires on it or at least something similar to their tread design.
The transmission is a Toyota not mopar
Awesome review! You have just renewed my interest in one of these classic 4x4's! Adding it back to my list for sure. Especially when considering the value proposition. Appreciate the info you have provided and look forward to other videos! :)
You my man have great taste. My favorite car with almost no comparison to anything else. Great review 👍
thanks for the video. Glad I acquired one of these vehicles
It's got the Aisin/TOYOTA AW4 Transmission. 99 XJ onwer here. 4.5 on 33s BFG AT.
My mom had this car when I was a kid! This is a very nice car! But once it broke down in the middle of going to the zoo for my birthday 😂
just bought a 97 5-speed for my first car
Hey please respond man, are those 31x10.5's on a 3 inch lift? Also do you know the spacer size? Thanks in advance man!!!! great review also I'll subscribe!!!
Actually appreciated your input.
What size lift, tires, and spacers are on the jeep shown? I really like it.
fast forwarded to the part where you said the turning radius "wasn't that great". Dude the turning radius is as tight as a fucking dime lol; unless you're used to driving a golf cart or something xj's have a tighter turning circle than almost any suv on the market except for the wrangler. I run 1.25" adapters.
well I drive an rx7 so...
georgewastaken AGREED! My 2000 has a better turning radius than my mom's fancy 45k.$ 2015 Grand Cherokee! Lol....
Going from a 22’ truck, my xj turns fucking corners
I like that your review is completely your opinion, kudos. But still conformity is creativity prey. I felt you should have mention it can be a lot more than an off road car. Got a 98' XJ with 240k. Upgraded trans with shift kit and normal power train upgrades and it pushing 264hp and 337 ft-lbs at tire. It can be a silly little muscle car or an off-roader. Fairly okay review although you should get thoughts together.
Good review!
I do not know that much about these jeeps except they are great trucks ; ) But I'm considering to buy a xj for my first car I could buy a '96 2.5 jamboree with 95000 km for 2500$ or a '91 4.0 limited with 180000 km for 4500$ What do you jeep guys recommend? I know the 4.0 is the much better engine. but is it worth almost double the price? btw I'm a student and 2000$ aren't peanuts for me. how is the fuel consumption compared of these 2 engines?
Is there any problems with manuel gearbox? Im going to buy a disel, going to use it for driving on the farm only.
//Swede
I love this guy! PSHHH YAHH I'm BUILT for offroading, BROOOO.
My dad has a 96 jeep xj. He has basically given it to me. Though I'm most likely going to buy another one with a steel bull bar on it. I don't know if I should buy a pre 97 model or buy a 97 to 98 model. In Australia there is no shortage of xj's around. :)
Late 97 ,and 98 were best models and if u goto 1999-2001 the have head problems also latermodels came with the8.25 instead of the Dana 35. So it's better off if u want bigger tires
+josh101911 i love mine, got a steel bullbar on it
+josh101911 also cheaper just to buy a bullbar for the one u got
the D35 sucks and the 8.25 is barley better. If you buy one, plan on working on it. there's a few weak spots but otherwise, a great 4x4.
I had a 97 and it had nothing but electric issues and o2 sensor issues.
great comparison on chero vs wrang lol
what size are those wheels ..35inch ??
What size tires u have
Dude thank you for the video!!!
when ever someone says i believe this is it , run
jeep cherokee started in the 80s
justdoit 488 "from 84 to 2001"
Just so you know, the XJ series Cherokee is not an SUV. They are a 2 door or 4 door wagon. Look on the title. It will say "wagon." So technically, you're driving a 4x4 car. :)
Heath Crecelius its still a sports utility vehicle...
Love mine
good job
Thanks mang
Ilove jeep
The transmission is not mopar😂
lift and tire specs?
Does the rear seat fold down.
No.
Sofa is one piece, and no adjustments.
But you can take the sofa out, or stuff it upside down just behind the front seats so you can take the sofa with you.
Takes 2 minutes if you know what to do.
is there a system in here? i seen 1/0 wire...
Yes! A Kicker
Shooting Cars nice, I got 2 sq 12s in mine lol they go hard as hell
The transmission is a toyota.
Yes, two gauges, speed and fuel and there's nothing funny about it! I have it and I f....n hate it!! Love the Jeep but what moron (had to by Chrystler) came up with those gauges?!
😄😄😄👍👌🤙✌️
They overheat:(
Trumby mine doesnt!
Trumby I never had a problem with that. The cooling system will rust easy and not work well if water is used instead of coolant or has too much water in the coolant.
im guessing he never seen jeep, also friend named is real look away lol
Kid, Do more research and drive more cars for experience before you make car "reviews"
Im so alone kid, of course, look at others but, you're definitely on the right path! There's a reason why Car & Driver named it as one of the best cars ever built! I'd put it up against many cars built today!!! It's safe, reliable, easy to work on (which isn't often), and just fun to drive!!!
Its not a CAR its an SUV so stop calling it a car. Do reviews when you have a few more years under you belt. O does you dad know you took his SUV ?? lol
+gaskan666 Actually, it's a Jeep. No jeeper will ever call it a car, or SUV.
+Iñigo Zapata I own the same 97 Cherokee just blue and I call it a suv
Brandon Miller Aham.
+Iñigo Zapata same, I call it a jeep
Im sorry, I cant take a review made by a 12 year old seriously :/
You my man have great taste. My favorite car with almost no comparison to anything else. Great review 👍