It's getting to be time for a new (used) car. I currently own a '91 Explorer EB 4x4, which I bought nearly 4 years ago. I've had a few maintanence issues, but I expect that with over 200,000 miles. I also like the Jeep Cherokee a friend owns, so I'm looking at both SUVs as a possible replacement.
I'm sure lots of you have stong opinions, but I'ld rather here fact based advice on which is the better, or if it realy doesn't matter.
Thanks for all the advice,
Mike
Here's a couple of sites The '02 and newer Explorers scored real well in these tests
I forgot to mention this in my origanal post:
I'm very interresting in hearing feedback concerning which years and features were good and which years and features I should avoid. By "features" I mean things like AWD vs 4WD, and V6 vs V8 engines.
Thanks again, Mike
I own a 96 XLT 2wd w/V6, and bought it used not quite 2 years ago. I'd seen in a consumer guide some time later this year did pretty good in reliability tests. I'm sure some others did too, but since this was the year of mine I was pleased to see it. Also, I've seen it recommended many times here....given the choice of V6 or V8, with all other things being comparable, it's best to choose the V8. Apparently gas mileage isn't varied enough between the two, but should you want to use your Explorer for towing the extra power might come in handy. Also, not that this may ever be a factor, but more performance parts are available for the V8, should you look to gain more power. Hope this helps a bit.
Randy
We're living in a world that's been pulled over our eyes to blind us from the truth. Where are you, white rabbit?
Mike
I had a '00 Grand Cherokee Limited that was replaced by a '02 Explorer V-6 Limited. My take on the two:
Grand Cherokee: smaller inside, but with the V-8 (which we had) a real screamer. Power was impressive. The LTD has the full-time Quadra-Drive and it seemed to work flawlessly. Traction in snow was excellent. Ride/handling was nice but it did not handle as well as the '02 Explorer with the indi-suspension. Quality is definitely an issue ... DaimlerChrysler bought ours back due to a Lemon Law issue involving the disk brakes. I went through 4 pairs in the front, about 6,000 mile per pair. After the 4th, we decided to bail and get the Explorer. Honestly, if the brakes had worked properly, we would have kept it for a long time as it was a very pleasant vehicle and fit our needs well.
Explorer: Can't speak for the previous generation, but the '02's and beyond are nice. Ours is now approaching 30k miles and has had little maintenance but oil changes. Like the option of the 3rd row seat, although we have only used it three times in 2+ years. V-6 is OK around town and on the road, but last summer we rented a little fiberglass trailer (about 1,400 lbs) and towing was a noticeable strain on the engine. Handling is definitely superior to the Cherokee. Freeway ride is about the same. Amenities are also about the same, although the Cherokee's are a bit easier to operate.
That's my take.
Ken
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