The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been around for decades now but ultimately straddles the line between off-road and on-road SUVs quite well. The Grand Cherokee is well-suited for adventurers vying on the corners, or family drivers seeking a daily commuter. That said, not all model years are the same. Some became legends for reliability, while others suffered problems to the point that they became models to avoid. We’ve listed the most reliable Jeep Grand Cherokee years, whether you are buying from a dealership like Jeep of Chicago or searching online.
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Jeep Grand Cherokee History
The Jeep Grand Cherokee first appeared in 1992 with a big smashing promo, marketed as a more upscale option for the smaller, spartan Jeep Cherokee. Grand quickly became a name associated with a premium SUV, and it offered a unique combination of luxury and capability. It has seen five generations over the years to make gradual improvements to technology, comfort, and performance.
For traditional off-road specialists, the Grand Cherokee was initially marketed against the Ford Explorer and Toyota 4Runner. Today, the Grand Cherokee’s most expensive trims are so fancy they belong in the same conversation as cars from BMW and Audi.
The first-gen (ZJ) Grand Cherokee was built between 1992 and 1998; this was followed by the WJ (1998-2004), the WK (2004-2010), the WK2 (2010-2022), and the current WL (2021-present). Every generation has its evolution and new features, but when it comes to reliability, certain years are represented more than others. Here’s a summary of some important specs over the generations:
| Generation | Model Years | Engine Options | Key Features |
| First (ZJ) | 1993–1998 | 4.0L I6, 5.2L V8, 5.9L V8 | Unibody construction, solid front, and rear axles, Selec-Trac 4WD or Quadra-Trac |
| Second (WJ) | 1999–2004 | 4.0L I6, 4.7L V8 | Updated design, improved interiors, Selec-Trac or Quadra-Drive system |
| Third (WK) | 2005–2010 | 3.7L V6, 4.7L V8, 5.7L HEMI V8, 6.1L V8, 3.0L Diesel | Independent front suspension, available HEMI V8, Quadra-Drive II |
| Fourth (WK2) | 2011–2021 | 3.6L V6, 5.7L V8, 6.4L V8, 3.0L Diesel | Air suspension, Quadra-Lift, Uconnect, advanced safety features |
| Fifth (WL) | 2022–Present | 3.6L V6, 5.7L V8, 2.0L Turbo Plug-In Hybrid | New platform, advanced safety tech, new plug-in hybrid |
Note: The 5.7L V8 engine option was discontinued in October 2024 due to low demand.
Best Jeep Grand Cherokee Model Years
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee was the final year of the ZJ generation, which is beloved for its ruggedness and simplicity among enthusiasts. It was built with actual off-roading in mind, featuring a heavy-duty front and rear axle. The inline-six gets high marks for long-term durability and ease of upkeep.
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Highlights:
- Engine Options: 4.0L I6 & 5.2L V8 & 5.9L V8
- Transmission: Four-speed automatic
- 4WD Systems: Selec-Trac or Quadra-Trac
- Four-wheeling Ability: Great Aftermarket, Wide Axles
The 1998 model is among the most dependable of Grand Cherokees, with low numbers of reported issues on car complaints. Its rugged construction makes it a favorite of off-road crowds today, and the 4.0-liter AMC engine is known for its longevity. A good option, if you need another project vehicle or trail toy, is the 1998 Grand Cherokee. Its updated features may not be ideal as a daily driver per se, but a nice clean ZJ makes for an excellent extra get-around.
2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
From the WJ generation, the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a knowledgeable mix of ruggedness and everyday usability. The latter even received a version called the Quadra-Drive, which offered incredible off-road grip. The 4.7-liter V8 in the middle was both powerful and dependable.
Key Features of the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee:
- Engines: 4.0L I6, 4.7L V8
- Transmissions: Four-speed automatic, five-speed automatic
- Four-Wheel Drive Systems: Quadra-Trac II, Quadra-Drive
- Comfort Options: Artificial leather, increased quality seating, and dual-zone climate control
The 2003 Grand Cherokee delivers a perfect ride of durability and off-road capability. It’s among the better choices when your needs are an SUV that’s rugged enough to keep up with both a daily drive and a weekend adventure. Its features aren’t as advanced as those of later vehicles, which means it’s less complicated, but overall it represents a good combination of modernity and reliability. It is, in this range (that owners have reported), has fewer issues than in other WJ years, making it a generally reliable choice.
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee
If you’re looking for something a bit newer, the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a solid option. A 2020 or newer Grand Cherokee would also be a wise purchase for that matter. Well, there are all sorts of reasons to embrace the 2019 model, including all of the strengths of the fourth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Ranger is a spruced-up, boxier SUV that is as much luxury, new age, and off-roading.
The Best 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Features
- Engines: 3.0L turbodiesel I6, 3.6L V6, 5.7L V8, 6.4L V8 (SRT), 6.2L supercharged V8 (Trackhawk)
- Transmissions: Eight-speed automatic
- 4WD Systems: Quadra-Trac I, II , and Quadra-Drive II
- Tech Features: 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert
The 2019 Grand Cherokee is a great all-rounder of vehicles; daily, commuter, and off-roader. It offers modern features and a full suite of safety options. Such as advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2019 model has had fewer complaints or reported problems than earlier WK2 models, with a good reliability history and fewer issues in major components such as the engine or transmission. That makes this among the Grand Cherokee’s best years ever if you’re after a vehicle packed with modern amenities and good dependability.
Summary: Avoid Early Fourth-Gen Grand Cherokees
What Jeep has managed to do with the Grand Cherokee is deliver an iconic vehicle, for the most part. Sufficiently great and substantial as an entry-level, high-potential SUV platform, it developed a good-to-great and terrific reputation for high-end capable SUVs. Unfortunately, not all model years are created equal for reliability. The 1998 ZJ, 2003 WJ, and 2019 WK models are some of the best years for their durability, capability, and modern amenities. All fifth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee WL should make for an appealing buy right now, but only time will tell if this latest wave has the leg it needs to go long.
At the opposite end of the data, there were models to be avoided for their serious reliability issues, with the early WK fourth-generation SUVs of 2011 and 2014 being the models to start and end the list. As with any used car purchase, you may want to check the history of your prospective Grand Cherokee, or even see if you can find information on any recalls or major repairs. Researching the NHTSA database can help paint a picture of potential problems for certain model years. With a bit of research and some time, you could score a Jeep Grand Cherokee and enjoy the benefits of this icon for many years without the headaches associated with frequent service.
