Any Grand Cherokee defectors?

[BoulderZJ]

Any Grand Cherokee defectors to 3rd Gen?

Hey Guys,

Just thought I might find some thoughts from people who have gone from driving a Grand to a 3rd Gen 4Runner. I know I'm probably just asking to get harassed, but here goes... Here's my situation... I've got a 96 GC Limited, 101k. It's always had some issues, but in the past few months it's been especially bad. The repair bills are starting to get ridiculous. I am using a very trusted mechanic, so it's for real.

How do you feel about converting from the Grand to a 4Runner? I have to say, after driving a 99 4Runner V6 today, I'm frustrated. I've really been spoiled by Jeep on the convenience stuff. Auto Headlights, Seat heaters, Climate control w/ digital displays, information center with sensors on fluids, etc., overhead display with Miles to empty, trip miles, time, and MPG stats, the list goes on...

I did notice that I like the steering better than my Grand, feels relatively effortless, but in a solid way. (Does that make any sense?) The acceleration is disappointing... I didn't expect it to feel like my V8, but a little more punch would be nice. What are the options for the 3rd generation from TRD? I'm mostly frustrated with the interior. The center console is tiny, when my girlfriend and I took a test drive we were already bumping elbows. And the salesman actually mentioned that he has a 98 and hates that cupholder. (I can't limit myself to 99+ because of a stupid cupholder, why in the hell didn't Toyota get their act together on that sooner?) And I don't mean to sound like a whiner, but who doesn't offer black leather? There are so many shades of brown in there!

I guess what I'm asking is...does anyone who's made the switch have an opinion on losing the conveniences? Is the upgrade to the 4Runner really worth the money? I feel like I'd be giving up quite a bit, but I will be gaining (hopefully) the reliability that Toyotas are known for. I'm torn, because the 4Runners are quite a bit more than my Jeep is worth...plus I've already dumped quite a bit into having it repaired. The question is, where does it stop? Maybe I should call a psychic, eh?

Thanks for listening to me vent, and thanks in advance for any replies.

-Jason

 

[peter78]

It looks like you have been looking at the 3rd generation 4Runner, (96 - 02). Your right they are a little spartan compared to the Grand Cherokee, also they are quite narrow, (the reason you are bumping elbows with your girlfriend). I look at the 4Runner as a 7/8th Land Crusier. Built rough and tough with some, but not many luxury features.

The new 4th generation (03 - ??) I think was built to be more Americanized, or if you will, Grand Cherokeeianized. Toyota has done this before, The Tundra is going after the full size American trucks, the Avalon is going after the large Buick type car and the Sequioa is going after the Yukon type SUV's. Toyota's Americanization still hold some traits from Toyota and Americans have embraced them. They still keep the durability and reliability.

Bottom line, the 3rd generation 4Runner and the the Grand Cherokee are miles apart. Some people enjoy the difference, while some do not.

 

[Jim]

Former F-150 Owner

I have never owned a Toyota and had some of the same concerns when upgrading from Ford P/U to 2004 4Runner. As Peter pointed out, the 4th gen models are much more like American in standard features and they have been significantly widened and lengthened in wheelbase.

I got everything I wanted and then some in the SR5 with a just few added options (leather steering wheel, 17" wheels, luggage rack, EC mirror and leather seats, double deck cargo, and a dealer pkg).

If you want all of the bells and whistles, the Limited model has them. For my money, I couldn't get the added options on the Limited to come anywhere close to the upcharge in MSRP.

What clinched the deal for me was Toyota's reputation and the state of the art 4WD drivetrain, stability control, traction control, downhill assist, etc. No regrets so far.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[darktiger]

I defected, but I defected from a v8 2000 Heep Grand Cherokee to a 2004 Toyota 4runner v8. Love my 4runner and would do it again.

 

[momo.75]

Everybody I have known that has owned a GC has had nothing but problems. It is a no-brainer that Toyota, even though it is more expensive, it a better vehicle and will last much longer.

 

[Thai]

Quality costs $$$$.

 

[momo.75]

:iagree:

 

[bryancos]

I went from a 99 Grand Cherokee (V6) to an 02 Envoy (I6) to the 03 4Runner (V6) -- the 4 Runner wins hands down in all categories. Yes the toys on the Jeep such as the overhead info center were nice, but the features I liked most are still part of the 4Runner's system. In fact I'm so happy w/ this vehicle, I will likely purchase it when my lease is up. But I'd eventually like to add toys again like my old Grand Cherokee had:

 

[peter78]

Is the upgrade to the 4Runner really worth the money?

I just took a friend this Friday to look at a few used SUV's. He wanted my opinions on what to buy. I was amazed at how high the used 4Runners were. We looked at some 2001 SUV's and the 4Runner SR5 was $4,000 more than a Montero (a larger more expensive model). My friend is now more confused than ever.

I think for the long haul, having to live with it everyday, a used 4Runner is not a bad deal. So my friend is going what you might be going through. I must admit the Montero had a lot more bells and whistles and was larger than the 4Runner.

Note: We looked at the Montero, not to be confused with the Montero Sport. By the way we saw a 2001 2WD Montero Sport for $7,000 less than the 4Runner. At least he decded against that one.

Update: My friend just called and the 4Runner was a 2000 while the others were a 2001. He is still deciding.

 

[Brewster]

I bought a 6 cyl 4wd Jeep GC Ltd in 1993. (The 4runner at that time was too small for me.) Since it was a Chrysler product, I bought an extended warranty. Naturally, there were no problems until after the 70K mile warranty expiration. Between 90K and 100K miles, I had to have a rear axle and A/C compressor replaced, and had to have the transfer case rebuilt, along with a couple of lesser problems. However, it was pretty good for the next 28K miles or so. It was in good shape when I sold it this past summer at 128K miles.

My 4th Generation 4runner is certainly a better vehicle, but I enjoyed my Jeep.

 

[toybox]

This topic is dead on for me. I had a '96 GC (After coming from a Landcruiser) that I loved. I bought it used with 48k on it and never had a problem with it. I traded it at 133k on a used '97 4Runner.

The 4Runner never let me down but was not near as nice as th GC.-----Oh and those cupholders :cursin: I would definitly NOT consider one with cupholders like the 96 & 97's. And let me tell you I DID miss all those little things on the jeep. To be honest I was counting the days until I could trade the '97 in and for Toyota to do a redesign.

I'm not a jeep fan but I say you will be disappointed coming from a GC to a 3rd generation 4Runner.

 

[mtnrunner]

Jason,

I had a 96 4-runner which was loaded and took a real beating off-road and held up to anything I threw at it. My friends with Jeeps played with their amenities until it was time to get to our climbing sites in which case they parked their jeeps and came with me fearing the damage their Jeeps might endure.

But, after a Tundra and a Sequoia I'm now in a 04 Runner limited with Nav and really like it but have not been nearly as abusive to it as I was with my 3rd gen 4-runner, maybe cuz I don't wanna hurt this one.

But...after all that, sounds to me like you're gonna have to dig down deeper and consider a 4th gen cuz giving up luxuries is really hard to do. Granted, not many of us can s**t money but often we regret spending too little, almost as often as spending too much

 

[BoulderZJ]

Thanks for the input guys...though I am admittedly not much closer to a decision than I was before. I'd get a 4th gen if I could, but I'm a college kid and can't ask my Dad to shell out that kinda cash...tuition's bad enough.

MtnRunner, I definitely relate to your friends offroading...everytime I come off the trail there's something else wrong, or at the very least squeaking on my Jeep.

Toybox, thanks for the honesty...It's nice not being the only one who cares about the pussy luxury features, hahaha.

As for the Montero, I have to say I haven't even looked. The appearance has scared me away, the old ones are ghetto looking, and the new ones look like a sibling of the Aztek. I just wish that someone (before the 4th Gen 4Runner) had managed to come up with a balanced design of looks, convenience, power, and reliability. Jeeps are great when they're new, too bad they don't stay reliable.

COUPLE OF QUESTIONS:
Are all of you who've done the cupholder mod on a 96-98 happy with it? It seems ridiculous to limit myself to 99+ for a cupholder...if I could just stick a new one in an older 4Runner, that'd be good...

What options have you all explored/implemented for a little more power, and how much (roughly) do they cost? If the V6 in the 3rd gen had a little more punch like my V8, that would help nudge me in the right direction.

Can you buy different fender flares from Toyota for the 3rd Gens? The SR5 I drove the other day had the black ones, which I don't like too much. I love the silver ones, and I'd almost rather have none than the black...Any experience with removal?

 

[toybox]

I think the cupholder mod can be done. I know some people at YOTATECH.com have done it so you can go ask over there. Then I would try to get a limited '96-'98 and do it on that and it will be a great truck with close to the amenities of the jeep.

For more horsepower I think alot of exhaust options are out there ie. headers, free flow cat and cat back exhaust. The biggest gains will come if you put a Toyota Supercharger on it. That will make considerable difference and I'm pretty sure would surpass your jeep's power with it.

As for fender flares you could probably buy the ones they put on the limiteds (or just buy a limited) or there are many aftermarket flares.

 

[peter78]

As for the Montero, I have to say I haven't even looked. The appearance has scared me away, the old ones are ghetto looking, and the new ones look like a sibling of the Aztek.

I simply metioned the Montero because it was cheaper than the 4Runner and had bells and whistles. I didn't really like it that much. Also the dealer said the concern over roll over with Consumer Reports is that they tried 70 times before it tipped. Yet I found out Consumer Reports tried it 9 times and it tipped 8 times. Can you belive it, a saleman lied. I am trying to convice my friend to get a 4Runner. I have already convinced him not to buy the Montero.

 

[mtnrunner]

I friend of mine was the proud owner of a Montero till he visited me and drove my Tundra which he promptly acquired ditching the Montero. It's a make-believe suv for shoppers.

I suggest that if you're concerned about your bottom line investment seriously consider the Tundra. You can pick em up used for less then 20k loaded and the cruise on and off road can

 

[Iman74]

The answer is simple: you can't go wrong with a 4 Runner.