How does the Jeep Grand Cherokee do in the snow? (1999-2004)?

Question

I'm a brand new driver and I'm looking for my first vehicle. I need a vehicle that I can rely on, especially in the snow. The area in Pennsylvania I live in usually gets some good snow coming its way. Along with the colleges I have applied to. I'm big into Fords and like both the Ford F-150s and The Explorer. But I also really like Jeep and have heard a lot of great things about the vehicles they produce. I have chosen that I really like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and between the years (1999-2004). I was wondering how do they do in the snow and in bad winter conditions?

I'm a brand new driver and I'm looking for my first vehicle. I need a vehicle that I can rely on, especially in the snow. The area in Pennsylvania I live in usually gets some good snow coming its way. Along with the colleges I have applied to. I'm big into Fords and like both the Ford F-150s and The Explorer. But I also really like Jeep and have heard a lot of great things about the vehicles they produce. I have chosen that I really like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and between the years (1999-2004). I was wondering how do they do in the snow and in bad winter conditions? The model I"m looking at does have 4x4, but I'm just asking opinions on others.

Answer 1

I don't own a Jeep GC from the year span you state, but I do however own a 96 with full time 4WD 4.0L I6 engine and I love it in the snow. You don't have to worry about trying to put it into 4WD it does it on its own when wheel slippage occurs. I have almost 200,000 miles on my jeep and its still running strong. I change oil/filter every 3,000 miles and have the transmission serviced every 55,000 miles. I average 22MPG with a mix of city/highway driving even with full time 4WD in the summer. In the winter in snow I drop to around 19-20MPG with the 4WD system working off and on in the snow.

Just remember 4WD will only help you get going in the snow and ice. It does absolutely nothing to help you stop, and little to help you turn. Also some good all season tires are a huge help. You don't necessarily need studded tires, they just wear out because most people don't take them off and put them back on between snow storms.

Ford lost my business when they're reliability went down hill along with their gas mileage, and they completely lost my interest when they started making their vehicles overseas.

If you really want a truck though I suggest you look at the new Toyota Tundra 5.7L 4x4. They're a lot better than the Ford trucks and get better gas mileage.

Answer 2

The Jeep GC is great in snow - and very expensive to keep in fuel - same as your other two choices. None are going to get 20 mpg.

Make sure that you get one with FULL TIME 4WD. Part time 4WD is not suited for use on dry pavement - read the owners manual.

As noted, a Subaru would get better fuel economy, and do just as well in the snow.

Given that you like Fords, I would suggest that you look at a four cylinder AWD Ford Escape (Mercury Mariner, Mazda Tribute), which will to 20 mpg when driven nicely, and has as much interior room as the '99-'04 GC. Other choices in this class are: Jeep Liberty (V6 get 16-18mpg, CRD get 24-28mpg), Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4, etc.

Like all used vehicles, get a CARFAX or similar, get complete maintenance records. The latter is worth a 10% to 20% premium.

Answer 3

I have a 2005 Jeep GC, so I know this isn't exactly what you are looking for, but I can't imagine that the previous style you are looking for is too different. I live in Minnesota and I really like my Jeep for snow and inclement weather. It has great traction and I'm always comfortable in any condition. We recently had a big snow-storm, and I was able to drive through the the pre-plowed streets without any issues. No slippage starting from a stop (like turning from a stop sign onto a perpendicular street when icy). All around, it's a perfect winter vehicle for me. I rented one 2 years ago while in Denver on a ski week, and it handled great around the mountains and a lot of snow that week, so that was the basis for my purchase (bought mine 3 weeks later...even the same color!)

My wife has a Volvo, and when I drive that in the winter, I notice a very significant difference, so I owe that to the great winter handling of the Jeep.

Answer 4

Quite well, as long as you remember that you're driving a 4000 pound truck and not a 3000 pound car, that you've got a high center of gravity, and that 4WD of the sort found on most Jeeps doesn't help you turn, and NO 4WD helps you stop.

Bigger IS NOT BETTER when it comes to driving on snow. Quite the contrary.

But that's pretty much the only handicap the Grand Cherokee has for snow.

Answer 5

I guess they have a fairly good reputation and track record but you did not mention if your model has 4 wheel drive.

The Explorer is not bad ,and the 150 is superb, but both are gas guzzlers, sad to say. Even the Jeep is bad on gas. If gas money will be a problem , go for a subaru.

Answer 6

Perfection, is what i think of your choice, but I'm a JP guy. Buy it with the 4.7 engine and QUADRA DRIVE, put on some good snow/ice tires and stud them them if thats legal there. You will be AMAZED at how sure footed it it. The only problem is that JEEPS are like SEX, once you try it you won't go back to not having it.!

Answer 7

They do really well. A friend of mine has one and it can pull through anything. I live in the snowbelt. Jeeps, Hummers, Land Cruisers, and Land Rovers will perform best. Most SUVs will do fine though.

Answer 8

Any car can do good in the snow. It just depends on the driver

Answer 9

it should do just fine...its a jeep they're made for terrain like snow mud and dirt

Answer 10

i drove the jeep and it was better than ford i also drove