Opinions on alternate vehicles

[Spudboy]

It's time to replace the '99 Blazer and I'm looking at current options. The two vehicles that I have found are both 2004s - Chevy Trailblazer and Grand Cherokee. The GC has slightly lower miles but a higher price tag. Both have the I-6 engines. We only tow a small utility trailer and a small popup camper, so I think the engines are up to the task.

Anyway, I know some of you out there are driving these, what are your experiences? Anything to watch out for? In my forum search I see some mention that the GC 4.0 is a bad engine - any truth to that?

Thanks for your thoughts

PS: I put this in Non-Tech as it is not XJ-related and not Tech-related. Feel free to move if appropriate

 

[jpfreak]

The 4.0 in the Grand Cherokee is the same from the XJ. The Grand Cherokee is just a bit heavier, so it will feel a bit less powerful. I find the Grand Cherokee's from that generation to be very comfortable and look pretty good. We rented one once and it wasn't underpowered.

 

[scoobyxj]

The 4.0 in the WJ is the same as the XJ, YJ, ZJ, and MJ. However it does have a different tranny that is not as reliable as the AW4. I would say it is on par with most other trannys though. If you take good care of it it will last a long time between rebuilds. I have heard nothing but bad things about the TrailBlazers. The moter is an I5 not I6, and have read that it is way underpowered for the weight of the vehicle. I also remember something on the order of overheating problems if it is worked hard.

 

[Ronbo]

I have heard nothing but bad things about the TrailBlazers. The moter is an I5 not I6, and have read that it is way underpowered for the weight of the vehicle. I also remember something on the order of overheating problems if it is worked hard.

TrailBlazers have an I6 - early models have 275hp, currently around 290hp.

 

[Spudboy]

Ronbo is correct. The I-5 is in the Colorado pickups. Early 4.2 sixes had a nasty habit of dropping a sleeve into the crankshaft with predictably catastrophic results. I believe that problem got resolved by the 2003 model year. I haven't read of overheating being a common issue. The EXT models with third row seat are underpowered because of the additional weight, so many of those are ordered with the optional V8 engine.

With the WJ, I am wondering more about the rear axle. I recall that the ZJ axle had a lot of problems, but I don't know if that got resolved in later years.

I'm kind of leaning towards the WJ simply because I am more comfortable with the engine.

Keep the opinions coming