Information on the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo

Considered the larger sibling of the now-defunct Jeep Cherokee, the Grand Cherokee--manufactured and sold by the Chrysler division, Jeep--is a mid-size sports-utility vehicle (SUV). It made its debut in 1993, thus the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the model-year entries of its first generation of production. The Laredo is the base and consequently cheapest of the Grand Cherokee's trims, available in two/rear-wheel (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD).

Engine, Transmission and Fuel Economy

The 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo has a 4-liter, 185-horsepower inline six-cylinder engine that produces 220 foot lbs. of torque. Some may have a more powerful, 5.2-liter, 220-horsepower V-8 engine with 285 foot lbs. of torque. The standard transmission is a four-speed automatic overdrive. With a gas tank that can hold up to 23 gallons, a 1997 Laredo can get 14 to 16 miles per gallon (mpg) with city driving and 17 to 21 mpg with highway driving, depending on type of engine and drive train.

Safety Features

Standard safety features of the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo include power/child safety door locks, anti-lock braking, and driver and passenger airbags. Not made available for this model year are other features such as vehicle anti-theft system, first aid kit and keyless entry.

Interior Features

Power windows, cruise control, air conditioning, tilt steering, and radio and cassette player stereo system are standard in the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Missing, however, are power-adjustable driver seat and leather upholstery made standard in the upper trims.

Exterior Features

The 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo has 15-inch alloy wheels. Save for the usual accessories such as lights, wipers and side mirrors, the vehicle is rather bare in its exterior layout.

Price

When the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo was released, the original manufacturer's suggested retail price was $27,515 for the 4WD and $25,545 for the 2WD. As of 2010, this SUV can be purchased for a price inn the $4,800 to $5,200 range, according to Kelley Blue Book valuation.