Jeep cherokee or honda civic si?

[piyush1]

im looking to getting a car before school starts back and i either want a 1997-2001 jeep cherokee or a 1999-2000 honda civic si(coupe not hatchback). ive got about $3000 and these are the two cars that i like the most that i can get for that price.

[alfonso2501]

Honda>Jeep in the reliability department. U need a car that won't give you trouble when you're at school.

[MagicRat]

These are going to be 10+ year-old cars, and well -used. Initial reliability is not the key issue there.
The critical thing is the overall condition of the car you buy. IMO keep an open mind and buy the BEST condition car you can find, for your money, regardless of the brand.

If all you find are ratty civics, but you luck in on a low mileage Jeep, buy it.

As for Jeeps, these were quite reliable in the years you are considering. The 2001's were known for cracking cylinder heads in the 6 cyl engine, but these bad heads can be replaced with '93-99 heads. Also, the crankshaft position sensors are not the best.

All things being equal, the Jeep would be more utilitarian, more room and better in the snow, but the Civic would be more fun to drive, and cheaper to operate and maintain. So, the decision depends on your priorities.