Teresa’s View
Gosh, I was looking forward to driving the completely redesigned 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the opportunity to give the girl a decent airing in the dirt for which she was designed, but I did get a close-up look and was impressed with the many nips, tucks and upgrades.
The new Grand Cherokee conveys a more aggressive demeanor — meaning the sheet metal is more chiseled and less rounded, with the single exception of the headlamps, which now bear the trademark circular lenses the Jeep brand has assumed.
Those lucky enough to step aboard will find futuristic plastics providing a solid base for a handsome two-toned interior.
When it was launched in 1993, it was the first sport-ute in its class with a V-8 engine. Not to be outdone in the power category, the redesigned Grand Cherokee sports a Hemi V-8.
The new-do added inches too. Riding on a nearly 4-inch longer wheelbase, the entire vehicle is 5.3 inches longer and an inch wider for increased stability.
Buyers are offered a choice of engine size. There’s the capable 3.7-liter 210-horsepower V-6 borrowed from the Jeep Liberty, a 4.7-liter 230-horsepower PowerTech V-8 carryover power plant, or the previously mentioned 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, which generates 325 horsepower. A multi-displacement system on the Hemi helps provide fuel economy by deactivating four of the cylinders during light cruising or low-speed acceleration.
New steering, suspension, and brake systems guarantee quality ride, handling and stopping, and the available Quadra-Drive II active four-wheel drive system shifts torque in all four wheels for maximum available traction in off-road driving. Two other 4WD systems are also available.
Most importantly, Jeepsters can rest assured the new edition is just as off-road capable as the previous two generations.
What Is It?: The Grand Cherokee is an upscale midsize sport-utility vehicle and the flagship of the Jeep brand. It’s available in two trims, the Laredo and the Limited, and in two- or four-wheel drive, with prices starting at $27K.
Gadget Rating: 7.5 out of 10. The upscale Laredo gets a nifty Boston Acoustics sound system with MP3 player. Safety features include ABS, but sadly, side airbags are optional.
The Back Seat: Even youngsters will tire of the low, uncomfortable rear seats — once they get past the narrow rear doors. With no third-row option, the GC isn’t a great choice for the fam.
Grocery Sack Test: The Grand Cherokee’s back end sits high off the ground, so lift with the knees when loading supplies.
Cheat Sheet: Jeep is a member of the DaimlerChrysler family.
Bottom Line: The Grand Cherokee is still the real deal.