Yes, the redesigned new Jeep Grand Cherokee has a Hemi V-8 -- and a lot more.
The Grand Cherokee is the flagship of the iconic Jeep line, and the long-awaited 2005 model should keep it among the prestige leaders in the mid-size, sport-utility market.
The Grand Cherokee had few rivals when introduced as an upscale carlike 1993 sport-utility with Jeep's traditional superb off-road prowess, although it faced a lot more competition when it arrived as a redesigned 1999 model.
"No matter what we did to improve the new Grand Cherokee's comfort on roads, the new model had to retain Jeep's traditionally tough off-road abilities because Jeep has the highest percentage of off-road use among all sport-utilities,'' said Mark Actavitti, director of Jeep Brand Global Marketing at a recent media preview here of the 2005 Grand Cherokee.
"Some 60 percent of the owners of our (World War II style) Wrangler account for most Jeep off-road use, but 45 percent of our Liberty owners do the same thing -- and almost 25 percent of Grand Cherokee owners go off road,'' Actavitti said.
The 2004 Grand Cherokee hadn't changed much since being revamped for 1998, and it needed improvements for better road use. It had imprecise steering, a suspension that caused heads to toss and a body with old-style side cladding. It hung on as a prestigious vehicle to take to the country club, but was living on past glory.
Moreover, the Grand Cherokee had a marginal reputation for quality, with things that kept going wrong.
"We've created a new quality system in the Jeep plant, picking up cues from Toyota,'' Jeep chief engineer Phil Causino said at the preview.
At first glance, the new Grand Cherokee looks much like the old one. But the dated body cladding is gone and the vehicle has a more substantial look, partly achieved by a higher lower window ("belt'') line and reduced glass-to-body proportion.
While slicker, styling is boxier. New body extensions -- or "eyebrows'' -- over the front headlights are a surprise and provide a contrast to the flat body planes. Taillights are larger, but don't look gaudy.
The front has Jeep's signature seven-slot grille and round headlights, and trapezoidal wheel arches maintain Jeep design continuity.
A low hoodline allows better visibility. A spoiler under the front bumper helps provide better aerodynamics for slightly increased fuel economy. The .41 drag coefficient would be high for a car, but large outside mirrors don't provide noticeable wind noise in the quiet interior and are handy during lane changes.
The new model rides on a 3.6-inch longer wheelbase and is 5.3 inches longer overall at 186.6 inches, 1 inch wider and 1.7 inches lower, with a wider track for added stability.
However, there's virtually the same passenger room as in the 2004 model and no third-row passenger seat. Four tall occupants fit, but the center of the rear seat is too hard for a fifth. Door handles are large, and the step-in is OK for a mid-size sport-ute. But rear door openings should be wider for easier entry and exit.
Jeep was aware of the old model's quality reputation and has worked hard to eliminate flaws with the new model, although long-term quality remains to be proved.
Models come with rear- or four-wheel drive. Base prices range from $26,130 to $28,100 for the two lower-line Laredo models and from $31,455 to $34,045 for the two high-line Limited versions, which have plenty of chrome, wood, and two-tone leather seats.
There are three new four-wheel-drive systems: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and the ultimate Quadra-Drive II system, which Jeep says provides the "ultimate in off-road capability.''
The old 195-horsepower inline six-cylinder engine has been replaced by a smoother, quieter 3.7-liter, 210-horsepower V-6 from the Jeep Liberty, while the 4.7-liter, 230-horsepower V-8 has been carried over.
New to the 2005 Grand Cherokee is Chrysler's 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, which produces 325 horsepower and gives the Grand Cherokee a fire-breathing engine with a colorful reputation no rivals can match. The 0-60 mph time is just 7 seconds with the Hemi.
The latest version of the Hemi has a Multi-Displacement System, which is the first such system to be offered on a sport-utility. It deactivates four cylinders during cruising and light acceleration to increase fuel economy up to 20 percent. The transition is undetectable because the Hemi switches modes in milliseconds.
As with most heavy, mid-size sport-utes, the new Grand Cherokee is no fuel-miser with any of its engines. Estimated fuel economy with the 3.7 V-6 is 16 mpg in the city and 21 on the highway. The figures are 16 and 20 with the 4.7, and 14 and 20 with the Hemi.
Fuel prices have been escalating, and thus drivers are paying more attention to fuel usage. The 3.7 and 4.7 engines require only lower-cost 87-octane fuel. Jeep recommends mid-priced 89-octane gasoline for the Hemi, with 87-octane being "acceptable.''
The 3.7 V-6 works with a new five-speed automatic transmission, while the carryover five-speed automatic for the 4.7 and Hemi V-8s has been refined for better shifting, while increasing the Grand Cherokee's towing ability.
Both transmissions provide manual shift control for the first time on a Grand Cherokee to give a driver control to match any on- or off-road driving requirement.
Precise, but rather heavy, new rack-and-pinion power steering is quick and replaces recirculating ball steering that needed frequent small corrections at highway speeds to stay in a lane. The truck-like solid-axle front suspension has been replaced by a new, carlike independent front suspension, which eliminates the old wobbliness and subsequent head toss -- and provides a greater sense of control.
Front suspension wheel travel also has been increased for a more supple ride, and there's a new five-link rear suspension with a track bar for better handling.
Handling can be improved by a new Dynamic Handling System; Jeep says it minimizes the traditional compromise between ride and handling. An Electronic Stability Program helps maintain vehicle directional stability during severe driving maneuvers on any type of surface.
Handling is good, although quick lane changes remind a driver that this is a high, heavy sport-ute -- no sports sedan. The ride is firm, but supple. Stopping power is good, but large shoes will often hit under-dash components when using the brake pedal.
A rear hatch with separate-opening glass facilitates loading cargo, although the load floor is rather high. The cargo area is big, if somewhat shallow. Rear seatbacks easily flip forward and lay flat to enlarge it, with headrests that automatically tuck out of the way.
The new interior is upscale, especially in the Limited. It has a two-tone instrument panel, door trim and new finishes. Front seats are supportive, and the elegant looking gauges can be easily read, despite rather small numbers. Controls are nicely placed and moderately large for easy use. Cupholders are easy to use, but most interior storage areas aren't very large.
The Detroit-built Grand Cherokee is well equipped, but options include satellite radio, Boston Acoustics six-speaker audio system, DVD rear entertainment, rear-obstacle detection, navigation system, power-adjustable pedals, heated front seats and an off-road package. Safety items include front and rear side curtain air bags.
Jeep needs a competitive Grand Cherokee to maintain its reputation and to generate good profits. The new model erases faults of its predecessor and is definitely more enticing.
2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
PRICES
$26,130-$34,045
LIKES
Thoughtfully redesigned. Strong Hemi V-8. Good ride and handling.
DISLIKES
High load floor. Narrow rear doorways. No third-row seat. |