Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4X4 sport utility vehicle.
I believe Americans are beginning to re-think the need to support US made products and stop exporting jobs abroad at our economic peril. The good news is that these cars are far superior to the low point in the late 1960s for US cars. They have earned the right to be re-considered. One trip to Detroit or simply following the news about how the American auto industry is suffering should convince you of the need to support it. When you look closer you will find them to be every bit as good in today’s world.
Keeping the Dollar at home by keeping jobs at home will help American families. Think about it.
General Info:
Parts – US/Canadian 71%, Engine and transmission – Germany.
Assembly – Detroit, MI, USA
Class: – Special Purpose
Cars: – Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot & Wrangler.
… on SIRIUS radio. How can there be so many stations and so few worth listening to. Ok, so it does give you the opportunity to filter out all the commercial junk and zero in on those few that are of interest to you. On the whole it gives more benefits than negatives. It is the wave of the future and much like cable TV where you only watch very few of the hundreds of stations available.
Reception on SIRIUS, however, can be frustrating at times in that there are a lot of interruptions. I suspect it will get better in time. Until then they should reduce the pricing.
Handling & Performance:
I was impressed with the Crest Test ride that was smooth and controlled with the high tech suspension including 4-wheel traction control, hill start assist and descent control, Electronic Stability Program and Quadra Trac full time 4WD. These control features are surely the most significant improvements to our driving experience. In other words, power isn’t all that important to performance. It is the control assists that keep you safe and enhance handling and driving comfort.
Jeep unlike all other off road contenders is actually used off road and has the highest percentage of off road use. This is why Jeep offers Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II options with electronic limited slip differentials.
Styling:
The Grand Cherokee smoothes out the rough edges of other more squarely cut models and gives that elegant luxury feeling even though it is still a capable 4-wheel off road tracker. I think you’ll also appreciate small things like stylish seating. But getting to them in the rear is through narrow door openings.
Fit and Finish:
Very good. I think all car makers have taken a page out of the Japanese book on work ethics and thus Japanese cars are no longer noticeably better.
Cost:
In the hunt… reasonably competitive.
Conveniences and comfort:
Very good as equipped but you may want to consider adding some options. Trailer tow group adds $280; limited slip front and rear differential is $795; Multimedia InfoTainment system with GPS Navigation, hard disc drive, Bluetooth hands free communication, SIRIUS Satellite Traffic and touch screen display is only $900.
Consumer Recommendation:
Consider returning to American Made products because they are far better, thanks to European and Japanese competition. I think that is why Toyota, for one, is producing some cars in this country because Americans are sure to think of their own family’s well being once again and return to American Made everything. Watch out Wal-Mart. Face it; the American people have paid enough to rebuild those countries who sought to destroy us in WWII. Now they are succeeding economically where they failed through armed aggression.
Recognized Competition:
Jeep Grand Cherokee $28-43,000, Buick Rainier $32-34,000, BMW X5 $46-55,000, Lexus RX 350 $37-39,000, Land Rover LR3 $41-53,000, Nissan Pathfinder $26-37,000, GMC Envoy $27-36,000, Infiniti FX $38-50,000, Acura MDX $40-48,000, Dodge Durango $26-37,000, Honda Pilot $26-36,000, Chevrolet TrailBlazer $27-37,000, Ford Explorer $26-36,000, Toyota 4Runner $28-39,000, Mazda CX-7 $24-28,000, Mitsubishi Endeavor $28-31,000.
Good News:
Well made American product, competitive pricing, handles beautifully and great off road.
Bad News:
Need improved fuel economy, narrow rear door openings.
Standard Equipment:
4.7 liter 235 hp V8 gas engine, (3.0 liter V6 215 hp turbo diesel engine in test vehicle), 5-speed auto trans., front and side curtain airbags, enhanced accident response system, 4-wheel traction control, 4-wheel ABS brake assist disc brakes, hill start assist and descent control, Electronic Stability Program, Quadra Trac full time 4WD, park view rear back up camera, Remote start system, power sunroof, Rain sensing windshield wipers, Sentry key theft deterrent system, power windows, tire pressure monitoring, auto dual zone temp control air conditioning, power adjustable pedals, power locks, cruise control, remote keyless / illuminated entry, steering wheel mounted audio controls, tilt / telescopic column, multimedia entertainment system, Boston sound system, SIRIUS satellite digital radio (one year provided), auto dimming rear view mirror, power heated front seats with lumbar adjust and memory, 2nd row 60/40 folding seat, trip computer, auto on/off headlights, fog lights, power heated folding mirrors.
Gas Stats:
$3.25/ Gal avg. November 20, ‘07
for more information.
17 City and 22 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $40,210 including turbo diesel engine for $1,655.
