Overview:
This week I looked at the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD. The years seem to pass more quickly now and I find it hard to believe I was just preparing for Y2K and now it is about to be 2004. I think I lost 4 years somewhere. Wow!
Anyway, yes this is a 2004 Jeep and I love it. The first thing you’ll notice is how comfortable the seats are. I didn’t think a car, truck, bus, train or plane could ever get as comfy cushy as my den easy chair. But this Jeep has done just that. In fact if you go for the options package you’ll be able to adjust the foot pedals up and back for tall or short people. I didn’t think I’d like that, but it turns out it is very cool and useful. And they’ve provided something even my easy chair doesn’t have… tousch or bun warmers for both driver and passenger. Even those heaters are “Cool”.
General Info:
Parts – US/Canadian 86%
Assembly – Detroit, Michigan, USA
Class: – Special Purpose (SUV)
The Liberty (above) is my favorite and price well, the Wrangler (left) is an upgraded Jeep like the original granddaddy (below). Wrangler will appeal to the rugged out of doors guy or gal but is not made for comfort. The Grand Cherokee is plush and comfortable.
Handling & Performance:
What’s not to like. The Jeep just gets better every year. From the military versions to the plush versions we can all drive, Jeep has matured wonderfully. This Grand Cherokee is fast (0-60 in under 8 seconds), responsive at highway speeds to pass traffic easily, and it drives more like a sports car than a truck. And yes, you’ll pay for all that power at the pump with only 15-20mpg but if you like speed you’ll get much less. These numbers assume “Casper Milk Toast” will be driving.
Styling:
Jeep is the most identifiable of all SUV’s in my opinion with the exception of the H2 from Hummer. I like that because I like tradition, and Jeep has done a good job of maintaining that look, and you don’t have to look too closely to see that the H2 must be another grandchild.
Fit and Finish:
The sound of the doors closing is music to my ears. It used to be only Cadillac’s could be counted on for that solid sound.
Conveniences:
Adequate for the money and if you want all the options, you can tack on $10,000. Those optional items are leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, floor mats, cargo cover, mini overhead console, info center and trip computer, fog lamps, six infinity speakers, remote keyless entry, 6-way power seats, auto headlamps, security alarm, lighted vanity mirrors, garage door opener, cassette player plus a 10 disc CD player, on-demand 4-WD, heated seats and mirrors, trailer tow group, heavy duty suspension, skid plates, tow hooks, side air bags, power sunroof, engine block heater, DVD and GPS navigation, power adjustable foot pedals and tire pressure monitoring display.
Cost:
Not too bad before options noted above, but although I like a few of them, the others are glitz and puff that likely never needed. With the options considered the competition would begin to look more interesting. I like the comfort so if money wasn’t an issue, I guess I would opt for the optional equipment referred to as the Customer Preferred Package 28T. $10,000 isn’t what it used to be, so if you’ll need all the options this Jeep will cost you just over $38,000.
Consumer Recommendation:
There is enough competition to humble any one manufacturer, so it would appear that “you” are in the drivers seat when it comes to price negotiation. Keep in mind that after August each year, the dealers are “Deal’n” on prior year models.
The Competition:
Jeep Grand Cherokee $27-39,000, Acura MDX $36-42,000, BMW X5 $39-66,000, Buick Rendezvous $26-29,000, Chevrolet TrailBlazer $27-34,000, Dodge Durango $27-39,000, Ford Explorer $26-37,000, GMC Envoy $29-38,000, Honda Pilot $27-33,000, Infiniti QX4 $35-36,000, Infiniti FX35/FX 45 $34-44,000, Isuzu Ascender $29-31,000, Land Rover Discovery $34-40,000, Lexus RX 330 $35-36,000, Lincoln Aviator $40-45,000, Mercedes Benz M-Class $37-66,000, Mercury Mountaineer $29-38,000, Mitsubishi Montero $32-38,000, Nissan Pathfinder $27-38,000, Nissan Murano $28-31,000, Toyota Highlander $24-31,000, Toyota 4Runner $27-36,000, Volvo XC90 $35-41,000.
Good News:
Jeep is the original; lots of power and quick off the line, comfortable, solid feel to the ride and there is a lot of competition to chose from.
Bad News:
Poor mileage numbers.
Standard Equipment:
4.7 liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic trans, leather, air bags, child anchor system, full time 4-wd system, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, rear window defrost w/ washer wiper, air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, theft deterrent system, tilt column and AM/FM radio with CD changer.
Gas Stats:
17 City and 20 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $28,950.
