05 Grand Cherokee Review
he all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee represents a bold move by DaimlerChrysler. The 2005 Grand Cherokee is not a classic Jeep from the tradition of American Motors, but rather a Jeep from the Mercedes-Benz / Chrysler tradition, with a little Dodge Magnum attitude and family resemblance included.
For 2005 the Grand Cherokee still resembles the rest of the Jeep family. Familiar grill. Appropriate ground clearance for running the trails. It has an angular stance that at a glance let’s you know this rig means business. However, with all of this familiarity to the heritage from which this vehicle stands, there is also significant departure. The 2005 Grand Cherokee continues what other generations of Jeep’s ZJ platform have started. A departure from the vehicle that started it all, the Willys or today’s closest descendent the Wrangler. The vehicle is less angular. The grill and windshield are raked back more. The vehicle has more of a resemblance to the also recently released (coincidence?) Dodge Durango than it does to a Jeep. Oh, the torque rich 4.0L inline six that has been in the Jeep line up since the 1960’s? It’s gone too. The Wrangler is the only one left with this engineering marvel 200k mile plus of an engine. I guess new is better... More on that later…
Inside, it's got nearly 70 cubic feet of storage and three modern, if not brand-new, power plants. Interior materials here seem cheap and not worthy of a vehicle with this level of sticker price. A 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited I owned at one point had a much higher level of refinement than this new model. The door panels seem especially a place of cost cutting and again surprisingly similar to that used on the Dodge Magnum / Durango. I understand that sharing parts among platforms are what are seen in today’s automotive market place as a cost cutting measure. My only request is that if the corporate hands are going to be sharing from the company parts bin that they move up a notch or two in quality and share those parts rather than pieces that seem better suited for the interior of a vehicle with the price point of a Dodge Neon rather than a $30k + Grand Cherokee.
While the interior leaves me some room for improvement, the power train is where the magic is for me in this new generation of Grand Cherokee. For the first time, a Jeep can be married to the engine that put Chrysler back on the map, the 5.7-liter Hemi. It's particularly good for towing or driving at higher elevations. However, the 4.7-liter V8, as used in my 2001 GC worked great. The standard 3.7L V6 borrowed from the Liberty, while quieter, rated at a higher horsepower output and marginally more fuel efficient, is no venerable 4.0L inline six. For those of us familiar with that engine, the feel is different. Higher revving. Not as tourquey.
Jeep Grand Cherokee comes in two models, Laredo and Limited. The basic Laredo comes standard with a 210-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 and a five-speed overdrive automatic transmission. A 4.7-liter V8 or 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is available for both Laredo and Limited. Both V8s come with a five-speed automatic; both come with two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
The Laredo ($26,130) comes with air conditioning, 17-inch tires and wheels, an eight-way power driver's seat, AM/FM/CD changer, a driver information center, 60/40 split folding rear seat, and remote keyless entry. Laredo 4x4 models ($28,100) come with Quadra-Trac I full-time four-wheel drive.
The Limited ($31,455) adds the 4.7-liter V8 engine and larger capacity automatic transmission, power adjustable floor pedals with memory, rain-sensing wipers, adjustable roof rails, eight-way power passenger seat, leather upholstery and trim (optional on the Laredo), HomeLink, MP3 capability for the entertainment system, Boston Acoustics premium sound with 276 watts of power, and adjustable roof rails. Limited 4x4 ($34,045) gets the Quadra-Trac II drive system.
Standard safety features include front smart air bags with four levels of deployment, brake-controlled traction control, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Side curtain air bags are optional.
A Dynamic Handling System (DHS) is available as part of the Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system on late-2005 Hemi models. DHS reduces body roll, or lean, when cornering, resulting in sportier handling. An Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is also available, and comes packaged with the Hemi.
There is a lot new here in the Grand Cherokee for 2005. For some, that will be great as there is great new technology, a new look, and some more power under the hood... While I, along with others, would gladly take the Hemi. I could live without the new body style, interior, and gadgetry. I like what makes a Jeep a Jeep: A solid drive train, off road capability, and a simplistic, purposeful interior. Angular body styles, while not wind friendly, are what defines the look of a Jeep. The 2005 Grand Cherokee may make a great new car for thousands of Americans. However, it is yet to be determined if it will make a great Jeep!