2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Reviews

Jeep Grand Cherokee is a large 4WD that nowadays is aimed more at buyers of luxury station wagons rather than full-on off-road enthusiasts. However the Grand Jeep is true to its roots and is a genuine 4WD that can tackle rugged off-road work that would stop most of the crossover wagons sold by its competitors. On

Jeep is the latest to join the ranks of car makers having a V6 configuration for a diesel engine, and it combines it with the modern technology of four valves a cylinder and double overhead camshafts per cylinder bank to operate those valves.The previous diesel engine in the now-superseded Grand Cherokee was an in-line five-cylinder of 2.7 litres. But the new V6 turbocharged diesel gives one-third additional power, a muscular 160kW, while torque – a diesel-engine strong point – is up 28 per cent to a considerable 510Nm.The new common-rail diesel engine is available in Grand Cherokee with only one transmission, a W5A580 version of the five-speed automatic especially configured to the diesel's output. Jeep calls it an electronic range select system whereby the driver can manually select upshifts and downshifts.Grand Cherokee turbo diesel is priced at about $2000 more than superseded models and now costs from $59,090 for the Laredo and $10,000 more for the luxury Limited.Laredo includes traction control, electronic stability control program 17in wheels, power front seats, dual-zone heating and cooling, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.The Limited adds leather trim and steering wheel, rain-sensing automatic wipers, memory seats and mirror positions, rear parking sensors and heated front seats.Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system is standard: it's a full-time 4WD and has electronic limited slip technology in front and rear axles as well as in the transfer case.A skid plate package, of plates for fuel tank, transfer case and front suspension, is an option. Jeep Grand Cherokee is a five-seater.SMALL TORQUEBig dealGRAND Cherokee has big numbers: maximum towing of 3500kg, in diesel form it weighs 2142kg-2169kg and has ground clearance of 214mm at the front axle and 209mm at the rear.Wheel goodFRONT-WHEEL travel is measured at 22.5cm and the rear wheels at 22.4cm with each corner having coil springs. Front disc brakes are a large 328mm diameter by 30mm thick and ventilated. Rear discs are solid and measure 320mm in diameter. Tyres are 245/65 Goodyear Wrangler on 17in rims.Diesel doerTHE V6 turbo diesel gives 160kW at 4000rpm while torque of 510Nm is there from 1600 until 2800rpm. The diesel will out-accelerate the 4.7-litre V8 petrol Grand Cherokee and give far better fuel economy. The diesel costs $2600 more than the 4.7 petrol.

Jeep has just launched a new 5.7-litre Grand Cherokee Limited petrol V8 with what is called a Multiple Displacement System (MDS) that shuts down four cylinders when the engine is not under load.It has a fairly dramatic effect on fuel consumption bringing it down to about the same level as a six cylinder petrol passenger car at about 13.5-litres/100km.And it's seamless–the switching is imperceptible from behind the wheel.It gives the best of both worlds, exceptional performance for a big 4WD and fuel economy you can live with.But there's more to the story than just a new engine, the vehicle is totally new from the wheels up and features independent front suspension with more wheel travel, rack and pinion steering with a tighter turning circle, a five link rear suspension with a rigid diff, Quadra-drive all wheel drive, Jeep's most sophisticated system and Electronic Stability Program (ESP).That's on top of the stylish new body, more rugged chassis and standard five speed auto with sequential selection mode.This is the third generation Grand Cherokee and it retains a distinct brand DNA in looks and engineering.Not a massive 4WD, the Grand falls between medium and large in size and has an attractive low roofline that sets off the new angular sheetmetal.Interior space is bountiful with plenty of room for five inside and a large load space.It's a constant 4WD with low range available via a console mounted switch. The Quadra- Drive system is one of the most effective in the business and gives Grand Cherokee impressive off road credentials aided by the large tyres with lug type tread and generous ground clearance.Mere tooling along the beach is child's play in the Grand as is pretty well any other sort of off road driving.This vehicle will go just about anywhere– in comfort and with security and safety.It's richly equipped for the $72,000 price with Bose sound, electric front seat adjustment and heating, power everything and leather upholstery to name just a few.But the focus is on the 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine with 240Kw/500Nm output.It's an absolute cracker of an engine capable of pushing the beefy Grand from 0-100kmh in 7.4 seconds.It does this to the accompaniment of a gorgeous V8 burble and with no vibes at all.The auto is well matched to the engine and is handy to use in sequential mode.Stand by to see this same engine/trans- mission in the forthcoming Chrysler 300C.