2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[giagastormer]

NEAR LOS ALAMOS, Calif. -- The off-road course here at Camp Jeep begins with a steep road that looks like the start of one of the more demonic roller coasters at Cedar Point amusement park.


I'm behind the wheel of a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4, which inspires confidence for two reasons: It bears the name Jeep, which earned its stripes serving as stalwart military transportation in World War II. And for 2005 -- the first time ever -- there's a big 330-horsepower Hemi V-8 engine stuffed under the hood.

The redesigned Grand Cherokee, the flagship of the Jeep brand, goes on sale in October, starting at $26,775, including a $645 destination charge. It is built at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit.

The challenging course takes us over treacherous terrain and monster potholes. I'm queasy as the Grand Cherokee ahead of me balances precariously on one wheel over a deeply rutted section of dirt road. Guides in bright orange shirts and khaki shorts shout orders to the driver and point wildly at the right path to take. The lead vehicle makes it through, churning up clouds of dust, and so does mine.

OK.

I'm now convinced that should a meteorite ever land in my driveway, leaving a giant crater, a Grand Cherokee would have no trouble propelling me over it and on my way to the grocery store for that loaf of bread.

But how does the redesigned Grand Cherokee hold up in the equally demanding world of school car pools and work commutes? Does the cabin feel as cozy as the nicest family room? Are the amenities there that fussy new car buyers are coming to take for granted?

Full Review





Overall, I'm not too impressed with the 2005 Grand Cherokee. I don't find the interior attractive at all. The styling is ok, I just don't like the front end.

[MN12Fan]

What? After all these days no one's posted in this thread? Wow, that's pretty bad. Goes to show people's interest in Jeep. Well, since I am here, I might as well make a comment. The interior picture looks nice for the most part but something's off about the steering wheel. Too much white I think; makes it look Star Wars Storm Trooper-ish. I don't think the exterior is too unappealing but the picture looks like it's a fake or something; sort of like some of the chops that people make on this website. The headlights, for example, look like someone took your typical Mercedes headlights and put them on top of the headlights of last year's Grand Cherokee; it looks odd.

There...

Saved this thread from being shut out.