Jeep Grand Cherokee

Gummybr · March 29, 2007

Supra_Natural said:

there speaks a true Land Rover Head :lol:

but I agree totally machan, manufacturers figures are never accurate in SL conditions... Although suprisingly, I believe SL has petrol thats of a higher octane rating than in the USA

Anyway, went for the test drive, found the vehicle quite decent (and yes i DID note the space issue) and now trying to see if we can get our hands on it... keep your fingers crossed guys..

P.S. The Grand Cherokee will leave any SUV this side of a RR Sport Supercharged FOR DEAD!... (with the possible exception of the Xtrail GT and the Forrester Turbo).. its VERY quick

Well its true about the Freelander. Ask any1.

BTW the new Freelander2 is supposed to be quick as well with the 3.2 i6. So it will be alongside the Xtrail GT and Forester Turbo. I still feel the X-Trail 2.5 to be better than the G.Cherokee in terms of practicality whereas you will have the Western flavour added to the G. cherokee.

Supra_Natural · March 29, 2007

Gummybr said:

Well its true about the Freelander. Ask any1.

BTW the new Freelander2 is supposed to be quick as well with the 3.2 i6. So it will be alongside the Xtrail GT and Forester Turbo. I still feel the X-Trail 2.5 to be better than the G.Cherokee in terms of practicality whereas you will have the Western flavour added to the G. cherokee.

Being honest machan, thats one of the main attractions of that vehicle... the innate "American-ness"

GTAm · March 29, 2007

Hmmm tough one dude. It seems like a great deal to me, but will I take it is the question. At least the Grand Cheko looks a lot better than the regular Cherokee. Btw how is the interior quality and general build quality? American cars are known to be low on quality.

Devinda_Z · March 29, 2007

GTAm said:

Hmmm tough one dude. It seems like a great deal to me, but will I take it is the question. At least the Grand Cheko looks a lot better than the regular Cherokee. Btw how is the interior quality and general build quality? American cars are known to be low on quality.

well this is built in Austria if its any consolation

but all in all the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee are poles apart and the use of the same name is rather misleading

wonder why they don't use the tags as they use in the states and reffer to the smaller cherokee as the "Liberty" instead?

as hole the grand chrokee is a decent machine but in terms of the interior its not even close to the level of sophistication that is expetced on a premium SUV

its a very uninspired and bland layout - built materials could have been much better as the touches of leather and in some cases the vaneer make if look rather like a Korean designed facia!

but its a huge set up from an all plastic interior on the cherokee ,which is as tacky as it gets - rather disappointing when compared with an acceptable exterior for its class...

GTAm · March 30, 2007

Devinda_Z said:

well this is built in Austria if its any consolation

Oh yes I forgot. Made by Magna Styr. I think they're bidding for the whole Chrysler group.

Supra_Natural · March 30, 2007

Devinda_Z said:

as hole the grand chrokee is a decent machine but in terms of the interior its not even close to the level of sophistication that is expetced on a premium SUV

its a very uninspired and bland layout - built materials could have been much better as the touches of leather and in some cases the vaneer make if look rather like a Korean designed facia!

but its a huge set up from an all plastic interior on the cherokee ,which is as tacky as it gets - rather disappointing when compared with an acceptable exterior for its class...

disagree bro, (and no im not biased ). certainly its a step or two below the interior quality of a Disco, but when compared to the other vehicles in the price range such as the Prado and the Montero (ESPECIALLY the Montero) it stacks up quite well... build quality is good, materials are decent and its well equipped...

Only gripe I have is with the wood, which is nowhere near any Land Rover when it comes to finish...

tuks · March 30, 2007

Supra_Natural said:

disagree bro, (and no im not biased ). certainly its a step or two below the interior quality of a Disco, but when compared to the other vehicles in the price range such as the Prado and the Montero (ESPECIALLY the Montero) it stacks up quite well... build quality is good, materials are decent and its well equipped...

Only gripe I have is with the wood, which is nowhere near any Land Rover when it comes to finish...

A Grand Cherokee a better buy than a Prado or Montero? I beg to differ. It does have a cool sleek exterior and is well priced (comparatively) but:

1. Gotta agree with the 'Devinda Z' on the interior. Its bland, uninspired and quite dated.

2. Chrysler engines and transmissions are fickle, and in my opinon won't stand up to our driving conditions very well at all. (spare parts are going to be expensive too as they'll be imported from europe)

3. As for the Grand Cheeroke being an off-roader well great, if you consider driving down a by-lane in Dehiwala off-roading; for anything more serious look elsewhere.

4. In a year or two people are going to be on to the fact that these are high maintenance vehicles with limited off-road capabilities and the second hand market will fall.

5. Its American.

To sum up: Its great if you want a 'poser' vehicle for a year or so primarilly for use on tarmac with a large engine for bursts of speed. If you intend on keeping your ride past its warranty periods and plan on driving it hard outstation or on an estate - you're better off getting something else.

Edited March 30, 2007 by tuks

Supra_Natural · April 3, 2007

tuks said:

A Grand Cherokee a better buy than a Prado or Montero? I beg to differ. It does have a cool sleek exterior and is well priced (comparatively) but:

1. Gotta agree with the 'Devinda Z' on the interior. Its bland, uninspired and quite dated.

2. Chrysler engines and transmissions are fickle, and in my opinon won't stand up to our driving conditions very well at all. (spare parts are going to be expensive too as they'll be imported from europe)

3. As for the Grand Cheeroke being an off-roader well great, if you consider driving down a by-lane in Dehiwala off-roading; for anything more serious look elsewhere.

4. In a year or two people are going to be on to the fact that these are high maintenance vehicles with limited off-road capabilities and the second hand market will fall.

5. Its American.

To sum up: Its great if you want a 'poser' vehicle for a year or so primarilly for use on tarmac with a large engine for bursts of speed. If you intend on keeping your ride past its warranty periods and plan on driving it hard outstation or on an estate - you're better off getting something else.

Err, Not according to the info below, (Note: the Limited Version has Quadra-Drive II AWD)

(Sourced from Allpar.com)

Jeep Grand Cherokee suspension for 2005 - buyers guide

Engineers were challenged with the task of designing a Jeep suspension that performs better off-road, matches or surpasses existing durability and vastly improves vehicle handling and ride comfort on-road. The solution: Combine the five-link rear suspension architecture with an all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee short-and-long-arm (SLA) independent front suspension (IFS).

height=254"We designed the all-new front suspension for improved off-road performance and robustness," said Eric Ridenour, Executive Vice President -- Product Development. "Simultaneously, we achieved a vast improvement in handling and ride comfort. The five-link rear suspension was tuned for superb handling and balance in a package that will be just as fun and enjoyable to drive every day on the pavement as it is off-pavement."

"Jeep is the only company that holds its engineers to such high standards for off-road capability and durability -- AK3 and Jeep Trail Rated® -- and can still deliver world-class SUV ride and handling performance," said Craig Love, Chrysler Group Vice President Activity Vehicles.

Nodular iron, single-piece lower control arms feature an L-shaped geometry designed to provide higher ground clearance at the wheels than most IFS systems. Forged upper control arms provide strength and durability. Tall aluminum steering knuckles provide optimal steering and suspension geometry for excellent on-road handling and maneuverability. Coil-over shocks deliver high-performance control.

Front suspension travel is increased by almost 10 percent (more than one inch) compared to the 2004 Grand Cherokee, further improving the 2005 Grand Cherokee's off-road capability.

The advantages of this front suspension include much improved handling, reduced head toss on and off road for a more comfortable ride, a savings of 100 pounds of unsprung mass, more precise steering, and a lower center of gravity.

The 2005 Grand Cherokee rear suspension builds on the success of previous generation Jeep multi-link systems. Four tubular control arms combine with a tubular track bar for total rear-axle control. The shock absorbers are positioned more vertically than in past models for greater body control and reduced head toss.

The spring rates and shock dampening have been tuned to complement the front suspension for a highly balanced chassis.

Grand Cherokee's new rack and pinion steering system imparts a more precise steering feel translated to the driver through fewer linkages than a recirculating ball steering system.

4x4 systems reviewed

Quadra-Drive® II

Quadra-Drive® II has Electronic Limited Slip Differentials (ELSD) for the ultimate in off-road capability, replacing the Vari-Lock progressive axles for quicker response to changing conditions and greater torque capacity.

Quadra-Drive II

The Quadra-Drive II Jeep 4 x 4 system offers customers the ultimate in off-road capability. It combines the NV245 full-time transfer case with Electronic Limited Slip Differentials (ELSD) for best-in-class tractive performance. The system instantly detects tire slip and smoothly distributes engine torque to the tires with traction. In some cases, the vehicle will even anticipate low traction and adjust to proactively limit or eliminate slip.

The heart of the system is the NV245 active transfer case. This transfer case includes a center differential coupled with an electronically controlled clutch pack, varying it from a completely open state to completely locked, and infinite possibilities in between. The 4-Low gear ratio is 2.72:1.

Quadra-Drive II features an electronic shift mechanism with a unique engagement lever. The lever is conveniently located on the shift console. Pulling the lever up engages 4-Low. The lever returns to a resting position after activation. The transfer case also includes a neutral position for trouble-free towing vehicles, such as behind a motor home.

A key component in the Quadra-Drive II system is the ELSD -- an industry first application -- and the new benchmark for automatic traction differentials. The ELSD use electronically controlled clutch packs to automatically and instantly vary from slip to lock at each axle. This maximizes traction when needed without any of the on-road drawbacks normally associated with such a robust 4 x 4 system.

All components of the system work together, continually monitoring needs, to provide smooth and automatic application of the components for best-in-class tractive performance while improving the day-to-day on-road driving experience. For example, the ELSD releases the clutch packs in the front axle during turns to allow differentiation and prevent crow hop.

however, I DO agree that after the warranty period, things are gonna get very expensive....

ash · April 3, 2007

So... Ur dad bought the Jeep?

Gummybr · April 3, 2007

Supra_Natural said:

Err, Not according to the info below, (Note: the Limited Version has Quadra-Drive II AWD)

(Sourced from Allpar.com)

Jeep Grand Cherokee suspension for 2005 - buyers guide

Engineers were challenged with the task of designing a Jeep suspension that performs better off-road, matches or surpasses existing durability and vastly improves vehicle handling and ride comfort on-road. The solution: Combine the five-link rear suspension architecture with an all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee short-and-long-arm (SLA) independent front suspension (IFS).

height=254"We designed the all-new front suspension for improved off-road performance and robustness," said Eric Ridenour, Executive Vice President -- Product Development. "Simultaneously, we achieved a vast improvement in handling and ride comfort. The five-link rear suspension was tuned for superb handling and balance in a package that will be just as fun and enjoyable to drive every day on the pavement as it is off-pavement."

"Jeep is the only company that holds its engineers to such high standards for off-road capability and durability -- AK3 and Jeep Trail Rated® -- and can still deliver world-class SUV ride and handling performance," said Craig Love, Chrysler Group Vice President Activity Vehicles.

Nodular iron, single-piece lower control arms feature an L-shaped geometry designed to provide higher ground clearance at the wheels than most IFS systems. Forged upper control arms provide strength and durability. Tall aluminum steering knuckles provide optimal steering and suspension geometry for excellent on-road handling and maneuverability. Coil-over shocks deliver high-performance control.

Front suspension travel is increased by almost 10 percent (more than one inch) compared to the 2004 Grand Cherokee, further improving the 2005 Grand Cherokee's off-road capability.

The advantages of this front suspension include much improved handling, reduced head toss on and off road for a more comfortable ride, a savings of 100 pounds of unsprung mass, more precise steering, and a lower center of gravity.

The 2005 Grand Cherokee rear suspension builds on the success of previous generation Jeep multi-link systems. Four tubular control arms combine with a tubular track bar for total rear-axle control. The shock absorbers are positioned more vertically than in past models for greater body control and reduced head toss.

The spring rates and shock dampening have been tuned to complement the front suspension for a highly balanced chassis.

Grand Cherokee's new rack and pinion steering system imparts a more precise steering feel translated to the driver through fewer linkages than a recirculating ball steering system.

4x4 systems reviewed

Quadra-Drive® II

Quadra-Drive® II has Electronic Limited Slip Differentials (ELSD) for the ultimate in off-road capability, replacing the Vari-Lock progressive axles for quicker response to changing conditions and greater torque capacity.

Quadra-Drive II

The Quadra-Drive II Jeep 4 x 4 system offers customers the ultimate in off-road capability. It combines the NV245 full-time transfer case with Electronic Limited Slip Differentials (ELSD) for best-in-class tractive performance. The system instantly detects tire slip and smoothly distributes engine torque to the tires with traction. In some cases, the vehicle will even anticipate low traction and adjust to proactively limit or eliminate slip.

The heart of the system is the NV245 active transfer case. This transfer case includes a center differential coupled with an electronically controlled clutch pack, varying it from a completely open state to completely locked, and infinite possibilities in between. The 4-Low gear ratio is 2.72:1.

Quadra-Drive II features an electronic shift mechanism with a unique engagement lever. The lever is conveniently located on the shift console. Pulling the lever up engages 4-Low. The lever returns to a resting position after activation. The transfer case also includes a neutral position for trouble-free towing vehicles, such as behind a motor home.

A key component in the Quadra-Drive II system is the ELSD -- an industry first application -- and the new benchmark for automatic traction differentials. The ELSD use electronically controlled clutch packs to automatically and instantly vary from slip to lock at each axle. This maximizes traction when needed without any of the on-road drawbacks normally associated with such a robust 4 x 4 system.

All components of the system work together, continually monitoring needs, to provide smooth and automatic application of the components for best-in-class tractive performance while improving the day-to-day on-road driving experience. For example, the ELSD releases the clutch packs in the front axle during turns to allow differentiation and prevent crow hop.

however, I DO agree that after the warranty period, things are gonna get very expensive....

Enough of that. Oh boy how I hate what manufacturers go on talking about its all sales talk.

Manufacturers can say so many things. But take it in a practicalt sense qudra-drive or not it is very low, so I agree with tuk saying that if you go into a track in which a Prado or a Nissan Patrol goes you'll always scrape your underbelly.

If you need to go off road in a G Cherokee take it to the beach or sand dunes becarefull not to venture into anything other than that trail rated or not.

I recall an instance when even the done up Wrangler couldn't finish a simple off road track in Colombo being bellied with all 4 wheels off the ground. So dont do off road pls keep to the road as many so called SUV's are meant for road use and then enjoy the drive (be the driver not the passenger) thats where it will be best.

Supra_Natural · April 3, 2007

Yeah Machan bought it (and already feeling compelled to spring to it's defense )...

The clearance issue i'll have to do a side by side comparison to see properly, but i CAN say that it has ALMOSt the same ground clearance as our old Land Cruiser,

hardcore offroading will have to wait, anyway, D*M*s is entering them in the upcoming 4x4 events.... so i guess THEY are confident.... we'll just have to see

After all the people who made the worlds first actual production 4 wheel drive SHOULD know SOMETHING about what they say innit?

cheers

S_N

Devinda_Z · April 3, 2007

Gummybr said:

I recall an instance when even the done up Wrangler couldn't finish a simple off road track in Colombo being bellied with all 4 wheels off the ground

...was this at "Diya addara" ?

but somehow i dont see S_N putting it in the mud,despite the glorious rant on its 4Wd capabilities!

however the one thing i do wanna see tested is this quoted sub 8 second 0-60mph time!!

...thats RR sport teritory

Supra_Natural · April 3, 2007

Devinda_Z said:

...was this at "Diya addara" ?

but somehow i dont see S_N putting it in the mud,despite the glorious rant on its 4Wd capabilities!

however the one thing i do wanna see tested is this quoted sub 8 second 0-60mph time!!

...thats RR sport teritory

that would be 7.6 actually.... and even I would take that with a pinch of salt...

btw, please go near your phone

tuks · April 3, 2007

Supra_Natural said:

Yeah Machan bought it (and already feeling compelled to spring to it's defense )...

The clearance issue i'll have to do a side by side comparison to see properly, but i CAN say that it has ALMOSt the same ground clearance as our old Land Cruiser,

hardcore offroading will have to wait, anyway, D*M*s is entering them in the upcoming 4x4 events.... so i guess THEY are confident.... we'll just have to see

After all the people who made the worlds first actual production 4 wheel drive SHOULD know SOMETHING about what they say innit?

cheers

S_N

Hey there, well since you've already bought it: Enough said, I'm sure you know what you're talking about. Congrats on your purchase.

Gummybr · April 4, 2007

Devinda_Z said:

...was this at "Diya addara" ?

but somehow i dont see S_N putting it in the mud,despite the glorious rant on its 4Wd capabilities!

however the one thing i do wanna see tested is this quoted sub 8 second 0-60mph time!!

...thats RR sport teritory

Nope it was in Kolpetty.

Also S_N the 0-60time is it for the 5.7 or the 4.7??

As for agents entering these at 4wd events, I think they'll be entered in the novices events but not serious stuff and I remember the last time how they got really stuck.

Personally keep it on the road as nowadays even the old Jeep brand makes road biased suv's not off roaders.

Supra_Natural · April 4, 2007

Gummybr said:

Nope it was in Kolpetty.

Also S_N the 0-60time is it for the 5.7 or the 4.7??

As for agents entering these at 4wd events, I think they'll be entered in the novices events but not serious stuff and I remember the last time how they got really stuck.

Personally keep it on the road as nowadays even the old Jeep brand makes road biased suv's not off roaders.

End of the day machan I'm not gonna be able to convince you nuh? You're a Land Rover guy, just like my mate Devinda and you guys are a breed apart

basically, this vehicle is to be adequate for the uses that we will be putting it to... let D*M*'s do anything they like on the mudplugging front...

the o-60 time was for the 4.7., the 5.7 is supposed to be in the 6 second bracket and the 6.1l SRT-8 in the sub 4's

Devinda_Z · April 4, 2007

Supra_Natural said:

the o-60 time was for the 4.7., the 5.7 is supposed to be in the 6 second bracket and the 6.1l SRT-8 in the sub 4's

your kidding! whoa thats super car territory??

any vids - time slips?

think of the embarrasement if a Ferrari got out dragged on tarmac by an SUV!

bart simpson · April 5, 2007

Supra_Natural said:

End of the day machan I'm not gonna be able to convince you nuh? You're a Land Rover guy, just like my mate Devinda and you guys are a breed apart

basically, this vehicle is to be adequate for the uses that we will be putting it to... let D*M*'s do anything they like on the mudplugging front...

the o-60 time was for the 4.7., the 5.7 is supposed to be in the 6 second bracket and the 6.1l SRT-8 in the sub 4's

Hi S_N,

First of all, congrads on the Cherokee. But I think your 0-60 figure is misinformed.

170KW(230hp) is not a lot for a vehicle that is around 2.2 tons!.

The 240KW 5.7 l version is only good for 7.4seconds 0-100 (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,16741120-13232,00.html)

When Motortrend magazine tested it the 5.7l commander (slightly bigger) it was only good for 7.9s (http://autos.yahoo.com/2006_jeep_commander_limited_4x4-performance/)

Anyways, hope you have fun with it.

Edited April 5, 2007 by bart simpson

Supra_Natural · April 5, 2007

bart simpson said:

Hi S_N,

First of all, congrads on the Cherokee. But I think your 0-60 figure is misinformed.

170KW(230hp) is not a lot for a vehicle that is around 2.2 tons!.

The 240KW 5.7 l version is only good for 7.4seconds 0-100 (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,16741120-13232,00.html)

When Motortrend magazine tested it the 5.7l commander (slightly bigger) it was only good for 7.9s (http://autos.yahoo.com/2006_jeep_commander_limited_4x4-performance/)

Anyways, hope you have fun with it.

Thanks mate.. and those figures i quoted were the manufacturer's figures... so its unlikely that they'll be 100% accurate anyway nuh...

basically on the road i can say that it is QUICK...

Parak · July 5, 2007

Supra_Natural said:
Hey guys
Im sure all of you have noticed the promotions D*M*s is running for the Jeeps.... some of them look quite attractive..

My father is actually interested in the Grand Cherokee... personally i like this vehicle quite a bit, it seems like a very decent deal, but I dont have any experience of it. so what do you guys think?? apart from fuel (which is obviously going to be quite catastrophic ), what do you think of the vehicle as a whole??

thanks in advance

S_N

They possibly made in USA (Any way it it American), Cheaper than same size Toyotas and Nissans. Some people complain about engine problems. Havent seen them Used by offroad drivers. Good for dirt roads. There is a big respect for land curisers, Nissan petrols as off roaders but not for Chyslers (In Australia)

Supra_Natural · July 5, 2007

Parak said:
They possibly made in USA (Any way it it American), Cheaper than same size Toyotas and Nissans. Some people complain about engine problems. Havent seen them Used by offroad drivers. Good for dirt roads. There is a big respect for land curisers, Nissan petrols as off roaders but not for Chyslers (In Australia)

umm actually, right hand drive vehicles are assembled in Austria, when you add VAT it actually isnt cheaper than any toyota or nissan of similar size ( Prado etc), not in Sri Lanka anyway...... also, thank you for your opinion, but if you read the WHOLE thread you'll realize that i already bought one....

welcome to AL btw

Gummybr · July 5, 2007

Hey machan S_N, how is your Cherokee doing?? How is the fuel consumption and others the way you see as a user. Honest comments pls.

As I have heard the resale value has dipped. There was a vehicle with 3000kms going at 6.8mil @ a car sale.

Supra_Natural · July 5, 2007

Gummybr said:
Hey machan S_N, how is your Cherokee doing?? How is the fuel consumption and others the way you see as a user. Honest comments pls.
As I have heard the resale value has dipped. There was a vehicle with 3000kms going at 6.8mil @ a car sale.

ah hello,

Its doing very well thank you.... fuel consumption is hovering around 4 in colombo, which is not too bad i supose.... it rides very decently, and goes EXTREMELY well....

as for your little insinuation about the resale value.... the vehicle i purchased (and what this thread is about), is the GRAND Cherokee.... the vehicle on sale for 6.8Mil with 3000Km up was a CHEROKEE, which is a COMPLETELY different vehicle... i know because i checked.... the picture in the paper was mixed up...

please do get your facts straight before making statements

Land Rovers are nice vehicles, but they are by no means the "Best", and there is absolutely no call to run down other peoples products intentionally or unintentionally just because you promote them...

Cheers

S_N