Jeep Grand Cherokee Review - 2008
The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a true Jeep at
heart, and this model is better than ever. Jeep widens the range of
fuel choices for its Grand Cherokee SUV for 2008, offering a diesel
engine and a flex-fuel V-8 to its lineup. Side curtain airbags with
rollover detection are standard, and Jeep adds some new colors and
various other exterior and interior tweaks. Three four-wheel-drive
systems are available. Quadra-Drive II includes electronic
limited-slip differentials for heightened offroad capability.
Quadra-Trac II is a full-time active four-wheel-drive system that
has low-range gearing.
Exterior
The Grand Cherokee's appearance is led by Jeep's signature
seven-slot grille, which is flanked by round headlamps. The grille
is body-colored on the Laredo model, chrome on the Limited and wire
lattice on the Overland. The Grand Cherokee has a fashionably high
waistline and small side windows. Limited models still present a
flashier appearance, with a chromed grille, bright inserts in the
bumpers, and accent-color bodyside molding. Built on a 109.5-inch
wheelbase, the Grand Cherokee is 186.6 inches long overall and 67.7
inches tall, with a 62-inch track width.
Interior
Five occupants fit inside the 2008 Grand Cherokee, and the driver
faces a symmetrical two-tone instrument panel. The four-gauge
cluster has LED illumination with red pointers. The cabin atmosphere
is comfortable, with lots of seat adjustment, excellent outward
vision around relatively slim windshield post. Cup holders are keyed
to the interior hue. Laredo models get chrome accents on the
instrument gauges and climate-control system, as well as a black
bezel for the center console. The seats are large and cushy, on
Laredo they are upholstered in cloth with leather as a package
option, while Limited seats are two-tone leather with perforated
inserts. In Overland, the seats are upholstered in high-contrast
two-tone Ultrasuede, featuring accent stitching and embroidered
Overland logos. A reversible load-floor panel in the cargo area
improves versatility. Available features include a navigation radio,
a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, Boston Acoustics audio and
rear park assist.
Safety
Antilock brakes are standard on all trims, as are side curtain
airbags. Other safety features that come on all Grand Cherokees
include an electronic stability program (ESP) with roll mitigation,
traction control, and front air bags with four levels of deployment.
Powertrain
Four engines are available: the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, rated at 330
horsepower and 375 pounds-feet of torque; a 3.7-liter V-6 that
develops 210 hp and 235 pounds-feet of torque; a 230-hp, 4.7-liter
V-8 that develops 305 pounds-feet of torque; and a turbocharged
diesel V-6 that makes 215 hp and 376 pounds-feet of torque. Tow
ratings are 3,500 pounds for the 3.7-liter V6, 6,500 pounds for the
4.7-liter V8, and 7,400 pounds (7,200 with 4WD) for the 5.7-liter
Hemi or 3.0-liter turbo-diesel. The Laredo comes standard with
Chrysler's 210-hp 3.7-liter V6, with its own five-speed overdrive
automatic transmission.
Handling
The 2008 Grand Cherokee offers a nice ride and corners well.
Acceleration is less assertive at highway speeds, but the automatic
transmission performs well on steep upgrades by downshifting
promptly when you push the accelerator. Overall, ride comfort is
appealing in each version. The Hemi edition works best with off-road
conditions. The seats on the 2008 Grand Cherokee are exceptionally
comfortable and have good support and fair side bolstering.
The Grand Cherokee gets an estimated 22 mpg Hwy,
and 17 mpg City. Uses for the Grand Cherokee are versatile, from a
daily family vehicle, to a weekend explorer. It can handle city
streets, highways, and off-road travel, and is capable to haul and
tow. Grand Cherokee had its last total redesign for 2005, with minor
improvements and updates every year.