Luxury Jeeps, part one: 2009 Grand Cherokee Overland
(All photos: Bill Griffith/Boston.com)
One of the big stories coming out of April’s New York Auto Show was the unveiling of Chrysler’s 2011 Grand Cherokee, scheduled to go on sale next spring.
The date may be pushed back now that Chrysler has filed for Chapter 11 protection as it reorganizes. But it’s an important coming event.
That Grand Cherokee launch is the biggest product event on the Chrysler horizon before it starts to introduce vehicles produced as part of its alliance with Fiat. Ironically, the new vehicle is built on a chassis shared with the Mercedes M-Class vehicles, a project that began in the Daimler-Chrysler days and will overlap the continuing ownership changes.
But, we’re getting ahead of ourselves. For the present, the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee remains an interesting vehicle, one that carries the DNA of Jeep’s true off-road capabilities.
Of course there are negatives. Chief among them is that the Grand Cherokee is a gas guzzler (get 15 around town and you’re doing well; figure 19 at best on a trip).
On the plus side, the Grand Cherokee is a pleasure to drive. The front seats are comfortable, visibility is excellent, handling is OK by SUV standards, and the 5.7-liter Hemi packs a lot of punch and sounds great. It’s mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.
On the negative side was the price. Our test vehicle was a loaded Overland with an MSRP of $44,545. The only add-on was a special blue pearl paint ($225). With the $780 destination charge, the final sticker price was $45,550. The only major geegaw not included was the rear seat DVD system, a $1,725 option.
On the plus side, deals still should abound for SUVs in the current market, and Chrysler does offer a $500 incentive on the Overland.
On the negative side is the backseat legroom. It’s OK for kids, not so great for adults for a long trip. Those rear seats are heated, however.
On the plus side, the Grand Cherokee is set up for those long trips, particularly ski trips in New England. Safety-wise, it’s got stability control, a top-of-the-line Quadra-Drive II all-wheel-drive system with limited slip front and rear differentials, hill-start assist, and rollover-sensing systems.
On the negative side is the rear cargo room. It’s less than you’d expect. However, there’s a big tray to carry wet or muddy boots and gear.
Back on the plus side are the electronics. This is a car that appeals to the driver who wants all the bells and whistles. This has remote start, backup camera, iPod interface, self-leveling and auto-dimming high intensity headlights, adjustable pedals (with memory) and rain-sensitive windshield wipers.
Should you need a third-row seat, Jeep’s got the even-bigger Commander available, though that model’s future may be in jeopardy.
Meanwhile, the Grand Cherokee should continue to be a significant player in the mid-sized SUV market. It’s an unusual mix of comfort and toughness, one that Jeep owners have come to love. They go into this relationship with their Jeep with their eyes open and, for them, the negatives are more than offset by the positives.
And that you have to respect.
Check back for our review of the 2009 Commander Overland.
About Boston Overdrive
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Contributors
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Clifford Atiyeh is an automotive writer and car enthusiast . He has spent his entire life driving cars he doesn't own. In the garage: 1995 21-speed Iron Horse, 2002 Jeep Wrangler X (by association) |
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Bill Griffith is a veteran Boston Globe reporter, having reviewed cars for more than 10 years and serving as assistant sports editor for 25 years. He was also the paper's sports media columnist. In the garage: 2006 Subaru Baja |
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John Paul is public affairs manager for AAA Southern New England, a certified mechanic, and a Globe columnist. He hosts a weekly radio show on WROL.
In the garage: Hyundai Sante Fe, Chrysler PT Cruiser convertible |
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Craig Fitzgerald has been writing about cars, motorcycles, and the automotive industry since 1999. He is the former editor of Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car. In the garage: 1968 Buick Riviera, 1996 Buick Roadmaster, 1974 Honda CB450 |
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Keith Griffin is president of the New England Motor Press Association and edits the used car section on About.com. He also writes for the Hartford Business Journal and various weekly newspapers in Connecticut.
In the garage: Mazda 5, Dodge Neon |
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George Kennedy is a senior writer for WheelsTV in Acton, which produces video reviews for Yahoo, MSN, and other auto websites.
In the garage: Lifted 1999 Jeep Cherokee |
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