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New Car Test Drive - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
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| Updated |
Jul 7, 2004 20:14:51 |
| Rating |
 382 ( -54 -14.13% ) | | Author | Michelle Krebs |
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Description:
The luxury hot rod of sport-utilities.
The Grand Cherokee is the flagship of Jeep's sport-utility family, and, in some
respects, remains ahead of the ever-growing and ever-improving compact-class pack.
When Chrysler introduced the Grand Cherokee in 1992 sport-utility sales already were
booming, with Jeep Cherokee enjoying year-over-year sales gains for more than a
decade. The idea was to take the Cherokee concept a step up the aspirational ladder,
combining rugged Jeep attributes with the luxury, comfort and performance associated
with expensive cars.
The combination has proved to be a winning one. Over a quarter-million Grand Cherokees rolled out of Jeep-Eagle dealerships last year, a
total that was second only to Ford's phenomenal Explorer among all sport-utility
vehicles. Obviously, the folks at Jeep have been doing something right.
For 1996, the Grand Cherokee receives a number of significant detail changes. Most
notably, the interior underwent a makeover, which included installation of dual
airbags and more luxury options. The exterior also received modest freshening updates.
We picked a Limited model with V8 power and 4wd for our review.
Walkaround
The Grand Cherokee's prime competitors--Explorer and GM's Chevrolet Blazer/GMC Jimmy
twins--have gone for more rounded lines in their most recent redesigns, giving them all
a more contemporary, aerodynamic appearance. Grand Cherokee, however, has maintained
the angular lines and boxy shape even through its latest restyling.
And it works. The distinctive, rugged Jeep look, with its vertical grille and
side-body cladding, still stands out from the competition.
The Grand Cherokee comes in three models: base, Laredo and the top-of-the-line Grand
Cherokee Limited. Laredo and Limited are both available with one of two 4wd
systems--Selec-Trac, which can be used as a part-time system, or the more sophisticated
Quadra-Trac, which operates continuously.
Selec-Trac is standard equipment on Laredos equipped with 6-cyl. engines and automatic
transmissions. Grand Cherokee Limited models with 6-cyl. engines come with the
Quadra-Trac system. Quadra-Trac is optional on V8-powered Grand Cherokees, and both
models can also be ordered with rear-drive only, $24,603 for the basic Laredo, $30,479
for the Limited.
In contrast to the Explorer and Blazer/Jimmy, there's no 2-door version of the Grand
Cherokee. It's also smaller and generally lighter than its key rivals--particularly the
Explorer--riding a shorter wheelbase.
However, at 70.9 in., the Grand Cherokee is the widest of the bunch, and in 4x4 trim
it also provides the most ground clearance--8.3 in. Good ground clearance is one of the
keys to successful off-road performance, and off-road usefulness is a core value at
Jeep.
The Inside Story
The Grand Cherokee technically seats five. However, four passengers is a better bet,
particularly if they are adults. Indeed, three adults can wedge their way into the
rear seat. But we found a long ride with two children and one adult in the back was
cramped.
The front seats are buckets; the rear is a 60/40 split bench that flops forward to
expand cargo volume. An integrated child safety seat is available as an option.
In the driver's seat, short drivers can scoot far enough forward to comfortably reach
the pedals, and tall types can move far enough back and enjoy plenty of headroom as
well.
Like most sport-utilities in this size/price class, our Grand Cherokee Limited tester
had sporty bucket seats up front, and these are sportier than many. Pronounced thigh
and torso bolsters give these seats a pleasantly snug feel, and provide good lateral
support to keep the driver centered when the vehicle is bounding about in the
backwoods.
All of the elements of any luxury sport-utility--or car, for that matter--are here. They
include wood trim, automatic climate control, premium audio system, power windows,
power mirrors, remote keyless entry and power-adjustable seats, to name only a few.
Leather, of course, is available for both the Laredo and Limited. A power sunroof is
only available on Limited models.
While the cargo area of the Grand Cherokee is adequate for an afternoon outing of
people and their belongings, it may not be enough for several people and their gear on
a longer trip. There's less cargo capacity here than in the Explorer and Blazer/Jimmy.
The spare tire, stowed on the side of the rear storage compartment, cuts into the
cargo space. The Grand Cherokee's key competitors have moved spare tire stowage
underneath, operating on the theory that tire changes will be extremely rare since so
few 4-door sport-utilities ever venture into off-road regions filled with sharp rocks
and the like.
The Grand Cherokee's one-piece rear liftgate provides a wide opening for cargo
loading, but is difficult for short folks to reach and close. A pull-down strap, like
the one on the Ford Windstar minivan, would be helpful for this maneuver.
The Grand Cherokee can be ordered with an optional window that opens without opening
the tailgate, which is handy for stowing groceries and other smaller items.
Ride & Drive
Our Grand Cherokee Limited tester was equipped with the optional 5.2-liter V8 engine,
rated at 220 hp.
The base Grand Cherokee engine is the 4.0-liter 190-horsepower 6-cyl. engine, which
was re-engineered to reduce noise in the Grand Cherokee's 1996 makeover. The inline
six has more power than the base engines in competing import sport-utilities, as well
as the Ford Explorer base V6, and like all inline 6-cyl. engines it's smooth.
But it's the V8 that really gives this vehicle its lively personality.
Although there's now a V8 engine option for the Ford Explorer, the Grand Cherokee V8
still provides the best performance in the compact sport-utility class, as well as the
best towing capability--as much as 6500 lbs. with the optional trailer towing package,
which costs $359 on 6-cyl. models, $242 with the V8.
The upper towing limit for the 6-cyl. version with the trailer package is 5000 lbs,
which is still quite respectable for this class.
Both engines are backed by a smooth-operating electronically controlled 4-speed
automatic transmission.
As you might expect, there is a small price at the gas pump for the V8's exceptional
power. EPA fuel economy ratings slide to 14 mpg city, 18 highway with the 5.2-liter
engine, compared to 15/20 for the 4.0-liter 6-cyl.
However, we found it hard to worry about mpg when the V8 was whisking us down the
freeway, or making short work of passing on country back roads. The V8 provided
exceptional acceleration--by sport-utiity standards--from a dead stop and emitted a
delightful low, throaty rumble from under the hood. Otherwise, the ride is quiet.
Passengers are well isolated from road and wind noise at most speeds.
Our biggest complaint in the ride and drive evaluation of the Grand Cherokee is its
vague steering. We also detected slight body roll on wide sweeping curves at highway
speeds, although this is common to almost all sport-utility vehicles.
Braking was good, with 4-wheel disc brakes and anti-lock brakes as standard equipment.
In addition to its robust V8 power, we were also favorably impressed by the Grand
Cherokee's ride quality on paved roads. With springs and shock absorbers tailored to
dual demands, there's some stiffness, but this vehicle is less truck-like than many of
its competitors.
Naturally, the Grand Cherokee feels right at home on dirt roads, or no roads at all.
The Quadra-Trac system in our test vehicle handled our brief forays into unpaved
territory with ease, and the power of the V8 engine adds an extra dimension to tough
going.
Unfortunately, the Grand Cherokee has been plagued with quality and reliability
problems, as indicated by various quality tracking services. Even our tester leaked
fluid and the "Jeep" logo was applied at an odd angle.
Final Word
The Grand Cherokee's strongest suit is its all-around carlike driveability combined
with its off-road capability, a feature one would expect from anything bearing the
Jeep name. In addition, it is equipped with good safety features, outstanding luxury
amenities and the sophisticated Quadra-Trac option, all of which makes it a standout
in a field filled with steadily improving choices.
With V8 power, it's the top performer in its class. Add distinctive styling, and it's
easy to see why this vehicle remains a best-seller. |
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