Jeep Grand Cherokee Review

2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited SUV Shown

The Jeep Grand Cherokee was one of the pioneering SUVs that ushered in the modern midsize SUV segment in the early 1990s. When it debuted, the Grand Cherokee represented a bigger and better version of Jeep's smaller but still popular Cherokee. The company's designers wanted it to be maneuverable enough for urban duty, roomy enough for family duty, stylish enough to take out on the town and capable enough to get to the more remote campsites.

It would seem that they certainly succeeded. The JGC, as it's commonly referred to, has become one of America's top sellers in the SUV segment. Unlike most other traditional SUVs from domestic automakers, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has always been built using a carlike unibody chassis rather than a body-on-frame design. In general, a unibody chassis provides advantages in terms of on-road handling, easier entry and exit, and safety. Maintaining Jeep's strong reputation for off-road prowess is retained thanks in large part to the Grand Cherokee's advanced four-wheel-drive systems.

Current Jeep Grand Cherokee

The current Jeep Grand Cherokee, which debuted for 2005 and represents the model's third generation, is the most refined and arguably the most desirable. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a five-passenger midsize SUV that comes in three main trim levels: the base Laredo, the midlevel Limited and the luxurious Overland. There's also the somewhat rare Grand Cherokee SRT8. With a 420-horsepower V8 and a lowered sport suspension, it's been designed for maximum on-street performance and is the quickest and most powerful Jeep ever produced.

The standard engine for the Grand Cherokee is a 210-hp 3.7-liter V6. For those who desire more power than the V6 can muster, two different V8 engines are available, including a 235-hp 4.7-liter V8 (305 hp for '08) and a 330-hp 5.7-liter V8. The SRT8 comes with a 6.1-liter V8 that cranks out 420 hp. All Grand Cherokees come with a five-speed automatic transmission, and all but the SRT8 are available as either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive – the SRT8 comes with all-wheel drive. There is some variation in terms of the mechanicals used for 4WD models, as Jeep equips the higher-level trims with the more advanced Quadra-Trac II or Quadra-Drive II systems, with the latter adopting Hill Start and Hill Descent technology for '08.

Past Jeep Grand Cherokee Models

There are two previous generations of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Late-model used-SUV shoppers will mostly encounter the second generation, which was built from 1999-2004. This Grand Cherokee is a little bit smaller and generally less sophisticated than the current one. It had a solid axle in front compared to the current independent setup, and recirculating-ball steering instead of rack-and-pinion.

However, this model was well regarded during most of its production period. In editorial reviews, it received high marks for its manageable size and, for 4WD models, off-road prowess. There were two trims originally (Laredo and Limited) and two engines -- a 195-hp 4.0-liter inline-6 or a 235-hp 4.7-liter V8. The V8 engine was considered the better choice as it provided more power without much sacrifice in fuel economy compared to the six-cylinder.

As Jeep made continual improvements to this model, used-vehicle shoppers should try to get as new of a Grand Cherokee as possible. Beginning in 2001, the V8 was matched to a five-speed automatic. In 2002, Jeep introduced three additional trim levels (Special Edition, Sport and Overland), a high-output 265-hp V8 and more available features. Further refinements were made in 2003.

The first-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee, the one that started it all, was offered for the 1993-'98 model years. Like the second generation, this model rode on two live axles, had the familiar choice of either an inline-6 or V8 for power, and was noted for its superb off-road abilities with adequate on-road handling. This model's 220-hp 5.2-liter V8 was larger in displacement than later V8s but not as refined.

For most years of this generation, shoppers will encounter the familiar Laredo and Limited trims. There was also a base-trim SE (offered through 1995), the Limited-based Orvis ('95-'97), the TSi ('97 and '98) and the '98-only 5.9 Limited. The 5.9 Limited had an exclusive 245-hp 5.9-liter V8. The best models to consider are 1996 and newer as these benefited from safety, power and feature improvements.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.