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By EWAN KENNEDY
3 April 2006
Grand Cherokee is a large American 4WD from the marque that has
become an icon in the off-road world. Despite the similarity in names,
it’s not a version of the Jeep Cherokee, but another, bigger, more
luxurious model in its own right. However, there is some sharing of
mechanical parts between the Grand and non-Grand Cherokees.
The WG series Grand Cherokee, sold from late 2000 is
generally recognised as being better than the WJ model it superseded,
though some do swear by the older version, loving its character and what
they say is the ‘true Jeep’ feel.
The Grand Cherokee WH series, sold from June 2005, is
a significant improvement on the earlier series. It shares some of its
engineering, engines and transmissions with the Mercedes-Benz M-Class as
part of the Daimler/Chrysler merger. These latter models are still
relatively rare on the used-4WD scene so we won’t go into detail on
them at this stage.
Grand Cherokee is built to a reasonable standard (in
Austria not the USA as the Austrian factory specialises in right-hand
drive variants) but is not up to Japanese quality in the way it’s
screwed together.
Jeep Grand Cherokee has good interior space for five.
Cabin volume has been improved in the latest model, with the person in
the centre-rear seat getting decent foot space due to a relatively low
centre tunnel. Older models are better suited to those wanting to
transport a pre-teen child in the centre-back position.
Though the design emphasis is on the Grand Cherokee as
a family wagon, there's plenty of off-road ability as well. Jeep would
have it no other way, every model has to be able to traverse the
legendary Rubicon Trail in the USA as part of its prototype testing. We
understand the Grand passed the traction part of the test with ease, but
the body was somewhat knocked around due to the extremely tight running
involved. We’ve driven the Trail ourselves (in a Jeep Wrangler) and
can fully understand the rough treatment the Grand would have endured.
On sealed roads the older Jeep Grand Cherokee models
aren't as competent as later ones. The steering needs a fair bit of
effort, yet isn’t all that precise. Australians with a preference for
taut suspension and precise steering should take a decent test drive in
a Grand before making their decision.
Ride quality is usually fine and the Jeep is quiet and
smooth once it’s up to speed, though can be a fair bit noisier if you
accelerate hard to get there.
Though it appears to be a very large vehicle, the
Grand is easier to drive in traffic than you might expect due to its
high seating position and the well-defined extremities of the body.
Parking may be a bit of a problem in some really tight situations, but
is seldom a hassle in any well designed carparks.
The big off-roader uses what Jeep calls a Quadra-Drive
4WD system. This normally works in rear-wheel-drive only and brings in
the front wheels as needed for extra traction. Grand Cherokee has
speed-sensing, torque-transfer operation of the front and rear
differentials as well as in the ‘third’ differential. The vehicle is
capable of being driven even if only one wheel has traction.
Jeep’s Grand Cherokee prior to the current model
came with a 4.0-litre straight-six or 4.7-litre V8 petrol engine. The
most common engine remains the good-old straight-six 4.0-litre unit.
Though fairly old in its makeup, having pushrod-operated valves for
example, it’s lovely and smooth and is most pleasant to sit behind.
There's good torque from low revs and this continues through to the
most-used mid-range areas. This engine isn’t particularly happy at
high revs, but as you really don’t need to punt it along hard this is
seldom a drawback.
Since March 2003 a turbo-diesel engine of
Mercedes-Benz design has been offered. This 2.7-litre five-cylinder
unit, uses the latest in common-rail, direct-injection technology and is
mated to a modern five-speed automatic transmission, again from
Mercedes. These latter Merc-sourced drivetrains are gaining a lot of
favour amongst used-4WD buyers in these times of rising fuel prices. Be
aware that diesel fuel in Australia is far more expensive than petrol,
though and this can cancel out a fair bit of the apparent running-cost
savings.
After being missing for too many years as an official
importer into Australia, Jeep returned here over 10 years ago. The
current dealer network is operating well and is reasonably widespread in
the bush as well as the suburbs. We hear of no significant complaints
about the prices of spare parts or their availability.
Insurance costs are generally about average for this
class of vehicle. The range of premiums between major companies doesn’t
seem to vary a lot, but it’s still worth shopping around for the best
deal. As always, we caution you to be sure that you’re comparing like
with like whilst seeking the best price.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
Grand Cherokee can suffer from niggling squeaks and rattles in the
cabin at times. Test for these by driving on rough roads, there's no
need to go off-road, poor-quality suburban roads will show it up.
Look over the body for signs of scratches or other
damage. Check the underbody for dings in the protection plates, the
platform and the bumper mounts.
Salty sand on the under surfaces probably indicates beach driving. Which
is great fun but if salt gets into the metal it can do dreadful things
in the way or rust.
The engine should start quickly and idle well even
when it’s cold.
There should be no visible fumes from the exhaust pipe
even when the engine is worked hard or has been idling for an extended
period.
Manual gearboxes aren't the most refined units but are
generally trouble free, beware of one that crunches on fast changes down
to lower gears.
Automatic transmissions are typically American in
being very smooth and almost imperceptible in action. Any faults often
show up as roughness and should be professionally checked.
CAR BUYING TIP
Off-road vehicles that actually go off-road are pretty rare and should
generally be avoided as used vehicle – unless the price is right.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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