Type: Front-engine, four-wheel drive, five-passenger sport utility vehicle And for that, we may have to wait another year, until an all-new Grand Cherokee arrives for model year 2005. But even though this is the most high-tech Jeep we’ve been in, it won’t be a success in my book until they get the basics right. There are heated 10-way power seats and power accessories. You also get a wood-and-leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry and Infinity speakers. HE: Jeep lovers will applaud the Overland’s attention to cabin details, like a standard sunroof and his-and-hers climate controls. This sophisticated system is able to send nearly 100 percent of the developed engine torque to just one wheel, which basically means even a single wheel can pull you out of trouble. This model comes equipped with a Quadra-Drive system as a standard feature. Off-roaders will appreciate the Overland’s capabilities. Jeep says the five-speed provides a second overdrive gear for increased fuel efficiency, yet our test vehicle only got 15 miles per gallon in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. This engine is standard on the Overland and cranks out an impressive 260 horsepower and 330 pounds-feet of torque. Our Jeep came equipped with a high-output 4.7-liter V-8 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. But there’s no criticism in the power department. The Grand Cherokee has a limited rear cargo area and a surprising lack of room in the rear seat. But those things weren’t enough to compensate for what I feel are major concerns. Sure, I liked things like the classy white-face gauges and the supportive driver’s seat. The power steering is over-assisted and too isol ated, requiring constant corrections at highway speed.
The Grand Cherokee’s brakes required higher-than-average pedal pressure - not a confidence-inspiring feeling in emergency stops. That’s unacceptable quality in a $41,000 vehicle - something you’re not likely to experience on similarly priced competitors like the BMW X5 or the Mercedes-Benz M元50. There was a gap wide enough to shove your fingers into between the edge of the instrument panel and the front pillar. HE: It could have something to do with the fact that our Jeep’s instrument panel was not properly installed. So why are you being so stingy with your stars?
Another $150 will buy you a tire-pressure monitoring system to help keep you out of trouble. Plus, you get a comfortable ride - among the best in class for truck-based vehicles - and decent safety features, including standard side air bags and anti-lock brakes. They’ve freshened up the face a bit, while keeping much of the classic Grand Cherokee styling. The top-of-the-line Overland model is a solid offering. You now can order things like $185 power adjustable pedals with memory, a wonderful convenience feature that I love. But you still have to give Jeep credit for stepping into the 21st century at last. The screen is pretty small and the controls aren’t easy to use. It combines a 4.9-inch color display with an AM/FM stereo and CD player. SHE: I don’t think you’d enjoy using the factory-installed $1,200 navigation system. Seeing your phone number come up on the screen made me want to use the Jeep’s new navigation system to plot out a long fishing trip - out of cell-phone reach. Can you say, “Electronic tether for husbands?” I mistakenly thought I’d have some peace and quiet in the Jeep. But it took you a long time to fumble around and press the button on the instrument panel to talk to me, though. One push of a button makes your call, while you keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. I think it’s terrific because you can keep your cell phone in your purse or your briefcase and it doesn’t matter. In-vehicle caller ID is a part of that fancy UConnect system, which can be dealer or factory-installed for under $300. SHE: I’ll bet you had a shock when you saw our home phone number flash on the audio system’s screen in the Jeep. Paul begged to differ, especially after seeing the hefty $41,120 price tag on this top-of-the-line offering. It was a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland model with four-wheel drive and some neat features like the brand’s first navigation system and a new hands-free optional wireless phone system called UConnect.Īnita was impressed with the Detroit-built Jeep’s goodies and classic good looks, especially the striking midnight blue pearl coat exterior paint job. We recently had the chance to drive the most high-tech Jeep yet.
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