A Grander Grand Cherokee

The introduction of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee for 2005 represents its third iteration; it was introduced in 1992 and restyled in 1999. The new styling hasn't been reworked to the extent that it can be mistaken for anything but a Grand Cherokee.

The overall height has been lowered two inches and the doorsills are higher, lending a look familiar to that of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum - all products from the Daimler-Chrysler stable of vehicles. The classic seven-slot Jeep grille remains, although more vertical than the previous fanned out slots on the old one. Jeep has also reintroduced round headlights, a change previously made on the Wrangler and Liberty models.

Compared to the 2004 model, the new Grand Cherokee looks as though it has spent serious time with a personal trainer. Gone is the soft, rounded look in favor of a body with sharper edges and a sculptured, muscular appearance. The ever-familiar beefy wheel openings remain, but thankfully without the cladding of the previous generations. The windshield is more upright, the hood is longer and a front air dam is featured for the first time. Taillamps are larger and feature clear lenses for a more contemporary look.

The Grand Cherokee is available in three trim levels: Laredo ($26,875), Rocky Mountain Edition ($31,230) and the upscale Limited ($32,500). All models come standard as 4x2, with 4x4 available for about $2,000 added to each of the base prices. The Laredo and Rocky Mountain Edition both come standard with a 3.7-liter 210-horsepower 6-cylinder engine. A 4.7-liter 235-horsepower V-8 is standard on the Limited and optional on both the Laredo and Rocky Mountain Editions. The 4x4 Limited is available with the much regarded Chrysler 5.7-liter 330-horsepower V-8 Hemi. All Grand Cherokees come standard with a five-speed automatic transmission. I tested the Limited 4x4 model with the Hemi engine, and while it was incredibly powerful, it drank gas like a world champion. I averaged just over 13 miles per gallon for the week. With the 4.7-liter V-8 delivering ample power and performance, I would advise consumers to think twice about the Hemi, considering gasoline prices are now over $2 per gallon and rising like a rocket.

Inside, the 2005 model's dimensions are slightly larger than the previous Grand Cherokee, but for us tall guys headroom remains inadequate, and because of a narrow wheel-well opening I never found a comfortable position for my left foot.

The Laredo gets cloth seats and the Rocky Mountain Edition and Limited come outfitted with two-tone leather seats. A power driver's seat is standard on all models, and power is added to the passenger side on the Limited. The interior is a definite improvement, with the addition of a two-tone dash, attractive wood appointments and faux aluminum trim. The dash material is a granulated hard plastic and Jeep would have done well to use softer material to improve its look and feel.

I especially liked the appearance and layout of the dash. The climate control and audio controls are exceptionally easy to use and, thankfully, Jeep has resisted the temptation to add hi-tech and overly sophisticated controls that most other brands find necessary. What is excessively confusing from Jeep are the all-wheel drive systems, which I will discuss in a few minutes.

The seats are large, supportive and very comfortable if not a bit on the firm side. The second row seats fold flat, with the headrests folding automatically so they don't have to be removed to complete the maneuver. Unlike other models, like Chevy Equinox, the rear seats are stationary and can neither be reclined nor adjusted fore and aft for more leg/cargo room. Also missing are the map and storage pockets on the back of the front seats. The Grand Cherokee does not offer a third row of seats, however an extend version called the Commander arrives next year and will offer the extra seating.

Even though Grand Cherokee has not changed much in its outward appearance, it has changed in the way it drives, rides and handles. It rides significantly better, is noticeably quieter and handles light years better than the previous generation. Then again, I was never much impressed with the previous Grand Cherokee. To begin with, the front suspension is now independent and the steering upgrades to a rack-and-pinion setup. I noticed much more precise handling, with no compromise of Jeep's excellent off-road performance and capability.

As mentioned, the four-wheel-drive systems are confusing, with numerous names and functions. All V-6 models with 4x4 will have a Quadra-Trac I system with full-time four-wheel-drive. Nothing to switch on or off, just all-time all-wheel-drive.

Quadra-Trac II is basically the same as Quadra-Trac I, but with more off-road capability. Quadra-Drive II is the best four-wheel drive that Jeep offers but is only available on the Limited model equipped with the optional Hemi engine. I warned you, it's confusing and I won't even go into all the details.

Standard safety features include front smart air bags with four levels of deployment, meaning they are designed to deploy at one of three intensities depending on the severity of the crash and size of the passenger. Side-torso airbags are not available (a serious oversight), but Jeep does offer side-curtain airbags that cover the front and rear door windows in the event of a side impact. The curtain airbags are a $490 option on all three trim levels. Other safety features include standard anti-lock braking system and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Electronic stability control is a $500 option but only on the 4x4 models.

The 2005 Grand Cherokee has not as of yet been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. I recommend waiting for crash-test results before you buy, if this is an important consideration.

While a popular vehicle, Jeep sales have been steadily falling in recent years because of increased and worthy competition from challengers like the Volvo XC90, Toyota 4Runner, Lexus RX 330, Cadillac SRX, BMW X3 and X5, VW Touareg, Acura MDX, Ford Explorer, Chevy Tahoe and others. But the newly redesigned Grand Cherokee is greatly improved overall while retaining its distinctive Jeep style and unmatched off-road capability, and delivering more luxury than ever before.

Previous Jeeps have suffered from less than desirable quality and reliability levels, according to Consumer Reports. If Jeep can overcome those issues and if public demand for SUVs remains high, the new Grand Cherokee will be a hit with consumers.

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