But, practically, the Toyota and Nissan both sport a third row of seating that can come in handy. Also new for 2008 is a front fascia designed specifically for off-roading. The inherent economy of these lean-running machines--and the intriguing solutions engineers are developing to deal with the emissions woes that lean-running compression ignition brings--captivate me. Large flared wheel arches and aggressively styled wheels project the kind of rugged, off-road look Jeep loyalists demand. What made me like the interior was that it seemed to be good quality. The Jeep Grand Cherokee scores five-star front and side impact ratings, but a three-star rollover rating. I guess what it comes down to is this: Are you willing to chance the poor reliability to get the offroad capability and personality? I think it fits with the rough, tough image that Jeep likes to present.
Jeep offers several packages and individual options beyond the four-wheel-drive system to increase the Grand Cherokee's already formidable off-road capabilities, such as locking differentials and skid plates. A transfer case electrical failure may result in an unintentional shifting of the transfer case into the neutral position. The recall began on August 15, 2013. The selections begin with a 210-horsepower 3. New for this year is a mid-level 4.
Chrysler's recall campaign number is N23. This theoretically delivers a cruising range of more than 450 miles from its 22-gallon tank. Due to the Grand Cherokee's sloping roof line, there is no third row of seats available, and cargo room is limited to only 35 cubic feet behind the seats. It does have the traditional Jeep grille and roundish headlights, so it looks like a real Jeep, not a Johnny-come-lately imitator that would be you, Hummer. Gone are the days of black smoke and high-polluting; in its place is the best fuel economy going. Jeep makes sure the bodywork has good approach and departure angles for traversing hills.
Comments are mostly positive about the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee handling ability. The Grand Cherokee is projected to retain average resale values over five years, with the V6 model losing more of its value than the V8. . However, because of their car-based roots, both of these competitors offer a better on-road ride and more interior room with three rows of seats. Things are always better with snow on the ground.
Still, it left me wondering if I would enjoy it in the summer — or over the long term, as its reliability has been judged to be poor. Interior As noted, one of the changes this got from 2008 to 2009 was what Jeep calls an optional Leather Appearance Group on Limited and Overland models. Finally, neither the cargo floor nor the height to which the rear hatch opens is so high that shorter people should have issues. The body was just too short. Completely restyled and reengineered in 2005, the Grand Cherokee has aged reasonably well, and it still looks fit and trim, though its angular shape isn't to everyone's taste. I found that the farther away I got from a major metropolitan area, the more likely I was to find it. The brushed-metal trim in particular looked very nice, and it also had a tasteful amount of chrome accents.
Is that the end of the world? With E85, it nets 9 mpg in the city and 13 on the highway. We don't recommend these vehicles to anybody. Finally, neither the cargo floor nor the height to which the rear hatch opens is so high that shorter people should have issues. A leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seats with touch control, and memory for the power driver's seat and mirrors are welcome additions to luxury amenities. As this combo delivers only 1 mpg more than the much-improved-for-2008 305-horsepower 4.
Seating comfort is supreme, with excellent neck protection provided by the forward-leaning headrest. Exterior The previous-generation Grand Cherokee always struck me as having a too-short body on a too-high chassis — sort of like someone who stands 6-foot-4 and has a 54-inch inseam. Still, it left me wondering if I would enjoy it in the summer — or over the long term, as its reliability has been judged to be poor. The brushed-metal trim in particular looked very nice, and it also had a tasteful amount of chrome accents. Show full review The Jeep Grand Cherokee came to our offices in the middle of winter, and it did a very good job tackling the subzero temperatures and mounds of snow on the ground.
Acceleration and Power The base Laredo trim comes with a 3. The Grand Cherokee Laredo comes with a 3. Quality of the materials and switchgear inside the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee is also an issue. Adults or long-legged children will have a hard time sitting behind a taller driver or front-seat passenger. Interior As noted, one of the changes this got from 2008 to 2009 was what Jeep calls an optional Leather Appearance Group on Limited and Overland models.
This review also compares the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee with vehicles in its class to give you the best advice even when other reviews present conflicting opinions. One thing that has sometimes made U. The suspension has plenty of travel for uneven ground. Also — and this is a huge stumbling block for me — reliability for this model has been poor and is predicted to remain poor, according to Consumer Reports. Also pass on the 330-horsepower 5. I found that the farther away I got from a major metropolitan area, the more likely I was to find it.