2009 Grand Cherokee Overland

[Jimmyb]

One of the big stories coming out of Aprils New York Auto Show was the unveiling of Chryslers 2011 Grand Cherokee, scheduled to go on sale next spring.

The date may be pushed back now that Chrysler has filed for Chapter 11 protection as it reorganizes. But its an important coming event.

That Grand Cherokee launch is the biggest product event on the Chrysler horizon before it starts to introduce vehicles produced as part of its alliance with Fiat. Ironically, the new vehicle is built on a chassis shared with the Mercedes M-Class vehicles, a project that began in the Daimler-Chrysler days and will overlap the continuing ownership changes.

But, were getting ahead of ourselves. For the present, the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee remains an interesting vehicle, one that carries the DNA of Jeeps true off-road capabilities. Of course there are negatives. Chief among them is that the Grand Cherokee is a gas guzzler (get 15 around town and youre doing well; figure 19 at best on a trip).

On the plus side, the Grand Cherokee is a pleasure to drive. The front seats are comfortable, visibility is excellent, handling is OK by SUV standards, and the 5.7-liter Hemi packs a lot of punch and sounds great. Its mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.

On the negative side was the price. Our test vehicle was a loaded Overland with an MSRP of $44,545. The only add-on was a special blue pearl paint ($225). With the $780 destination charge, the final sticker price was $45,550. The only major geegaw not included was the rear seat DVD system, a $1,725 option.

On the plus side, deals still should abound for SUVs in the current market, and Chrysler does offer a $500 incentive on the Overland.

On the negative side is the backseat legroom. Its OK for kids, not so great for adults for a long trip. Those rear seats are heated, however.

On the plus side, the Grand Cherokee is set up for those long trips, particularly ski trips in New England. Safety-wise, its got stability control, a top-of-the-line Quadra-Drive II all-wheel-drive system with limited slip front and rear differentials, hill-start assist, and rollover-sensing systems.

On the negative side is the rear cargo room. Its less than youd expect. However, theres a big tray to carry wet or muddy boots and gear.

Back on the plus side are the electronics. This is a car that appeals to the driver who wants all the bells and whistles. This has remote start, backup camera, iPod interface, self-leveling and auto-dimming high intensity headlights, adjustable pedals (with memory) and rain-sensitive windshield wipers.



Should you need a third-row seat, Jeeps got the even-bigger Commander available, though that models future may be in jeopardy.

Meanwhile, the Grand Cherokee should continue to be a significant player in the mid-sized SUV market. Its an unusual mix of comfort and toughness, one that Jeep owners have come to love. They go into this relationship with their Jeep with their eyes open and, for them, the negatives are more than offset by the positives.