Has an actual 4Runner owner driven the new Grand Cherokee? We've all read the Car and Driver article. But has anybody actually driven one. Or does anybody know a person that purchased a Grand Cherokee over the 4Runner and why?

I looked at one last night, but didn't drive it. I have to admit that I liked the interior. The build quality seems to be better than previous models. It seemed very solid and the doors shut with some authority. There's also plenty of options.

I guess there's part of me that still wants to "buy" American, if there is such a thing anymore. Competition like the 4Runner is a good thing for the consumer, that's for sure! Jeep wouldn't be building this nice of a vehicle if the market wasn't demanding it.

Please don't let this thread get out of control. I'm not trolling, or trying to start a battle between 4Runner owners, and Jeep owners. I'm just a consumer looking for the most bang for my buck and the new Cherokee hit my radar.

Have you driven a new 4R?

What do you think?

There was a member a few weeks back with both a new GC and a 4Runner. Here's the thread: click here.

I haven't driven a new GC, but like you I sat in one. I agree, the materials are a lot better than previous models, but the interior still seems a little bland in the rear seats, nothing really catches my eye. I like how the 4Runner has contrasting colored plastics black on top and tan/gray on the bottom of the doors. The seats in the GC were a bit softer and seem like they'll be more comfortable in the long run. I don't like the new exterior though, I think the 99-04 models looked better. Overall, I think the GC is a much better vehicle than it was before and American car manufacturers as a whole seem to be making great strides in improvement lately. For me, I don't think I'll get into a GC until these new GC's prove reliable in a few years.

I should've stated that I LOVE 4Runners!!! Especially the 4Gen's. I've been trying to buy one for four weeks now. Practically throwing money at dealers. The problem is, I can't find a v6 Sport w/JBL(EJ or DJ), and sunroof in the Chicago region. If there's a dealer on here, in the Midwest, with a Sport sitting on the lot, with JBL, please let me know!

Somebody suggested I look at the new Grand Cherokee because it caught them off guard as well, so I did. I haven't considered an American car in about 10 years, this one gave me some hope. We honestly couldn't believe we were looking at an American product, let alone a Chrysler. Again, I'm not trying to upset anyone here. So, if anyody out there is currently driving a Chrysler product, I'm not calling it junk! Don't flame me!!!

I have driven dozens of previous-gen Grand Cherokees, and close family members have owned 1 or 2 and I will openly call them junk

Unless Chrysler has addressed some major quality and driving issues with the 05 that I found in all the others, I would again pass on it. Of course, I would pass on it anyways, as resale value is very high on my vehicle wishlist.

Yes-I've driven the new GC (with the Hemi). It has great power and amazing refinement compared to the 2001 GC that I traded in for my 4Runner. Jeep made great strides with the 2005 Grand Cherokee. However, my reasons for choosing to buy the T4R over another GC were interior quality, long-term value, and refinement. While Jeep has improved the interior styling, the quality of the materials still feels cheep and inferior to my Toyota. I like the look--but not the feel. As for value---hey, it's still a chrysler. 'Nuf said.

Veloindy at the beginning of this thread refers to trolling. I have seen this before on this forum but don't know what it is. Every time I see the word it is described negatively so I know it's something that should not be done, but what is it?

I thought the best looking Jeeps were the 99-03 model too. The new ones are ugly and look too much like the Durango. In 2003, when I was looking for a vehcile, I was thinking at just going to look at the 2003 Grand Cherokee Limited. My family talked me out of it because of their experiences with Jeep reliability. Before I even went to a Jeep dealer, I decided to stop off at the Toyota dealer to only "test drive" a 4Runner. That was my last stop because I was so impressed with the 4Runner. They couldn't complete the paper work fast enough so I could ride home in my new baby! I didn't need to test drive any more vehciles because that would only be a waste of time!

Jeeps look good. I rented a new 4WD Grand Cherokee a couple years ago and drove it to Utah, and back, about 4000 miles in 10 days. A good vehicle, a fun trip along a lonely Burr Trail. Would I buy one? Nooooooo.... I bought the 4R, for reliability, durability, and substance for the long haul. I'm on the road, off road, and interstate, constantly...can't afford a breakdown in a Jeep, just can't do it...just can't buy one!!

Just got back from my vacation to Florida where I rented a six cylinder Jeep GC 2005. Interior design somewhat better than the older model. However the ride (suspension I think feels too mushy) and the engine growls when you try to pass or just punch gas pedal (my best friend owns an older model that we've taken off road a few times) unfortunately he despises this jeep as junk as soon as the warranty ran out the axles broke (one at a time of course) and the differential had to go (this are the major problems, he had a ton more minor problems). He is a meticulous car maintainer followes maintainance book to the finest details. He at the same time owns 4R (and very pleased with it , not a single problem with it) and I think personally this drives and handles better than Jeep . I own 4R too ,new gen and I think it handles superbly better than Jeep (I could be biased since I own 4R, but hey that's why I bought this Runner instead of Jeep, don't wanna go thru all the gripes that my friend is going thru)

I have both, and I love both. I can easily compare the 04 to 05 model years on the GC because I own the 05 and my parents have an 04. Totally different vehicles in my opinion, and I have been in both quite a deal. I chose the GC for my wife (I don't mean that as a sexist comment, but the truth of the matter is I did basically steer her to it) because of size and capabilities. I loved the V8 (I have driven the version of the V8 in the 99 limited my parents owned and their 2004 GC). Great power and performance overall. I loved the fact that you could really tell the effect the Daimler has had on Jeep with this new model. The sound system (boston acoustics with built-in Sirius for 1 free year), integrated handsfree car kit for my wife, and adjustable pedals were also big selling points.

I disagree about the ride being mushy. I don't think so. Yes, it is a little softer than the 4runner, but I would not call it mushy. I think it has plenty of power, although I still prefer my 270hp V8 4runner. The overall quality of the vehicle is great in my opinion, and I consider it a worthy alternative to the 4runner depending on your needs. It is a little smaller inside than the 4runner, but nothing that is that great. I did not go with the HEMI because I could not justify another 2000 USD, and I could not justify taking the hit at the pump so I could brag about a car I drive once a week having a HEMI. I also did not get the navigation because I would never have been able to teach my wife how to use the damn thing.

I have plenty of pics of my wife's 4runner, and I can take more if needed. If you have any questions, please let me know.

veloindy

you should check libertyville toyota. they're about 40 min north of chicago. they have a pretty ncie sized inventory, and good service.

The only thing I know about the '05 Grand Cherokee's is that Enterprise rented one to a coworker who was stranded for several hours because the thing up and died in the middle of the highway. Yikes...

A family member has an 05 GC rental while her CR-V is repaired (hit by a drunk).

The 2005s 'could' be more reliable. It is a new vehicle, so optimistic at best. My uncle has been through 6 GCs. All had major problems except one. But they were company cars, not his $$.

It is a nice vehicle, just too many things I don't like. The heater vent for the front passenger is a hole in the console. Looks so stupid.

Interior feels cramped to me. But is larger than the 4Runner.

The a-pillars create a huge blind spot.

It has bad ergonomics all over. Ex, the locks on the rear doors are at the back of the door, near your shoulder, not any where near the handle. WTF?

The handles on the doors are just holes in the panel.

I would describe it as going to a forum to make a post to get a reaction or someone to bite. Basically to cause trouble between members. I couldn't make this same post on the Jeep forum, they would jump all over me. This forum is very cival compared to others.

Resale is a HUGE selling point for the 4Runner. I haven't looked at the resale value of Jeeps. I always thought they were better than you're average American car. But maybe not, hmmmm.