04 Runner LTD > 04 Grand Cherokee Overland? Post comments :-D

[mjfrank]

Funny, there was the exact same thread on the JeepsUnlimited.com forums yesterday, and everyone liked the JGC much better than the 4Runner, go figure.

For me, it only took one test drive with my wife to decide. The '04 JGC just doesn't compare to '04 4Runner. The Runner had better interior room, better ride, better power delivery, and a better reliability and resale record.

Don't get too excited by the LS diffs that the Jeep has, anything over stock size tires will quickly overwhelm them, and they will wear out over time. (fiber-plate clutches)

And the Runner has one major selling point for me over the JGC, and that's it's FULL Frame, not some whimpy Unibody design. Personally, a unibody should only be used on cars, not off-road "capable" trucks. Check out Pirate4x4.com on the Jeep forum. One of the Topics Of The Week is how to reinforce the XJ, ZJ, and WJs weak unibody. Which consists of welding a ton of extra steel on.

Oh, and I don't consider myself biased, I still own a '99 Jeep Wrangler that I love, and a '01 Ford Expedition that I still have high praise for. (notice though, no Unibodies! : ) Well, I may be a bit biased against that crap that GM churns out.

--Mike

 

[Cliff s]

I would like to explode some myths. First, no production vehicle is designed for heavy off road use.
The only one that comes close is the Hummer H1.

Advertising hype is just that hype. Many take the Jeep advertising as they are built for off road use.
Well as many have found out all you get is broken parts. The skid plates are not made to abuse(they are just cheap tin).

The '04 JCG's and the '05 JCG's are two different animals. The '05's were completely re-engineered, more more Dana axles and they dropped the straight axle front end. The old QuadraTrack is gone and replaced by a new one. The so called Hemi is a new motor, not too proven yet. I remember 1999 when they brought out a new model and all the problems they had.

The T4R has a proven motor(from Lexus) and a proven transmission(also from Lexus). The engineering seems to be better along with the quality control.

The JGC needs to be around a year or so before people make any judgements.

People have different tastes that is why there are different manufacurers and models.

When I was looking I drove them all and then made my decision. The T4R won out and I am happy with my choice.

Cliff s

 

[V8Limited4wd]

The T4R has a proven motor(from Lexus) and a proven transmission(also from Lexus). The engineering seems to be better along with the quality control.

actually they are from toyota. lexus is just a luxury division of toyota in north america(and nowhere else), so they are first made for toyotas, then it is used in lexus vehicles.

just wanted to clarify

 

[Northof49]

Funny, there was the exact same thread on the JeepsUnlimited.com forums yesterday, and everyone liked the JGC much better than the 4Runner, go figure.

If they like the JGC more than the 4Runner, they haven't driven a 4rth gen : Some may argue it's personal preference, but an 04 GC/4Runner debate is one instance where if someone tells you the Heep is better, they're just wrong.

Grand Cherokees are one of the only newerish vehicles that actually break down just sitting there. It's just the most amazing thing, you leave one on a car lot for a couple weeks, go fire it up, and either some warning lights on, something electrical doesn't work, some brake is stuck, engine's blown (don't laugh, it happened).....it's just weird.

 

[Mark86]

Here are my Jeep stories. I never had a Jeep but my parents had a 1994 GC Limited and 1996 GC Limited. The 1994 ended up having to be sold because of a leak in the back seat. My parents took it to the dealer and they ended up drilling holes in it or something. Then they offered to switch them into a 1996 GC after that for a reasonable price. Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse, it did. My parents drove it out of the dealer, which was 5 miles, and the transmission went out. Two week repair on a 30 minute old car. Then the electrical system went on it and the lights would not turn off. Oh, and there were about three times that it had to be taken in for an oil leak. My parents ended up trading it in after 3 months. Guess what type of car they went with? A brand new 1996 Toyota 4Runner Limited! They ended up keeping that one for 3 problem free years. Personally, I like the look of the 1999-2004 Jeeps. They are nice looking vehicles. I have heard too many problem stories with them though to even consider it.

 

[Kanab]

I think Briggs asked this question on the attached Jeep site. Based on their responses he should get the Jeep. But Briggs since you own a 97 4runner, why would you even consider a Jeep??? I owned a Dodge 3500 4x4 Cummins Turbo diesel, because of the GREAT Cummins engine, the "truck" that was made by DC was poorly designed and executed just like all of the other DC products, yes DC makes "pretty" cars and trucks but they are not high in quality and are not made to be dependable

http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=585771

PS- the responses on the Jeep site are funny, all based on "I think" and miss information, mostly wrong.

 

[Northof49]

I think Briggs asked this question on the attached Jeep site. Based on their responses he should get the Jeep. But Briggs since you own a 97 4runner, why would you even consider a Jeep??? I owned a Dodge 3500 4x4 Cummins Turbo diesel, because of the GREAT Cummins engine, the "truck" that was made by DC was poorly designed and executed just like all of the other DC products, yes DC makes "pretty" cars and trucks but they are not high in quality and are not made to be dependable

http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=585771

PS- the responses on the Jeep site are funny, all based on "I think" and miss information, mostly wrong.

Couldn't agree more with everything said here. Lots of my friends have diesel Rams of different eras and everytime same outcome.......motor is indestructable, but the truck falls apart around it. Which brings me to my Cummins/FJ45 swap idea :naughty:

The 4Runner (mis)information on that Jeep site is hilarious; I wouldn't give it 2 thoughts. Then there's this guy:

i wouldnt be surprised if we see guys in a few years topping 200K on their WJ's with little problems.

A) That will never happen. If it does, DC should pay for your next Jeep and put the old one in a museum, cause it'll be the 1st to ever do that!
B) I've never seen a 4Runner owner brag about 200K with no major problems, because it's been happening since fuckin 1986


PS: My family owned 3 Jeeps (2 Cherokees, 1 GC) before any 4Runner, so I've been around both. Here's a good one: a close personal friend has sold DC vehicles just down the road from our Toyota store for many years. His parents just bought a Camry and 4Runner within the last years, on HIS advice DC =

 

[V8Limited4wd]

those comments on the jeep site are hilarious...

this site might be biased and yes 4runners do have their share of problems, but not even close to what issues the jc has.

all my friends who have owned or own a jc has had major work done to it or they say the jc is a piece of junk because it feels like everything is gonna fall apart. and all their jc's were UNDER 100k miles.

you just can't beat japanese quality.

 

[Northof49]

this site might be biased and yes 4runners do have their share of problems, but not even close to what issues the jc has.

Exactly. But honestly, look at most of the 4Runner problems, many are fairly nitpicky when compared to GC type issues.....

Amazing how you won't notice a squeaky seat if your trans and/or diff is blown.....Extreme example of course, but ya get my drift.

 

[briggs4811]

hey guys,

Sorry, i have been out for the weekend. Yes, that was me on jeepsunlimited that made that post. i was 100% gung-ho on an 04 overland but my local toyota dealer sent me a letter advertising the new v8 and it got me looking at 4runners. So, i joined this forum and tried to find out the pros and cons of a overland vs 4runner. I had always been iffy on the quality of jeeps. My local renowned mechanic despises jeeps and says 4runner's are they way to go b/c of the quality (thats why i bought the 97 4runner). Personally, i like the looks of the overland over the 4runner, that was got me keyed in on them in the first place. Anyway, I think it'd be worth all of y'alls time to register on jeepsunlimited and fire back at them. I think i might be leaning towards an 05 4Runner sport 4x4 now.

Did they get rid of the 235 hp 320 torque i-force engine and replace it with the new 270/330 v8? or are they both options?

Tech question: whats with the 3rd gen 4runner engine making the high pitched squeeking sound. it sounds like a fan or something, but ive noticed it on all of my friend's 3rd gens. i cant get it to go away.

 

[Kanab]

"Did they get rid of the 235 hp 320 torque i-force engine and replace it with the new 270/330 v8? or are they both options?"

They won't have the 270/330 until Dec/Jan for the 2005 model year. I would buy an 2004 with the 235/320 engine. That VVTi power will not make any big difference until you are at high revs. Not where you will be driving 98% of the time. Also you will get some good end of year deals on the last of the 2004 V8's. Good luck and let us know what you get.

 

[briggs4811]

gotcha. well given that there's nothing wrong with my 97, i might hold out for a while. however, i might not be able to resist the urge haha. we'll see though

 

[toyrulgy]

Toyota buyers should get a clue, but maybe thats why they brought what they did. Toys are overpriced, suck gas, lost alot on their reliablity claim with new model, and are butt freakin ulgy. Word of advice, before you judge something get your facts straight and try to remain unbiased. Most of the facts stated in this tread regarding jeeps are false and do not even apply to the systems in the newer jeeps. I guess slamming the JGC is a means for toyota buyers to feel good about their poor decision to buy a price inflated Jap POS SUV. You've heard what they say abotu a fool and his money. I'll take the Jeep over the toy and be able to drive with my windows down, in more comfort, and over rougher terrain (=more capable 4WD system), and not stink up the place. If you want to be fair, please get your facts straight before you go wrongly influencing a fellow member into buying what you brought, and likely regret. I am with CR on this one, the 2004 4Runner is 'not reccommended'.

 

[Thai]

Most of the facts stated in this tread regarding jeeps are false and do not even apply to the systems in the newer jeeps. If you want to be fair, please get your facts straight before you go wrongly influencing a fellow member into buying what you brought, and likely regret. I am with CR on this one, the 2004 4Runner is 'not reccommended'.

Tell me more...where is the '04 JGC's 4wd system superior to 4runner?? Where is the mis-information??

Awaiting your response anxiously...thanks.

 

[bulldog-yota]

Toyota buyers should get a clue, but maybe thats why they brought what they did. Toys are overpriced, suck gas, lost alot on their reliablity claim with new model, and are butt freakin ulgy. Word of advice, before you judge something get your facts straight and try to remain unbiased. Most of the facts stated in this tread regarding jeeps are false and do not even apply to the systems in the newer jeeps. I guess slamming the JGC is a means for toyota buyers to feel good about their poor decision to buy a price inflated Jap POS SUV. You've heard what they say abotu a fool and his money. I'll take the Jeep over the toy and be able to drive with my windows down, in more comfort, and over rougher terrain (=more capable 4WD system), and not stink up the place. If you want to be fair, please get your facts straight before you go wrongly influencing a fellow member into buying what you brought, and likely regret. I am with CR on this one, the 2004 4Runner is 'not reccommended'.

You are funny.

Maybe read CR and you will have a different view of your beloved JGC. SInce your argument is a bunch of hogwash, it doesn't even deserve a further response.

Mods this idiot is obviously just joined to try and stir something up. He will not be able to back any of his opinions, nor will he be able to come up with any conclusive truth. SO please save us all the agony of reading what an idiot writes and just ban him with immediate effect.

 

[Thai]

SO please save us all the agony of reading what an idiot writes and just ban him with immediate effect.

You are just no fun! We will see how this troll turns out....

 

[Northof49]

Toyota buyers should get a clue, but maybe thats why they brought what they did. Toys are overpriced, suck gas, lost alot on their reliablity claim with new model, and are butt freakin ulgy. Word of advice, before you judge something get your facts straight and try to remain unbiased. Most of the facts stated in this tread regarding jeeps are false and do not even apply to the systems in the newer jeeps. I guess slamming the JGC is a means for toyota buyers to feel good about their poor decision to buy a price inflated Jap POS SUV.

A Jeep fan slamming Toyota's for being overpriced, fuel thirsty and unreliable? That's rich

 

[RJMorrow24]

My friend just got a jeep and after a few months of having it, he regrets it.

4runner > jeeps

 

[toyrulgy]

I perfer the grand over the yota. I looked both over very close and went with the best value for the money. Just my opinion. Ban if you wish. I could really care less.

 

[G3 Trout Runner]

I actually spent the time to read the entire jeep forum posted above. It appears our friendly shopper "Briggs" has enjoyed his pitting of the two forums by some of his posts. Not very nice. I personally don't know much about the new QD but traded in a 98 GC for my better (I think so) V6 4Runner. I believe this GC vs 4runner argument falls into the category of who likes what. Get what you want. If it works out then great, if it doesn't then you should have done more homework. Their forum still contains many errors about our 4wd system. You can't educate those who won't listen. They can't seem to understand the difference between VSC and ATRAC. I guess they haven't read through all of Thai's posts. Their loss.

In response to "toyrulgy", I felt his post may have been better taken (or not) had he tried harder to make his point. Toy R Ugly is spelled t-o-y-r-u-g-l-y not "t-o-y-r-u-l-g-y" or toy rulgy. He has so many misspellings in his post I had to reread to follow, not to mention, my laughter kept me from staying focused.

Just my $0.02.

G3 Trout Runner