2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[snap315]

Don't get me wrong, i like the new GC, but i would not put it on the same level as a 2010 4Runner Trail in off-roading. Like i said above, i have my doubts about ML-derived components holding up to off-road abuse.

There has been several comparisions between which is the best 4x4 system (Toyota or the Jeep Quadra-Drive). In fact there have been some on this very forum if I remember correctly.

I agree that the real question will be the durability of the Mercedes parts and the air suspension. Considering all the techno-stuff that is on this new JGC, it is obvious that it is aimed more at those who drive on roads over those who offroad.

I'm okay with that since I don't plan on this vehicle being dedicated to hard offroad use or rockcrawling. That is what an inexpensive CJ is for.

 

[Thai]

There has been several comparisions between which is the best 4x4 system (Toyota or the Jeep Quadra-Drive). In fact there have been some on this very forum if I remember correctly.

I agree that the real question will be the durability of the Mercedes parts and the air suspension. Considering all the techno-stuff that is on this new JGC, it is obvious that it is aimed more at those who drive on roads over those who offroad.

I'm okay with that since I don't plan on this vehicle being dedicated to hard offroad use or rockcrawling. That is what an inexpensive CJ is for.

QDII is a decent system, but i think that A-TRAC (the LOW-range only A-TRAC) and rear locker is superior to QDII. You can make the case that QDII is the same or better than the regular TRAC found on 4th gen 4runners (not named 2009 Trail Edition).

I think that for your purposes, the Jeep GC is a very good option. However, for the pricetag (not sure how much a loaded one costs), you should also consider the Land Rover LR4. At this point, reliability b/w Jeep and LR is a toss-up.

 

[Thai]

Edmunds First Drive: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 V6 First Drive

 

[jwyshrek]

caranddriver's first drive:

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - First Drive Review - Auto Reviews - Car and Driver

INFIDELS!

"On the heels of our brief exposure, we can say that the Jeep has the Honda and Mazda beat on off-road ability and interior trim (at least in higher-spec form), but it’s not as nice to pilot as the Land Rover or Volkswagen. The Toyota 4Runner competes here, too, but it’s not as well finished as the Jeep."

 

[dcon]

How can Jeep call this the most capable GC? Just look at some of the pictures where it lifts a wheel with the slightest variation in terrain. IRS and IFS = no articulation and a lot of strain on the suspension component. Also, be aware that the engine valve cover is made of plastic. No thanks jeep, I've already learned my lesson..

 

[Thai]

Also, be aware that the engine valve cover is made of plastic. No thanks jeep, I've already learned my lesson..

Aren't all engine cover made of plastic?? Engine covers is mainly for cosmetics and sound insulation...so, what other materials should they be made of?

 

[BrianLSU]

Aren't all engine cover made of plastic?? Engine covers is mainly for cosmetics and sound insulation...so, what other materials should they be made of?

I think he's referring to the valve cover, not the cosmetic cover.

Despite my previous posts, I hope they do end up being everything expected. Jeep does deserve a damn break. As many know, bad companies are usually that way due to bad management and decision making. Maybe, after losing their German overlords, better heads will prevail.

 

[dcon]

Aren't all engine cover made of plastic?? Engine covers is mainly for cosmetics and sound insulation...so, what other materials should they be made of?

I'm not talking about the engine cover but the valve train cover. For longevity it should be made of metal not thermoplastic, the only two reason for fiat/chrysler to use such material is either for cost or weight reduction.

 

[dcon]

.. Maybe, after losing their German overlords, better heads will prevail.

I'm not holding my breath that the new Italiano overlords will be any better. We'll have to wait and see..

 

[BrianLSU]

I'm not holding my breath that the new Italiano overlords will be any better. We'll have to wait and see..

Me either, the whole burn me once thing...

But, having loved the Jeep brand since I was a kid, I do hope they turn it around. They seem to be circling the drain and I would hate to see it go away.

 

[Thai]

Ahhh, i see...misread your post.

EDIT: i just read a little bit (via GOOGLE) that plastic valvetrain cover also helps with engine noise. Metallic ones apparently make a lot of noise. Not just Jeep, i think that other manufacturers, including some Toyota/Lexus, use plastic valvetrain covers...at least, with the little GOOGLING that i did.

 

[Jed]

Me either, the whole burn me once thing...

But, having loved the Jeep brand since I was a kid, I do hope they turn it around. They seem to be circling the drain and I would hate to see it go away.

Circling the drain? LOL, you've got to be kidding, right? The Jeep brand is the only thing profitable about Chrysler for YEARS now. In fact, when the whole Jeep/Daimler/Chrysler thing was going on, there were talks of keeping Jeep and dumping the other brands.

Don't worry, Jeep isn't going anywhere. The Grand Cherokee has outsold the 4Runner (yeah, direct competitors) throughout its history.

 

[dcon]

Don't worry, Jeep isn't going anywhere. The Grand Cherokee has outsold the 4Runner (yeah, direct competitors) throughout its history.

I'm glad it does, because when I had my Jeep I hated going out to the parking lot and finding half a dozen white JGC. I rather own a less popular vehicle anyway, so far I've only seen 4 5th gen T4R on the road. Keep in mind jeep sales number will always be higher because of fleet sales and owners having to replace them sooner.

 

[Thai]

Circling the drain? LOL, you've got to be kidding, right? The Jeep brand is the only thing profitable about Chrysler for YEARS now. In fact, when the whole Jeep/Daimler/Chrysler thing was going on, there were talks of keeping Jeep and dumping the other brands.

Don't worry, Jeep isn't going anywhere. The Grand Cherokee has outsold the 4Runner (yeah, direct competitors) throughout its history.

Sales leader is nice, but may not indicate quality nor capability. Ford Exploders were top sellers for years...but no one would mistake its quality or durability for a 4runner. :trophy:

 

[BrianLSU]

Circling the drain? LOL, you've got to be kidding, right? The Jeep brand is the only thing profitable about Chrysler for YEARS now. In fact, when the whole Jeep/Daimler/Chrysler thing was going on, there were talks of keeping Jeep and dumping the other brands.

Don't worry, Jeep isn't going anywhere. The Grand Cherokee has outsold the 4Runner (yeah, direct competitors) throughout its history.

I was talking about the company as a whole, Chrysler. The Jeep brand is the only popular lineup under the Chrysler umbrella. The drain would be, once again, Jeep going to yet another company after a possible Chrysler meltdown and having to go through another round of transplant pains, we all remember the late 80's crappy quality and direction.

Also, you keep bringing up the whole "GC's have outsold the 4Runner throughout its history" thing. I believe there's a reason why we are all driving 4Runners on this forum and not GC's. So I'm not sure what you're trying to imply with that statement. I can only assume you're implying that since it sells so many units compared to the 4Runner, it has to be good. The truth might be that Chrysler is giving them away to rental yards and corporate and government fleets to keep production at a reasonable rate. This is quite common and in no way implies the vehicle is so good it's flying off the shelf. It actually implies that it's cheap and disposable.

Whatever. I could have bought anything, short of a Mercedes G, and I, like many if not everyone here, bought a 4Runner. I think Chrysler, and Jeep by proxy, have gotten to the point with most educated consumers where fancy add campaigns and pretty pictures will not suffice any longer. Most will probably say just what I am, We'll See. Just because they can cram a "Hemi" under the hood doesn't flip skirts any longer.

 

[Jed]

Also, you keep bringing up the whole "GC's have outsold the 4Runner throughout its history" thing. I believe there's a reason why we are all driving 4Runners on this forum and not GC's. So I'm not sure what you're trying to imply with that statement. I can only assume you're implying that since it sells so many units compared to the 4Runner, it has to be good.

Well, that would be a false assumption. I said that for one reason--to illustrate that Jeep sells a ton of the things. It doesn't matter whether they are good vehicles or bad vehicles if the company can move them out the door. Don't read too much into it because it has nothing to do with anything other than sales volume. When I read a post where someone says they are "going down the drain", I can only laugh because the sales are much higher than 4Runner sales.

 

[Jed]

I think Chrysler, and Jeep by proxy, have gotten to the point with most educated consumers where fancy add campaigns and pretty pictures will not suffice any longer. Most will probably say just what I am, We'll See. Just because they can cram a "Hemi" under the hood doesn't flip skirts any longer.

There you go again. Since we're talking about the Jeep Grand Cherokee, you have to admit that "most people" apparently do buy into the whole fancy ad campaigns and pretty pictures (if that's what you think it takes to sell a vehicle) since they sell so well.

Do you not understand that the Grand Cherokee has been a sales leader for Jeep for many years? For every guy like you and I who chose not to buy one, there are several others who chose to buy one over the competition. That's an undeniable fact. Again, don't read too much into it because I'm not saying its a better vehicle....I'm just saying that it sells better.

 

[Jed]

I'm glad it does, because when I had my Jeep I hated going out to the parking lot and finding half a dozen white JGC. I rather own a less popular vehicle anyway, so far I've only seen 4 5th gen T4R on the road. Keep in mind jeep sales number will always be higher because of fleet sales and owners having to replace them sooner.

Yeah, I agree. I hate owning a "me too" car. That's precisely the reason I recently purchased a G37 coupe 6MT over a BMW 3-series. I'd rather not see my same vehicle at every damn street corner!

 

[snap315]

Here is the latest Motor Trend review:

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/1008_2011_jeep_grand_cherokee_drive/index.html#ooid=RrcWlmMTpSnrDMaJoU6U6piv0ZjUG8cI

This vehicle is looking better and better.

:reddance:

And here is the Motor Trend video:

YouTube - First Drive: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Coming to the party late but here goes:
1) Whoever the TV ad company is should be paid more; those are some of the best ads I can recall. Very emotional, fun and I don't forget what that good ad was for.
2) Watching those vids shows how stiff the pumped-up air suspension really is. WOW! It looks like an uncomfortable ride but you can't argue that it works.

Off-topic slightly: Am I the only one that thought the Commanders were cool?:thumb3: Will they do another? I think I am beginning to like the GC but it needs more Ute in it's look but then I thought Thai's G looked cool too so...