Upcoming 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee get Trail Rated

[Jed]

The upcoming Jeep Grand Cherokee will be an ALL NEW vehicle and Chyrsler is pulling out all of the stops to make it a hit. This is in no small part, an attempt to prove to the world that Chrysler and Jeep and make a world class vehicle.

Sounds like you have your mind made up to get one. Good luck, hope that works out for you. I actually really like the styling of the 2011 Grand Cherokee. I think it looks much better than the 5th gen 4Runner, which is very slowly starting to grow on me. I liked the Grand Cherokee the first time I saw it at the NY International Auto Show.

Still though, you can't deny the track record for both of these vehicles/companies. The 4Runner has been waaaaaaaaaay ahead of the Grand Cherokee in terms of quality and reliability for more than 10 years now.

What I find ironic is that you seem so angry about the sulfur smell coming from your 4Runner that you want to get rid of it instead of taking steps to correct the problem. If one little problem like that turns you against the 4Runner (or Toyota in general), I can't wait to see how you feel about Jeep and their Grand Cherokee after you start to have a bunch of the inevitable little problems that you'll have to deal with as a Jeep owner. Trust me, I'm speaking from experience. I've owned 3 Jeeps and none of them have been anything like my 4Runner.

I hope Jeep does turn around and make this new Grand Cherokee a "world class" vehicle, I really do. But I certainly wouldn't want to own a first-year build as it is more likely to have defects and/or recalls. Just look at the current Grand Cherokee and you'll see that it took them years before they worked the bugs out.

If you do buy one, let us know how it goes. Maybe some day I'll switch back over to Jeep if they can figure out how to build a reliable vehicle.

 

[snap315]

Sounds like you have your mind made up to get one.

Yup... pretty much.

What I find ironic is that you seem so angry about the sulfur smell coming from your 4Runner that you want to get rid of it instead of taking steps to correct the problem.

I've tried SEVERAL times to get this problem fixed!

Toyota did the Sulfur TSB once but they have refused to do it again or take any other action (because it will be their third maintenance attempt and they are worried it will trigger a lemon law issue).

I've also contacted several exhaust and muffler dealers looking for aftermarket CATs and pipes. The pipes are easy but no one I contacted knew of proper CATs for my 4Runner.

I've sent Jed an IM asking about the aftermarket items he purchased. Hopefully it will also solve my 4Runners problem. Even if it does, the JGC will probably still be on the shopping list.

 

[Jed]

Yup... pretty much.



I've tried SEVERAL times to get this problem fixed!

Toyota did the Sulfur TSB once but they have refused to do it again or take any other action (because it will be their third maintenance attempt and they are worried it will trigger a lemon law issue).

I've also contacted several exhaust and muffler dealers looking for aftermarket CATs and pipes. The pipes are easy but no one I contacted knew of proper CATs for my 4Runner.

I've sent Jed an IM asking about the aftermarket items he purchased. Hopefully it will also solve my 4Runners problem. Even if it does, the JGC will probably still be on the shopping list.

Hi, I returned your PM. Just for anyone else who might be in the same boat, I'll repeat my message here. My aftermarket cat was purchased at Autozone more than 3 years ago. I don't have the paperwork any longer, so I don't know the part number, but any Autozone should be able to look up the correct part to fit the 4Runner. It should cost around $380 for the unit.

BTW, Toyota was no help either. Their new cats still stink, to me at least as much as the original one. That's why I went aftermarket, knowing that would be the only way to make the smell go away instead of relying on Toyota to fix it. I can floor my gas pedal all day long and not smell anything anymore, so to me it is money well spent. I just wish we didn't have to deal with the problem in the first place.

 

[Uneek]

I can only assume you're joking, right? I mean, I haven't heard of any 4Runners that have had the unintended acceleration issue.

BTW, I don't buy into all that hype anyway. Even if the problem is real, it has been proven that a vehicle cannot overpower its brakes, so I don't understand how these people who claim unintended acceleration are panicking so much that they crash into a lake and die. I don't get it....the car will still stop even with the gas pedal mashed to the floor.

I wish it was a joke... (check the thread linked). I do the same (as the OP) if it happened in one of my Toyotas which are not under the recalls.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/gener...orarily-suspends-sales-selected-vehicles.html

IMO, I don't think it's a hype. I also don't think we're at the bottom of it either and I think there's something going on in the electronics despite what Toyota claims AND the results of the NHTSA investigations in models not using the CTS pedals.

Yes, all modern day vehicles have brakes that will over power the engine. But the underlying problem is Toyotas do NOT have a throttle override when the brakes are depressed and brake fade is leading to the deaths. It's easy to be a Monday morning quarterback. But when a car is close to a 100mph, panic sets in and everything else is a blur.

Since we're talking about reliability, the 3rd gen Prius has its own fair share of issues with the brakes and a recall is imminent. With that said, Toyota has been historically a reliable brand, but with their recent models, I don't think the Jeep is that big of a gamble.

I agree to disagree and don't want to drift this thread off topic.

 

[snap315]

Hi, I returned your PM. Just for anyone else who might be in the same boat, I'll repeat my message here. My aftermarket cat was purchased at Autozone more than 3 years ago. I don't have the paperwork any longer, so I don't know the part number, but any Autozone should be able to look up the correct part to fit the 4Runner. It should cost around $380 for the unit.

BTW, Toyota was no help either. Their new cats still stink, to me at least as much as the original one. That's why I went aftermarket, knowing that would be the only way to make the smell go away instead of relying on Toyota to fix it. I can floor my gas pedal all day long and not smell anything anymore, so to me it is money well spent. I just wish we didn't have to deal with the problem in the first place.

Well that was a BUST!



I don't know what state you're in Jed but it isn't California.
Because of our stricter emmission standards here, there are NO aftermarket CATs for the 4Runner available for sale here!

There are at least 2 companies that do make aftermarket CATs that will work on the 4Runner but NEITHER is approved for sale here. I checked with Autozone and Pep Boys and got the same information. The Autozone guy showed me the search results showing 2 CAT that work on the 4Runner but it also showed that neither could be sold here. :sobbing:

He mentioned that about a year and a half ago, you could get these CATs in California but the recent increased restrictions om emmission standards stopped that.

Well... it looks like a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is definitely in my future.

 

[smallfry]

Okay, why does a thread that is talking about the new Jeep GC turn into a thread about the Toyota recall. Engough already with the Toyota recall crap!!

 

[Jed]

Well that was a BUST!



I don't know what state you're in Jed but it isn't California.
Because of our stricter emmission standards here, there are NO aftermarket CATs for the 4Runner available for sale here!

There are at least 2 companies that do make aftermarket CATs that will work on the 4Runner but NEITHER is approved for sale here. I checked with Autozone and Pep Boys and got the same information. The Autozone guy showed me the search results showing 2 CAT that work on the 4Runner but it also showed that neither could be sold here. :sobbing:

He mentioned that about a year and a half ago, you could get these CATs in California but the recent increased restrictions om emmission standards stopped that.

Well... it looks like a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is definitely in my future.

A couple of things--

Like I said, I purchased mine 3 years ago, so maybe they did tighten the regulations since then. But then again, I'm on the opposite side of the country-New York.

Now of course you may not be able to buy a replacement cat in California, but that wouldn't stop you from buying in online and having it shipped to you. Seriously, how would anyone ever know? Here in NY, the state inspection doesn't even use a tailpipe emissions test on late model cars anymore. They just plug into the OBD II port and check the car out that way, so the type of cat on the vehicle is irrelevant. So just buy one online and be done with it.

 

[snap315]

A couple of things--

Like I said, I purchased mine 3 years ago, so maybe they did tighten the regulations since then. But then again, I'm on the opposite side of the country-New York.

Now of course you may not be able to buy a replacement cat in California, but that wouldn't stop you from buying in online and having it shipped to you. Seriously, how would anyone ever know? Here in NY, the state inspection doesn't even use a tailpipe emissions test on late model cars anymore. They just plug into the OBD II port and check the car out that way, so the type of cat on the vehicle is irrelevant. So just buy one online and be done with it.

So I should risk failing a smog check (and yes, they DO stick a probe into the tailpipe when testing in this state) just to hold onto this POS vehicle the Toyota has failed to fix?!?

Thanks but no thanks. This vehicle is NOT worth that kind of potential aggravation to me. I shouldn't have to break any laws in order to fix this problem!


:ybrick:

Here is a MUCH BETTER way to fix this problem:

 

[Jed]

So I should risk failing a smog check (and yes, they DO stick a probe into the tailpipe when testing in this state) just to hold onto this POS vehicle the Toyota has failed to fix?!?

Thanks but no thanks. This vehicle is NOT worth that kind of potential aggravation to me. I shouldn't have to break any laws in order to fix this problem!


:ybrick:

Here is a MUCH BETTER way to fix this problem:

Wow, you guys in California are way behind the times. Strict emissions laws regardless, using an exhaust probe is outdated technology. Why waste the time and effort in the first place on a modern vehicle? If the check engine light isn't on, then it's virtually guaranteed to pass a tailpipe emissions test. That's why most states have moved to the OBDII check. Heck, a lot of states also moved to a 2-year emission test frequency because modern cars are so good at controlling emissions.

And yes, your plan to buy the Jeep might be a good fix to your problem, but it is an EXPENSIVE fix, to say the least. And then the odds are that you'll experience much more than a simple stinky catalytic converter problem with the new Jeep. I really hope that you don't, but the odds aren't in your favor, that's for sure. I can only imagine how you'll be blasting the Grand Cherokee on the Jeep forums two years from now. LOL. I guess the grass is always greener, right?

I really do like the looks of the new GC, so I'll probably be following the message forums to see how the new owners are making out. If there are no big major issues, maybe I'll buy one to replace my 4Runner eventually because I just can't get past the looks of the 5th gen 4Runner. To my eyes, the back end is just flat out ugly. Or maybe I'll decide to keep my 4th gen and drive it 'till the wheels fall off.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

So I should risk failing a smog check (and yes, they DO stick a probe into the tailpipe when testing in this state) just to hold onto this POS vehicle the Toyota has failed to fix?!?

Thanks but no thanks. This vehicle is NOT worth that kind of potential aggravation to me. I shouldn't have to break any laws in order to fix this problem!


:ybrick:

Here is a MUCH BETTER way to fix this problem:

Ok. We understand that you don't like your 4runner. Fine.

Go buy the Jeep. I hope your happy with it. Just stop *****ing about your 4runner on this fourm. It's annoying.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I've had two girlfriends (one's my current) who both owned '04 GCs and bothy have had headaches with them and both have less than 80k on them. Most of the issues were electrical but one had a problem with the AWD mode and 4lo,the other had the interior lights get stuck on and the power locks quit working. Trim pieces were loose in both interiors around the door pulls and both had more hatch rattles then mine which I have 156k on mine and it's been on the road for over 12 years.

Jeeps GCs do have their charm and look good and are capable off road but they simply aren't built as solid as a Toyota and I'm not saying it as a Toyota fan boy as my 4runner is only the 2nd Toyota I've owned in 24 years. I've owned a lot of different makes and how I've seen it as most things Japanese are built better than mosty domestic iron which I find kinda sad.

 

[b.abe825]

If you hate your 4Runner so much, I'd gladly fly out there and just take it home (with proper documentation) free of charge.

I'm not joking.

 

[Uneek]

There will be a plenty of Toyota owners jumping ship, maybe not so much the owners that are members of Toyota forums.

Toyota has been slipping while others have been stepping up their game. Hopefully, Toyota will finally wake up that times have changed and stop being complacent.

 

[borgzman]

stop being complacent.

and ARROGANT..

last yr They can't go down $500 for a highlander when I said nissan have $12k for a brand new xterra

 

[Jed]

and ARROGANT..

last yr They can't go down $500 for a highlander when I said nissan have $12k for a brand new xterra

I don't think that's really arrogance....it seems more like a simple matter of economics/salesmanship. If they aren't willing to drop the price beyond X dollars, then they must feel that someone else will be willing to buy the vehicle at that price. Then again, I do think there will be some fantastic deals on Toyotas due to all the negative publicity in the news lately. Now is probably one of the best times to buy a Toyota vehicle.

 

[fxoffroad]

Excellent...

Having just rented a Jeep on St. John USVI and another rental in Hawaii... I can attest that Jeeps pretty much suck. I can't believe they've gone downhill that far.

The Wrangler is really all they got. I don't think the 2011 model looks remotely interesting... just another boring design.

Trail Rated... doesn't seem to mean Jack when you build crap.

PS... Red good,black bad..... that's classic!!!

Here's a couple of pics I snapped from a Consumer reports comparing recent Jeep Cherokees (most Jeep products seemed to have the same results) to the 4th gen Runners.

Red good,black bad.....

Jeep Cherokee but they were improving but still not a recommended used vehicle

4runner

 

[ladywolf]

Excellent...

Having just rented a Jeep on St. John USVI and another rental in Hawaii... I can attest that Jeeps pretty much suck. I can't believe they've gone downhill that far.

The Wrangler is really all they got. I don't think the 2011 model looks remotely interesting... just another boring design.

Trail Rated... doesn't seem to mean Jack when you build crap.

PS... Red good,black bad..... that's classic!!!

I pretty much concur. Just for grins yesterday trundled on by the jeep dealership.....and i've even test drove a new rubi....utterly disappointed. The interior of the 2010 JGC's suck. They feel tiny, and if you put an adult in the back seat behind anyone tall...you have no room. Plus the cargo area is tiny. All in all, I was not impressed. Plus, the v6 models only come with a class I hitch....at least with a 4runner you get a class IV. I refuse to pay 42k for a limited JGC when for the same amount i got a limited T4R and I'm way happier. Bigger, roomier, more creature comforts, and it fits my needs perfectly.

 

[snap315]

No one here can say the upcoming 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee with any certainty since it is an ALL NEW vehicle that HASN'T BEEN RELEASED yet.

Yes, Jeeps have sucked in the past. So have Fords, Chevys, and Toyotas.

Jeep and Chrysler have stated that the upcoming Jeep will be a world class vehicle and is their statement and proof to the world that Jeep / Chrysler can product such a vehicle. Until it is released, reviewed, and tested, NONE of you can truthfully say whether it will be as good or as bad as expected.

If you can tell the future, you should buy a lottery ticket.

:whip2:

 

[JeremyH]

.....and i've even test drove a new rubi....utterly disappointed.

Haha...you are trying to compare a wrangler to an SUV? They aren't even in the same state, let alone ballpark. Totally different vehicles with different intentions. Any reasonable person should expect them to ride differently...

 

[ladywolf]

Haha...you are trying to compare a wrangler to an SUV? They aren't even in the same state, let alone ballpark. Totally different vehicles with different intentions. Any reasonable person should expect them to ride differently...

no i drove the new grands as well. Just for giggles drove a new rubi, as compared to the TJ's when they had the I6 still in them. v6 in jeeps suck. jeep took a major nose dive when they dropped the I6.
Reason for test driving the new rubi: was debating on what kind of trail rig to build next.

that being said i wasnt going to pay 42k for a JK Rubi either.

at this point in time...only grand i would consider would be an SRT 8 or the CRD's that were only out for a year or two.