Jeep Grand Cherokee

2011 Grand Cherokee

I am looking forward to the new Grand Cherokee and will definately consider it when I change my car next year. Although this first drive was a bit of a dissapointing review, was hoping for more information. Not least the incorrect information. The New Grand Cherokee platform was CO-DEVELOPED with Mercedes Benz and will be used on the next generation Mercedes ML. The article makes it sound like its using the current generation ML chassis which it isnt. Its a new platform, not an old borrowed one. The Grand Cherokee has just beaten the new ML to market.
Additionally, The interior isnt up to Audi Standards? Probably because the Grand cherokee will be at least £10K under the equivilant Audi. A more realistic comparison would be the Nissan Pathfinder or Mitsubishi shogun which are similarly priced, of which the new Grand Cherokee leaves them trailing. Having looked at the detailed pics of the interior, it looks like a big improvement.

By fhp11 on 28 July, 2010, 2:23pm

Poor review Auto Express, better to say nothing at all rather than your incorrect information, suggest readers look at http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/20/2011-jeep-grand-cherokee-first-drive/ For a more informative view and the sort of information we have come to expect of Auto Express!

By robert1055 on 29 July, 2010, 9:20am

I don't think you can compare this to an Audi. I'm not really a fan of the current Cherokee but it leaves those stupid Audi 4x4's for dead in the rough and tough. As fhp said, Nissan Pathfinder or something else that looks like a tough guy would be better comparison. The Q5 is overpriced crap and the Q7 is for Gangsters.

By Kingbob12 on 29 July, 2010, 10:02pm

The Autoblog article is good. I actually suspect Auto Express havent actually driven the car. Would you really fly accross the globe to "gatecrash" the Launch and only be able to write this article which isnt even printed in the mag? .....
Additionally, the old generation model was tested only two years ago and got three stars. And this massively improved model still only gets three starts? it must be worth at least four. Its loaded with kit, good quality and still comes in at the same price as the agricultural shogun.
I will be interested to drive it when it comes over here. It seems to be getting rave reviews in the US.

By fhp11 on 30 July, 2010, 3:27am

4th generation Grand Cherokee

I'm on my 3rd Grand Cherokee, all purchased new. My first was a 1st gen 1998 Ltd model - which was fantastic. It was as highly spec'd as a Range Rover and left the competition standing. The competition at that time were the "Oh it will break in a week" Discovery; the "Expensive to run" Isuzu Trooper or the "Mega expensive" Shogun. - No brainer!

My 2nd Grand Cherokee was a 2001 model 2nd gen Ltd 3.0 litre diesel. It had a complete "dog of an engine" sourced from Italy (probably a Fiat derivative). The best it could muster was 14mpg and 60mph flat out. - very concerning considering that Fiat have now more than a 50% stake in Chrysler/Jeep. This particular model was quickly replaced.

My 3rd Grand Cherokee is a 2003 model 2nd gen 2.7CRD, with the fantastic and very welcome Mercedes sourced engine and gearbox. In my opinion it is the best Grand Cherokee ever produced and will probably be mine until it falls to pieces.

Personally I think the current model 3rd gen Grand Cherokee is as "ugly as sin", and that Chrysler/Jeep have lost their way. The competion have of course caught up and now produce some fantastic models. Meanwhile Chrysler/Jeep struggle understanding what their competition is/are. They cannot compete with the Range Rover, the BMW X5, the Audi Q7, the VW Tourag, etc.

In my opinion Chrysler/Jeep will have to shave about £10K off their list price of this latest 4th gen model, and even then it will have to be something really special to make me swap.

By MiddyBob on 31 July, 2010, 3:46pm

info direct from jeep

I currently work at one of the largest suppliers of jeep in the uk and can tell you the info just passed to us from Jeep as they have only just finalised the details recently.
the platform is a brand new floor which they shall be basing the the new ml on which we shall way down the line. the engine will be the italian built VM engine not the usual merc engine. pricing will initially start at 36000 for the ltd and 41000 for the overland, but they will be introducing a base model further down the road which will be a sub 30000 motor. emissions and fuel economy have been greatly improved as well as the final finish of the vehicle. featuring a mass of technology which can rival some of the very best of the 4x4 market and still be a whole lot cheaper. As far as off-road ability goes not much can rival the jeeps capabilities especially not anything from audi, vw, mercedes, bmw, or any of that jap stuff. We now know the vehicle shall be landing in very short supplies starting in April/May so nows the time to get thoses orders placed if how the car has sold in the US is to go by!!!!!!!!!1

By ljmooore on 15 January, 2011, 11:14pm

Driven one in the US

Hi, I was in the US in November and actually rather cheekily went to the Jeep garage to drive one. I have had 2 Grand Cherokees in the past a Y reg and a 55 Plate.
I can honestly say I love these cars and the new one is MUCH Better. It is quite a bit bigger than the older one but they have gone back to the nice plush seats. The only downside was that the load cover didn't seem to cover the whole boot. I am not sure if I was doing something wrong.
Anyway I will defintely be looking at one of these when they come over. However have bought a Q7 in the meantime, it is OK but still loved my JEEP.

By traveller123 on 16 February, 2011, 3:32pm