Cars.com Reviews the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Chrysler’s first all-new model in more than a year is finally here, and it seems to be a home run. That’s what Cars.com editor Mike Hanley says about the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Sure, it’s a heavy SUV that may feel underpowered at times, but not only is it still capable off-road, it’s better on the road than many of its crossover competitors. Read his full review for more insight into this vitally important model for Chrysler.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review

Comments

a 2011 redesign that checks in at 2 1/2 tons give or take a few pounds depending on engine running a 5 speed auto trans. How.......quaint.

tscurt:

There arent many SUVS that are capable off road and lightweight. Have you seen the curb weights on the Toureg or any LR model? They are all heavy.

The review nitpicks the great looking interior as if this thing looks any worse than the Pathfinder or 4Runner inside. The review says the silver plastic looks "cheap" even though such silver plastic is found in almost every Toyota product, including the 4Runner. I think the interior looks great. In fact, this looks good all around. I can't see any compelling reason to chose the hard plastic filled 4RUNNER over this Jeep. This has more V6 hp, more features and better styling- especially inside.

@ sheth: You've seen the interior (I haven't and didn't comment on it) and I detect a little touchiness about the review.
Are you involved in Chrysler sales? I'm back to my premise: I have read that entry on the new GC will be about 38k.Put that together with a few options and I assume we're pretty well into the 40s. I haven't seen any indication that the majority of these are used for serious off-roading despite their ability, and I don't know that Mom, Dad and the kids are going to casually or willingly take their new pricey vehicle into the woods. That's usually promoted for advertising purposes more than researched real world use by the great majority of owners. So I'm back to where I was: 2 1/2 tons and a 5 speed automatic.........in 2011.

I correct myself: base Laredo with RWD and the 6 is apparently 31k to start.

Mike, the early interior photos show a driver kneewell that looks very confining. Also being over 6' tall, I'm wondering if you felt restricted. Dealers don't have one yet for me to try. God point about the longer seat cushion. Thanks,jim

I can't see any compelling reason to chose the hard plastic filled 4RUNNER over this Jeep.
-Yeah, because this Jeep isn't filled with plastic. And better fuel economy, proven longevity, better resale, lower starting price... no, no reason whatsoever.

Have owned 4 Chyrslers and am determined to avoid them like the clap (which unlike most Chyrslers is curable.My last GC (designed by and parts supplied by the same groups as this new one) is a random collection of inferior parts poorly slapped together. There are to many Quality vehicles available to waste your time or money on the new GC.

bobv:

So you think the new JGC is exactly the same as the old one? interesting- I guess "all new" doesn't really register with you. I do have to question why anyone who has had nothing but bad luck with Chryslers would buy four. Doesn't sound too believable to me.

"-Yeah, because this Jeep isn't filled with plastic. And better fuel economy, proven longevity, better resale, lower starting price... no, no reason whatsoever. "

You cant rate longevity of a brand new vehicle. Suggesting otherwise is idiotic. The JGC has more features, more V6 hp, more off road technology, a better interior and a far better interior. The 4Runner only gets 1 more mpg in the city so the fuel economy advantage is basically nonexistent. Get your facts straight. How in the world can you claim to know the resale value of the 2010 4Runner or the 2011 JGC? Got any links to back that up? Thats a rhetorical question because I know the answer already.

I think most people will buy the JGC based on looks alone; however, those that want a higher resale value, dependability, and true ruggedness will but probably go with the 4runner. I do like JGC's evolutionary design, it's always pretty classy looking for an SUV.

You cant rate longevity of a brand new vehicle.
-Exactly.

more V6 hp
-Really, what does this matter? Does it mean it is faster, tow more, what?

The 4Runner only gets 1 more mpg in the city so the fuel economy advantage is basically nonexistent. Get your facts straight.
-I did. Thank you for confirming.

How in the world can you claim to know the resale value of the 2010 4Runner or the 2011 JGC? Got any links to back that up? Thats a rhetorical question because I know the answer already.
-Yes you do. Go and check KBB. It is not like it is going to change all of a sudden.

more off road technology
-Wow. It must be able to drive those dirt roads so much better. What does this even mean?

a better interior and a far better interior.
-Okay, so you have to resort to double talk. The interior is no better, and it might actually be worse. Just ask the reviewers.

I do think the Grand Cherokee has better looks. But that is about the only advantage at this point.

I like the looks of this vehicle. Clean design. I'm sure JGC loyalist will flock.

Seth I'm saying the same people were in on the design and manufacturing of the last Jeep. A company can't change it's complete design and suppliers in one product cycle. OWNED 4, inhereted 1, married into 1,bought 2.Sold Dodges for a year.Never again.Go to any repair shop and ask for their take on Jeep quality.

Since I have only owned like (3) CARS in my entire life, my opinion about trucks and SUV's is baseless.

Buy GM. They are the bestest in the world.

sheth there you go

"-Yes you do. Go and check KBB. It is not like it is going to change all of a sudden. "

How can resale for the 2011 JGC be established? Its not even on sale yet.

"A company can't change it's complete design and suppliers in one product cycle. "

According to whom? The last Buick regal was built on a 15 year old GM platform. The current Buick regal is built in Germany on a platform developed in Europe. A lot can change when you redesign a model. Names are just names- this is an all new vehicle.

"sheth there you go"

In case you didnt know, that wasn't met. That was Belly posting under a fake name. he does it all the time when he gets frustrated by his inability to prove any of his claims.

"-Okay, so you have to resort to double talk. The interior is no better, and it might actually be worse. Just ask the reviewers. "

The reviews have praised the interior. IL, C&D, MT, cars.com, etc. All agree the interior is nice. I haven't read anything good or bad about the 4Runner interior- its standard issue hard plastic.

"I do think the Grand Cherokee has better looks. But that is about the only advantage at this point."

Advtantages to a rational person would include: optional V8, more towing capacity, more hp, better interior, more luxury features, standard 5 speed (no 4 speed) transmission, more advanced 4WD system and better exterior styling. In fact, at the end of the day the 4runner is left with 1mpg better mileage in the city and......well thats it.

How can resale for the 2011 JGC be established? Its not even on sale yet.
-Because one vehicle is going to magically change Chrysler's fortunes - immediately. Put down that Chrysler brochure. Just because they say "forget about the last 40 years, this is the one..." doesn't mean it is going to be true.

In case you didnt know, that wasn't met.
-Whose met? And don't blame me because you sound like an absolute putz on here and have found many enemies. Notice how I didn't actually call you a name? Awww, I just don't want to hurt your feelings.

The reviews have praised the interior. IL, C&D, MT, cars.com, etc. All agree the interior is nice.
-Well, so I guess you didn't just try and call it a lie when DT said the silver plastic looked cheap in the Grand Cherokee? No because, because, because if Toyota uses it, it has to be bad... stop crying, please.

Advantages to a rational person would include:
-Lower starting price, better fuel economy, proven longevity, better resale... yes you can admit it. The V8 is such an advantage huh? How many others use a V8 nowadays? How many are moving away from V8s? That good ole Chrysler, still offering yesterday tech.

standard 5 speed (no 4 speed) transmission
-Yet another one of these useless statements. Why does this matter? Why didn't you say more horsepower this time?

more luxury features
-Hah... oh my. I love this. Is this how GM is still selling the hotshot washer fluid system?

more advanced 4WD system
-Wow, it must be able to do so much more!!

better interior
-Have you sat in 4 Runner and Grand Cherokee back to back?

Belly, remember? GM is the bestest.

Anybody who thinks otherwise is an idiot.

It is an exceptional car. Trying for years to purchase such a car but do not think I will succeed. I can not afford. I hope one day I can still drive it. Who knows? Can succeed. Hope dies last.

"-Because one vehicle is going to magically change Chrysler's fortunes - immediately. Put down that Chrysler brochure. Just because they say "forget about the last 40 years, this is the one..." doesn't mean it is going to be true."

Cop out answer, as usual. I asked you to verify that the new JGC will have poor resale value and you cannot do that. Resale is determined by many factors but rebates are a major factor. The current models is available with huge rebates (just like most import SUVs) and that hurts resale. My guess is that this brand new model with much improved interior quality isnt going to need $5k rebates to sell. You disagree?

"-Have you sat in 4 Runner and Grand Cherokee back to back?"

The JGC interior would have to be extremely cheap to be worse than the 4runner. I would never bet money on a Toyota interior bring better than the competition. Only a fool would do that considering their current interior quality. Even if the quality is a wash, the JGC LOOKS upscale- can't say the same for the block 4runner interior.

"Anybody who thinks otherwise is an idiot."
I would use that word to describe anyone who posts pretending to be someone else. Just be yourself- if you can stand to do so.

"-Hah... oh my. I love this. Is this how GM is still selling the hotshot washer fluid system? "

Jeep is a Chrysler product- its features have nothing to do with GM's features. Stop dancing around the point. The 4Runner doesnt even offer HIDs.

"The V8 is such an advantage huh? How many others use a V8 nowadays? How many are moving away from V8s? That good ole Chrysler, still offering yesterday tech. "

You're right no one uses V8s anymore- oh wait except for Land Rover, Mercedes, BMW, GM, Ford, Porsche, etc. You're right, Toyota is smart to dump the V8 because no one else offers one in their SUVs in 2010.

"-Yet another one of these useless statements. Why does this matter? "

You're contradicting yourself and looking foolish. You JUST said Chrysler is offering outdated technology by offering a powerful V8 but you then say a 4 speed auto isn't a problem. That is the epitome of outdated technology genius.

My guess is that this brand new model with much improved interior quality isnt going to need $5k rebates to sell. You disagree?
-If it comes from Chrysler, and it is very expensive, it is not going to sell well. So are rebates in the future? Indeed.

And resale value is what someone is willing to pay for the car, right? So trying to just say rebates and call it at that it doesn't work. This vehicle has a damaged reputation, comes from a damaged company with a history of reliability problems. If you think it is going to have a good resale then be sure to be one of the first buyers. I will bet you any money you will lose more than the average vehicle.

The JGC interior would have to be extremely cheap to be worse than the 4runner.
-Cop out answer as usual.

the JGC LOOKS upscale- can't say the same for the block 4runner interior.
-Only a fool, a complete idiot actually, would fall for that look after this company's past. But people have fell for it with both GM and Chrysler for many years.

Stop dancing around the point. The 4Runner doesnt even offer HIDs.
-Should it? Is it that hard to change the bulb? Wow Chrysler is really on to something. That's how they get price over 40K, all that luxury...

You're right no one uses V8s anymore- oh wait except for Land Rover, Mercedes, BMW, GM, Ford, Porsche
-So Chrysler is competing with MB, BMW, Porsche, and Land Rover? HAH!! It should be able to keep up with the Land Rover... that's saying something. And is the next Explorer going to have a V8? What other Ford SUV (or CUV) is going to have a V8? How many V8s is GM offering in a mid-size SUV? Is Chrysler all of sudden beyond the other competition with just this one vehicle? Wow!! They are just doing great in Shet-Shet land.

That is the epitome of outdated technology genius.
-Uh oh, was that name calling? Shame on you. You dirty rat you.

And why is a 4 speed worse than a 5 speed? If the 4 speed gets better mileage, accelerates just as well, it saves costs then right? But no, anything with a 4 speed - no good per se huh?

The V8 raises costs and get worse mileage... but that what it takes when you can't lower the weight.

You're contradicting yourself and looking foolish.
-You would know.

Trying for years to purchase such a car but do not think I will succeed. I can not afford. I hope one day I can still drive it. Who knows? Can succeed. Hope dies last.
-Shet are you sure you didn't write this?

That won't need any rebate to sell, its HAWWWT

Wow is quite funny and entertaining this thread. Made me laugh out loud on a sunny Sunday afternoon thanks guys or girls for all the drama. Why all the excitement. I have owned honda-ford-toyota-land rover-Chevrolet-Volkswagon to name a few all had there pros and cons. Jap cars very durable problem free. My latest is jeep after a LR3 that spent more time at the swanky dealer than on the road. I have had the best experience with Jeep relaibility ride for what my needs are. Not one size fits all certainly MDX better for others etc... The 2011 has improved all what I felt are shortcomings in the previous model. For what my individual needs are no kids alot of snow and potetially some light towing the 2011 is a great car. Have a deal for a loded overland model every option included for 41.. test drove anything else in that price range others are stripped of options for that number. Tested the 4runner didn't like the seating position of the driver. If you price the limited model has less options not as luxurious and is more expensinve than the jeep. Cars are like clothes different strokes for different folks. So Seth thanks for supplying the motivation for others to attack you which ultimately motivated me to post. My first post ever. LOL have agreat day...

After 14 years of being a mechanic 1 company was a consistently in my shop, Chrysler aka (jeep & dodge) they are by far the worst built. As the years go on and everyone in "improving in design" all cars are getting worse. but time and time again most mechanic chose GM i drive toyota because their track record shows true they are well built and reliable. After owning a dodge and a jeep (post 1987) i will stay far away from Chrysler they have a cheap feel and prone to transmission, body, & electrical issues(surprise surprise). i still own a 1984 jeep wrangler and love it but that isn't a chrysler its a jeep jeep as we say. so i guess what im trying to say is you can take s**t and rap a nice eloquent bow on it but.........its still s**t. sorry Sheth but your beloved jeep that your defending if its designed by the chrysler group they haven't changed anything but the aesthetics not the mechanics.

Toyota's are awful. Cheaply made, poor quality crap passed off as quality. The interior to the 4Runner doesn't even come close to the new JGC.

The exterior of the JGC just exues class. Who needs to drive around a glorifed rectangle on wheels that is the 4Runner? Only an idiot, that's who.

You simply can't go wrong with the new JGC. It will attarct many differnt types of folks from all walks of life. People who live out in the moutains as well as city folks. Jeep is on the way up and Toyota is on the way down.

Jeep > Toyota

Hey, here are your resale stats. Predicted depreciation according to consumer reports for the JGC? A big fat black zero meaning poor. As stated by others the 4Runner gets a half red circle meaning above average. To top it off, the 4Runner V6 outperformed the V8 GC in every category. But you know that if you actually took the time to do some research. Sorry, the Jeep is crap! It’s built on a car frame.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/compare.htm?add=true&used=false&product=new%2Ftoyota%2F4runner&x=48&y=8