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Jeep Grand Cherokee - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee ranks 15 out of 30 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 6 published reviews and test drives of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Redesigned last year, the Grand Cherokee is an excellent off-road vehicle with a luxurious interior, plenty of options and five strong engine choices. But it still can't match the rear-seat comfort or cargo capacity of others in its class. For an off-road SUV that performs better in those areas, consider the Ford Explorer.

"Rear-seat room and comfort may disappoint, and fuel economy with gasoline engines is poor on models we tested," says Consumer Guide. "But Grand Cherokee is solid, rides comfortably, has fine ergonomics, and is tenacious off-road. It's also competitively priced." The Grand Cherokee offers buyers a wide range of engine choices, including a diesel. Reviewers also like the passenger cabin's high-quality materials, which give the interior an upscale look. However, buyers with a lot of gear to haul may want to look elsewhere -- the Grand Cherokee has cargo capacity that doesn't match up to what the competition offers.

Jeep's parent company, Chrysler, recently emerged from bankruptcy and completed a merger with Italian automaker Fiat. The combined company will most likely drop some of Chrysler's low-selling models while introducing new Fiat models to the U.S. While this may discourage you from buying a Jeep, it shouldn't -- all warranties will continue to be honored and many dealerships will remain open. Plus, check out great Jeep deals that may be available on slow-selling or soon-to-be-discontinued models.

For 2009, the the Grand Cherokee features a new 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine along with new option packages. The Jeep Grand Cherokee comes in four trims: the base Laredo, Limited, Overland and performance-minded SRT8. All are available in two- or four-wheel drive, with the exception of the SRT8, which comes only in 4WD. A V6 diesel engine is optional for Limited and Overland trims.

• "A solid, steady ride, with car-like handling and comfort and easy interior ergonomics make the 2009 Cherokee a driver-friendly car." -- Car Gurus
• "The Grand Cherokee is a capable SUV -- but it isn't the standout it was back in the early 1990s, simply because there are now so many good trucks on the market." -- Car and Driver
• "With its comfortable ride, strong performance and handling, as well as its luxurious interior, these Jeeps will make it much easier to sell the American public on diesels in the future." -- Detroit News
• "In today's world of high fuel prices and on-road-biased crossover SUVs, the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee is looking a little out of place. If you need to go off road or tow something, though, this top-of-the-line Jeep is still a great way to go." -- Edmunds
• "The Grand Cherokee provides ample room for a family of four without being too cumbersome. It's comfortable and stylish without being obnoxiously overloaded, and it has a reassuring steadiness under the toughest road conditions." -- Mother Proof

Grand-Cherokee Performance - 8.5 (Very Good)

The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee excels at off-road handling and boasts plenty of power from its robust engine line-up. "With a throaty exhaust note from the big block HEMI V-8, the SUV delivers a powerful, precise and responsive performance," says the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "This fun-to-drive vehicle will make one wonder if it is a sports car or an SUV." However, buyers will pay a price at the pump for all that power. Read More

Grand-Cherokee Exterior - 8.8 (Very Good)

Reviewers largely approve of the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee's classic exterior, which got a few modifications as part of last year's redesign. The Detroit News concludes that it's "a sharp looking vehicle. It's distinctively Jeep, with its seven-slotted grille stretched wider and round head lights added in the makeover." Read More

Grand-Cherokee Interior - 7.8 (Good)

The newest Grand Cherokee's five-seat interior is even more attractive than previous models. 4-Wheel & Off-Road says, "On the inside, the vehicle's two-tone instrument panel features a new level of refinement with bright accents, a soft-touch surface and updated styling." However, uncomfortable rear seats and a small cargo area temper the praise. Read More

Grand-Cherokee Safety - 9.3 (Excellent)

The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee does extremely well in federal government crash tests. It also comes with plenty of safety features, including electronic stability control and traction control. Read More

Grand-Cherokee Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Read More