2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Road Test
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2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee ▼
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- MSRP: $25,790 -$37,270
- Invoice: $23,733 -$33,985
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Our road test for the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee help you decide if a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Laredo 4WD w/Quadra-Drive, 6 cyl | Limited 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 4.7 |
Lively with the 6 cyl, robust with the 235-hp V8; we haven't tested a 260-hp Grand Cherokee. Quadra-Drive suffers occasional drivetrain binding in tight, low-speed turns. And one V8 test model with Quadra-Drive suffered a pronounced drivetrain shudder when coming to a stop.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Laredo 4WD w/Quadra-Drive, 6 cyl | Limited 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3.8 |
Extended-use-test 6-cyl 4WD Laredo averaged 15.7 mpg over 19,000 miles--fairly typical for a midsize SUV. Test 235-hp V8 models averaged 16.1 mpg with lots of highway driving, just 12.7 in mostly city work. Jeep recommends premium fuel for the high-output V8, regular for the other engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| Laredo 4WD w/Quadra-Drive, 6 cyl | Limited 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 |
Suspension easily absorbs most bumps, but generates side-to-side and fore-and-aft pitching motions over uneven pavement.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Laredo 4WD w/Quadra-Drive, 6 cyl | Limited 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
Good balance and control in even quick directional changes despite a fair amount of body lean. Frequent steering corrections are needed at highway speeds. Braking strong and smooth, with easy modulation.
QUIETNESS
| Laredo 4WD w/Quadra-Drive, 6 cyl | Limited 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4 |
Engines well-muffled, but wind rush and tire roar can intrude at highway speeds. Quadra-Drive generates gear whine.
CONTROLS
| Laredo 4WD w/Quadra-Drive, 6 cyl | Limited 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 |
Generally convenient layout. Easy-to-use radio and climate controls are mounted close to the driver, and all models offer handy steering-wheel audio controls. Some interior materials are pleasingly solid, others are budget-grade plasticky. Roof pillars are too thick for best outward vision, though large outside mirrors help.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Laredo 4WD w/Quadra-Drive, 6 cyl | Limited 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Adults get plenty of space, but the bucket seats are too soft for optimal support and their cushions are narrow. Especially handy for shorter drivers are the new power-adjustable pedals, activated by a dashboard switch. They allow three inches of rearward travel, and settings can be incorporated with the power-seat memory on Limited and Overland.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Laredo 4WD w/Quadra-Drive, 6 cyl | Limited 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.1 |
Not wide enough to seat three adults comfortably, and the seatback is too upright. Leg room is unimpressive, toe space tight. Back-seat entry/exit is hampered by narrow rear door bottoms.
CARGO ROOM
| Laredo 4WD w/Quadra-Drive, 6 cyl | Limited 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.7 |
Adequate, though at the low end for this class. Rear seatbacks are more difficult to fold than in most SUVs. Bins and pockets provide plenty of small-item storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Laredo 4WD w/Quadra-Drive, 6 cyl | Limited 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4.5 |
Performance and overall design are good, and prices competitive. But questions about long-term mechanical reliability keep Grand Cherokee from the Recommended category. Our extended-use test Laredo didn't entirely erase those concerns.
Total Score
| Laredo 4WD w/Quadra-Drive, 6 cyl | Limited 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 48 | 47 | 49.5 |
Total Score: 48
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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