2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Grand Cherokee adds new models for 2002 and makes available more power, side curtain airbags, and power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals. Newly slotted between the base Laredo and uplevel Limited is the Sport, with leather upholstery, heated mirrors, and other amenities standard. Added midyear was the Special Edition, with a 10-disc CD changer and body-color exterior trim. And topping the line is the new Overland, with altered front and rear styling and special interior trim, including redwood accents. Inline-6 cyl and V8 engines are offered. The V8 has 235 hp in base form and 260 in the new high-output guise that's standard on Overland and optional for Limited. All engines use automatic transmission: the 6 cyl a 4 speed, the V8s a 5 speed. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. Grand Cherokee offers rear-wheel drive, Jeep's Selec-Trac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement, or all-wheel drive systems called Quadra-Drive and Quadra-Trac. All 4x4s include low-range gearing. The curtain side airbags provide head protection to outboard front and rear passengers in a side collision; they're standard on Overland, optional on the others. Torso side airbags are not offered. Rain-sensing windshield wipers are newly available.

COMPETITION

This is by far the hottest market segment right now. Crowded with more than 20 vehicles, midsize SUVs vary in size and type but nearly all seat five adults and offer V6 or V8 engines. Our Best Buys are the Acura MDX and Toyota Highlander. Both offer competence, convenience, and attractive pricing and design. They lack serious off-road 4WD systems, however.

Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the top-selling Ford Explorer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined GMC Envoy. If you don't venture off-road too far take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300 as well.