2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Road Test
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2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee ▼
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- MSRP: $26,480 -$38,495
- Invoice: $24,347 -$35,076
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Our road test for the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee help you decide if a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Laredo 4WD w/Selec-Trac 4WD, 6 cyl | Limited w/Quadra-Drive AWD, V8 | Overland | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 4.9 |
Lively with the 6 cyl, robust with 235-hp V8, fast with 265-hp V8--about 7 sec 0-60 mph. Quadra-Drive suffers occasional drivetrain binding in tight, low-speed turns. And one V8 Quadra-Drive test model experienced drivetrain shudder when coming to a stop.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Laredo 4WD w/Selec-Trac 4WD, 6 cyl | Limited w/Quadra-Drive AWD, V8 | Overland | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 3.7 |
Extended-use-test 6-cyl 4WD Laredo averaged 15.7 mpg over 19,000 miles. Test 235-hp models averaged 16.1 mpg with lots of highway driving, just 12.7 in mostly city work. Expect about the same from the 265-hp V8. Jeep recommends premium fuel for the 265-hp V8, regular for the other engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| Laredo 4WD w/Selec-Trac 4WD, 6 cyl | Limited w/Quadra-Drive AWD, V8 | Overland | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
Easily absorbs most bumps, but suspension generates side-to-side, fore-aft pitching motions on uneven surfaces.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Laredo 4WD w/Selec-Trac 4WD, 6 cyl | Limited w/Quadra-Drive AWD, V8 | Overland | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.5 |
Good balance and control in even quick directional changes despite fair body lean. Steering feel slightly firmer than last year, a welcome change, but frequent steering corrections still required at highway speeds. Braking strong and smooth, with easy modulation.
QUIETNESS
| Laredo 4WD w/Selec-Trac 4WD, 6 cyl | Limited w/Quadra-Drive AWD, V8 | Overland | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 4.1 |
Engines well-muffled, but wind rush and tire roar can intrude at highway speeds. Quadra-Drive generates gear whine.
CONTROLS
| Laredo 4WD w/Selec-Trac 4WD, 6 cyl | Limited w/Quadra-Drive AWD, V8 | Overland | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Generally convenient layout. Easy-to-use radio and climate controls mounted close to driver, and all models offer handy steering-wheel audio controls. Some interior materials pleasingly solid, others budget-grade plasticky. Roof pillars too thick for best outward vision, though large outside mirrors help.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Laredo 4WD w/Selec-Trac 4WD, 6 cyl | Limited w/Quadra-Drive AWD, V8 | Overland | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Plenty spacious, but bucket seats too soft for optimal support, and cushions are narrow. Power-adjustable pedals help shorter drivers sit further from steering-wheel airbag, and position can be incorporated with power-seat memory on Limited and Overland.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Laredo 4WD w/Selec-Trac 4WD, 6 cyl | Limited w/Quadra-Drive AWD, V8 | Overland | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.4 |
Lots of head room, though seatback too upright for best comfort. With front seats more than halfway back, leg room unimpressive, toe space tight. Rear-seat entry/exit hampered by narrow rear-door bottoms.
CARGO ROOM
| Laredo 4WD w/Selec-Trac 4WD, 6 cyl | Limited w/Quadra-Drive AWD, V8 | Overland | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.8 |
Adequate, though among least-spacious in this class. Rear seatbacks more difficult to fold than in most SUVs. Bins and pockets provide plenty of small-item storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Laredo 4WD w/Selec-Trac 4WD, 6 cyl | Limited w/Quadra-Drive AWD, V8 | Overland | 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/Selec-Trac 4WD, 6 cyl | Limited w/Quadra-Drive AWD, V8 | Overland | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49 | 48 | 49 | 51.2 |
Total Score: 49
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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