2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Road Test
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2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee ▼
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- MSRP: $27,765 -$39,780
- Invoice: $25,491 -$36,219
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Our road test for the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee help you decide if a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Laredo 4WD, 6 cyl | Limited AWD w/Quadra-Drive, V8 | Overland AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 4.8 |
Lively with 6 cyl, robust with 235-hp V8, fast with 265-hp V8--about 7 sec 0-60 mph in our tests. 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, 6 cyl | Limited AWD w/Quadra-Drive, V8 | Overland AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 3.8 |
Extended-use-test 6-cyl 4WD Laredo averaged 15.7 mpg over 19,000 mi. Test 235-hp V8 models averaged 16.1 mpg with lots of highway driving, just 12.7 in mostly city work. Test 265-hp V8 averaged 14.5. Jeep recommends premium fuel for the 265-hp V8, regular for the other engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| Laredo 4WD, 6 cyl | Limited AWD w/Quadra-Drive, V8 | Overland AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Easily absorbs most bumps, but suspension generates unseemly side-to-side and fore-aft pitching motions on even moderately uneven surfaces.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Laredo 4WD, 6 cyl | Limited AWD w/Quadra-Drive, V8 | Overland AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Off-road-tuned suspension compromises on-road precision. Good balance in turns, but compared with less-rugged rivals such as Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot, cornering lean is pronounced and steering feels slow and sloppy.
QUIETNESS
| Laredo 4WD, 6 cyl | Limited AWD w/Quadra-Drive, V8 | Overland AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 4.4 |
Engines well-muffled, but wind rush and tire roar can intrude at highway speeds. Quadra-Drive generates noticeable gear whine.
CONTROLS
| Laredo 4WD, 6 cyl | Limited AWD w/Quadra-Drive, V8 | Overland AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Generally convenient layout. Easy-to-use radio and climate controls mounted close to driver. Handy steering-wheel audio controls optional on 4WD Laredo, standard on Limited and Overland. New navigation radio's small screen just an afterthought; audio directions should be followed. 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, 6 cyl | Limited AWD w/Quadra-Drive, V8 | Overland AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.4 |
Adults get plenty of space, but bucket seats are too soft for optimal support and cushions are narrow. Power-adjustable pedals enable shorter drivers to sit further from steering-wheel airbag, and settings can be incorporated into the power-seat memory on Limited and Overland.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Laredo 4WD, 6 cyl | Limited AWD w/Quadra-Drive, V8 | Overland AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.6 |
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 door bottoms. Grand Cherokee among the few midsize SUVs without 3rd-row seating.
CARGO ROOM
| Laredo 4WD, 6 cyl | Limited AWD w/Quadra-Drive, V8 | Overland AWD | 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, 6 cyl | Limited AWD w/Quadra-Drive, V8 | Overland AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4 | 5.1 |
This design dates to model year 1999. Every key rival is newer, and Grand Cherokee feels cramped and less-well-suited to everyday on-road duty than most competitors.
Total Score
| Laredo 4WD, 6 cyl | Limited AWD w/Quadra-Drive, V8 | Overland AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49 | 48 | 49 | 52.3 |
Total Score: 49
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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