We recently had the chance to drive the most high-tech Jeep yet. It was a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland model with four-wheel drive and some neat features like the brand’s first navigation system and a new hands-free optional wireless phone system called UConnect.
Anita was impressed with the Detroit-built Jeep’s goodies and classic good looks, especially the striking midnight blue pearl coat exterior paint job. Paul begged to differ, especially after seeing the hefty $41,120 price tag on this top-of-the-line offering.
SHE: I’ll bet you had a shock when you saw our home phone number flash on the audio system’s screen in the Jeep. In-vehicle caller ID is a part of that fancy UConnect system, which can be dealer or factory-installed for under $300. I think it’s terrific because you can keep your cell phone in your purse or your briefcase and it doesn’t matter. One push of a button makes your call, while you keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. Very sensible and easy to use. But it took you a long time to fumble around and press the button on the instrument panel to talk to me, though. What was going on?
HE: I almost drove off the road. Can you say, “Electronic tether for husbands?” I mistakenly thought I’d have some peace and quiet in the Jeep. Wrong. Seeing your phone number come up on the screen made me want to use the Jeep’s new navigation system to plot out a long fishing trip — out of cell-phone reach.
SHE: I don’t think you’d enjoy using the factory-installed $1,200 navigation system. It combines a 4.9-inch color display with an AM/FM stereo and CD player. The screen is pretty small and the controls aren’t easy to use. But you still have to give Jeep credit for stepping into the 21st century at last. You now can order things like $185 power adjustable pedals with memory, a wonderful convenience feature that I love. The top-of-the-line Overland model is a solid offering. They’ve freshened up the face a bit, while keeping much of the classic Grand Cherokee styling. Plus, you get a comfortable ride — among the best in class for truck-based vehicles — and decent safety features, including standard side air bags and anti-lock brakes. Another $150 will buy you a tire-pressure monitoring system to help keep you out of trouble. So why are you being so stingy with your stars?
HE: It could have something to do with the fact that our Jeep’s instrument panel was not properly installed. There was a gap wide enough to shove your fingers into between the edge of the instrument panel and the front pillar. That’s unacceptable quality in a $41,000 vehicle — something you’re not likely to experience on similarly priced competitors like the BMW X5 or the Mercedes-Benz ML350. But there were other issues, too. The Grand Cherokee’s brakes required higher-than-average pedal pressure — not a confidence-inspiring feeling in emergency stops. The power steering is over-assisted and too isol ated, requiring constant corrections at highway speed. The handling is sloppy. Sure, I liked things like the classy white-face gauges and the supportive driver’s seat. But those things weren’t enough to compensate for what I feel are major concerns.
SHE: I had a few gripes after my drive. The Grand Cherokee has a limited rear cargo area and a surprising lack of room in the rear seat. But there’s no criticism in the power department. Our Jeep came equipped with a high-output 4.7-liter V-8 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. This engine is standard on the Overland and cranks out an impressive 260 horsepower and 330 pounds-feet of torque. Jeep says the five-speed provides a second overdrive gear for increased fuel efficiency, yet our test vehicle only got 15 miles per gallon in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. Off-roaders will appreciate the Overland’s capabilities. This model comes equipped with a Quadra-Drive system as a standard feature. This sophisticated system is able to send nearly 100 percent of the developed engine torque to just one wheel, which basically means even a single wheel can pull you out of trouble.
HE: Jeep lovers will applaud the Overland’s attention to cabin details, like a standard sunroof and his-and-hers climate controls. You also get a wood-and-leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry and Infinity speakers. There are heated 10-way power seats and power accessories. But even though this is the most high-tech Jeep we’ve been in, it won’t be a success in my book until they get the basics right. And for that, we may have to wait another year, until an all-new Grand Cherokee arrives for model year 2005.
2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
Type: Front-engine, four-wheel drive, five-passenger sport utility vehicle
Price (Includes $645 destination charge): $38,595; as tested, $41,120
Engine: 4.7-liter V-8; 260-hp; 330 lb-ft torque
EPA fuel economy: 15 mpg city / 20 mpg highway
Key competitors: BMW X5, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, Honda Pilot, Infiniti QX4, Isuzu Axiom, Kia Sorento, Land Rover Freelander, Lexus RX 330, Lincoln Aviator, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Mercury Mountaineer, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Mitsubishi Montero, Nissan Pathfinder, Oldsmobile Bravada, Toyota 4Runner, Volvo XC90
12-month insurance cost (Estimated by AAA Michigan. Rates may vary depending on coverage and driving record): $1,654
Where built: Detroit
Anita’s rating: Above Average
Likes: Most high-tech Jeep yet. Love the new UConnect phone system. Classic Jeep exterior styling. Very comfortable ride. Nice touches like optional $185 power-adjustable pedals. Decent safety features.
Dislikes: Limited rear cargo area. Lacks sufficient room, especially in rear seat. Navigation system screen too small, controls not easy to use. Fuel economy only average.
Paul’s rating: Acceptable
Likes: Gobs of torque from high-output 4.7-liter V-8. Supportive driver’s seat. Classy white-face gauges.
Dislikes: Way too expensive at $41,000. Instrument panel not properly installed, with unsightly gaps. Brakes require higher-than-average pedal pressure. Power steering is over-assisted, too isolated.
