Car Reviews: 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee

respects, remains ahead of the ever-growing and ever-improving compact-class pack.

When Chrysler introduced the Grand Cherokee in 1992 sport-utility sales already were

booming, with Jeep Cherokee enjoying year-over-year sales gains for more than a

decade. The idea was to take the Cherokee concept a step up the aspirational ladder,

combining rugged Jeep attributes with the luxury, comfort and performance associated

with expensive cars.

The combination has proved to be a winning one. Over a quarter-million Grand Cherokees rolled out of Jeep-Eagle dealerships last year, a

total that was second only to Ford's phenomenal Explorer among all sport-utility

vehicles. Obviously, the folks at Jeep have been doing something right.

For 1996, the Grand Cherokee receives a number of significant detail changes. Most

notably, the interior underwent a makeover, which included installation of dual

airbags and more luxury options. The exterior also received modest freshening updates.

We picked a Limited model with V8 power and 4wd for our review.

twins--have gone for more rounded lines in their most recent redesigns, giving them all

a more contemporary, aerodynamic appearance. Grand Cherokee, however, has maintained

the angular lines and boxy shape even through its latest restyling.

And it works. The distinctive, rugged Jeep look, with its vertical grille and

side-body cladding, still stands out from the competition.

The Grand Cherokee comes in three models: base, Laredo and the top-of-the-line Grand

Cherokee Limited. Laredo and Limited are both available with one of two 4wd

systems--Selec-Trac, which can be used as a part-time system, or the more sophisticated

Quadra-Trac, which operates continuously.

Selec-Trac is standard equipment on Laredos equipped with 6-cyl. engines and automatic

transmissions. Grand Cherokee Limited models with 6-cyl. engines come with the

Quadra-Trac system. Quadra-Trac is optional on V8-powered Grand Cherokees, and both

models can also be ordered with rear-drive only, $24,603 for the basic Laredo, $30,479

for the Limited.

In contrast to the Explorer and Blazer/Jimmy, there's no 2-door version of the Grand

Cherokee. It's also smaller and generally lighter than its key rivals--particularly the

Explorer--riding a shorter wheelbase.

However, at 70.9 in., the Grand Cherokee is the widest of the bunch, and in 4x4 trim

it also provides the most ground clearance--8.3 in. Good ground clearance is one of the

keys to successful off-road performance, and off-road usefulness is a core value at

Jeep.

particularly if they are adults. Indeed, three adults can wedge their way into the

rear seat. But we found a long ride with two children and one adult in the back was

cramped.

The front seats are buckets; the rear is a 60/40 split bench that flops forward to

expand cargo volume. An integrated child safety seat is available as an option.

In the driver's seat, short drivers can scoot far enough forward to comfortably reach

the pedals, and tall types can move far enough back and enjoy plenty of headroom as

well.

Like most sport-utilities in this size/price class, our Grand Cherokee Limited tester

had sporty bucket seats up front, and these are sportier than many. Pronounced thigh

and torso bolsters give these seats a pleasantly snug feel, and provide good lateral

support to keep the driver centered when the vehicle is bounding about in the

backwoods.

All of the elements of any luxury sport-utility--or car, for that matter--are here. They

include wood trim, automatic climate control, premium audio system, power windows,

power mirrors, remote keyless entry and power-adjustable seats, to name only a few.

Leather, of course, is available for both the Laredo and Limited. A power sunroof is

only available on Limited models.

While the cargo area of the Grand Cherokee is adequate for an afternoon outing of

people and their belongings, it may not be enough for several people and their gear on

a longer trip. There's less cargo capacity here than in the Explorer and Blazer/Jimmy.

The spare tire, stowed on the side of the rear storage compartment, cuts into the

cargo space. The Grand Cherokee's key competitors have moved spare tire stowage

underneath, operating on the theory that tire changes will be extremely rare since so

few 4-door sport-utilities ever venture into off-road regions filled with sharp rocks

and the like.

The Grand Cherokee's one-piece rear liftgate provides a wide opening for cargo

loading, but is difficult for short folks to reach and close. A pull-down strap, like

the one on the Ford Windstar minivan, would be helpful for this maneuver.

The Grand Cherokee can be ordered with an optional window that opens without opening the tailgate, which is handy for stowing groceries and other smaller items.

rated at 220 hp.

The base Grand Cherokee engine is the 4.0-liter 190-horsepower 6-cyl. engine, which

was re-engineered to reduce noise in the Grand Cherokee's 1996 makeover. The inline

six has more power than the base engines in competing import sport-utilities, as well

as the Ford Explorer base V6, and like all inline 6-cyl. engines it's smooth.

But it's the V8 that really gives this vehicle its lively personality.

Although there's now a V8 engine option for the Ford Explorer, the Grand Cherokee V8

still provides the best performance in the compact sport-utility class, as well as the

best towing capability--as much as 6500 lbs. with the optional trailer towing package,

which costs $359 on 6-cyl. models, $242 with the V8.

The upper towing limit for the 6-cyl. version with the trailer package is 5000 lbs,

which is still quite respectable for this class.

Both engines are backed by a smooth-operating electronically controlled 4-speed

automatic transmission.

As you might expect, there is a small price at the gas pump for the V8's exceptional

power. EPA fuel economy ratings slide to 14 mpg city, 18 highway with the 5.2-liter

engine, compared to 15/20 for the 4.0-liter 6-cyl.

However, we found it hard to worry about mpg when the V8 was whisking us down the

freeway, or making short work of passing on country back roads. The V8 provided

exceptional acceleration--by sport-utiity standards--from a dead stop and emitted a

delightful low, throaty rumble from under the hood. Otherwise, the ride is quiet.

Passengers are well isolated from road and wind noise at most speeds.

Our biggest complaint in the ride and drive evaluation of the Grand Cherokee is its

vague steering. We also detected slight body roll on wide sweeping curves at highway

speeds, although this is common to almost all sport-utility vehicles.

Braking was good, with 4-wheel disc brakes and anti-lock brakes as standard equipment.

In addition to its robust V8 power, we were also favorably impressed by the Grand

Cherokee's ride quality on paved roads. With springs and shock absorbers tailored to

dual demands, there's some stiffness, but this vehicle is less truck-like than many of

its competitors.

Naturally, the Grand Cherokee feels right at home on dirt roads, or no roads at all.

The Quadra-Trac system in our test vehicle handled our brief forays into unpaved

territory with ease, and the power of the V8 engine adds an extra dimension to tough going.

Unfortunately, the Grand Cherokee has been plagued with quality and reliability

problems, as indicated by various quality tracking services. Even our tester leaked

fluid and the "Jeep" logo was applied at an odd angle.

with its off-road capability, a feature one would expect from anything bearing the

Jeep name. In addition, it is equipped with good safety features, outstanding luxury

amenities and the sophisticated Quadra-Trac option, all of which makes it a standout in a field filled with steadily improving choices.

With V8 power, it's the top performer in its class. Add distinctive styling, and it's

easy to see why this vehicle remains a best-seller.