By Steven D. Gatt, Automotive Editor
While the sales of sport utility vehicles are skyrocketing, so are their prices. The Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer with its embroidered pine trees or Jeep Grand Cherokee Orvis with its fishing theme logos both have prices over the $35,000 mark. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo that I recently test drove, while still pricey at $31,805 as tested, is an excellent alternative to those high-end SUV's.
The Laredo featured just about everything, including power leather seats and an automatic dimming rear-view mirror. While leather is a very nice seating surface it isn't necessary in this SUV. The Laredo is supposed to be the bargain in the Grand Cherokee line-up. The cloth seats that are available in the Laredo are comfortable and supportive.
Jeep has a long tradition for producing excellent off-road vehicles; the Grand Cherokee Laredo is no exception. While most SUV's sold today will never see anything more challenging than a dirt road, the Laredo is capable of much more including serious off-roading. It was very muddy the week I drove the Laredo and the 4-wheel drive system, when in use, provided sure-footed driving under adverse conditions.
The 4.0L, inline 6 cylinder engine was powerful, with plenty of low-end torque. I doubt that most drivers would notice the difference between the 6 or 8 cylinder power plants available in the Grand Cherokee. Another benefit of purchasing the 6 cylinder version of the Grand Cherokee is the improved fuel mileage. Rated at 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway, the Grand Cherokee won't break the bank at the gas pump.
For off-roading purposes, the Jeep Grand Cherokee was designed with a short wheelbase. This compromises interior space but not so much that it makes sitting in back unbearable. The Grand Cherokee is business-like on the inside as well; the ergonomics are good but don't have that car-like feel that many consumers are coming to expect in SUV's. Some drivers complained that the reach to the gear selector and radio controls was too long. One impressive fact is that our test vehicle was squeak and rattle free over even the toughest pothole laden roads and trails; a true measure of how far Chrysler quality has come.
Standard equipment on the Grand Cherokee Laredo includes dual airbags, 4 wheel anti-lock brakes, side-door guard beams, keyless entry and power windows and locks just to name a fraction of the list. The optional equipment included skid plates, overhead console, vehicle information center and a very conveninent flip-up gate glass.
The Grand Cherokee is an excellent SUV, the Laredo with the 6 cylinder engine is a great way to bring down the high price of getting into the most popular market going. I was impressed with the Grand Cherokee and think it would make a wise purchase.