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Day 1:
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2005 was an all new year for the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, with Uniframe construction, aluminum hood, air dam, new fascias, grills and bodyside mouldings, the 2006 model remains mostly unchanged. Featuring Quadra-Trac I, an active full-time four-wheel drive system mated to a 3.7-litre engine this Jeep, as are all Jeeps, is trail rated and ready for the street or off-roading adventure.
My tester is a base model Laredo which starts at $39.470, the only options present are a tow package, side airbags, heated mirrors and All Terrain Tires for a total of $1300 in options.
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There is an impressive amount of standard features on the Laredo, including air conditioning , 6 speaker stereo system with AUX input, 17ďż˝? Aluminum wheels, flipper lifgate glass, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), cruise control and more.
First impressions of the Laredo, without giving away too much, are limited. The Jeep certainly is a looker and my neighbours thought it was very nice at first sight, the bold Jeep front fascia done in chrome really enhances the Jeep’s appearance, even with the rather bland khaki colour on my tester.
The side and rear three quarter views are simple and utilitarian, yet somehow pull off a flare of understated elegance. The interior is minimalist and perhaps not up to some of the import standards in terms of feel and design, although the quality of finish does looks on par.
2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo
MSRP as tested: $40,770
For more information on Jeep and the Grand Cherokee visit Jeep Canada
Updated August 8th 2006
Day 2:
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Being on vacation this week has allowed me the opportunity to get much more mileage under my belt than I average in the typical week during the nine to five grind. I’ve had the opportunity to drive the Laredo in downtown city traffic and highway travel.
On the highway the Jeep is quiet and easy to drive, although I find the suspension seems to bounce a little over uneven pavement creating a rocking side to side motion which was a little odd feeling at first, kind of like riding in a boat.
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Wind noise is a little disappointing on the Laredo, although very little noise can be heard from the rear, the front A-pillars seem to cause enough turbulence to be annoying. Something I expect to be very minimal on any vehicle in the forty-thousand dollar range.
Around the city though the Jeep is surprisingly easy to maneuver and in the construction laden city of Ottawa in the summer allowed me to climb right over those raised man-hole covers rather than dodging them like a mine field in Kandahar.
The turning radius on the Laredo is fairly impressive, it seems shorter than some of the front wheel drive sedans I have driven in the past. As a result parking is easy even with the fairly large size of the vehicle.
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Another factor that adds to the ease of parking and maneuvering is the high seating position which provides the driver with a clear view of the road ahead. Although I find headroom is at a premium with this high seating position, I have lowered the seat to its minimum height and still feel more is required.
Interestingly the seat extends to a height higher than any other vehicle I have ever been in, raising the seat to its highest point planted my head into the head liner with my neck craned. I guess Jeep is expecting some very short people to purchase the Grand Cherokee.
Updated August 9th 2006
Day 3:
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The short buyers of the Grand Cherokee may want to look into getting running boards as an accessory option, with a step down height of 20.2 inches the exit from the driver seat at any height is a fair step down to the curb.
Certainly there is nothing very sporting about the Jeep nor was I expecting it to be sporting. Although some of the driving characteristics could be improved for further comfort and convenience.
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I have been finding the drivers seat even with lumbar a little unsupportive and at first it was causing pain to my back, with enough adjusting I seem to have reduced this discomfort. Corning though is left best to minimal speeds to avoid having your passenger fly into the driver’s lap.
The only real gripe I have with the driving characteristics is the placement of the brake pedal, it seems placed very far to the left requiring you to move their leg over while braking. I felt this uneasy feeling while braking that my foot would slip off the pedal as I did not move far enough to the left to reach for it. No heel and toe down shifts in this vehicle.
The Jeep does provide the driver with a manual mode 5 speed automatic transmission that actually works extremely well! Surprisingly this transmission downshifts when you ask it to, instead of the typical one to two second delay of some of the systems I have tried, even on so called “sporting�? cars.
Updated August 10th 2006
Day 4:
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Fuel economy achieved in the Grand Cherokee over the past few days has been somewhat interesting. Doing mostly highway driving I have averaged 13.1 L/100km. Given the EPA rating estimates it at 10.3 / 14.2 L/100km (Highway/City) this is not terribly bad until you realize I did almost all highway mileage.
As far as gas mileage, well do not expect to achieve anywhere close to the advertised EPA, I tried really I did, I drove VERY gently to no avail although 13.1L/100km isn’t horrible, it certainly isn’t stellar for a V6.
The interior is filled with the usual spattering of cup holders and cubby holes; some are even lined with mess cargo nets to hold your small items in place. The rear “trunk�? of the Cherokee comes standard with a reversible cargo area that is water proof and scratch resistant for those times when hauling dirty items is a must, although it is fairly tiny.
All in all the Jeep is not a bad vehicle, but at forty grand, there are a lot of options out there. And although the Jeep Grand Cherokee is trail rated, lets be honest, really, the only trail that majority of these vehicles will endure are lined with monkeys and lions and zebras at the local zoo.
*Rating out of 5:
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo
MSRP as tested: $40,770
For more information on Jeep and the Grand Cherokee visit Jeep Canada
August 08, 2006, 01:14:55 am Just what the world needs. Another big expensive SUV.
August 08, 2006, 02:29:44 am "The interior is minimalist and perhaps not up to some of the import standards in terms of feel and design, although the quality of finish does looks on par."
Are you sure about that James? How does the materials feel in comparison to some competitors (domestic and foreign)? Looking forward to hearing how the base $40K GC drives and feels in everyday driving conditions.
August 08, 2006, 10:23:46 am Wing, how do you find the blind spots in the GC? I heard the A and B pillars are horrible for blind spots.
August 08, 2006, 11:25:04 am I checked out one of these at the dealership and boy was I underwhelmed. It is much more cramped inside than I would have thought - especially in the rear. The front floor map looked 1/3 the size of most other vehicles, the materials and design of the interior were all over the place (your photo looks pretty clean compared to the leather clad model I sampled) and questionable. And then there's the price. Wowzers, it's pricey for this disappointment! Mind you, there's tonnes of discounts to be had no doubt
Oh, and DCX, while you're at it PLEASE de-power the DRLs on these Grand Cherokees. They're freaking blindingly bright in daylight and it pisses me off.
August 08, 2006, 11:27:22 am
Oh, and DCX, while you're at it PLEASE de-power the DRLs on these Grand Cherokees. They're freaking blindingly bright in daylight and it pisses me off.
I concur.
August 08, 2006, 06:46:06 pm Wow these look so dated. Why can't they re-design. Its always is the same model with a few touches ups here and there and a new Interior improvements thats what it seams to me. when did this come out 90's???
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August 08, 2006, 11:07:19 pm Don't know why you are referring to its large size as it is comparable (lenght/wheelbase/track) to a RX, FX and is smaller than an Equinox. It is actually very comparable in size to the CX-7. But yes the interior is very cramped and the material quality is simply not acceptable on a vehicle of this price. In comparison, my 2002 Overland is light years ahead as far at the interior material quality goes. The new Grand Cherokee is about 500 lbs heavier if I'm not mistaken, has less front seat and cargo space. Roof rack is smaller. And it must have the cheesiest park brake lever in the whole industry. Very, very disappointing.
August 09, 2006, 08:19:11 am Large in comparison to what most canadians drive.... compact cars
August 09, 2006, 02:20:05 pm Do you find the interior door handles awkwardly placed?
August 09, 2006, 03:20:14 pm ^ ugh yes!
August 10, 2006, 09:29:27 am "Passenger's fly in the drivers lap!!!!"........wots that JEEP DANCIN?........
August 28, 2006, 10:48:31 am I have about 10000 miles on my 4WD 2006 5.7 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. I bought it after testing a lot of SUV's including Land Rover, Durnago, Chevy & GMC SUV's, Ford, Mecedces and Toyota. I bought my Grand Cherokee because it is what I wanted after testing them all. All vehicles are different so I think it's best to decide on what I want rather than to buy something I don't want and then complain.
This vehicle is perfect for two adults and two children or four adults on short trips. It is not a mom's kid delivery vehicle. There are many nice ones out there for that purpose. The Grand Cherokee is small enough to get through tight spots on and off the road-it is not meant to be a huge vehicle. The interior is very comfortable and functional but not "fluffy" as many would like. The corner posts are no more in the way and do not create any greater blind spot than the others. My brain compensates and there is just no problem. My driving ability is good enough not to throw passengers around and the Jeep seating is certainly comfortable and secure.
As for off the road use, I drive my Jeep in the Colorado Rockies in the most extremes of weather, road conditions and altitude one might imagine. I fish on on BLM dirt back roads, cross streams, plow thru snow, climb slick rocky roads and go over 11,000 foot+ passes on un-paved roads. I drive in blizzard conditions. It is a joy to drive and it's "Trail Rating" is more than justified. It's ground clearance is not an issue at all (one can four have feet of clearance and get stuck if one does not know how to drive off-road) and the extension of the wheels is great off-road. It is not a rock-crawler but it can go where almost no of the SUV can go.
I have towed 5000+lb. trailer over 11000+ passess with no effort at all-great motor, transmission and cooling. I keep tow straps to pull cars and other SUV's out of problems.
My Jeep is the best vehicle I have owned in some 40+ years of driving 4WDs starting with a Willis Jeeps and International Scouts. It is very comfortable, handles great, safe and has lots of very usable and helpful technology. I have had zero maintenance problems but I have very few maintenance problems with any car I have owned over the years because I think it is necessary to understand the systems and have then serviced properly. I am not a mechanic and that is why I take such care.
My 5.7 has averaged over 17 mpg in town and over 20 on the road. I averaged over 24 on a stretch of Interstate Fort Smith, Arkansas and Oklahomka City, Oklahoma driving between 75 and 78 miles an hour.
Land Rover's could do as well with more power, better balance and if our friends the Britts could ever master auto electric technology. Remembder the movie, "The God's Must Be Crazy"? Land Rover is the vehicle of choice for the anti-Christ.
I'd never buy a vehicle with the weight to power (torque) ratio of a V-6 Grand Cherokee. It is a choice I would not make in any car.
Vehicles (that God) still offer us choices and we should informed choices that suit the mission we intend. The 2006 5.7 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a classic and wonderful choice for me.
August 28, 2006, 10:56:18 am great review
and welcome to the forum
August 28, 2006, 04:11:50 pm
This vehicle is perfect for two adults and two children or four adults on short trips. It is not a mom's kid delivery vehicle. There are many nice ones out there for that purpose. The Grand Cherokee is small enough to get through tight spots on and off the road-it is not meant to be a huge vehicle. The interior is very comfortable and functional but not "fluffy" as many would like. The corner posts are no more in the way and do not create any greater blind spot than the others. My brain compensates and there is just no problem. My driving ability is good enough not to throw passengers around and the Jeep seating is certainly comfortable and secure.
As for off the road use, I drive my Jeep in the Colorado Rockies in the most extremes of weather, road conditions and altitude one might imagine. I fish on on BLM dirt back roads, cross streams, plow thru snow, climb slick rocky roads and go over 11,000 foot+ passes on un-paved roads. I drive in blizzard conditions. It is a joy to drive and it's "Trail Rating" is more than justified. It's ground clearance is not an issue at all (one can four have feet of clearance and get stuck if one does not know how to drive off-road) and the extension of the wheels is great off-road. It is not a rock-crawler but it can go where almost no of the SUV can go.
I have towed 5000+lb. trailer over 11000+ passess with no effort at all-great motor, transmission and cooling. I keep tow straps to pull cars and other SUV's out of problems.
My Jeep is the best vehicle I have owned in some 40+ years of driving 4WDs starting with a Willis Jeeps and International Scouts. It is very comfortable, handles great, safe and has lots of very usable and helpful technology. I have had zero maintenance problems but I have very few maintenance problems with any car I have owned over the years because I think it is necessary to understand the systems and have then serviced properly. I am not a mechanic and that is why I take such care.
My 5.7 has averaged over 17 mpg in town and over 20 on the road. I averaged over 24 on a stretch of Interstate Fort Smith, Arkansas and Oklahomka City, Oklahoma driving between 75 and 78 miles an hour.
Land Rover's could do as well with more power, better balance and if our friends the Britts could ever master auto electric technology. Remembder the movie, "The God's Must Be Crazy"? Land Rover is the vehicle of choice for the anti-Christ.
I'd never buy a vehicle with the weight to power (torque) ratio of a V-6 Grand Cherokee. It is a choice I would not make in any car.
Vehicles (that God) still offer us choices and we should informed choices that suit the mission we intend. The 2006 5.7 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a classic and wonderful choice for me.
Thanks for the review from a “real” SUV drivers’ prospective and welcome to the forum podedwards. James would not let me drive the test vehicle and I even bought dinner.
September 02, 2006, 01:01:34 pm
welcome PODDY...may ya blossom into a regular Extra_NICE_TERRESTRIAL.....
September 02, 2006, 02:07:22 pm Great post Podedwards, nice to hear from someone with true off-roading experience with this vehicle
September 02, 2006, 02:47:28 pm I wonder what the salesman's reaction would be when you pulled your test-drive SUV off the main road and hit the trails...?