Jeep Grand Cherokee reviews

1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Driving Impressions

Our Grand Cherokee Limited tester was equipped with the optional 5.2-liter V8 engine, 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.