Introduction

Jeep Grand Cherokee was one of the forerunners to the current SUV craze, and it's been around long enough that you might think of it as old news. Nothing could be farther from the truth. It got a complete redesign in 1999 that brought a roomier, more comfortable cabin and smoother engines, which helped it win a host of industry accolades. Decent around-town comfort combined with dirt-track-worthy underpinnings have helped it maintain its place in the hearts of loyal customers.

Walkaround

The current Grand Cherokee retains its trademark slightly slab-sided look, which has always made this Jeep one of the most handsome SUVs in a crowded segment. There's no mistaking it for something else. The current model is three inches longer than pre-1999 versions but rides on the same wheelbase. Slightly rounded edges and a subtle bulge to the roofline have done nothing to mar an instantly recognizable shape.

Interior Features

The front seats are comfortable, with thickly padded longitudinal ribs, but they seem a bit cushy for serious off-road driving. The bottom cushion has ridges to keep you in place, but the backrest has no lateral support. This makes it easy to slide into while wearing a bulky coat, but when you charge into a hard corner such as an entrance ramp that leads onto a 65-mph freeway, you may need to use the door to hold yourself in place. Rear legroom is tight. That hurts on the marathon runs with four fishing buddies, but you won't notice much cramping on an evening with two couples. Climbing into the back seats is much easier than before, however, because the rear doors are wider. More space is available for cargo because the spare tire was moved from its upright position on the left rear side of the cargo compartment to lie down under the load floor. As a result, you'll have to lift groceries a bit higher because the load floor is relatively high. The instrument panel looks simpler and more modern, but it's still a long reach to the dashboard for the radio and climate controls. Part of that impression comes from the high seating position. Controls and switches, including the Jeep's once-balky turn signal/wiper combination stalk, have been improved in feel and operation. New for 2001 on the Laredo are brushed-aluminum instrument panel moldings. The initial view from the driver's seat leaves you with the impression the hood is too high, but it slopes down on its sides, so your vision isn't blocked in turning. One reason the spare was relocated to under the load floor was to give more visibility rearward. However, if you leave the headrests in place on the rear seatback, they block more view than the spare used to. There is one benefit: When you turn sharply to your left from the driver's seat, you can glance through a small slice of glass area in the rear quarter window. This view was formerly blind because that's where the spare used to be.