Ann Arbor - One thing about Jeep: It hasn't forgotten where it came from. Nobody in the car business is quicker to declare their birthright (e.g., fish-eyed concepts with names like Willys and Jeepster) or more opportunistic about it (e.g., a tacky tie-in with HBO's Band of Brothers miniseries).
Jeep has decided to play the heritage card with the Grand Cherokee model by evoking the Overland name--as in Willys-Overland, one of the originators of the Army vehicle and the company that turned "jeep" into "Jeep(r)." Positioned above the Limited, the Grand Cherokee Overland sports seventeen-inch alloy wheels, unique bumpers, and metallic paint; inside, there's suede-and-leather upholstery, real redwood trim, side curtain air bags, and a ten-disc CD changer. Functionally, the Overland features Jeep's Quadra-Drive four-wheel-drive system and a hotter version of the 4.7-liter SOHC V-8.
The engine (which is optional on the Limited) is a definite honey. At 265 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, the high-output V-8 is a significant 30 horses and 30 pound-feet more powerful than the standard V-8. The Overland surges away from stoplights in a satisfying, almost muscle-car-like manner, and highway passing maneuvers are particularly effortless.
Unfortunately, this newfound hustle isn't matched by body control.... Read full article