Back in the 1990s, the Jeep Grand Cherokee was in the right place at the right time. Compact, tough, and stylish, it put the sport in sport-utility and became as fashionable in New York as it was in Aspen. But there are a lot more choices these days, and Jeep recognizes that reality re-quires a suburban station wagon, not those rock-crawling adventure devices you see on TV.
That's why it's no surprise that the all-new 2005 Grand Cherokee begins with carlike hardware such as rack-and-pinion steering, an independent front suspension with unequal-length control arms, and a five-link, live-axle rear suspension. The wheelbase is 3.6 inches longer, and the track is 2.5 inches wider. As a result, the Grand Cherokee goes down the road with delicious carlike composure, and there's no trace of the old Grand Cherokee wobbliness that shook your head as if you were a bobblehead doll. There's even an optional, hydraulically actuated antiroll-bar system to help this 4500-pound Jeep corner more like a car.
The Jeep designers also have given the Grand Cherokee a carlike appearance. The interior of the upscale Limited model is trimmed with chrome, wood, and two-tone leather. There are plenty of grab handles, cubbyholes, and tie-down hooks, plus the latest luxury electronics, such as a Bluetooth-compatible telephone hookup and a DVD player.... Read full article