2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee

REVIEW OF THE 2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE

The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee is an SUV that offers consumers a variety of options when it comes to engine power and the transmission control. This midsize Jeep offers a pleasant ride while still providing the driver with the rugged capabilities expected from an SUV.

The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers some different characteristics than the 2007 model. Namely, a 4.7-liter V8 has been added in order to give the updated version more power. According to New Car Test Drive, this new engine is “particularly good for towing or driving at higher elevations.”

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Consumers may also choose a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 6.1-liter Hemi, which is available in the SRT8 model. With this engine, the Jeep can pull in 420 horsepower and can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under five seconds. Regardless of the model, the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers better fuel economy than the 2007 model with the standard model providing 20 miles per gallon on the highway and 15 miles per gallon in the city.

Regardless of the engine size the driver selects, the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a great deal of power. In fact, after giving it a test drive, Cars.com said, “I'm now convinced that should a meteorite ever land in my driveway, leaving a giant crater, a Grand Cherokee would have no trouble propelling me over it and on my way to the grocery store for that loaf of bread.”

The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee also offers a few small changes to its interior and exterior details. These changes aren’t all about the way it looks, however, as the changes have provided drivers with more options as well as a higher level of comfort. According to Edmunds.com, the “New seats are comfortably padded and available in cloth or two-tone leather, which is complemented by nicely textured two-tone plastic door and trim panels.”

The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee doesn’t just look great and offer a lot of power, it feels great too. Unlike some SUVs, which can be rough to drive, Edmunds.com reports that “The suspension dampens imperfections in the road well, and the rack and pinion steering provides a solid and responsive road feel.’

Safety is also a key factor with the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which earned a perfect five out of five on the NHTSA Driver’s Crash Rating scale. Safety features included in this five passenger SUV include:

  • Anti-lock brakes, which improve the vehicle’s ability to turn while braking by modulating the brake pressure when the tires stop rotating.
  • Stability control, which automatically applies brake pressure and reduces engine power when the vehicle reaches its handling limits so the driver does not lose control.
  • Front-impact airbags, which protect the heads of the passenger and the driver in the event of a frontal crash.
  • Overhead airbags, which protect the occupant’s heads when a rollover or side collision occurs.
  • Pretensioners seatbelt, which automatically tightens the seatbelt and puts the occupant in the best possible position when a collision occurs.
  • Security system, which prevents the engine from starting and disables the ignition when a key other than the original manufacturer key is used.

Drivers interested in the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee can choose from for different trims. These include the Laredo, Limited, Overland, and SRT8. The Laredo, Limited, and Overland are all available in both 4x2 and 4x4 set ups, while the SRT8 is only sold as a 4x4. Consumers wanting the smaller 3.7-liter V6 should opto for the Laredo, while those wanting a bit more power should go for the 4.7-liter V8 found in the Limited. The Overland, on the other hand, offers the new 5.7-liter V8, while the 6.1-liter V8 is in the SRT8. The SRT8 also includes sports suspension for those that really want to play hard. In addition, all of the models offer 4 wheel disc braking with brake assist being standard on each model, which guarantees this SUV will stop without a problem.

With its many options, great all around power, high level of comfort, and attractive appearance, it is easy to see why New Car Test Drive said, “….we have to put the Grand Cherokee right in the thick of the battle for supremacy in this class.