2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee User Reviews

They Don't Build Them Like They Use To. — It is apparent this vehicle was built for the road with very little attempt to truly please the off road enthusiast. The nice styling of the windows actually creates poor visibility within the vehicle. It is difficult to view out the sides and back of the Jeep without having blind spots. The undercarriage is lower on this model than previous models. Since it is lower to the ground, it makes it less desirable for off road use which benefits from a higher ground clearance. However, the newer Quadradrive system is extremely good and has a benefit over the Quadradive system that was in my 1999 model by having a quicker response time to slippage thus engaging the wheel quicker. This may be due to the fact this one is electronic as apposed to the mechanical inertia one found in the 1999 model. However, both are good. BUT, if your an offroad purist, fully locking differentials are the only way to go. The 4.7 Liter engine in the 2005 model acts VERY differently than the one in the 1999 model. The 1999 model would litteraly "jump" off line when you "punched it" if you had to. Whereas the 2005 Gr. Ch. incrimentally steps up the acceleration in a much slower fashion. I don't know about you, but when I hit the gas pedal, I want it to react now, not have the engine think about it a while, calculate the pedal position to current speed, thus determining the amount of fuel to be injected into the engine for how much acceleration it is calculated to give. Let me do the thinking and driving of the vehicle. Not a computer. I actually find it unsafe at times due to such a slow response time. Don't get me wrong. The engine is quiet powerful, it's just that it is governed way too much. I'm currently looking for some performance enhancement chip if one exists. Also note that this 2005 model gets worse gas milage even though it is not as powerful. At least give me more power if I'm not going to have decent gas mileage. Let's face it. These are "sport UTILITY vehicles" (SUV's), they are not going to get 35 miles to the gallon. But give me something better than 12 to 15 miles to the gallon under quote-unquote "normal" driving conditions. The extra weight of the vehicle might be part of that cause. The vehicle is also 600 pounds heavier which could account for several of the downfalls to this vehicle. I personally think it has more "roll" to it than the other models before it under typical street conditions. There is an independent front suspention on the 2005 model which may make it feel more "car" like and have a nicer overall ride, but in all actuality makes it more difficult to "feel" the road. The tighter/stiffer suspensions with the solid front axels on the older models let you feel the road far better. The interior room on the 2005 vehicle is much smaller than on the other models. My head touches the ceiling and I'm 6 feet tall. I have the sun roof so maybe that is a reason, but I had a sun roof in my 1999 model and had several inches of head room. I have to slouch in the 2005 so as not to hit my head on the ceiling. And yes...my seat is as far down as it can go. From the outside, the roof of the Jeep is higher, but the ground clearance is lower to the ground. I don't know how Jeep managed to do that one. But it's bad in both respects. The older models like a 1995 model had the best of both worlds. A lot of head room, interior space, easier to get into, yet had the best/highest ground clearance and a low roof from the outside to make loading to the roof rack easy. The older Grand Cherokee models didn't have all the technologically advanced four wheel drive systems, but they did work very well. Like it's been said time and again, "If it aint broke, don't fix it". The old tech in-line "straight" six cylinder engine was and still is great. I know of no one that ever had anything bad to say about that engine. It may not have been a speed demon, but it was a great running engine and had enough torque for off road use as well. Especially in Low four wheel drive. Too bad they discontinued it and replaced it with a newer "techier" engine. I have a 1995 Gr. Ch. with the 4.0L six cylinder in it and it has 200,000 miles on it and is still going strong. I liked the 8 cyl. 4.7 liter engine when it was in my 1999 Grand Cherokee. The power from it seemed raw and true. The same engine, or apparently same 4.7 Liter engine in the 2005 model is far less responsive and weaker. If I new that, I would have either kept my other Jeep or got this one with an even bigger engine. But why? Just put it back to the way it was and don't govern it as much. For all the apparant "bashing" I just did to the 2005 Grand Cherokee, I do like it. Not as much as my other two Jeeps, but I have to say it looks pretty nice, although I don't like the head light design, but overall the Jeep is nice. And I have to say that I really do like the new Quadradrive system. I've taken my Jeep into some pretty rough muddy areas. Bottomed out a bit due to the low clearance, but was able to move on through the rough stuff without too much of a problem. And I mean it was deep mud. However, I can NOT understand why "they" (Jeep) put such a great four wheel drive system into something that was really designed MORE for the street than the "off road". If you are planning on going off road, think about a moderate lift, better all terrain tires if you can find a size that fits this rim diameter. Good luck on that. And make sure you have skid plates. The ones that come stock through the Jeep company are thin in comparison to after market ones. But they are better than nothing. These are my opinions, but I stick to them. Do the comparisons yourself. Do them honestly, and you will see.

A Great Jeep! — I have the 5.7L Hemi. Enough said! Makes a heavy vehicle a nimble mover. Only issues with Jeep since new, a few computer codes checked out ok. And had to replace hood gas shock prop the other day. The ones on lift gate are fine. Leased this Jeep for a 27 month term. Took it before lease was up on a Missouri to Montana trip.It performed and handled flawlessly. It sold me right there. Bought out lease and wife & I love our Jeep. The leather seats never fatigued us once on the trip. Yes, it could use a more luxurious dash. But, it is a Jeep!It does everything I want it to do. Great in snow also!

I Love My Jeep! — Quiet ride, 4 wheel drive is a plus in MN! Much more stable than the earlier models.

Great Jeep! 126k Miles And Still Going And Going And Going — I purchased this Jeep brand new in 2005 and I have been very satisfied with this Jeep since. I have put 126K miles on it with minimal issues. Would definitely buy another Jeep Grand Cherokee in the future. Great car for those looking!

Never Been In Any Accident — I love this car because it is very spacious and very comfortable, especially for long trips.and very good for the family too. the transmission is in perfect condition and everything in this car works very well very nice colors too