Until then the new Grand Cherokee will take up the slack, with the new model offering more content for fewer dollars. In
 |
| Less money for a better vehicle? Such is the kind of competitive nature that Chrysler Group has shown in recent months. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
3.7-liter base Laredo trim the 2005 Grand Cherokee stickers at $38,990, a $1,035 savings compared to the 2004 GC that currently lists for $40,025 and about a $2,000 savings over last year's car if you include the features that are now standard. Less money for a better vehicle? Such is the kind of competitive nature that Chrysler Group has shown in recent months, with the introduction of the high value, low cost Chrysler 300 series, Dodge Magnum, Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible, Dodge Durango, and others. An important part of anything Jeep has always been legendary off-road performance, and the choice of three new full-time 4x4 systems for Grand Cherokee put it in a unique class in its segment. Jeep delivers rugged off-road capability, even better than the outgoing Grand Cherokee, along with exemplary on-road characteristics due to its new independent front suspension system.
 |
| Jeep delivers rugged off-road capability, even better than the outgoing Grand Cherokee. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
The Grand Cherokee marks the first application of front and rear Electronic Limited Slip Differentials (ELSD) worldwide, and along with Electronic Stability Program (ESP) no doubt makes for extremely capable on- and off-road dynamics.
The entry-level Laredo gets Jeep's Quadra-Trac I full-time 4-wheel drive, proven to be an ideal all-weather traction system for every type of terrain. Assisting the 4WD is standard Brake Traction Control System (BTCS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP), the first for getting off the line cleanly and reducing slippage in inclement weather, and the second to offset lateral forces that could otherwise throw the vehicle into a skid and the driver to lose control.
