I used the Grand to travel from my Laval home town to Trois-Rivieres to attend the local Grand Prix involving Formula Ford, 2000's, Champ Cars, Atlantics and Grand Ams. I did not rent a hotel room but made the trip three times back and forth (about an hour and fifteen minute drive each time) to really feel out the bigger Jeep.
Then, I used the Grand Cherokee to go to my favorite spot in the American state of Maine, Ogunquit. It's a little more than a five hour drive from my place and it includes mountain roads, mostly highways, an easy drive like most Grand Cherokee owners will do. Packing up the family was not a trouble but the kids (a teenager and a pre-teenager) started complaining of short rear space, something we had already addressed last year. But my wife really appreciated the dual zone A/C controls! Rear cargo space was surprisingly big as I loaded big camping chairs (for the beach) that would have taken lots of space in other vehicles.
I surely cannot complain about the power the V-8 develops. It is plentiful for the big Jeep. The automatic transmission also did a good job. But the suspension did puzzle me. The Grand Cherokee is very smooth for such a vehicle. But the front and rear solid beam axles seem a little antiquated to me now (and will be even more when Ford comes out with its redesigned Explorer with all around independent suspension). It gives the Jeep a wallowing sensation that was not always appreciated. As far as interior comfort is concerned, I have to admit the Grand is very well built. There was absolutely no interior body noise. But I have to mention the rumbling noise that came from the drivetrain. Was it the tires or the axles that made such a noise? I'm not sure though, at times, I could clearly hear axle noise!
Then, I used the Grand Cherokee to go to my favorite spot in the American state of Maine, Ogunquit. It's a little more than a five hour drive from my place and it includes mountain roads, mostly highways, an easy drive like most Grand Cherokee owners will do. Packing up the family was not a trouble but the kids (a teenager and a pre-teenager) started complaining of short rear space, something we had already addressed last year. But my wife really appreciated the dual zone A/C controls! Rear cargo space was surprisingly big as I loaded big camping chairs (for the beach) that would have taken lots of space in other vehicles.
I surely cannot complain about the power the V-8 develops. It is plentiful for the big Jeep. The automatic transmission also did a good job. But the suspension did puzzle me. The Grand Cherokee is very smooth for such a vehicle. But the front and rear solid beam axles seem a little antiquated to me now (and will be even more when Ford comes out with its redesigned Explorer with all around independent suspension). It gives the Jeep a wallowing sensation that was not always appreciated. As far as interior comfort is concerned, I have to admit the Grand is very well built. There was absolutely no interior body noise. But I have to mention the rumbling noise that came from the drivetrain. Was it the tires or the axles that made such a noise? I'm not sure though, at times, I could clearly hear axle noise!