Autoblog

Spy Shots: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee out testing in Detroit

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:56:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Jeep, Luxury, Off-Road

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - Click above for high-res image gallery

A little lawsuit isn't going to keep Chrysler from getting the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee ready for production. The next generation family-sized Jeep was spotted on Michigan roads. Looking rather spiffy in a matte black coat, from the side the SUV is a Cherokee with just a bit of a twist. However, the revisions to the rear and front, as well as its stance, appear to give it more European feel than any Jeep has ever had. Especially from the back it is heavily scented with an X5 influence.

If it gets an old world luxury interior to match, then who knows - the 2011 Grand Cherokee could be all growed up. You can have a look at it for yourself in the gallery of photos below. Hat tip to Peter.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[Source: Jeep Garage via Accelerating Perspective]

Spy Shots: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee out testing in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA to investigate 3 million 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee over gas tank fires?

Dan Roth — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Government/Legal, Safety, Jeep

The position of the plastic fuel tanks in 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees makes them potential fireballs, argues the Center for Auto Safety. The nonprofit organization says that the fuel tank's location makes the pre-2005 Grand Cherokees prone to catching on fire when involved in an accident. Located behind the rear axle and hanging down below the bumper, shorter vehicles can impact the tank directly, says the Center. The fuel filler neck has also sheared off during some of these incidents, leading to fuel spills and the increased potential for fires.

The Center is petitioning the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to open an investigation and recall some three million vehicles. Chrysler says the Grand Cherokee will come out of the study having met or exceeded any applicable standards. The organization also notes that NHTSA's files reveal 1993-2004 Jeeps involved in 172 crashes with fires and 254 deaths, while just one post-'05 Cherokee has had a fatal fire incident. The defect petition got underway with NHTSA on November 6, and could take a while, though this isn't the first time the agency has looked at problems with these Jeeps.

NHTSA's "defect petition" process began earlier this month, but a resolution isn't immediately forthcoming - such investigations can take many months - possibly years.

[Source: AutoWeek]

NHTSA to investigate 3 million 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee over gas tank fires? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee launch threatened by parts dispute?

Chris Shunk — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - Click above for high res image gallery

Chrysler and Daimler have been divorced for nearly three years, but the two automakers are still very much entwined when it comes to product. The Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger use a platform and several components sourced from Daimler. Chrysler's short-term product plans include more Daimler DNA in the the Mercedes-Benz M-Class architecture that forms the basis for the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango underpinnings.

Unfortunately for the Pentastar, Daimler doesn't seem to want to play parts pimp for its former underling, as it is shorting the company of vital components required to continue operations. In August, Chrysler filed suit against Daimler because the German automaker was withholding parts like torque converters and steering columns. That suit has reportedly been settled, but now Chrysler alleges that the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee launch is now in jeopardy. As such, Chrysler has filed a second suit to force Daimler to provide rear axles and other components in a timely fashion, stating that the company needs the parts to build new Grand Cherokee models for testing in advance of the vehicle's May launch.

Daimler spokesman Han Tjan reportedly told The Detroit News that his company feels the situation could be handled outside the courts, but Chrysler doesn't seem inclined to agree. It appears Chrysler is trying to hedge its bets by filing suit, as company spokesman Michael Palese told the News that the company needs the parts in the next 20 days and the company wants Daimler to finalize the contract to supply the parts. Palese added, "Chrysler has too much at stake to take a chance. These are important vehicle programs at a critical point in their launch cycle. We can't afford any delays."

This parts battle is part of a larger war (so to speak) between Daimler and Chrysler over diesel engines. Daimler wants $80 million from Chrysler to cover expenses the former incurred when Chrysler didn't purchase as many diesel engines as expected from Daimler to service the overseas market. Daimler wants the $80 million as a make-good for the lost volume. Chrysler says its recent bankruptcy shields it in this particular conflict, saying that the process resolved any lingering contract disputes, and that its new master, Fiat, isn't on the hook for the money. Ultimately, it boils down to this: Auburn Hills wants the courts to rule that all past contracts are still in effect -- ensuring a parts supply flow from Daimler for the affected new vehicle programs -- and that the Detroit automaker doesn't owe the Germans any money. If things don't go Chrysler's way, it looks as if life could get really ugly for Fiat's new ward.

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[Source: Detroit News]

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee launch threatened by parts dispute? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Oct 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep recalling more than 47,000 Liberty, Commander, Grand Cherokee, and Wrangler models

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Recalls, Safety, Chrysler, Jeep

Chrysler is recalling over 47,000 models, including the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Commander, and Wrangler four-door that may have reversed wiring on the driver's airbag controller, a defect that may inhibit the airbag's deployment. Additionally, the 2002 and 2003 Jeep Libertys sold in New England and much of the Midwest are susceptible to a loss of lubrication in their front ball joints due to salt. The remedy for both recalls is a trip to the dealer, who will inspect and make any necessary repairs. You can read the full press releases after the jump.

[Source: NHTSA (Cherokee, Commander, Wrangler) & NHTSA (Liberty)]

Continue reading Jeep recalling more than 47,000 Liberty, Commander, Grand Cherokee, and Wrangler models

Jeep recalling more than 47,000 Liberty, Commander, Grand Cherokee, and Wrangler models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Noah Joseph — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Jeep, Rendered Speculation

Our friends over at Jalopnik have what they claim is an official rendering of the next-generation 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. With the redesigned 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee already revealed under the brights lights of the New York Auto Show, it was only a matter of time before we received news of the high-performance version's fate.

Aside from big wheels, a ram air scoop, rear spoiler and some subtle ground effects, the new GC SRT8 looks fairly restrained from the outside, but inside reportedly lies a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 producing between 505 and 525 horsepower and somewhere around 510 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle's all-wheel-drive system will also reportedly be heavily revised to handle all that power, which should make this new SRT8 SUV faster than its predecessors and one of if not the fastest SUV of all time.

Being that Chrysler uses the same V8 in most SRT8 products, expect this one to find its way under the hood of the Challenger SRT8 and Charger SRT8, as well. You might be asking why Chrysler continues to keep the lights on in the SRT offices, especially after GM scuttled its High Performance Vehicles Operation. While the cash to make new SRT vehicles could certainly be used for other things, we applaud the Auburn Hills-based automaker's decision to further fund its high performance department. If anything, it shows there are men and women in the company who still passionate about building things other than minivans and Wranglers.

UPDATE: We contacted Chrysler to confirm this rendering is indeed official and were told, "Definitely not ours." So consider the image and information above speculation until harder evidence surfaces.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Rendered Speculation: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York: Muscled-up 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will take the stairs, thank you

Chris Paukert — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:56:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, SUV, Jeep

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee live reveal - Click above for high-res gallery

First thing this morning at 12:01 am, we gave you a deep dive into the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and earlier we sneaked a few snapshots while the truck lazed about before its press conference. Now, we've just returned from Chrysler's press conference to bring you live shots of a polished silver example that climbed the stairs up to the stage here in New York's Javits Center.

Shown here in this color live for the first time, we found that silver serves the Grand Cherokee's newfound contours and angles to very good effect - particularly the muscular door panels. This was also the first glimpse we had of the GC's new air suspension doing its thing, as it easily clambered up the stage steps at full off-road height (11.1-inches), before sinking to its lowest setting, where it looked for all the world like an impromptu low and mean SRT8 version.

We also managed to be among the first inside the vehicle to bring you a few exclusive snapshots of the model's rich new orange-brown leather treatment. Click on the high-res gallery below to see the frame-by-frame climb and the interior for yourself.

Gallery: New York: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

New York: Muscled-up 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will take the stairs, thank you originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - First Live Shots!

John Neff — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:20:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, SUV, Jeep

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee live shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

One of the most significant debuts at the 2009 New York Auto Show is undoubtedly the next-generation 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. We've just had the chance to see Jeep's new SUV in person ahead of its official unveiling later today, and we're even more impressed with the design in person than in pictures. The clean styling is a departure for the brand, which has lately adhered a bit too closely to its traditional utilitarian box design language. The Wrangler look doesn't work on every vehicle, and thankfully Jeep has softened the Grand Cherokee just enough to look sophisticated, but not so much that it appears incapable of traversing trails. We'll bring you more on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee from its formal debut later in the day, but for now you can peruse our new live shots and the official images from Jeep in the galleries below.

Gallery: New York: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

New York: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - First Live Shots! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee must serve two masters

Chris Paukert — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, SUV, Chrysler, Jeep

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite always being a unibody vehicle, like many body-on-frame SUVs, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been largely shown the door by a raft of new crossovers that have played to consumers looking for improved on-road performance. Oh, back when the current WK model was new for 2005, then-DaimlerChrysler made a splash with a new double-wishbone suspension that was better able to soak up tarmac imperfections, but some hardcore brand loyalists felt betrayed because the improved ride came at the expense of axle articulation. Not wanting to risk offending brand acolytes with their new 2011 model, Jeep faced a pair of seemingly divergent goals: Improve off-road ability while making the vehicle more attractive to a wider, street-oriented mainstream audience. In other words, as Chrysler's vice-president of design Ralph Gilles put it to us, Jeep's mission was to "put the 'Grand' back in Grand Cherokee."

Let's get this out of the way right now: Both domestic and global auto markets have evolved greatly from the late-Nineties salad days when Jeep once managed to shift 300,000 Grand Cherokees. And while last year the GC sold under a third of that total, it remains a linchpin in the company's operation, particularly as the larger three-row Commander model is not scheduled to receive a replacement. The company's fortunes are incredibly shaky right now, but if it is to survive in any form, products like the GC will still need to be able to shoulder a heavy burden. Does the GC have the muscles for the job? Follow the jump to find out.

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Continue reading New York: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee must serve two masters

New York: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee must serve two masters originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Performance, SUV, Jeep, Reviews

2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

In many ways, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the best vehicles in Chrysler's lineup. Along with the Wrangler, it packs real off-road capabilities into an angular, no-nonsense body. It's an authentic Jeep, first and foremost, and makes no excuses for being anything another than a full-fledged SUV.

Then there's the SRT8 version.

This is what happens when you let the hot-rod mavens at SRT play with time-honored Jeep tradition. Over the last decade, many manufacturers have created high performance SUVs and crossovers, but this beastie is the only one available with a HEMI. The SRT8 is the twisted offspring of the unnatural pairing of a Jeep and a Dodge Viper, and Chrysler was kind enough to loan us its hottest GC for a winter trip to the ski mounds of Northern Michigan. Find out how it behaved after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Continue reading Review: 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Review: 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee grows grander

Noah Joseph — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Jeep

Jeep was one of the pioneers in the sport-utility segment before it exploded, yet when the train left the station, the iconic rough-and-tumble brand seemed to have been left behind. But now even while the band plays on the sinking deck of the SS Chrysler, Jeep is trying to catch up and stay afloat with this new offering lining up for the privilege.

According to the latest spy shots and reports, the next Jeep Grand Cherokee looks prone to grow a bit grander. Once considered the sportscar of the SUV segment, the 2010 Grand Cherokee will have a noticeably longer wheelbase, longer rear overhang and likely third-row seating. As the project was likely started while under Daimler's wing, the new Grand Cherokee is anticipated to borrow architecture from Mercedes SUVs like the ML and GL. Although Chrysler apparently killed off the diesel option on the current model for the new year, it may return for the new model, joining the same range of V6 and HEMI V8 engines that may expand to include a HEMI hybrid (Hymi, anyone?), though don't expect a successor to the hot-rod Grand Cherokee SRT8 any time soon. The design, meanwhile, will still include such trademark styling cues as the seven-slat grille, four round headlights and squared-off wheel arches, but expect the overall shape to borrow from the Trailhawk concept from the Detroit Auto Show of two years ago. The new Grand Cherokee may make its debut later this year at either the Chicago or New York show, so stay tuned.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Spy Shots: 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee grows grander originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler expanding Detroit plant for car-based Grand Cherokee

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Jeep

Click above for big gallery of the current Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep has a long and illustrious history with the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, and that lineage will continue on, albeit with some modifications to remain relevant to the times. Unlike many of its closest rivals that used a body-on-frame approach (we're looking at you, Explorer), the Grand Cherokee has always been based on a unibody platform. But it looks like future Grand Cherokees will be moving on to a car-based platform rather than its own dedicated one. To retool for this new vehicle program, Chrysler has announced that its Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit will be getting a $1.8 billion renovation that should employ 400 new workers -- a boon for the weary Detroit-area economy.

While purists may not like the idea of a car-based Grand Cherokee, we can't imagine that Chrysler would make the mistake of alienating its vast army of die-hard Jeep fans by making its flagship product too road-biased. Remember too that the Grand Cherokee name has always been affixed to a model that's a bit less rough-and-tumble than other more hardcore Jeep models like the Wrangler. Expect to see the next-gen Grand Cherokee sometime in 2010. Thanks for the tip, Roger!

[Sources: Dow Jones Newswire, Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Chrysler expanding Detroit plant for car-based Grand Cherokee originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler recalls Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander for stalling

Chris Tutor — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 10:32:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Chrysler, Jeep

Chrysler is warning 1,338 owners of Jeep Grand Cherokees and Commanders that they could be driving unsafe vehicles. In Chrysler Recall H03, a handful of Jeep owners are told their vehicles' control modules might have been incorrectly installed, which could cause stalling and/or windshield wiper failure. Both of which, as we all know, could be quite dangerous.

The campaign began on February 5, so we might be a little late in warning the few owners involved. But ConsumerAffairs.com quotes several owners of older (some, much older) Jeep Cherokees exhibiting the same problems. The way we see it, if you're driving a 10-year-old Jeep, you should expect an occasional stall and infrequent wiper failures. But with luck, owners of the misbehaving SUVs might just see their vehicles repaired under an expanded recall. Keep your fingers crossed, but don't hold your breath. Thanks for the tip, David!

[Source: NHTSA via Consumer Affairs]

Chrysler recalls Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander for stalling originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Preview: 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee revealed

John Neff — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, SUV, Jeep

Click above image to view 10 desktop-sized photos

The Chrysler Group is kicking off its presence at the 2007 New York Auto Show by unveiling the new 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee a little early. The new GC features a revised exterior that's difficult to detect at first glance. We'll hit the high points for you. First off, the front end features a grille that dips down a bit lower, and the bottom of the headlights have been rounded off to enhance their Jeepishness. One can also order a set of HID auto-leveling headlamps. The fog lamps have also been lowered to improve their effectiveness. Hardcore off-roaders will be pleased to know, however, that the new fascia is compised of two-pieces, the lower of which can be removed when trail-rating your new Grand Cherokee. The taillights out back are also revised.

Underhood the new GC now features no less than five engine options, one of which is an all-new 4.7L V8 that slots in below the 5.7L HEMI V8. The new 4.7L V8 produces 291 horsepower and 322 ft-lbs. of torque. That's more power and torque than the old 4.7L V8, plus it's more fuel efficient (though Jeep doesn't indicate by how much) and flex-fuel capable. Also available is the 3.0L common-rail Diesel V6, 3.7L V6, 5.7L HEMI V8 and 6.1L HEMI V8 in the SRT-8 model.

The Grand Cherokee's interior also gets the once over, though unfortunately Jeep hasn't provided any pics showing the inside of the SUV yet. We can tell you, however, that both the MyGIG entertainment system with a 20 GB hard drive and the new SIRIUS Back Seat TV are both available on the new 2008 model.

Jeep's complete press release can be found after the jump, while we've assembled a new high-res gallery featuring desktop wallpaper-size pics of the new 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

[Source: Jeep]

Gallery: 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Continue reading New York Preview: 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee revealed

New York Preview: 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Apr 2007 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Chris Shunk — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Jeep

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is in line for a facelift, and the folks over at Popular Mechanics have the photos to prove it. The mule in these pics sports very little camo up front, and nothing covering the rear, and yet it's still difficult to tell where the changes lie.

Up front, the headlights have been updated, with the outside light overlapping the inside light. The front bumper and the grille are also both revised. Out back, the taillights have been slightly changed and now feature amber turn signal lenses.

The 2008 Grand Cherokee will be getting the 3.0L Common Rail Diesel, which is sourced from foster parent Daimler-Benz. No word yet on whether Jeep will get the upgraded 290-hp 4.7L V8 that powers the 2008 Dakota, but we'll undoubtedly find out soon enough. The updated Grand Cherokee will be unveiled next week at the New York Auto Show, and we'll be on hand to chart the changes in person.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Spy Shots: 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep prices the 2007 Grand Cherokee CRD

John Neff — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Green, Daimler, Jeep

We know for sure that in a couple of years the U.S. market will have more diesel options than it's had in a very long time. They'll be powerful, efficient and clean diesels, different in every way from the ones you remember during the Reagan era. DaimlerChrysler is poised to enjoy having the broadest lineup of diesel engines available across its many brands in the coming years, and one of the first that's 50-state legal is the Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD, pricing for which was released today. To refresh your memory, the GC CRD's V6 is the same 3.0-liter diesel developed by Mercedes-Benz and used in many of that brand's products. It produces 215 horsepower and a stout 376 ft-lbs. of torque. For comparison's sake, the GC's available 5.7-liter V8 produces more horsepower at 330, but falls behind the 3.0-liter V6 CRD in torque with 375 ft-lbs. No doubt it will also far behind the CRD engine in fuel economy, which promises 20 city/25 highway for 4x2 models and 20/24 for 4x4 models.

Below you'll find the pricing of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD, with the prices of comparable gas-powered models included, as well. The official press release from Jeep can be found after the jump.

Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD Limited 4x2 $38,475 (including $695 destination)
Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x2 $35,425

Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD Limited 4x4 $41,715 (including $695 destination)
Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 $38,015

Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD Overland 4x2 $41,960 (including $695 destination)
Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x2 $39,950

Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD Overland 4x4 $45,395 (including $695 destination)
Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4 $43,385

Gallery: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD

[Source: Jeep]

Continue reading Jeep prices the 2007 Grand Cherokee CRD

Jeep prices the 2007 Grand Cherokee CRD originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jan 2007 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep Commander going down by 2009

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 08:12:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Daimler, Jeep

The guys and gals at DaimlerChrysler haven't made an announcement yet, but according to sources within the United Auto Workers (UAW) and industry analysts, the size-16 shoebox on wheels from Jeep is on its way out.

The Commander will likely be nixed after the 2009 model year due slow sales and a high sticker. Competition between vehicles within the same brand is never a good thing, and it seems that the Commander may have cut into sales of Jeep's similarly sized 'ute, the Grand Cherokee.

Since Edmunds.com is claiming that potential buyers of the Commander were being offered up to $8,000 in incentives towards the end of 2006, the German-American hybrid may have seen the writing on the wall. Considering that the Commander has always been in a somewhat odd segment, falling between the Grand Cherokee and full-size SUVs, it would seem that this experimental niche was a gamble that didn't pay off.

[Source: Detroit News]

Jeep Commander going down by 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Jan 2007 08:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler recalls more than 68k 2007s

Chris Tutor — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 14:10:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Chrysler, Daimler

If you own a 2007 Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep listen up, because you're likely affected by Chrysler's latest recall. DaimlerChrysler is bringing home more than 68,000 vehicles to reprogram balky brake computers.

The 11 affected models are 2007 versions of the Sebring, 300, Charger, Magnum, Caliber, Commander, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Nitro and Compass. Whew.

Chrysler says computers in the recalled vehicles' could fail, leading to a loss of antilock brakes, traction control and speedomter functions. We don't remember much from our drivers' ed class, but we're pretty sure brake failure is hardly ever a good thing. Thankfully DC says nobody's been hurt yet.

Oh, and you Sebring drivers must have broken a mirror or something. While one team of crack DC mechanics gives your car a brain transplant, another team will be reteaching it to defrost your windshield. So take a book or something. That particular recall affects about 6,000 new Sebrings.

[Source: Reuters]

Chrysler recalls more than 68k 2007s originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Dec 2006 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep Grand Cherokee on the hot seat, recall-wise

Stuart Waterman — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 09:05:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Recalls, Daimler, Jeep

DaimlerChrysler is recalling more than 260,000 Jeep Grand Cherokees because of breaking cooling fan blades and seat fires.

The hot seats can be found in 112,000 Grand Cherokees from the 2003 and 2004 model years, equipped with seat heaters. Apparently the passenger-side seat can overheat, a problem which led to at least 32 vehicle fires.

The cooling fan recall affects about 150,000 Grand Cherokees equipped with the 4-liter six-cylinder engine and sold in the 2000 and 2002 model years. Blades can break off the fan while it's running, potentially injuring anyone within range if the hood is open. The NHTSA has received nearly 200 complaints about the problem.

[Source: Automotive News]

Jeep Grand Cherokee on the hot seat, recall-wise originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Jul 2006 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Unintended acceleration' allegations leveled against Jeep Grand Cherokee

Chris Paukert — Thu, 15 Jun 2006 07:03:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Government/Legal, Safety, Audi, Jeep

In word that must have long-time Audi executives reaching for their Maalox by association, Connecticut officials are urging federal regulators to investigate allegations of 'unintended acceleration' in late-model Jeep Grand Cherokees.

The call comes after a 52-year-old man was run over and killed in a car wash in the state. In fact, the hubbub seems to be that something in that particular environment appears to make these episodes more likely - Connecticut bigwigs have logged a number of complaints about the vehicles suddenly picking up speed when drivers move the automatic transmission from 'neutral' to 'drive' while in car washes.

Car buffs may recall Audi's bout with 'unintended acceleration' way back in 1986, when news program 60 Minutes demonized the company's 5000 model sedan. The company's reputation and sales tanked, taking more than fifteen years to rebound. In that case, the syndrome was later judged to be the result of operator pedal misapplication.

If we had to put money on it, we'd be just as quick to cite wet shoes and slippery pedals.

[Source: CNNMoney.com]

'Unintended acceleration' allegations leveled against Jeep Grand Cherokee originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jun 2006 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Travelogue: 2006 One Lap Of America

Chris Paukert — Tue, 09 May 2006 11:54:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Daimler, Dodge, Ford, GM, Honda, Jeep, Lotus, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Mitsubishi, Pontiac, Porsche, Subaru, Volkswagen

Well, the fuse has been lit on the 2006 installment of the splendiforously-titled Tire Rack Cannonball One Lap of America presented by Car & Driver (better known as 'One Lap'), and as usual, your trusty Autoblog contact is on the scene. We had high hopes for 'live-blogging' the Cannonball Run offspring this year via daily updates, but circumstances have conspired against us. At any rate, for those not terribly familiar with the event, here's the (kinda-sorta) quick and dirty:

Brock Yates, patron saint of modern American automotive journalism and founder of the original 'Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash,' created a weeklong national road rally in 1984 for gearheads and their hangers-on. In its original incarnation, the event was a bleary-eyed run around the perimeter of these United States. In more recent times (1992-present), One Lap has evolved into a more sophisticated setup that sees racers drive from racetrack to racetrack around the country (the route changes each year), with stops at major and minor tracks along the way. The race is essentially a 'rung whatcha brung' event in which cars of wildly varying description and capability duke it out in different racing venues for overall and in-class wins. The beauty of One Lap is its simplicity-- if you can find a state willing to slap a license plate on it, it's okay by Brock. Racers must attend a couple of track day schools and meet certain rudimentary safety standards (helmets, SFI-rated firesuits, etc.) and run on tires purchased from title sponsor The Tire Rack, but everything else is essentially fair game.

Entrants test the durability of their rides, their backsides, and their mental states not only with long transit stages, but also a good cross-section of events -- everything from road courses to ovals to drag strips. Transit stages on public roads are not timed or scored events, though generally there is at least one passage control along the way to keep things 'on the level.' By way of example, a few years ago, One Lappers were treated to a dirt oval, proving once and for all that auto afficianados haven't lived until they've seen a Lamborghini Diablo spraying muddy roostertails up over the catch fence.

Click through to the jump for more One Lap of America, including dozens of photographs!

Continue reading Autoblog Travelogue: 2006 One Lap Of America

Autoblog Travelogue: 2006 One Lap Of America originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 May 2006 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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