Even though everyone keeps saying the SUV is on the decline, there are still plenty of us in
need of large people, and other stuff, haulers. Two of the biggest vehicles to launch in this segment for 2005 are the
all new Ford Freestyle and the completely redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Ford?s new Five Hundred sedan and Freestyle crossover are two big models for the company. Along with the all-new
Mustang, Ford hopes to see sales pick back up and regain their former glory. With the Mustang they probably will. The
Freestyle does a lot but also leaves a lot to be desired.
First off the Five Hundred is a big sucker. You look in the rear view mirror and see the back window over two sets
of seats and then some. I felt I needed a new prescription for my glasses the rear window was so far away. The sitting
position was very nice and I felt pretty high off the ground, about as high as in our own 2004 Jeep Grand
Cherokee.
Handling was much better than expected and there wasn?t much body roll. But the engine felt completely overwhelmed
even in moderate driving applications and this was an empty vehicle. I could only imagine how four or five kids and
their soccer equipment could weigh the Freestyle down even more.
The interior was well laid out but the
plastic was a bit
overwhelming. Both the
steering wheel and dash
seemed a little cheap compared to the competition. And why is Ford still relying on the ugly green lighting? With the
digital readouts it looks like an terminal from the early days of computing. A pleasant blue would be much more
appealing.
I did dig the oval
vents and their metal looking trim. I just couldn?t understand what the off-colored faux
carbon fiber was doing
around the center stack.
It looked completely out of place. Ford should have stuck with an all black center stack or more of the metallic look.
The shifter was a nice leather wrapped number though.
After the drive I felt like the Freestyle would do everything it was supposed to and any everyday driver would find
it a reliable ride. But no one, and I mean no one, would be excited to drive it.
The 2005 Grand Cherokee is a completely different beast. Maybe by having such a good working knowledge of the
predecessor I can say how much better the 2005 truly is. Outside, the lines are streamlined and brought up to date for
the 21st century. I find the front and rear lights especially appealing.
Inside the gauges are
an immediate eye-catcher. They bring a bit more of the upscale Mercedes feel to the Jeep brand that has already found
it?s way to new Chrysler products. The entire
center console is new and
is more functional than before, but it lacks any real style. But this is an SUV and what do you really need from it as
far as looks go? The Hemi engine provides terrific power but I think the new V6 is just as important to sales. Handling
and braking are also much improved.
I?m looking forward to seeing what a stripped model offers for those that just want something to bang around in. The
two-toned leather seats
were a nice option, but like the
wood trim, seem a bit
overdone if you want the Jeep for off-road use. Of course Daimler-Chrysler is trying to change the Jeep?s image so
those that buy an Explorer with leather now have a much nicer alternative.