2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee

In recent years SUVs have become increasingly upscale, graced with posh accommodations for affluent customers who rarely, if ever, go off-road. Many of these vehicles are in fact thinly disguised passenger cars or high-riding station wagons made to look like 4x4s. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but at least one luxury SUV refuses to water down its original design—the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It stands out as a SUV with the chops to take on serious duty in the dirt, and all while keeping its occupants comfortable, if not downright spoiled. The iron fist in a velvet glove is an oft-used expression, but entirely appropriate here.

Now in its sixth year for the current body style, the Grand Cherokee comes in six different trim levels.

Looking back at its history, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been around the block and a lot of boulders as well. It first kicked up dust in 1993, introduced as Jeep's premium-grade product for the mainstream SUV market. It provided the off-road charms of the more functional and Spartan Cherokee, but was spruced up and smoothed out for more refined tastes. The formula worked, because it became the second-best-selling SUV in America, and managed to hold on to that coveted title for years.


In time, with the steady influx of capable competitors in the SUV race, the Grand Cherokee needed some updates to stay in the running. For the 1999 model year, the Grand Cherokee received a top-to-bottom redesign. New steering, suspension and brake systems were introduced, along with two new engines.


Jeep gave the Grand Cherokee additional nips and tucks in 2002, the biggest of these, a new high-output 4.7-liter V8 that offered 30 more horsepower and 35 more lb.-ft. of torque. The 2004 Grand Cherokee debuted with a new appearance, expanded model line and unique features.


Fortunately for off-road adventurers, even with all these modifications, the Grand Cherokee has stayed true to its roots. The vehicle was engineered to tackle the toughest trails and survive unscathed. The downside is that it suffers by comparison in more civilized settings. On the pavement it feels heavy, steers slowly and displays some body roll.