2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Grand Cherokee seats up to five passengers, and offers ample head- and shoulder room.

Even though the Jeep isn't the most ideal vehicle for the daily commuter grind, we wouldn't want it to be. Take it off-road, though, and it comes through like a champ. The Grand Cherokee is the best midsize SUV on the market when it comes to boulder-bashing and tackling tough terrain. The suspension soaks up rocks and ruts like a soft sponge, and the Quadra Drive traction control makes even a tenderfoot feel like a trail boss. The system combines the Quadra-Trac II transfer case and with Vari-Lok axles, which use progressive, hydro-mechanical speed-sensing torque transfer couplings in both front and rear differentials. Quadra-Drive can send nearly 100 percent of the engine torque to just one wheel, if the need arises.


We also inadvertently did the drop test on the front skid plate, and it did what it's supposed to (which can't be said about other brands of OE-supplied units we've seen that are more decorative than functional). The rock we hit must have been close to 10 inches in size, because the Grand Cherokee's ground clearance is 9.1 inches. And for those who want to know some additional off-road specs, it has a 36.7-degree approach angle, a 28.6-degree departure angle, and a 22.6-degree breakover angle.


Now in its sixth year for the current body style, the Grand Cherokee comes in five different trim levels: Laredo, Laredo Special Edition, Freedom Edition, Limited, and Overland. All versions are available in either two- or four-wheel drive. Standard features on the Laredo include a six-way power driver seat and 60/40-split folding rear seats with folding head restraints. Step up to the Limited and you also get amenities such as electroluminescent instrument lighting and the Jeep Memory System keyed into the driver seat, radio and driver-side mirror. The Jeep Memory system offers programmable settings for two drivers.


The Freedom trim carries with it rain-sensing automatic windshield wipers and leather, heated driver and front-passenger seats with 10-way power adjustments. Options available on all trim levels include adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, a tire-pressure monitor system and an engine block heater.

The Overland edition is powered by a high-output 4.7-liter V-8 that develops 265 horses and 325 lb.-ft. of torque.

Standard powerplant on all but the Overland edition is a 4.0-liter inline six that provides 195 horsepower and 230 lb.-ft. of torque. Matched to a four-speed automatic gearbox, this older design offers decent acceleration, but lacks refinement in terms of noise and vibration control. For more grunt, get the Overland edition for its standard high-output 4.7-liter V-8 that develops 265 horses and 325 lb.-ft. of torque mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. This engine is available as on option on the Limited models.