CD Article: 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

[CD_Editor]

You may discuss our cover story of the day in this thread....
Test Drive:

With 420 hp and no off-road capability, the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 seems like "a stupid idea at first blush," writes Michael La Fave. But zero to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and the Hemi's "intoxicating roar" makes one "a believer," he says.    More...

[mdxtasy]

If it weren't for the horrendous interior, I'd want one.

[The Mighty Duck]

First reaction: What a stupid vehicle.

But I still want one...

[a4_tom]

If it weren't for the horrendous interior, I'd want one.

Ditto!!

[AVToller]

WHY??  Fast yes, but bloated, ugly, gas guzzling, cramped for its size, and a poor reliability history. 

[a4_tom]

WHY?? Fast yes, but bloated, ugly, gas guzzling, cramped for its size, and a poor reliability history.

Same goes for Trailblazer SS.

[si]

So I'm thinking, ya ya ya, another gas guzzling GC with a Hemi.

Oh, it can light up all 4 tires in the dry without a sweat.

Oh it's only $48,495.  I was thinking it'd be 48K USD.  That'll save you some coin for petro canada.

[Benhaze]

If it weren't for the horrendous interior, I'd want one.

The interior hard plastic is horrendeous! Oh well...

Gas guzzler tax is $800 on this baby.

[G0dspd]

It looks like an honnest SUV ... doesn't pretend to be the ultimate Jeep. (It's not meant to go off-road)

Also, you can get a Base Commander with the V8 for 43,385.00$ ... but that's not a SRT. 

Funny!  ... those LR3 are heavy as hell.
http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/06/here-s-mud-in-your-eye-grand-cherokee-liberates-lr3-from-earth/

[Snowman]

The SRT-8 does not go off-road as DC recommends that it should not. More uselessness.

[Shnak]

No kidding... If I absolutely wanted an Hemi, it'd probably be in the Charger... no a trail-UNrated Jeep... 

[johngenx]

Sorry, but for the same MSRP I'll get the STi and get...

Better build quality
Better handling
Lack of SUV-ugly bodywork
Better interior
Lower depreciation
Better fuel economy
Rockin' six-cogger DIY shifting
No "pimpin" looks from people

[Shnak]

Sorry, but for the same MSRP I'll get the STi and get...

Better build quality
Better handling
Lack of SUV-ugly bodywork
Better interior
Lower depreciation
Better fuel economy
Rockin' six-cogger DIY shifting
No "pimpin" looks from people

Instead of pimpin' looks, you'll get ricer looks... which probably isn't a whole lot better...

and the STI offers as much back seat space as a S2000... useless.

So it's matter of preference... I wouldn't want the STI or the GC SRT8, but for different reasons... 

[chrischasescars]

Sorry, but for the same MSRP I'll get the STi and get...

Better build quality
Better handling
Lack of SUV-ugly bodywork
Better interior
Lower depreciation
Better fuel economy
Rockin' six-cogger DIY shifting
No "pimpin" looks from people

Or, for $37,000, get a Mazdaspeed6. Almost as much power as the STi, more interior space, and it doesn't look like a riced-out Impreza. I know the STi is much more than that, but I cannot get past the squirrel-eater hood scoop and basket handle spoiler.

[Howswedeitis]

Quite the "sports" SUV and you know something if you're in the market for such a beast
it represents an excellent value. Sure the dash is kinda cheap but the performance is
there and for the price you can't beat it. What DC should do is put one of their
Mercedes (Euro Spec S Class) turbo diesels in there which would give you
almost equal performace and a heck of a lot more fuel efficient.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

If it weren't for the horrendous interior, I'd want one.

Ditto!!

Trippo.

But have to admit I do really like the exterior enhancements, front and particularly rear. Well done.

[froggy]

I must say this car confuses me...
As much as I dislike the whole Hemi mythology and hates gas-guzzlers, I am really attracted to that one (and I hate the 300 and the Chrager). Performance of the Cayenne for 1/3 of the price...   
And to be honest, it will see as much off-road as the average Cayenne or Escalade will, ie none!
To my dismay ( ), I love this car and it would be the perfect family car for anybody willing to splurge 50k and with connections with the oil industry. Reliability? Don't think Porsche and BMW are that much better. Range Rover? 

[Bullet Blue]

I drove past a new GC that was stalled in the middle of a busy intersection today. Doesn't bode well when a new model needs to get towed away 

SRT8? No thanks. I'll take an Sti or even a Charger. GC SRT is one of those vehicles to add to the "why the hell does it exist" list.

[johngenx]

Or, for $37,000, get a Mazdaspeed6. Almost as much power as the STi, more interior space, and it doesn't look like a riced-out Impreza. I know the STi is much more than that, but I cannot get past the squirrel-eater hood scoop and basket handle spoiler.

Ah, yes.  The Speed6 is a Q-ship form Mazda with an Audi-quality interior and rockin' performance.  It's more subtle than the STi, no doubt.  The AWD is FWD-biased, but still works well.  One thing I don't like about either the Speed6 or the STi is no wagon variants.  I really think that the Impreza WRX wagon should be $31,995 and an STi wagon should be $39,999.  If Mazda can bring the Speed6 to the showroom for $36K, Subaru should bring the older-chassis STi to Canada for $40K base.

[Shnak]

Or, for $37,000, get a Mazdaspeed6. Almost as much power as the STi, more interior space, and it doesn't look like a riced-out Impreza. I know the STi is much more than that, but I cannot get past the squirrel-eater hood scoop and basket handle spoiler.

Ah, yes.  The Speed6 is a Q-ship form Mazda with an Audi-quality interior and rockin' performance.  It's more subtle than the STi, no doubt.  The AWD is FWD-biased, but still works well.  One thing I don't like about either the Speed6 or the STi is no wagon variants.  I really think that the Impreza WRX wagon should be $31,995 and an STi wagon should be $39,999.  If Mazda can bring the Speed6 to the showroom for $36K, Subaru should bring the older-chassis STi to Canada for $40K base.

What???