CD Article: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

[CD_Editor]

Today's Test Drive:
The Grand Cherokee is a capable off-roader, but the high-performance SRT8 model prefers paved surfaces, says Contributing Editor Chris Chase.  "The SRT8 will only make sense to people who want an SUV that behaves like a sports car," he reports.
   

  More:

Read the article | View the photos | All The Test Drives

[Stuff]

Clearly this is exactly what Chrysler needed.

[Snowman]

These things are amazing off the line with 0-60 times of 5 seconds.

[inco]

In the past month I have seen three of these things. Nice 'tude.

[tpl]

if I was an investor in Cerberus I'd ask to have the people who did this fired..( but If I were an investro in Cerberus I would want the people who bought Chrysler fired.)

21l/100 km.  can't tow. can't go off  road.   Not much room inside.  Ok for a Viper but for a Jeep ?

if Chrysler already had a stable of small and medium cars that sold well  then maybe but its just a waste of their resources. 

[safristi]

..c'mon Tpl....I can read between the LINES.....................ya want one so BAD the FIT is TOAST.......

[2latecrew]

I've never been able to understand the appeal of this type of vehicle.

If you want speed with a hemi why not buy a lighter Charger.
If you want handeling the car versions of the SRT 8s are both far superior to the high CG SUV.
Ground clearnace or off road ability? Not in this vehicle.
Interior space? Apparently not.

But people still do buy them for some reason. Certainly not my cup of tea.

[The Mighty Duck]

The Jeep has got loads more interior storage space than the sedans, and AWD.  I'm not saying I would buy one (or any SRT vehicle), but if I were in the market, I wouldn't dismiss the Jeep.  In fact, the AWD might just sell it for me.

(Although at this price point I would likely end up with an EVO, STI, or 335xi instead.)

[Schmengie]

The Jeep has got loads more interior storage space than the sedans, and AWD.  I'm not saying I would buy one (or any SRT vehicle), but if I were in the market, I wouldn't dismiss the Jeep.  In fact, the AWD might just sell it for me.

(Although at this price point I would likely end up with an EVO, STI, or 335xi instead.)

Anyone that buys one of these monsters doesn't give a fack about interior storage space (or anything else for that matter), and I'll bet most of them don't have a clue how to handle all that stupid power, either. The SRT8's a gas-sucking poseurmobile, a toy for testosterone-addled rich boys.
 

[The Mighty Duck]

Probably true for some buyers, but a terrible generalization.  If I were in the market for a stupidly fast, V8 powered monster, the Charger SRT8 would be ahead of this machine.  But what if you have two kids who play hockey?  All of sudden, the Jeep makes a lot of sense...  as long as you can afford the gas. 

This vehicle is no less stupid than the plethora of V8 Mustangs, Chargers, 300Cs, GTOs, and (soon) Challengers on the road.  In fact, it makes a lot more sense that a lot of those machines...

The one thing I will say is that it was a bad, bad call to put that exhaust in the centre.  This vehicle would be far more practical if it could actually tow...  silly decision.

[safristi]

..I love IT...before I leave this Mortal COIL_PAK...............I'm gonna have me a HEMI_HELL_BOUND_MACHO+MACHINA.............since Ferrari refuses ta sell me their latest BOY TOY....

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Sort of a ball-peen torque wrench isn't it?

[Schmengie]

This vehicle is no less stupid than the plethora of V8 Mustangs, Chargers, 300Cs, GTOs, and (soon) Challengers on the road.  In fact, it makes a lot more sense that a lot of those machines...

Yes it is. Unlike the Mustang or Challenger, the SRT8 pretends to be useful because of it's huge size. It's back seat is almost useless by regular people, so the SRT8 sounds stupid to me.

[The Mighty Duck]

Yes it is. Unlike the Mustang or Challenger, the SRT8 pretends to be useful because of it's huge size. It's back seat is almost useless by regular people, so the SRT8 sounds stupid to me.

Actually, unlike the Mustang or Challenger, the Jeep is useful because it has decent-sized rear seats, a big cargo area, and AWD.  Not to mention available DVD entertainment and navigation.  Sounds perfect for the family with two kids in little league who can't afford three vehicles!

Unless you're going to try and argue that rear seats, cargo space, and AWD are all completely useless, I don't see where you're coming from.  But please, do try and convince me just how stupid we all are for wanting cars that can seat five, carry luggage, and drive confidently in the winter!   

[Schmengie]

Yes it is. Unlike the Mustang or Challenger, the SRT8 pretends to be useful because of it's huge size. It's back seat is almost useless by regular people, so the SRT8 sounds stupid to me.

Actually, unlike the Mustang or Challenger, the Jeep is useful because it has decent-sized rear seats, a big cargo area, and AWD.  Not to mention available DVD entertainment and navigation.  Sounds perfect for the family with two kids in little league who can't afford three vehicles!

Unless you're going to try and argue that rear seats, cargo space, and AWD are all completely useless, I don't see where you're coming from.  But please, do try and convince me just how stupid we all are for wanting cars that can seat five, carry luggage, and drive confidently in the winter!   

Sorry, no offense meant, but the reviewer even commented on the SRT8's skimpy rear seat, which I think is inexcusable in a vehicle this size. There are lots of AWD vehicles that fit all the criteria you just mentioned that don't have the earth-crushing weight and dismal fuel consumption of this mother, and that's my point. The SRT8 is just too wasteful and inappropriate for the times we live in. 

[Schmengie]

Yes it is. Unlike the Mustang or Challenger, the SRT8 pretends to be useful because of it's huge size. It's back seat is almost useless by regular people, so the SRT8 sounds stupid to me.

Actually, unlike the Mustang or Challenger, the Jeep is useful because it has decent-sized rear seats, a big cargo area, and AWD.  Not to mention available DVD entertainment and navigation.  Sounds perfect for the family with two kids in little league who can't afford three vehicles!

Unless you're going to try and argue that rear seats, cargo space, and AWD are all completely useless, I don't see where you're coming from.  But please, do try and convince me just how stupid we all are for wanting cars that can seat five, carry luggage, and drive confidently in the winter!   



Sorry, no offense meant, but the reviewer even commented on the SRT8's skimpy rear seat, which I think is inexcusable in a vehicle this size. There are lots of AWD vehicles that fit all the criteria you just mentioned that don't have the earth-crushing weight and dismal fuel consumption of this mother, and that's my point. The SRT8 is just too wasteful and inappropriate for the times we live in. To quote the last line of the review: Others might wonder - what the heck is the point?

[Mark D]

So how many of these are they really going to make?  Not many... so who cares about the gas mileage, the ergonomics, the interior space etc.   It's a fun, different vehicle.  I think its fantastic for what it is... a toy.  They have a fairly good profit margin as a ho-hum Jeep.  As an SRT, with the exception of the AWD system, most of it is off the shelf SRT8 parts.  No big deal - and it increases brand/corporate awareness.

HOWEVER, I will agree that Chrysler LLC needs more, small vehicles.  I like the Caliber, but I'd prefer a 3rd gen Neon.  The Compass is pointless, if only because the real Jeep (Patriot) is right beside it for the same price.

Corporate Structure
Dodge - Sport and Muscle cars.  - And just because they're muscle, doesn't mean they can't have V6 motors and mild-hybrid systems.  I have a 1969 Dodge Charger 318.  It is no muscle car, but its still fun.

Dodge Trucks - Trucks, Mini-Vans, CUV/SUVs

Chrysler - Premium/Luxury.

Jeep - This is obvious

Plymouth - BRING IT BACK.  Practical, economical vehicles.  Keep the PT Cruiser, Make a no-frills Voyager Mini-van.  Leave features for the other brands.  Basic transportation for people who need it.  For fun Plymouths, make low-buck roadrunner type vehicles (big motors and great suspension, but i dont need leather, dual-zone climate control and TV for the kids.)

Lineup?

Dodge - Avenger, Charger, Challenger, Neon, Viper Caliber (only because it does sell well)
Dodge Trucks - Grand Caravan, RAM, Ram Van (drop Sprinter), RAM based SUV with 2Mode Hybrid, Journey
Chrysler - Sebring (Cleaner lines, otherwise fine), Sebring Convertible, 300C, add Wagon for kicks, Keep Pacifica and give it the marketing and refresh it deserves, or make a Chrysler version based on the upcoming Journey.
Jeep - Liberty, Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Jeep JT (truck)
Plymouth - PT Cruiser (IT SELLS, ITS A GOLD MINE), Voyager Minivan, LX/LY based full size sedan, mid-size sedan, and maybe through in a 'Cuda for good brand awareness

and for crying out loud - get rid of the crap plastics.  GM can get it right on the Malibu, and Chrysler can't get it right on a 50k Aspen SUV?  The interior designs are nice, but one touch and its pukeville.

I have hope for the Journey's interior.  It doesn't look that bad.  But they never do till you see it in person I suppose.

[The Mighty Duck]

The SRT8 is just too wasteful and inappropriate for the times we live in. 

The point you were making earlier was that the Jeep was stupid because it's impractical.  That is simply not the case.  Yes, there are other vehicles with the same level of practicality - but not at the same price point.  Yes, the back seat might be unfortunately small (but stick the kids back there anyway, since they'll complain even in the back of a Lincoln Town Car ), but unless you can afford a full-size SUV and a sports car, the SRT-8 seems like a great vehicle that is both practical and offers high performance. 

Sure, the fuel consumption sucks, but that's an entirely different issue.  These cars aren't going to stop existing just because we want them to.

[Schmengie]

Yes it is. Unlike the Mustang or Challenger, the SRT8 pretends to be useful because of it's huge size. It's back seat is almost useless by regular people, so the SRT8 sounds stupid to me.

Actually, unlike the Mustang or Challenger, the Jeep is useful because it has decent-sized rear seats, a big cargo area, and AWD.  Not to mention available DVD entertainment and navigation.  Sounds perfect for the family with two kids in little league who can't afford three vehicles!

Really?? Lessee, the SRT8's as-tested price was (gasp) $62,695. For that you can buy an '08 Subaru Impreza Sport ($23,195), an '08 Nissan Versa SL hatchback ($18,573) and still have almost 21 grand left over for a nice used SUV. (hopefully a small one)  There's your 3 cars.

[auto_enthusiast]

I like the SRT-8 Jeep though I'm sure it has relatively limited appeal.   And while I'm sure a Versa and an Outback are great vehicles, I don't think they'll light any fires for a person looking for a performance oriented vehicle. 

The AWD will make sure that the Jeep will have no problem out launching the Charger and 300 versions of the SRT8's off the line. I would guess that their 1/4 mile times would be close as well (though with a lower trap speed for the Jeep).  The Jeep can also do this in almost any weather condition as well - floor the RWD variants of the SRT-8 in marginal conditions and I'm sure that the traction control light would be flashing constantly.

Handling and braking is supposedly superb for an SUV and very similar to the 300/Charger SRT-8 variants (even though it weighs about 500 lbs more)

As far as interior space, it appears that the Jeep has significantly more cargo room:

http://autos.yahoo.com/jeep_grand_cherokee_srt_8-specs/?p=cap

http://autos.yahoo.com/dodge_charger_srt8-specs/?p=cap

And it even turns out Mopar has made a towing hitch for the SRT-8.  Towing capacity is 3500 lbs.

http://www.wkjeeps.com/wk_srt8_hitch.htm