This year I decided after having driven 5 Jeeps for over 15 years, it was time for a change. I bought a small Volvo wagon and drove it for 9 weeks. At the end of the 9th week, I drove that Volvo into a dealership and drove out with my 6th Jeep Grand Cherokee.

These are the best cars on the market, in my opinion. They have great and comfortable space; they are roomy, have excellent sound systems that come standard and make for easy convertibility of the back space for cargo carriage.

The design does not change much from year to year.
However, living without it for 9 weeks caused me to realize how much pragmatic design is built into these vehicles. The Jeeps were one of the first to have the overhead compass above the driver's head. I have noticed when driving in strange places that is enormously helpful to the driver.

Asking someone to sit in the back does not require a contortionist to do tricks to get into it. My aunt who is over 90 was able to get in and out with a slight boost but no need for any movement of seats, or anything.

The storage compartment next to the driver's elbow is at an angle that makes for comfort in resting one's arm while driving. There are several other spaces on or around the dash that make for enough to store our usual gathering of required silliness.

The stereo system is excellent with a great radio and a very good cd player. The controls are easy to work and there are 8 speakers spaced over the dash, on both front and back doors and also in the cargo area. This provides a surround sound experience and there is some pretty high level sounds that comes from these systems.

The seat belts move with the driver. That was one of the elements that caused me to sell the Volvo. I felt tied into the seat belt and hated that feeling. My Jeep seat belt moves with me and is easy to reach when in the driver's seat.

The unibody construction of this Jeep is great. I always feel like I am driving it and it never drives me. The vehicle is so easy to drive for a heavy vehicle. The mileage I am getting is 18mpg. I have gotten 21 with others I have owned in the past, and I love the electronic device that manages the mileage, the use of gas, electronic tripometer and timing device for a trip. The overhead gauge in front shows the outdoor temperature. This is a most helpful device.

Getting behind the wheel of a Grand Cherokee is truly a wonderful experience. I love the steering wheels. They are thicker than most and make for a full fisted grip and a real relaxed drive. These cars drive just like cars and NOT like SUV's. I have a friend who owns an SUV she refers to as a truck. I have never thought of one of my Jeeps as a truck. They are sturdy cars that happen to be SUV's.

The placement of the outside molding on the doors prevents the denting of the doors by others or by grocery carts. I have been whacked more than a few times in 15 years and that side molding takes the hit nicely without dents that become permanent mars in viewing the car!!

In driving these vehicles for 15 years, I have never, ever felt in danger of tipping over in one. I have driven in snow, sleet, rain and all other conditions known to humans.
Even when I had to pull the wheel quickly to avert another vehicle, there was NEVER a time when I felt at risk in this car.

The cargo space is wonderful and has enough space to adequately service needs of day to day carriage of our usual stuff.

The back window opens to quickly accept bags of groceries from a cart in the parking lot or small pass through items. That is a nice feature. I have also noticed in my past two vehicles that the rear cargo door has become easier to close. It used to be heavier and was more difficult to slam down.

The lighting inside is more than adequate and makes for a good visual effects, if needed. The exterior lights are well placed and make for ease of night driving without a problem.

The Grand Cherokee is a great vehicle. They are sturdy, easy to care for and have few service problems, with the 6 I have owned. I intend to always go to Jeep to see the latest and newest before I ever decide to switch again. On average, I put 60-80K miles on each before trading them.

Each Jeep comes with a 1-800 JeepXXX service that can be called, when in need. I have only called them twice in having 6 of these cars. In each instance, I dealt with a knowledgeable technician who provided excellent information.

Jeep paint is outstanding. For all the cars I have had, there is a noticeable durability in their paint. They seem to hold their colors well and also, you have to really go some to get to the base metal. They take a shine well and have a great look when they are clean and bright. The new alloy metal wheels add to that distinctive look on the '04's.

The only thing I am missing with this car is this one does not have a sun roof and I do miss that, since living in Florida affords many days where the sunroofs are a nice addition to a cars' amenities. However, that was a decision I made and is by no means, a flaw in this vehicle.

Some say that these Jeeps really do not change much over years of design and perhaps that is true. But, it also recognizes that these are great cars whose designs work, whose engines are responsive and are low maintenance and do the job for the driver and passengers. It also makes them distinctive in their own way!

Needless to say, having owned 6 of the same car, I can truly say "I love these cars!!"


Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 28,999
Condition: New
Model Year: 2004
Model and Options: Grand Cherokee Laredo