From: skao@booboo.tcs.com (Simon Kao)
Subject: Jeep Grand Cherokee
Followup-To: Jeep vs. Isuzu
Organization: Teknekron Communications, Inc
Distribution: na
Date: Fri, 14 Aug 1992 19:22:35 GMT

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about my impending decision between a
Jeep Grand Cherokee and Isuzu Trooper LS. A week ago, I made a last 
round of test driving and, the winner was: the Jeep. Why? The Isuzu
really shows its weight (it's about 500lbs heavier than the Jeep with
a less torquey motor) and rides with more of a "cadillac" feel; that is,
bouncy. In style, it also lost, both with exterior and interior, though
fit and finish was better. And, the LS, which is the one to compare with
the Jeep, is a few thousand more expensive. 

I got a Laredo model with a tow package, Quadra-Trak full time 4wd, and
a wheel upgrade. It cost me $23k not including tax and license (sticker
was $24.5) According to my price guide (why has everyone heard of Edmunds
but not Pace (the one I bought) even though Pace claims to have been
around for many years? Hmmm), the invoice price was a little less than
$22k.

My impressions: I like the ride quality on-road (not tested off-road
yet). It's quiet and stable, without too much body lean during cornering.
Steering response is a bit slow, possibly due to the 75 series tires, and
the on-center feel is rather vague (anyone know why trucks/SUVs don't use
rack and pinion steering?). The motor is decently strong, though gets a
bit trashy sounding if wound up. Shifting (it's an auto) is generally 
smooth, but overdrive seems a bit too much over -- doing 60mph, the engine
is turning less than 1500 rpm. I suspect that going into the mountains will
play havoc on gas mileage as this artificially induced engine speed is, I
think, a ploy to get a reasonable EPA highway mileage figure while driven
at 60 mph at sea level on a flat road! Nevertheless, once downshifted, it
has enough reserve. I really don't like the way Jeep added fog lights --
they're just stuck on top of the bumper, not integrated in like the Isuzu.

On the ergonomic side, the Jeep's interior is pretty good. One bit seems
quite an oversight, though: The switch to turn on lights is a rotary that
has 4 positions going clockwise. The switch itself is circular, with a
  __ 
 /  \  directional part that you use to turn the switch. This is basically
(---*) ok, but at night, you can't tell by glancing at the switch, what
 \__/  position it's in -- there's no indicator light at, say, the position
       of the asterisk. This is likewise the case with the rear wiper 
switch (a sliding switch) and some of the ventilation controls. In contrast 
is the stereo, with has an equalizer section with sliders and indicator           leds on each one. I would be willing to guess that the radio is designed
in Japan.

Anyone have a copy of the May 1992 Car and Driver? It had a comparison 
test in which the Isuzu won (gleefully pointed out by the Isuzu salesman)
Jeep was the 1st runner up. Well, not for me, but I'm curious as to what
C&D had to say. 

And, oh yeah, even though the Jeep has protective body mouldings and
rides higher than most car doors, it got a ding mere days after I bought
it. Oh well.

-Simon
skao@tcs.com