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Midsize SUV; Built in USA
  • 4-door wagon
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $6,900 – $35,000*


2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee


2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee


2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee


2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Pros:
  • Acceleration (Hemi V8)
  • Passenger and cargo room
Cons:
  • Fuel economy
  • Handling (non-SRT-8 models)

Rear-seat room and comfort disappoint, but Grand Cherokee is solid, rides comfortably, has fine ergonomics, handles well, and is tenacious off-road. It’s also competitively priced. The V6 is too weak for this vehicle’s weight, but not the workhorse 4.7 V8 or muscular 5.7 Hemi. And the SRT8 is a hot rod wagon.

Overview

Grand Cherokee was redesigned for 2005, gaining size, power, and features. It’s longer than the 1999-2004 version by 3.5 inches in wheelbase and 5 inches overall, but interior dimensions changed little. Laredo and upscale Limited models were offered. Both seated five; no 3rd-row seat was available. Laredos swapped a 195-hp 4.0-liter inline 6-cyl engine for a 210-hp 3.7-liter V6. Optional for Laredo and standard on Limited was a 230-hp 4.7-liter V8. Optional for Limited was parent-company Chrysler’s 325-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The 5.7 had Chrysler’s Multi-Displacement System, which deactivates four cylinders at idle and in cruising to save fuel. Grand Cherokee’s sole transmission was a 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate. V6 and 4.7-liter V8 models offered rear- or all-wheel drive. The 5.7 V8 came only with AWD. Each V8 used its own AWD system, but both include low-range gearing. Low-range gearing was unavailable for the AWD V6.

All Grand Cherokees had antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, 17-inch wheels, and a rear liftgate with opening glass. An antiskid system was available on AWD versions. Optional were curtain side airbags designed to protect the head and torso for both seating rows. AWD V8s offered optional front and rear limited-slip differentials. Other new options included rear obstacle detection, satellite radio, DVD entertainment, and Chrysler’s UConnect, which uses the audio system as a hands-free, wireless link to cell phones. Also available were navigation system, power-adjustable pedals, heated front seats, tire-pressure monitor, and an off-road package.

Yearly Updates

2006 Grand Cherokee
Jeep added the luxury Overland and the sporty SRT8 to the Grand Cherokee lineup for 2006. Overland had front and rear limited-slip differentials and came with rear obstacle detection and Chrysler’s UConnect wireless cell phone link. SRT8 equipment included a 6.1-liter V8, sport-tuned suspension, Brembo-brand brakes, specific trim inside and out, and sport front seats. DVD entertainment and a navigation system were new options on all models.
2007 Grand Cherokee
Standard curtain side airbags, a diesel-engine option, and other newly available features made 2007 news for Grand Cherokee. Newly optional on all but the SRT8 was a 215-hp 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel. Curtain side airbags with rollover deployment were newly standard on all Grand Cherokees; they were standard only on Overland. New for ’07 were a rearview camera and remote start feature.
2008 Grand Cherokee
The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee made news by getting slightly revised styling and a more powerful available V8 engine. Optional on Laredos and standard on Limited was a new 305-hp 4.7-liter V8, which replaced a 235-hp 4.7 V8. Hill descent control was newly available.
2009 Grand Cherokee
The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 optional on Limited and standard on Overland gained 27 hp for a total of 357. Also new was Chrysler’s uconnect multimedia suite, which could include a wireless cell-phone link, 30-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music and picture files, and a navigation system.
2010 Grand Cherokee
The 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee saw no major changes pending a redesign due as a 2011 model.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

Laredos came standard with a 210-hp 3.7-liter V6. Optional for Laredo and standard on Limited was a 230-hp 4.7-liter V8. Optional for Limited was parent-company Chrysler’s 325-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8. It had Chrysler’s Multi-Displacement System, which deactivates four cylinders at idle and in cruising to save fuel. Horsepower jumped a bit for ’06 on the 4.7 and 5.7 and a new 420-hp 6.1-liter V8 was added in the line-topping SRT-8. Regardless of engine, sole transmission was a 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate. Jeep recommends regular-grad fuel for the V6 and 4.7 V8, mid-grade fuel for the 5.7 V8, and premium-grade fuel for the 6.1 V8. For 2007, newly optional on all but the SRT8 is a 215-hp 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel. A new 305-hp 4.7-liter V8 replaced a 235-hp 4.7 V8 in 2008. For 2009. the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 optional on Limited and standard on Overland gained 27 hp for a total of 357.

ohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.7/226
Engine HP 210
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 235
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic

 17/21
Turbodiesel dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 182/3.0
Engine HP 215
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 376
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic

 18/24
ohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.7/287
Engine HP 233-305
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 294-334
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic

 14/19

 16.0
ohv V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 5.7/345
Engine HP 327-357
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 373
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic

 14/19

 12.0
ohv V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 6.1/370
Engine HP 420
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 420
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic

 12/15

Road Test

Acceleration with the V6 feels sluggish on takeoff, has little passing-power reserve, but is OK in freeway cruising. The 4.7 V8 is noticeably stronger, thus a better choice with AWD. Muscular 5.7 V8 delivers impressive power. SRT8 does 0-60 mph in just 5.0 sec, says Jeep, but didn’t feel that quick on a brief preview test drive. Automatic transmission smooth, responsive in all models. Maximum tow ratings are 7200 lb with 5.7 V8, 6500 with 4.7 V8, 3500 for V6 models and SRT8. Test AWD 4.7 V8 Laredo averaged 16.0 mpg in even mix of city/highway driving. Test 5.7 V8 AWD Limited averaged 17.9 in mainly highway driving, but just 12.0 mpg in mostly city work. Jeep recommends 87-octane fuel for V6 and 4.7 V8, 89 octane or higher for 5.7 V8, 91 for SRT8.

Overall ride comfort is quite good for an SUV, especially one with a suspension suited to severe off-road duty. Solid-feeling structure enhances impression of carlike comfort. Main demerit is some float on dips and swells at highway speeds except for taut SRT8, which tends to jiggle on less-than-perfect pavement. Handling is also impressive for a SUV, but body lean prompts slowing down for tight, fast turns, even in handling-oriented SRT8. Steering has well-judged effort, good feedback, but isn’t quick or precise by car standards. Braking strong. All models keep tire and wind noise at bay, but test 5.7 V8 AWD Limited suffered modest gear whine at highway speeds.

Interior features easy-read gauges and simple, logically placed switchgear. Most climate controls are rotary knobs–a plus–but optional navigation system absorbs too many audio functions, takes time to learn and adjust. Few padded soft-touch surfaces, but materials have rich grain, low-gloss finish, and are assembled with care. Overland, SRT8 include swanky leather/suede upholstery. Front-seat head room not generous, but there’s ample leg and shoulder space on supportive seats. Comfortable take-charge driving stance has enough adjustments to suit most anyone. Visibility a bit cluttered to right rear, and thick windshield pillars hinder seeing around some corners. Rear-seat room has scant leg room if front seats are more than halfway back. Ride height lower than midsize SUV norm, easing entry/exit. Cargo space ample by absolute standards but subpar for class. Still, good suitcase room behind split rear seat, which folds easily but doesn’t make a fully flat deck. Rear-floor panel/tire cover reverses from carpet to plastic for messy loads and has small built-in storage bin. Up-front cabin storage good, not great.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo AWD, 4.7 V8

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 5
50%
Fuel Economy - 4
40%
Ride Quality - 6
60%
Steering/Handling - 4
40%
Quietness - 6
60%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Front - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Rear - 4
40%
Cargo Room - 7
70%

Other

Value - 7
70%

Total: 57

Specifications

4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
109.5 186.6 73.3 67.7
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
67.4 20.8 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.7 39.3 41.7 35.5
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2005 Grand Cherokee 4-door wagon

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 5
100%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Air conditioner
Description: A growling sound may come from the A/C compressor when it cycles off or on requiring replacement of the expansion valve. (2005)
Starter
Description: The remote starter may not work because of a failed hood switch. (2005)
Steering noise
Description: Whining from the power steering when first started, especially in cold weather, due to insufficient fluid flow. (2006-06)
Steering noise
Description: Clicking from the steering column due to interference between the turn signal lever and the cancel cam. (2005)
Steering noise
Description: Some early production models may develop a noise from the power steering system, especially when it is below freezing, requiring an updated power steering fluid reservoir. (2005-06)
Transmission leak
Description: A recall of 99,000 units was conducted because of a bad seal on the automatic transmission fill tube, which could allow water to get into the transmission and cause extensive damage. (2005)
Transmission leak
Description: Transmission fluid leak, which appears to be a pan gasket, is from the electrical connector O-ring. (2005)
Windows
Description: The windows may not close when using express up due to pinching by tracks or loose hardware or sticking due to ice requiring possible repairs followed by resetting (normalizing) the system. (2006-07)
Windows
Description: The express up function of the windows may reverse causing the windows to go back down due to malfunctioning window regulator. (2006-08)
Electrical problem
Description: The tailgate ajar warning light may come on accompanied by the interior lights and chime due to a wire for the tailgate shorting to ground and swapping the wires fixes it. (2007)
Electrical problem
Description: The engine may not crank or start due to an electronic failure of the wireless control module and electric steering column lock. (2008)
None
Description: Squeaking from rear on rough roads requires new spring isolators. 2005-08)
Transmission problems
Description: The filter in the transmission fluid cooler line may allow the torque converter to drain down causing delayed engagement when started after cold soak and a revised filter is available. (2005-06)
Check-engine light
Description: The transmission solenoid/pressure switch leaks fluid causing a check engine light, requiring replacement of the solenoid and electrical connector and fluid may also leak from the electrical connector guide on the right front corner of the transmission. (2005)

Recall History

2005 Grand Cherokee with 3.7L V6
Description: Water from the A/C evaporator may enter the transmission leading to increased transmission operating temperatures, expulsion of transmission fluid, and underhood fire. Dealers will replace defective seals, flush affected transmissions, and possibly replace torque converters.
2005-2010 Grand Cherokee
Description: A transfer-case electrical failure could cause the transfer case to shift into neutral unintentionally.
2006-07 Grand Cherokee
Description: The software in the ABS electronic control module may allow a momentary delay in braking when coasting uphill during certain conditions, which may result in a crash without warning. Dealers will reprogram the ABS electronic control module with new software that prevents this condition.
2007-08 Grand Cherokee
Description: Front brake calipers of a certain lot may have been manufactured from an inferior type of iron, and may fracture without warning. Dealers will inspect the brake calipers to see if they fall into this lot, and, if so, replace them.
2008 Grand Cherokee
Description: The front control module may have been incorrectly manufactured. This could cause the engine to stall while driving or fail to start and/or cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative. Dealers will inspect the module and replace it if necessary.
2009 Grand Cherokee
Description: Wiring may be reversed on the steering column control module driver airbag squib connector. The driver’s airbag may not deploy as intended. Dealers will inspect the driver’s airbag squib wires and replace the steering column control module free of charge.
2010 Grand Cherokee
Description: The passenger side airbag may not properly deploy through the instrument panel tear seam. The airbag may not properly protect the passenger in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Dealers will replace the top cover of the instrument panel free of charge.
2010 Grand Cherokee
Description: These vehicles may have been built with an improperly formed or missing brake booster input rod retaining clip. This could result in brake failure without warning, which could cause a crash. Chrysler will replace the brake booster input rod retaining clip free of charge.
2010 Grand Cherokee
Description: Vehicles may have been built with an improperly manufactured rear track bar. Reduced vehicle stability could occur increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the rear track bar bushing retaining hoop and replace the rear track bar if any are found to be mis-positioned.
2010 Grand Cherokee
Description: These vehicles may have been built with a wireless ignition node (WIN) module exhibiting a binding condition of the solenoid latch. The result of the defect could lead to a condition where the key may be removed from the ignition switch (WIN module) prior to placing the shifter in park. This could result in the potential for unintended vehicle movement and could increase the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace the WIN module free of charge.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on July 18, 2014.
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