<![CDATA[Jalopnik: Jeep Grand Cherokee]]> http://cache.gawker.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/jalopnik.com.png <![CDATA[Jalopnik: Jeep Grand Cherokee]]> http://jalopnik.com/tag/jeep grand cherokee http://jalopnik.com/tag/jeep grand cherokee <![CDATA[ Ten Best Used Bargain SUVs...And One That Isn't ]]> Since owners are fleeing their SUVs like rats from a sinking ship, it seems like a great time to put together a list of the top used SUV bargains. Luckily, Popular Mechanics has put together just such a list. After all, some people out there actually need a purposeful wagon to take them off-road or help them haul a trailer and family. As such, there isn't a single crossover on the list, but you can be assured that these rugged trucks will get the job done without forcing you to work a second job. We've even found an example of each for sale on Ebay, to give you an idea of what's really on the market. Oh, and we've also included one very Jalopnik-approved used SUV that may or may not be a bargain. Check out the list below.

Land Rover Discovery


No arguing that the Land Rover Discovery is about as timeless as a modern SUV can get, but since most people are born with a natural instinct to avoid buying used British vehicles, prices for a decent used one are cheap. PopMech suggested looking for a '93-'98 model, but we found this clean-looking '99 for just $4795 buy-it-now. The only problem we can think of is that we'd likely attempt growing a handlebar mustache and wearing one of those safari hats everywhere if we bought this. [ebay]

Jeep Grand Wagoneer


Think of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer as part Hummer and part good ol' family station wagon. There was once a time when the woody side panels would have guaranteed that'd you'd never have any friends, but nowadays the Grand Wagoneer has undeniable retro-cool appeal. This one is available in Colorado for just $3400 buy-it-now. [ebay]

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Try not to think of all the soccer moms that flocked to the Jeep Grand Cherokee when it was new. Remember instead the way Bob Lutz drove one up the steps of Cobo Hall and through a glass wall at its debut during the North American International Auto Show. Regardless of whoever bought the Grand Cherokee, it was still a full-on Jeep. Nowadays, they're not just cheap, but have a great range of aftermarket parts available too. [ebay]

Toyota Land Cruiser


The only thing missing from this FJ80 Toyota Land Cruiser are the letters "UN" painted in bold black font on the sides. These things are great for tackling sand dunes, but if you feel like having a different sort of fun, you can always take some air out of the tires and try to balance it sideways up on two wheels. At least, that's what all the cool kids do. [ebay]


Toyota 4Runner


A close cousin to the indestructible Hilux, these old 4Runners were versatile not just because you could drive them over any terrain, but also because they had a lift-off top. Yes, it's a convertible SUV. The whole rear section would pop off, leaving the rear passengers with a full open-air experience. [ebay]

Chevy/GMC Suburban


If the point of this is list is to show affordable vehicles that can go off-road, tow a big trailer, and carry a bunch of people, then perhaps nothing meets those qualifications better than an old Chevy Suburban. This one we found even comes lifted on 35" tires. Sure you might not get the best gas mileage, but this seller claims theirs returns over 16 MPG on the highway after installing manual lock-out front hubs. But either way, who cares? You'll be getting so much truck for your buck anyways. [ebay]


Ford Bronco


Sure, driving a white Ford Bronco will make people think you're OJ Simpson, but why not have some fun with it and paint "I DID IT" on the hood or "If the glove don't fit, you must acquit" on the back? That seems like enough of a reason to buy this '94 model for cheap. [ebay]

Isuzu Trooper


The Isuzu Trooper may have a bad reputation for rolling over, but c'mon, doesn't that just make it cooler? Ok, not convinced? Well, then check out this rare turbocharged model and try to tell yourself it isn't dripping with a certain arms-dealer aura of cool. Those anti-Clinton bumper stickers are included in the $3750 buy-it-now price. [ebay]

Mitsubishi Montero


Sometimes overlooked, the Mitsubishi Montero is a solid choice if you want something with a plenty of off-road capability and interior plushness. This '95 model we found even has the fold-down rear-facing jump seat in the back. [ebay]

Nissan Xterra


The Nissan Xterra may be a very recent vehicle, but with its no-frills character it fits right in with this rough bunch. Common, yes, but between its ruggedly handsome looks and old-school body-on-frame architecture, you can't go wrong.[ebay]

Jalopnik-Approved Alternate Option: LaForza

Italian style with a Ford V8, now that's what we call a winning combination. But does the $5500 buy-it-now price make it a bargain, or is it just the start of a journey into an endless money pit.[ebay]

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Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:30:00 EDT Mark Arnold http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5054311&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Illinois Woman Wants To Sell You Obama's 2000 Grand Cherokee ]]> Liz Murphy of Naperville, Illinois discovered while signing papers on a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee that the vehicle had been owned by then state senator Barack Obama. Local paper The Naperville Sun reports that Murphy was happy to discover her Jeep had been celebrity-owned, but now that Obama has a chance at the White House, she's hoping to cash in a little. Murphy plans to sell the Grand Cherokee after the November elections with an eye toward getting at least above the average trade-in value. She also reports that Obama's firm handshake is evidenced on the interior of the Jeep, as a left-hand mark is imprinted on the steering wheel. Says Murphy, "Every once in a while I'll run my hands over the top of the steering wheel and say, 'Wow, this guy had a grip.'" While we're optimistic, the jury is still out. [Jeepz.com]

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Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:00:00 EDT Andrew Stoy http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5043433&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 May Get Towing Package ]]> Based on spy photos the Detroit News appears to have received from a reader, Jeep's hot-rod mid-size SUV may soon be able to pull your boat. According to their report, the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 has been spotted with the dual center-mounted exhaust outlets moved to one-per-side, and the test mule was seen pulling a trailer. Jeep hasn't revealed any power numbers for the next Jeep SRT8, but we have to believe they should at least match the current Grand Cherokee SRT8's 425 HP and 420 lb-ft of torque. Last time we looked that was plenty of pulling power for most suburban enthusiasts. [Detroit News]

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Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:20:00 EDT Andrew Stoy http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5039389&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Jalopnik Visits Hennessey Performance: The Weak Dollar Leads To Some Crazy Cars ]]> During our Hennessey Performance HQ tour there were three vehicles that caught our eye, all non-Vipers and all for foreign customers. The first was a Grand Cherokee that I mistakenly took to be Hennesey's personal Grand Cherokee SRT600, but it had Mexican plates. It turns out the owner wanted his Cherokee to be able to run the quarter mile in the 10-second range. They tried explaining that it'll easily run low 12's and that the cost to get it to run 10's was rather high, but he insisted. So what you see in the pictures may be the world's only 10-second Grand Cherokee, possibly designed to dodge Federales. The Prowlers, well that's an even stranger story...

There were just a pair of Prowlers hanging out around the shop, but the total order is for six of the Chrysler hot rods. Why? The Russians love the Prowler and an unnamed Russian supermarket magnate needs a fleet of them, which the Hennessey crew began looking for on eBay. Three of the six are getting supercharged and all of them will be fitted with chrome. Lots of chrome. The front ends, grilles, accent pieces, belly pans, wheels and exhaust are all getting the chrome treatment.

The shop was actually quite stacked with cars wearing foreign plates. The reason? With the weaker dollar it's like their foreign customers suddenly got a 50% discount.

(also see our tour of Hennessey HQ, Future Hennessey Plans and Hennessey Challegner SRT600 Exclusive First Look)

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Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EDT Matt Hardigree http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=398227&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Jeep Owner Clicks Bedliner Option One Too Many Times ]]> Covering a car in Rhino bedliner spray is something we've been thinking about ever since we found out that this V8-powered 2CV had a similar setup. And while the 2CV maintained a rather classy and safari-appropriate white color, this Jeep Grand Cherokee has been drenched with the standard-issue light black color. While an interesting idea, we're a bit curious if this doesn't have a few unfortunate side effects. Spotted by MotiveMag member ThatsGoodT, this Jeep is for sale for anyone looking for something tougher than your average Orvis Edition Jeep. Who needs a bed when you can have 60 gallons of bedliner?

[MotiveMag]

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Fri, 02 May 2008 15:40:00 EDT Matt Hardigree http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=386706&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Mexican Police Nab James Bond-Style Jeep Grand Cherokee ]]> In a daring bit of cartel violence, drug runners in northern Mexico smashed into a military vehicle, jumped out, lobbed a grenade and then made their escape on foot. Daring! Audacious! But it's what they left behind that's really insane.

It was a Jeep Grand Cherokee outfitted with the goods to put up a smoke screen and deploy spikes in the event of a chase. Part of us thinks this is really cool, and wonders if there were also missile launchers behind the headlights, an ejector seat, and hidden machine gun turrets. But on the other hand, such weaponry would be directed at Federales, and that's not cool. It's worth noting that AMC Jeeps were originally equipped with a smoke screen/oil slick machine, but that was mounted under the hood, called "the engine." [BBC Online]

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Mon, 24 Mar 2008 16:15:00 EDT Ben Wojdyla http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=371467&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Essen Motor Show: The Delta DUNE Project ]]> The Deutschland 4x4 tuners at delta4x4 have taken on the Jeep Grand Cherokee for the Essen Motor Show, building out the big Jeep mainstay into the Delta DUNE Project, a 499 horsepower desert racer. With a 0-60 time of less than five seconds, Delta's taken the SRT8 to a whole new level. On the exterior, the DUNE has been lifted by just under four inches, but given a wedge shape with the new front spoiler lowering the clearance by about two inches, and it's riding on custom 23 inch Elements IV wheels. And we mustn't forget the spice-colored coating, for yes, it is the Kwisatz Haderach. Full press release after the jump.

The DUNE Project premieres at the Essen Motor Show 2007

* In less than five seconds from 0 to 100 km/h - no problem for the 499 hp desert racer

The next desert silver bullet is the delta4x4 DUNE PROJECT, based on a Jeep Grand Cherokee. delta4x4 the Bavarian specialist for SUVs maximizes the powerof this striking SUV from 425 hp to 499 hp.

The high performance 4x4 reaches 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds. The harmonic interaction between the specially developed motor-management and a perfectly built sport exhaust system with performance manifold. Combined with the sport cat and modified air feed, add up to even more power gain. The stainless steel exhaust tailpipe completes the jaw-dropping unique look.

Due to the individualized front spoiler (-50 mm), a cool body lift kit (+100 mm) and the custom light wheel Elements IV with 11x23in mounted Continental Cross Contact tires in 305/40 R23, the DUNE PROJECT is allowed to stretch its legs, flex its muscles and demonstrate its athletic skills.

Beautifully intregrated into the front spoiler is the Warn winch, in the unlikey event that this will be needed its good to know you can rely on the best.

delta4x4 presents a brilliant lighting system for its desert racer. The stainless steel roof-rack system and the fender extension contain filigree PIAA main-beam headlights which guarantee absolute visibility on nighttime trips in the dunes.

The DUNE project is covered with a specially painted foil in a hip maroon matt-finish prepared to deal with and protect in extreme conditions.

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Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:45:00 EST Ray Wert http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=329075&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Prominent SUVs Fair Poorly In Side Impact Tests ]]>
Best not to slide sideways down a snowy bank into a Douglas-fir next time you're out romping in the Grand Cherokee, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. As the clip above from Good Morning America shows, new models of the Jeep, Chevy Trailblazer and both the Nissan Pathfinder and Xterra faired poorly in 31 mph side-impact tests. Interestingly, when equipped with optional side air bags, both Nissan models received top marks, as did the Toyota 4Runner. In other news, water is wet.

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Fri, 12 Oct 2007 10:00:00 EDT Jonny Lieberman http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=310072&view=rss&microfeed=true