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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Overview

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2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review

By KBB.com Editors

The Grand Cherokee is legendary for its rugged off-road capability, sensible size and car-like ride and interior. While most SUVs have grown to near-gargantuan proportions, the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee remains true to the general size of the original 1992 model. Engine choices, however, have grown larger and include a fuel-efficient V6, a new 4.7-liter V8, a powerful HEMI V8 and a torque-happy turbodiesel, a first for the Grand Cherokee line. Jeep also offers a choice of three four-wheel-drive systems, which range from a basic shift-on-the-fly high/low transfer case to a permanently engaged system capable of sending power to whichever wheel has traction.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you like the idea of owning a rugged SUV that offers a luxurious interior, lots of power and doesn't fill your entire garage, the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee should be at the top of your shopping list. The Grand Cherokee is the only SUV in its class to offer a diesel engine option.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The Jeep Grand Cherokee does not offer a third-row seat and interior space is nowhere near the levels of larger SUVs such as the Chevrolet Suburban, Nissan Armada or even the Dodge Durango.

What's New for 2008

The 4.7-liter V8 engine receives a major overhaul resulting in improved horsepower and fuel economy. HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlights are a new option, as is SIRIUS Backseat TV. Jeep has Hill Descent Control, which is made standard on 4x4 models with Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, while Hill Start Assist and Trailer Sway Control are also made available.

Driving the Grand Cherokee

Driving Impressions The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee retains the off-road capability of its forefathers, and rates high in the areas of ride comfort, steering and handling. However, on the ones we drove,...

at least, the brake pedals felt somewhat soft and seemed to need to travel quite a distance before attaining the desired affect. Seating comfort is supreme, with excellent neck protection provided by the forward-leaning headrest.
On the road, the V6 feels as though it has its work cut out for it; we prefer the new 4.7-liter V8 or, better yet, the 3.0-liter diesel, which is surprisingly quick. The 5.7-liter HEMI turns the Grand Cherokee into a drag racer. Off-road, we were amazed by the grip that the Quadra-Drive II displayed. When so equipped, the Grand Cherokee seemed oblivious to deep mud, extremely steep slopes and wildly uneven terrain.

Favorite Features

Six-Disc MP3 CD Changer
The six-disc MP3/CD changer can hold up to 600 songs.

Quadra-Drive II
The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Drive II is the best off-road system ever to wear the Jeep Trail Rated badge.

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Details

Interior

Jeep has done an outstanding job with the Grand Cherokee's interior. Quality materials abound and the layout, execution and attention to detail are all first-rate. The 2008 Grand Cherokee can accommodate four adults in comfort---five in a pinch. In comparison to previous-generation Grand Cherokees, there is a noticeable improvement in rear-seat legroom as well as ease of entry and exit, thanks to the longer rear doors.

Exterior

Last year's makeover gave the Grand Cherokee's handsome lines the straight-edge treatment, leaving the trademark Jeep grille and tail in place. Large flared wheel arches and aggressively styled wheels project the kind of rugged, off-road look Jeep loyalists demand. Styling for the base Laredo is simple and clean, while models such as the Limited and Overland have more ornate treatments, including body-colored cladding, fancier wheels and more bright-work.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The Grand Cherokee Laredo comes with a 3.7-liter V6 engine, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), five-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, overhead and floor consoles, keyless entry, AM/FM stereo with CD, split-folding rear seat, eight-way power driver's seat, rear spoiler, tilt wheel, side-curtain airbags, stability control, a rear wiper/washer and 17-inch aluminum wheels. The Limited trim adds a 4.7-liter V8, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear cargo cover, fog lights, memory for power driver's seat and mirrors, AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD changer and MP3 capability, leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with touch controls. Overland models feature a 5.7-liter HEMI V8.

Optional Equipment

Options include three different four-wheel-drive systems: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II. Also on the list is a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, a 3.0-liter Common Rail Diesel engine, rearview back-up camera, a DVD navigation system, heated front seats, UConnect communications system, Rear Park Assist, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, auto-leveling HID headlights, locking rear axle and a power glass moonroof.

Under the Hood

Though it helps make the big Jeep more affordable, the V6 engine has a tough time moving the Grand Cherokee's weight, especially when loaded and trying to pass at highway speeds. Despite their thirst for gas, the Grand Cherokee's V8 engines are much better suited to moving the big Jeep through traffic and underbrush. Those who seek better fuel economy without power loss should consider the 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel, which can run on diesel or B20 biodiesel.

3.7-liter V6
210 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
235 lb.-ft of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/20 (2WD), 15/19 (4WD)

3.0-liter V6 Turbodiesel
215 horsepower @ 3800 rpm
376 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1600-2800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/23 (2WD), 17/22 (4WD)

4.7-liter V8
305 horsepower @ 5650 rpm
334 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3950 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 9/13 (E85, 2WD), 9/12 (E85, 4WD), 14/19 (gasoline 2WD, 4WD)

5.7-liter V8 HEMI
330 horsepower @ 5000 rpm
375 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/19 (2WD), 13/18 (4WD)

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2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.0

Out of 10

Based on 877 Ratings for the 2005 - 2010 models.

Review this car

Value

8.2/10

Quality

8.3/10
Reliability

8.5/10

Performance

8.5/10
Comfort

8.5/10

Styling

8.7/10

I love my Jeep but it needs better MPG.

By Jackie (TX) on Monday, May 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 111,160

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "Style,comfort,safety,fun to drive,lots of options."

Cons: "Brakes, MPG, Nav screen update."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Pros: Stylish, comfortable, driver friendly vehicle. Features: U-connect blue tooth hands free phone system. Heated power front leather seats. Two driver memory settings, driver ease entry exit. Auto on/off and auto dimming headlights. Rain sensor intermittent wipers. Adjustable pedals. Easy down/up shift feature for driving in the mountains. Elegant dark metallic green paint that has held up well in the Texas sun."

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Best vehicle I have ever owed!

By Wags (CA) on Monday, May 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 85,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "It's a JEEP, not a Toyota, honda, etc"

Cons: "Should have bought 4x4 model"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I love the Grand Cherokee even though I despise driving SUV's. For some reason I feel in control of my Jeep more than other SUV's. I have just under 85,000 miles on it with minimal issues. I just had the rear brakes replaced for the first time. Yes, I'm saying that the front brakes have 85,000 miles and still going strong. The rear brakes were replaced at 79,000 miles. I just put on the third set of tires and have never had to do a wheel alignment, ever. The battery was just replace at 5yrs and 3 months with 81,000, and I bought it at Walmart for $110.00. I have the 4.7 ltr. V-8, 2 wheel drive. My leather drivers seat started splitting (not at the seam) at 27,000 miles and there is a small little rattle in my headliner above the drivers seat. I was to busy to take care of those issues while it was still under manufacturers warranty and have dealt with it since. The rattle is really minimal and comes and goes from time to time. I purchased the Chrysler MAXCARE Lifetime warranty, so I'm covered for life/unlimited miles and will take care of those issues when I get around to it. The warranty I purchased for a little over $2,000 is for life and covers electronics, drivetrain, and more. I tow a 5x8 trailer that weights close to 3000 lbs. daily for my business and it does it with ease. I have driven this Jeep across the country twice from NC to CA in two days each time. I drove for 26 hours straight with fill ups, a rest break, and another 11 hour straight drive. Once in July and once in January, hot or cold it never missed a beat. I love this Jeep, but wish I had bought the 4x4!"

3 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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This is a great car.

By maidm (VT) on Thursday, May 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 24,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I had a 3 year lease and when the lease was up a decided to buy the car, I loved it so much. I sell real estate and live in an area with snow. I need a car that is reliable and will get me where I have to go. This car also hold its value really well. The only negative is the gas mileage....not great. I don't put a lot of miles on my car in one year so this is not an issue for me but could be if you drove a lot of miles."

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Beautiful, reliable vehicle.

By Kelley on Monday, May 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 81,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Fun to drive, great 4x4 system, very reliable."

Cons: "Gas mileage isn't the best, can be uncomfortable"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Overall, I would rate the vehicle at a 9/10. I've owned 3 of these jeeps, 2 of which I currently have. Sold one to purchase a more gas efficient vehicle for my mother. I rated the comfort and convenience low because the seats hurt my (sensitive) back after an hour or so of being in the car. I have had great luck with my jeeps other than the one having a water pump go out at 50k. Other than that, it's been great. I have taken it cross country with no faults. My other one I have a lift kit and some big tires on. I took it off-roading with some jeep pals and I never got stuck once. They were quite impressed. The 4x4 system is great no matter which one you purchase (they are especially great in the snow). I would recommend the Jeep Grand Cherokee to anybody without second thoughts."

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Not the best gas mileage.

By nana (CA) on Saturday, April 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 49,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "beautiful color and pretty body style."

Cons: "no auto up on back lift-gate."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I love this car everything about it is great. The only reason I'm getting rid of it is I want a new car. And the price of gas now-a-days."

3 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Great Tire Traction Button!

By K (TX) on Monday, April 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 88,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Traction Button & Gas/Brake Pedal Mover Button"

Cons: "GAS MILEAGE SUCKS!--- Need to make a Hybrid asap!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"This was my first Jeep and I have loved it. The best feature is the tire traction button for me. You can use it when it rains, or when it's windy so you're not going all over the road looking like a drunk or someone that's falling asleep.... or that just plain doesn't know how to drive. Second great feature is the button that moves the gas/brake pedals closer to you. I never liked having to drive with my big toe. The thing I DO NOT LIKE-- GAS MILEAGE! It's horrible! I want them to make a Hybrid Jeep Grand Cherokee. Now that would be the best vehicle ever made! I hope someone of importance reads this... that can put a plan into action. HYBRID! HYBRID! HYBRID! *chanting*"

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