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Our friend, Mike, drives a Corvette Z06 when he isn’t riding his Honda Gold Wing motorcycle. Mike loves both modes of transportation, but he needed something roomier and more practical to accommodate his grandsons. Mike wanted an SUV, but he didn’t want to give up performance. He may be a grandfather, but he’s a long ways from driving something “sensible.”
Mike’s idea of sensible (we highly concur) is the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. This handsome SUV has ample passenger and cargo room, all-wheel-drive for inclement weather, and it can blow the doors off most musclecars. Mike’s grandsons never complain about having to ride in Grandpa’s car.
Buyers that don’t feel they need 420 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque can opt for four other engines in the Grand Cherokee: the base 3.7-liter 210 hp V6; the 4.7-liter 305 hp V8; the 5.7-liter 330 hp V8; or the 3.0-liter 215 hp turbo diesel V6. The Grand Cherokee has an engine for every performance level.
Walkaround: The Grand Cherokee has been slightly revised for 2008, but its classic Jeep shape is tough to top. Big 20-inch alloy wheels and a slightly lowered stance give the SRT8 the best look of the bunch. High-intensity headlamps are part of the 2008 front end refreshing.
Interior: Front seat room and comfort are excellent. Back seat legroom depends on the grace of front seat occupants. Three adults are a snug fit, but three grandsons and their car seats fit fine. Rear doors are a little small as is the opening angle.
Interior materials are first rate especially the suede and leather heated bucket seats in the SRT8. The gauges and controls are all easy to use. Cargo space is decent, but not Suburban-sized.
Under The Hood: As mentioned earlier, the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee has one of the most extensive and wide-ranging engine lineups of any SUV. All engines come with a fine 5-speed automatic. The SRT8 has manual shift capabilities. The various Grand Cherokee models can be had in either AWD or 2WD. The SRT8 is only available with AWD plus front and rear traction control, hill control, and high performance brakes. As quick as the SRT8 is, it also stops very quickly.
Behind The Wheel: All versions of the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee are pleasant to drive, but the SRT8 is an all-out blast. The Jeep Grand Cherokee isn’t a small or lightweight (it’s almost 5,000 pounds) vehicle, but the superb handling of the SRT8 make it seem smaller than it is. The SRT8 is one of the few Sport Utility Vehicles that truly combine sport and utility.
Whines: Back seat legroom is tight when front seats are all the way back. Larger interior storage bins would be appreciated.
Bottom line: The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is an ideal vehicle for baby boomers who came of age during the musclecar era. It has performance that exceeds almost any GTO, Mustang or Corvette and yet it’s versatile, comfortable, safe, and roomy enough for grandchildren. And, regardless of passengers’ average age, it’s a blast and a half to drive.
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