1999 Jeep Cherokee Classic W/snow Plow on 2040-cars

Auto blog

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep appears to have nailed it this time. After two decades of assembling its Grand Cherokee sport utility vehicle, the American automaker has finally delivered a world-class off-roader capable of taking on everything in its segment - and more - with a high likelihood of coming out on top.
And if you drove last year's model, it's time to climb behind the wheel again as Jeep has significantly updated the SUV for 2014 with a bold new exterior appearance, an upgraded interior with enhanced electronics and a new transmission that completely transforms the way it drives.
We recently spent a full week with a dark blue 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4, a well-optioned model fitted with the standard gasoline-fed V6. While it didn't have the punch of the range-topping V8-powered SRT8, or the fuel-sipping economy of its new EcoDiesel sibling, the high-volume variant left us quite impressed.

Gilles defends 2014 Jeep Cherokee design as "very contemporary"

Following the forced-hand introduction of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, there has definitely been a mix of responses revolving around everything from its design to the return of the legendary nameplate. As evidence of this, just check out the 1,000+ comments in our article last week and some of the many opinions that were voiced. Following this not-too-warm reception, Ward's Auto had a chance to talk to Chrysler designer chief - and SRT president - Ralph Gilles, who shed a little more light on the styling direction of the new Cherokee.
Rather than looking to previous models for inspiration, Gilles says that the Cherokee has been designed to be more contemporary, with Mark Allen, head of Jeep design, adding that a main goal was to make sure the design still looks modern five years from now. Interestingly, Gilles does point out that one of the design elements incorporated on the new Cherokee that pays homage to past Jeeps is the sharply downward angle for the leading edge of the beltline, which he notes is meant to mimic the look of the old YJ and TJ Wrangler models fitted with half doors. Of course, the squared-off wheel openings - a signature Jeep cue - are still used.
This is probably a design that will need to be seen on the street in actual daylight to properly assess, but in the meantime, we'll bring you full images and impressions when the Cherokee debuts at next month's New York Auto Show.

Key-swapping thieves steal Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT from FL dealer

Just a few weeks back, we reported on the theft of an Audi RS5 by a pair of creative thieves who managed to swipe the car's keys when the salesperson stepped away from their desk. Now, a Florida dealership is missing a Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 after some crooks switched the Jeep's keys with an identical, non-functioning set.
According to the report from local NBC affiliate WPTV, the men went in and spoke to a dealer about the Jeep. They walked outside, took a look at it, started it up and in the process managed to switch out the fobs. After doing their time with the salesperson, the thieves walked back out to the car, got in and drove away.
"I mean obviously, the way it was done, I think that they were professionals and they knew what they were doing," said Arrigo Jeep General Manager Joe Tufo. "The fact that they did it in broad daylight and switched the key fob and it was like it was nothing. That's what makes it unique," he added.