Pilot vs. Jeep Crand Cherokee (2005)

[Sportymonk]

Odd there is no comparison between the two. Does anybody own both? The only real advantage I see is that the JGC offersa V-8 and can tow 6500 pounds (with a 237 engine?).

[colorider]

Originally posted by Sportymonk
Odd there is no comparison between the two. Does anybody own both? The only real advantage I see is that the JGC offersa V-8 and can tow 6500 pounds (with a 237 engine?).

Did you mean 287 engine? Actually sounds about right for towing ability for a 4.7L.

I kinda like the looks of the new JGC over the old ones (but still would not own one).

[Sportymonk]

Oooppsss, gotta hire a better typist. Sorry about that.

Why wouldn't you own one? I checked around and one of the big complaints other than cheap interior materials (common complaint these days it seems) was the third row seat being way too small. Report said third row occupants will sit with legs spread as seat is too low to floor. Also a complaint about the seam in the front seat bothering the tester's leg.

Funny thing is Jeep is coming out with a "Commander" that is reported as being the awaited for three row seating vehicle. But price is tentatively reported on the Commander as $40,000 !!

[BigDogDad]

Why wouldn't you own one?

Reliability.


Report said third row occupants will sit with legs spread as seat is too low to floor.

Could be a good thing!

[robottik]

Originally posted by Sportymonk
Report said third row occupants will sit with legs spread as seat is too low to floor.

Does it have a third row? I thought it didn't.

[colorider]

Originally posted by Sportymonk
Oooppsss, gotta hire a better typist. Sorry about that.

Why wouldn't you own one?

I have the same problem with my typing (been here at work since about 3:30)!!!

I'm just not a "Jeep" kinda person. My son had a CJ7 and actually had pretty good luck with it - but now has a Liberty and it just feels "cheap" when you ride in it. Nothing about it jumps out at me as impressive. JMHO.

As far as the overall Chrysler reliability debate - well, my own PERSONAL experience with MoPar over the years has been relatively good. IMHO they are way more forward thinking than either GM or Ford.

[GreenMachine]

Originally posted by Sportymonk
The only real advantage I see is that the JGC offersa V-8 and can tow 6500 pounds (with a 237 engine?).

At the expense of gas mileage.

Don't forget the obvious one---> superior 4WD in the Jeep if you need that type of setup.

The Pilot definitely has the better reliability between the two and MUCH larger interior.

Per Edmunds.com:
Pilot's max cargo volume: 90 cubic feet
Jeep's max cargo volume: 71 cubic feet

Chrysler is also ditching the 7yr/70K powertrain warranty for 2006 vehicles and beyond and going back to the 3yr/36K standard. So much for that piece of mind...

[Sportymonk]

Originally posted by robottik


Does it have a third row? I thought it didn't.

Ooohh you are so right! When I read the Car and Driver review, they commented on how the back seat people had to seat so awkwardly. I ASSUMED they meant the third row; couldn't conceive of a second row having such problems.

Well, since today is my day off, I went for a test drive and low and behold, there is no third row seat! It is the second row that is such a mess!! mea cupa.

The ugly as sin or a Pontiac Aztec Dodge Durango has a third row seat but in a few seconds, I knew I wanted a Pilot.

Did go look at a Pathfinder also but that is for another thread.

Robottik is RIGHT, there is NO third row seat in the Grand Cherokee! That is why they are talking about the $40,000 Jeep Commander having a third row.

[colorider]

Originally posted by Sportymonk

~snip~
I knew I wanted a Pilot.
~more snip~

Was there EVER a doubt?!?!

[tallgood]

You'll find out when you go to trade it in on something else. They do not hold their value. Buy the Pilot believe me. Unless you really need that extra towing capacity. Still dont buy the jeep.

[robottik]

Originally posted by Sportymonk

Robottik is RIGHT

I'll quote colorider... Was there EVER a doubt?!?!

[johnabrown]

Originally posted by robottik


I'll quote colorider... Was there EVER a doubt?!?!

Agreed. Even leaving aside issues like reliability and future resale value, the Jeep's accommodation is clearly inferior and IMHO it looks like it was designed by a committee whose members fell out with each other during their first meeting.

[waynerd]

About the ONLY reason I'd consider a Jeep would be if I lived up some holler and would need a true 4 wheel drive almost on a daily basis (like some of my relatives in WV). Thats what Jeeps are good at. As a nearly all highway cruiser, I'd think they'd be a bit abusive to the wallet and hiney.

BTW, I think the '05's look worse than the previous models....too cheap looking.

[robrecht]

I've always liked the traditional SUV styling of the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, but a mechanic friend told me to forget about it. He actually had to tell me twice before I really heard him. If I needed a true off-roader that could tow a house, I'd strongly consider a VW Touareg, especially if the V10 diesel ever becomes available in this country.

[RFM]

I had a JGC for over 11 years, before I bought the Pilot last Fall. I really loved that car and it was very good to me (no real reliability issues until we had over 100k miles). So, when the time came to finally replace it, I went back to Jeep first. We test drove a 2005 at the "unveiling" event and both decided we did not like the changes. (It just didn't feel right is mostly all I recall.) We also drove some left over 2004s, but weren't impressed either. Maybe research on the Pilot influenced my opinion, but we both really liked driving it better. On the other hand, there are still quite a few things I miss about my Jeep...

Bottom line: I think we got more car for the money and, for our needs, it should be better over the long haul.