Pilot vs. Grand Cherokee

[betsyschair]

I have driven Laredos for the last 6-7 years but I am done with them. Has anyone else made a switch from Jeep to Pilot? what pleasant or unpleasant surprises might be encountered?

[array]

Originally posted by betsyschair
I have driven Laredos for the last 6-7 years but I am done with them. Has anyone else made a switch from Jeep to Pilot? what pleasant or unpleasant surprises might be encountered?

i drove 2002 4,7 LTD, then i schwitched to 03 Pilot EXL.
somewhere in comparisons, there are mentioned advant. disadva. of both.
now i drive 2006 (2007 in USA) Grand 3,0 CRD Limited.

IMO_ from laredo to exl, no unpleasant. same equipment same quality. from limited - in eqipment an build quality - difference.
pilot is more versatile, better mpg, No.1 transmission. jeep doesn have it.

but i would better drive a new gcherokee than pilot, and so i do. the last model, can compete in in higher level with pilot, than the WJ.

[jl_ss]

Well, the Pilot is more reliable and has a lot more interior space. It has a much better on road ride but will not go everywhere a JGC will off-road. The Pilot is more like a mini-van that is really good in the snow. There is one issue if you are considering the 2wd version - the active noise control system emits a humming. The issue does not affect 4wd versions. Unless you off-road a lot, I don't think any of the surprises will be unpleasant. Here is the Consumer Reports predicted reliability partial list for the mid-size SUV category - there is a big difference between the JGC and Pilot:

[ncpilotguy]

I traded a Grand Cherokee for my 05 Pilot.
The Cherokee was a 94 with 160K miles.

I did not like the quality of the 05 Grand Cherokee. It felt cheaply constucted. When I pointed out to the Jeep saleman that the rear hatch was way off center he just slammed it shut as hard as he could to try and fix it.

At that stage we walked off the Jeep lot and the Honda purchase was a done deal.

[razzergreen]

I had an 02 Jeep GC, with the 4.7 for about 2-3 months. Sure I lost my "you know what" but now that I'm in my 04 Pilot EX-L... my back doesn't hurt anymore. The merced. motor in the jeep was great, too bad they couldn't find a better trans to go with it. All in all the pilot ia WAY better of an all around vehicle so far.

[tim.s]

Originally posted by betsyschair
I have driven Laredos for the last 6-7 years but I am done with them. Has anyone else made a switch from Jeep to Pilot? what pleasant or unpleasant surprises might be encountered?

I traded in my 02 JGC SE for an 06 Pilot. I had been driving the Jeep GC (a 2002 and then the 2002) for about 7 years, so I was very accustomed to it.

Here is a list of things you might miss moving to the Pilot (in no particular order). BTW, this list is provided not for debating between "good" and "bad" features, but as a simple list of factual features:

• Auto-off and auto-on headlights (daylight sensing)
• The ability to lock the doors with the remote when a door is still open
• "Program type" radio display - shows the artist, track title, and station ID for FM stations
• Very sturdy cargo area (carpeted on the side walls, so it didn't scratch up like the Pilot will)
• Sturdy cargo anchor points
• Real auto-off exterior and interior lights if left on after locking
• Better stock radio sound that uses an external amp - making for an easy amp upgrade.
• The individual interior lights will turn off if left on after locking.

There are also many user settable features in the Jeep:

• auto-door locks when driving y/n
• Unlock driver's door first y/n
• Headlights on with wipers y/n
• Honk with remote lock y/n
• Exit lights (headlights remain on exit) with programmable time: 30, 60, 90 seconds...
• User selectable service reminder (i.e., 3500, 5000, 7,000 mile intervals)
• ...several more that I don't remember/used much...

The steering wheel controls on the Jeep are also much more usefull and ergonomic.

• In addition to volume, channel, and "select", the Jeep has tune/scan up and down and an extra "select" button for changing CDs and such.
• You'll miss having the audio controls at the finger tips of both hands - with the Pilot you have to move your hand down to the bottom of the wheel and poke at the controls with your thumb or index finger.
• Same thing with the cruise controls although you run them with your thumbs (like the Pilot), they larger, placed a lot higher on the wheel, and they are easier to navigate.

Mine was a Special Edition. If you happened to have a Limited, then you'd have programmable seats and other standard features.

I was thinking of making a list of things I don't miss, but maybe later.

[betsyschair]

How does the Pilot driver seat legroom compare to the JGC? I am 6'4 and one of the things I like about the Jeep is the space.

[jl_ss]

Originally posted by betsyschair
How does the Pilot driver seat legroom compare to the JGC? I am 6'4 and one of the things I like about the Jeep is the space.

Comparison Link
You really need to drive one to determine if you will be comfortable in one.

[fjwagner]

I rented a jeep in St Louis over the weekend and was not impressed. The fit and finish was poor, the handling did not feel secure on the highway, and the doors/hatch did not close well. the Pilot is head and shoulders a better vehicle for normal usage. I wont speak to off roading. Fred

[TR4Runner]

If you want reliability and off-road ability, just get a 4Runner. That's what I did

[jl_ss]

Originally posted by TR4Runner
If you want reliability and off-road ability, just get a 4Runner. That's what I did

But betsyschair is 6'4" and wants space. I'm only 6' and my head hits the roof in a 4runner. I don't think they'd be happy in a 4runner at all.

[TR4Runner]

Originally posted by jl_ss


But betsyschair is 6'4" and wants space. I'm only 6' and my head hits the roof in a 4runner. I don't think they'd be happy in a 4runner at all.

Really? I'm just a bit over 6' tall myself, and I have plenty of headroom. I don't even have any issues when I wear a baseball cap. My 4Runner has a sunroof, so maybe that makes the difference.

[jl_ss]

Originally posted by TR4Runner


Really? I'm just a bit over 6' tall myself, and I have plenty of headroom. I don't even have any issues when I wear a baseball cap. My 4Runner has a sunroof, so maybe that makes the difference.

I test drove a limited 4runner w/moonroof back when we bought our 2003 MDX and with the seat as low as it would go, I was short about 1/2" of headroom. And it felt very cramped compared to the Pilot/MDX.

[TR4Runner]

Originally posted by jl_ss


I test drove a limited 4runner w/moonroof back when we bought our 2003 MDX and with the seat as low as it would go, I was short about 1/2" of headroom. And it felt very cramped compared to the Pilot/MDX.

If you're 6' tall and hit your head in a 4Runner, then you must have a VERY long torso. I know quite a few guys over 6' tall who drive 4Runners and have plenty of head room. Think about it--how stupid would it be to market an SUV in America for people 5'11" and under? We are not a nation of small people....

[jl_ss]

Originally posted by TR4Runner


If you're 6' tall and hit your head in a 4Runner, then you must have a VERY long torso. I know quite a few guys over 6' tall who drive 4Runners and have plenty of head room. Think about it--how stupid would it be to market an SUV in America for people 5'11" and under? We are not a nation of small people....

They inlaws always buy Toyota's and we always buy Hondas/Acuras (Except for the truck). Every Toyota of theirs I have driven has had head room problems and been cramped compared to our Hondas/Acuras where I usually have at least an inch of headroom and do not feel cramped. The only conclusion I can draw based on my experience is that Toyota interiors are smaller............