2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Fort Lauderdale

Check out our New Jeep Grand Cherokee Inventory in Fort Lauderdale!!!

It's been a full four model years since Jeep has launched an all-new vehicle. That's a good deal of time, even for a brand whose vehicles have unusually long legs. And Jeep's flagship, the current Grand Cherokee, has been in the stable since the 2005 model year. So the all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee couldn't come soon enough. That's especially true since this is the very first all-new vehicle to emerge from Chrysler's 2009 alliance with Fiat. Fortunately for Chrysler, it's a good one.

Though the new Grand Cherokee will be launched, marketed and sold by this new Chrysler, it was in fact the old Daimler Chrysler that helped create it. The 2011 Grand Cherokee utilizes shared component sets with the Mercedes-Benz ML, including, for the very first time, a four-wheel independent suspension.

This Grand Cherokee has been stretched out to open up more passenger room, mostly in the second row. It still seats five, but layout changes to the center stack and storage areas have brought about huge visual and functional improvements. The driver and front passenger areas are more sculpted and inviting, and the radio and climate controls are more easily seen and operated.

Under the hood, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee gets an all-new 290-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 that's vastly more powerful and fuel-efficient than last year's woeful V6. A 360-hp V8 is still offered as an option. To make sure the vehicle keeps a firm grasp on its off-road credentials, Jeep has made an air suspension available (it can raise the JGC's ride height) and a drive-mode selector that tailors the powertrain and suspension for specific types of terrain. Also new is a fully independent rear suspension (a first for the vehicle) that improves ride quality.

Overall, Jeep has done well here. As a choice for a midsized crossover or SUV, the 2011 Grand Cherokee is pretty competitive against models like Ford's Edge and Explorer, the Honda Pilot, Toyota 4Runner and Volkswagen Touareg.

Engine Style and Performance 2011 Grand Cherokee

Every 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes standard with Chrysler's new 3.6-liter V6 good for 290 hp and 260 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard. Fuel economy with four-wheel drive is an estimated 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. The optional 5.7-liter V8 produces 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque and is rated 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway. Properly equipped, the JGC can tow 7,400 pounds.

Rear-wheel drive is standard; three different four-wheel-drive systems are optional. The Laredo comes standard with Quadra-Trac I, which essentially functions as all-wheel drive. Optional on the Laredo and standard on the other trims is Quadra-Trac II, which adds a two-speed transfer case, hill descent control and the Selec-Terrain system. This latter item allows drivers to specify which of five pre-programmed settings best suits the present road or trail condition.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trim Offerings

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a five-passenger midsize SUV that comes in Laredo, Limited and Overland trims. Each is available in 4x2 and 4x4 guises. Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglamps, cruise control, keyless ignition, dual-zone air-conditioning, a power driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel and a six-speaker audio system with satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and a CD player. The Security and Convenience Group adds remote ignition, Bluetooth, a cargo cover, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a USB/iPod interface. A back-up camera, a power passenger seat, leather upholstery and a nine-speaker stereo with HD radio, a subwoofer and a touchscreen interface are also available.

The Limited gets all the Laredo's optional equipment plus 18-inch wheels, bi-xenon headlights, rear parking sensors, automatic wipers, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, driver memory functions, heated front and rear seats and a leather-wrapped shift knob. The Luxury Group II gets you a power tailgate, power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats. An upgraded Media Center package adds a navigation system, real-time traffic and 30GB of digital music storage. Big 20-inch wheels are also optional. The Overland gets all the Limited's options, plus special trim including a wood and leather steering wheel.

First Drive of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Get behind the wheel and you'll immediately notice that the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee drives considerably better than before. The suspension offers a more comfortable ride while also providing a fair amount of stability while cornering; basically, the Grand Cherokee now rides and handles like any other modern crossover. Off-road, the JGC maintains its reputation as a capable performer thanks to good ground clearance and an advanced four-wheel-drive system.

The new V6 provides a suitable amount of power while the V8 will no doubt satisfy those wanting extra grunt or enhanced towing capacity. The five-speed automatic transmission works well, though it's worth pointing out that most competitors now have more efficient six-speed units.

2011 Safety Features Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes standard with four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. In testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Grand Cherokee received the highest possible rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset, side and roof strength crash tests.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee reinvents an institution. The new design is fresh, attractive, and comfortable while keeping that Jeep functionality that Jeep owners know and love. It can conquer the off roading trails of mud season as well as keep you and yours safe during the wintry months where mother nature hits us with everything she can muster. If you are looking for a new SUV that is comfortable for your family but will be fun for you as well, do yourself a favor and test drive the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, you'll be glad you did. Visit Jeep.com for more info on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee in Fort Lauderdale.