The Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ was introduced in 1992 as a successor to the smaller Cherokee (XJ). It was intended to compete in the luxury SUV segment. This car is available in base, Laredo and Limited trim levels. This very example is a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee in Limited trim with a 4.0 AMC High Power Output producing 190hp and 305N.m. of torque.
This is mom's daily driver. It's been around since 2008 and you should never mention about selling it unless you can afford a Range Rover, which you can't unless you're filthy rich. Anyway, about the Jeep, it is totally stock, no modifications whatsoever - apart from servicing - had been done to it. So, onto the drive.
First impressions, the ride is comfortable, the steering is nice and light, and it's rather high seating position allows a clear view over traffic. Very handy as Subang Jaya can be quite notorious for having traffic jams. One of the contributing factor to the Jeep's comfortable ride is the fact that the suspension is soft. It comes with a price, however. The soft suspension meant that the Jeep rolls as you corner hard, and the Jeep becomes floaty as you go faster. To make matters worse, the steering may be light, but there's so much imprecision and freeplay and so little feel, which is not so confident-inspiring when you want to go fast.
Speaking of going fast, the low-end pick-up performance is shockingly awful. Despite being a 4.0, it still needs to be revved hard to get the most out of it. I mean, I was expecting more low-end grunt, but I often found myself having to make pedal meet metal. But, once you get to a high speed, to control it is another issue. Apart from the aforementioned steering issues, and the floatiness, the brakes are just long. Way too long. You need to be able to judge with your rather complex mathematical calculations (ok, not really) on when to brake. Too late, and you'll rear-end that Liberty Walk 458 Italia. Too soon, and you might leave enough space to land an airplane there. Ok, that was too much, but you get the idea.
Then, there's other issues as well. There's wind noise which is bad when cruising on a highway, and when it's raining, the only difference between an open window and a closed window is that you don't get wet. The gear stick is too far forward, the rear seat space is worse than that of the Perodua Axia, and also not to mention, is the bootspace, which as far as I'm concerned, is lacking. However, problems aside, the Jeep really is a little taste of 'Murica which happens to be affordable. No everyone would like the 'Murican-ness of the Jeep, but those who do would truly appreciate the Jeep until the end of time.
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