the amazing 2000 jeep
Amsnow
By now we have all noticed that the sport utility vehicles are quite popular with us snowmobilers. It allows ample room for hauling the family and the capability to pull your sleds. SUVs were one fifth of all vehicle sales in 1998. Of that, the Jeep Grand Cherokee was the second best-selling SUV of '98, according to Car and Driver magazine.
When purchasing any vehicle, numbers become very important. How much does it cost? What are my payments going to be? Can I get 4-wheel drive? How many horses? How many cylinders? How much can I haul with this vehicle? We need these answers before we will commit to buying a vehicle.
You can expect to spend between $30,000 and $40,000 to buy a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Those numbers depend on the options, engine, stereo and other extras your vehicle is loaded up with.
The 4-wheel drive feature is available on both the Grand Cherokee Limited and Grand Cherokee Laredo for about $2000 more than the 2-wheel drive vehicles.
Both the Laredo and Limited are available with a 4.0 liter, inline-6 engine that delivers 195 horsepower at 4600 rpm; the 4.7 liter Power Tech V8 sets free 235 ponies at 4800 rpm. Both are available in two- or four-wheel drive. If you choose the I-6 engine over the V8, you'll have better fuel economy and be able to go farther for less money in the 20.5 gallon tank. Each model of the Grand Cherokee can tow up to 6500 pounds with either engine- providing you get the towing package. Think luggage, pals, gear, trailer and four sleds- with pounds to spare!
The 4.0 liter inline-6 engine produces 230 ft/lbs. of torque at 3000 rpm. The available 4.7 liter V8 engine kicks out 295 ft/lbs. of torque at 3200 rpms. Plenty of grunt to get your loaded-up trailer to your snowmobiling destination.
The Grand Cherokee was redesigned for 1999, but remains largely unchanged for 2000. One of the changes in 1999 was the full-size spare tire being moved from the rear of the vehicle to beneath the cargo floor. There is still ample cargo space in the rear after the tire was moved; 39 cubic feet of cargo space, and even more is available if the rear seats are folded down.
Since only a small percentage of SUV owners actually take their vehicles off-roading, sometimes the purpose of an SUV is overlooked. Sure they're stylish and can haul more passengers than a typical pickup truck, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee was designed to withstand all types of driving conditions. The optional Quadra-Drive on the 4-wheel drive Grand Cherokee is a feature with an on-demand transfer case that disperses torque to wheels that need traction. Torque can be transferred from side to side and even 100 percent of the torque to just one wheel, if necessary, to maintain traction. An appreciated feature when driving on icy and snowy roads.
The Grand Cherokee Limited has some additional creature-comfort features. The Infrared Dual Zone Climate Control system allows both driver and front passenger to adjust temperatures for their areas. The optional Infinity Gold sound system has a hefty sound output at 180 watts- and with radio controls on the steering wheel, it can be easy to switch channels while navigating risky terrain. The front is equipped with ten-way power seats, available heated leather, and more.
With a sport utility masking as a luxury towing vehicle, virtually any trip in the Jeep Grand Cherokee can be comfortable.