You've got a Jeep Grand Cherokee -- and you know where you're going, right?
Well for 2004, Jeep has just the ticket for you -- a navigation system joins the list of options for the first time in the company's history. The system comes in the form of a navigation radio which combines a 4.9-inch full color display, AM/FM Stereo, CD Player and navigation system that uses DVD technology in one unit.
Other changes to the Grand Cherokee line include a new front fascia, new grille and new fog lamp appearance. They are powered by either a 4.7-liter "Power Tech" High Output V-8 producing 265- horsepower, or a 4.7-liter, V-8 with 235 horsepower, or a six-cylinder engine rated at 195 horsepower.
Another big change for the line this year is the offering of the "Quadra-Trac I" transfer case which is designed for Grand Cherokee buyers who don't have heavy loads to tow. If there's a loss of traction, there's no need to shift levers with this system.
In my view, the Jeep Liberty is among the better small sport utility vehicles around. It's got high quality, comfort and easy to drive in city traffic. For this model year, the amenities list grows longer for an already pretty well equipped car.
The Liberty gets a passenger side instrument panel mounted grab handle, and the Renegade version will be offered with rock rail protection and black accent body side moldings. More significantly, the Liberty can now be equipped with hands free in-vehicle communication system called UConnect, which uses blue-tooth technology to link a personal mobile phone with the vehicle, so the phone audio can be heard through the radio speakers.
Jeep Liberty Sport models are powered by a 2.4-liter, 150-horsepower, four-cylinder engine, while other models get a 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6.
The big news for the Wrangler line is that the Jeep Rubicon model that debuted last year with a Jeep engineered extreme off-road package will continue into the 2004 model year in limited production.
Additionally, the AM/FM/ CD is now standard, tilt steering wheel is now standard on the X and SE, and a new spare tire cover for the 30-inch tire is available.
The Wrangler lineup for 2004 includes X, SE, Sport, Rubicon and Sahara soft top models. A hard top with all steel doors, roll-up windows and tinted glass is available in all models.
The Wrangler is powered by either a 150-horsepower, 2.4-liter engine or a 190-horsepower, 4-liter six.