The new Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited has a surprise or two up its wheel well for you.

The first is the power that comes from a 330-horsepower, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 -- the model with the bigger engine. The power and force behind this Hemi engine felt stronger than on any other Hemi-equipped vehicle I've tested from DaimlerChrysler. It really moves, with a rich, deep throaty sound that is a bit like a hot rod. And thanks to a nifty feature that shuts down some cylinders during cruising, the Grand Cherokee still rated 14 miles per gallon in the city and 19 on the highway -- somewhat respectable for an SUV.

	Jeep The Grand Cherokee Limited model starts at $34,045 with features such as all-wheel drive, four-wheel traction control, full power equipment, leather, air, AM/FM with CD player. Click photo for larger image.

The second, if unsettling, surprise was the price. The Grand Cherokee Limited model starts at $34,045 with such niceties as all-wheel drive, four-wheel traction control, full power equipment, leather, air, AM/FM with CD player and a range of other standard items. With options such as pearl coat paint and rear seat video system, the final price hit $42,160.

A third, more pleasant surprise was the availability of three types of four-wheel-drive systems: an all electronically controlled full-time system that can be used with an optional stability control; a single-speed system that engages automatically without using any levers or buttons; and "Quadra Trac II" with high- and low-range gears for serious off-roading.

The last surprise -- a big one -- is that the new Grand Cherokee feels more stable on the road. The old model always had a bit of a teeter-tottery feeling, and it wasn't as adept around curves and corners.

Chrysler says the new Jeep has a new independent front suspension that offers more precision and control, more precise steering and reduces vehicle weight and head toss. It also has a smaller turning circle, so that means the new model should also be easier to park.

Things were also helped by a hydraulically controlled stabilizer system that greatly reduces body roll, provides sportier handling and a smoother ride on straight roads. The Grand Cherokee also has added a rack and pinion steering system that most enthusiasts will tell you makes for better handling.

On the inside, while the interior room was acceptable, it wasn't as generous as on other midsize SUVs I've driven.

On the plus side, the dashboard is much better organized, and the center stack also is well done. All the knobs and switches are nice, chunky pieces -- nothing flimsy here. I also liked the new look of the gauges with their chrome accents.

But I didn't care much for the new car's seats and door panel designs. I know that the old Grand Cherokee Limited was a pretty plush, "sink right in the seat" kind of ride, and some people felt that they weren't as supportive as they wanted.

This year, Jeep switched to a more durable leather, and designed seats with stiffer qualities.

For me, the new design is just a bit too plain, not as comfortable and looks too uninviting.

Unfortunately, after three days with no incidents, the fourth day the Grand Cherokee didn't start. Ends up that it had a bad starter that had to be replaced. We waved goodbye as it was towed.

I look forward to taking another look at a Grand Cherokee soon. Everybody deserves a second chance.