Devon takes a look at a used Jeep

Likes: Affordable prices, flexible range of engines. Good off-road capaibilities.

Dislikes: Ride comfort is unsettled on-road and overly firm on some surfaces. Cabin materials are cheap and iffy in terms of quality.

What's it like to drive? The Grand Cherokee has good off-road abilities thanks to it's excellent drive height and grippy four-wheel-drive. It's not bad on road either thanks to light steering which helps make the Grand Cherokee feel more easy to manuever around town.

Interior wise the Grand Cherokee falls short of its rivals. For such a large vehicle, the interior struggles to fit up to five passengers. Fit in finish of the cabin materials feel iffy. Switchgear in the cabin are known for giving problems to owners, we suggest making sure all works before buying. Headroom and legroom are okay but rather tight for taller passengers. One of the biggest complaints I have with the Cherokee is the uncomfortable rear seat. It often feels like there isn't enough cushion and you're sitting upright at all times. The boot space is a decent size, but there's a high lip which means you'll have to lift heavier objects when loading.

Which should I buy?
3.7L 210hp (2005 - 2010) Laredo, Limted
4.7L 265hp (2005 - 2007) Laredo, Limited: 305hp (2008 - 2009) Laredo, Limited
5.7L 330hp (2005 - 2008) Limited, Overland: 357hp (2009 - 2010) Laredo, Limited, Overland
6.1L 425hp (2006 - 2010) SRT-8
3-L 215hp turbo-diesel (2007 - 2008) Laredo, Limited, Overland

Depending upon which Grand Cherokee you are looking at and the model year you are choosing. If you are going to take your Grand Cherokee off-roading, we suggest picking one of the eight-cylinder engines which has more pull than the 3.7L which tends to fall short. The 6.2L trim is more aimed at on-road performance with the larger alloy wheels and firmer suspenison. There is a diesel engine option but will be harder to find due to the limited production run of that engine. The 3.7L engine only makes the most sense if you are going to drive on-road and never venture off-roading.

Running costs: The Grand Cherokee's strong points are its low prices and there are a few of them on the second hand market that are bargains. If fuel economy is a concern we suggest sticking with the 3.7L or hunting for the more frugal 3-liter turbo-diesel. The eight-cylinders have the most pull but aren't the must frugal. If you don't need the 4x4 then we suggest getting the 4x2 with the eight-cylinders to help increase fuel economy slightly.

What to look out four?

2005 - A recall was issued for models with the 3.7-liter V6 concerning possible contamination of the automatic transmission with water from the A/C condenser causing shuddering and possible failure of the torque converter.

2006 - A recall was issued for a possible defect in the driver's airbag inflator connector.

2006-07 - A recall was issued for possibly faulty programming of the anti-lock brakes that may cause a momentary delay in braking when coasting uphill.

2007 - A recall was issued for faulty anti-lock brake software that may cause the rear brakes to lock up under certain conditions.

2007-08 - A recall was issued for possible improperly manufactured front brake calipers that could fracture, thus interfering with the brakes ability to slow or stop the vehicle.

2008 - A recall was issued for a possible defective front control module that could result in stalling while driving.

2009 - A recall was issued for possible reversed wiring in the steering column control module driver airbag connector. In the event of a crash, the driver's airbag may not inflate.

2010 - Recalls were issued for a possible defective passenger side front airbag, possible defective brake booster input rod (could lead to brake failure), a possibly defective rear track bar, and defective ignition module that may allow the key to be removed before the vehicle is placed in park.

Devon M

Quick-take 2018-2019

Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Likes: The standard turbo-four cylinder offers plenty flexibility and decent running costs, while top of the range Quadrifoglio has an insane 505hp Ferrari tuned engine.

Dislikes: The electronic gear-selector is downright annoying. Build quality of the interior is questionable.

Overall: It drives as good as it looks and the price looks even better.



Nissan Versa Note

Likes: Much improved exterior styling. Entry-level versions are still cheap and frugal.

Dislikes: It all falls apart (refinement) on faster paced roads.

Overall: It's best left for city duties and light highway affairs. It's roomy, decently kitted and doesn't feel like a penalty box compared to a Mitsubishi Mirage.



Kia Stinger

Likes: The first Kia we found to be enjoyable to be in. Styling is aggressive and sleek while the interior is a much improvement over what we've seen from Kia.

Dislikes: The badge snobs won't appreciate the good value the Stinger presents.

Overall: This is the halo car Kia needed.



Buick Regal

Likes: Exterior styling is sleek while the interior is much improved over previous generation. The turbo four-cylinder is smooth.

Dislikes: Top of the range trims cost how much?

Overall: It's still a Buick and that's a good thing.

 

Toyota Camry

Likes: The most driver focused Camry we've ever seen. Top of the range six-cylinder engine has 300hp! Daring exterior design is a leap forward for Toyota.

Dislikes: Dizzying number of trim levels to choose from.

Overall: It's not as stunning as the Honda Accord but at least it's no longer Toyota dull.



Jeep Cherokee

Likes: It's rugged looking and has the capabilities to match. Interior offers plenty of space for five and the standard kit list is pretty generous too.

Dislikes: The transmission has suffered reliability issues.

Overall: For 2019 there will be a styling update if you fancy one. Also, there will be a 2-liter turbo engine option as well.



Ford Edge

Likes: Smooth range of engines to choose from. It's stylish both on the outside and inside.

Dislikes: The 3.5 V6 will not live on for 2019.

Overall: The 2019 Edge will get a ST trim with the only six-cylinder of the Edge range. The rest will get a 2-liter turbo engine.



Chevy Equinox

Likes: Styling has dramatically improved over the previous generation. It feels lighter on its toes and the 1.5 turbo engine is our pick as it offers decent running costs and decent flexibility.

Dislikes: The expensive trim levels feel overpriced. The interior looks like a hand-me-down frenzy.

Overall: The diesel engine maybe the hero of the range.



Likes: It's the car that lets everyone know you're all that and the bag of chips. Interior is what you'd expect a Benz to be. Fit and finish are top notch.

Dislikes: Infotainment system has a learning curve. Reliability and resale value aren't it's strongest points.

Overall: The second hand market has some that are dirt cheap. However, be wary of repair bills. Don't buy one without some form of warranty coverage for electronics and mechanical bits. 



Porsche Macan

Likes: It's sporty looking on the outside and classy on the inside. It has an attractive starting price.

Dislikes: It's an Audi Q5 with a price tag of a Porsche.

Overall: The Porsche is the way to go if driving experience is top priority.

Mini-Reviews

"F.U. Penguin: Telling cute animals what's what"
****

A funny witty book that talks about cute animals in the most sarcastic form of humor. This book will open your mind as well as your sense of humor. The author tries to explain his weird obsession with Penguins, followed by his odd obsession with cute animals. Feeling sick of being sucked into these animals cute and cuddly looks. He decides to write a book and exploit these animals as if they were doing this image for attention. "F.U. Penguins" starts off very humorous, but as you gradually read on in this novel.  The humor feels as if it were forced. There's nothing wrong with it. Although you'd wish that most of the short stories didn't feel forced to be funny. This approach sort of takes the edge out of the book in many ways. While at the same time leaving you wanting to read on. This book is highly recommended and does contain strong language.

Radiohead "Pablo Honey"
***

Radiohead's first album seems somewhat stellar compared to their other albums. This album contains their most overplayed song "Creep". This song became popular because guitarist Jonny Greenwood felt the song was too soft and decided to play his guitar very loud and aggressively during the chrous. Somehow this gave the song that angry tone and was considered the best. But there's more to this album that just that song. "You" (the first song on the album) has a very nice approach in terms of melody and lyrics. Very dark and moody track, Thom displays more emotion in this song than he does in "Creep". The lyrics aren't as depressing as "Creep", but they're a bit more dark and disturbing. "Anyone Can Play Guitar" and "Ripchord" are two other tracks that are very well worth listening to. Radiohead's guitar heavy days are well far behind them. But their first album could arguably be the least favorite by fans. With some songs sounding similar to Nirvana. Even in this case, Radiohead manages to put together a album that's entertaining to listen to and worth buying on iTunes.

iPad just an oversized iPod Touch
Apple iPad ($499)
**1/2

Likes: The simplistic approach to touch screen technology, plenty of apps to choose from, light weight design makes carrying it more portable than your conventional laptop.

Dislikes: Priced very high, even with Wi-fi from At&t, not enough memory to justify asking price, can't fully replace a laptop, battery life is just down right horrible, looks like an oversized iPod Touch.

Overall: The iPad is a good stylish chooses to the tablet PC. There's plenty of apps and much fun is offered with the iPad. But the lack of memory and the high asking price may push some away from it. Plus it looks like an oversized iPod Touch.

Devon test drives a Jeep
2010 Jeep Cherokee 4X4 ($37,400*)

Likes: Solid on road feel, comfortable well adjustable front seats, great veiw out, plenty of passing power when you need it, plenty of cargo space and all-wheel-drive system that intelligently shuts on and off when needed to save gas.

Dislikes: Engine sounds gruff when pushed, some road surfaces sends shivers into the cabin, interior materials are just plain horrible for a vehicle near $40,000, even with all the technology - there are competitors that offer it all in a better package.

Overall: Check out the 2011 Jeep Cherokee, which addresses all the complaints that I've made about this one.

Devon M