There have been few harder instances weathered by the automotive business than the financial disaster of 2008. In reality, all U.S. automakers confronted excessive hardship throughout this era, resulting in the close to demise of a number of manufacturing giants. One such firm, which almost buckled beneath the financial stress of this era, was Chrysler, the mum or dad firm of Jeep.
Astonishingly, Chrysler survived, albeit after going through an entire shut down in manufacturing throughout December 2008 by the hands of impending chapter. As such, the Jeep model persevered, as did the Jeep Grand Cherokee itself. The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee stood as a testomony to this perseverance and obtained a heat reception from customers.
A Diamond In The Rough
Though 2008 proved to be a tumultuous time for U.S. automakers, Chrysler managed to take advantage of out of the mannequin 12 months by turning out one of the vital refined iterations of the Jeep Grand Cherokee to this point. Chrysler expanded upon the Grand Cherokee’s already prolonged listing of accessible choices, permitting customers to customise their new SUV as they noticed match.
Additionally, the 2008 Grand Cherokee performed host to numerous new technological advances, a lot of which have been mannequin unique. The WK Grand Cherokee additionally proved to be a trend-setter of types, as a lot of this expertise would later discover its approach into different luxurious autos of assorted makes.
The Lap Of Luxury
The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee was provided with a complete of 5 obtainable powerplants. The first of those engines was a 3.7 liter V6, which produced 215 horsepower, and 235 lb-ft of torque. While this engine got here normal within the Grand Cherokee, many customers felt that the three.7 liter V6 left the WK considerably underpowered.
Also obtainable have been two particular person V8 powerplants, which included an all-new 4.7 liter V8, and a bigger 5.7 liter Hemi V8. The former of those two engines produced 305 horsepower, together with 334 lb-ft of torque, whereas the latter churned out 325 horsepower, and 369 lb-ft of torque.
Two specialty engines have been additionally obtainable to customers. A Mercedes-issue 3.0 liter V6 diesel could possibly be chosen for buy, irrespective of one’s selection in trim. This engine produced 215 horsepower, and 376 lb-ft of torque, whereas nonetheless proving fairly fuel-efficient. Additionally, a fire-breathing 6.1 liter V8 Hemi served as normal fare for all SRT8-edition Grand Cherokees. This beastly powerplant dished out 420 horsepower, in addition to 420 lb-ft of torque.
Also of word, was the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s use of rack and pinion energy steering, rather than earlier gearbox-style energy steering. Additionally, customers might choose from their selection of three particular person 4WD techniques (Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II). Also signature of the third-generation, WK, was impartial entrance suspension.
New for 2008, have been a number of revolutionary security options, aimed toward avoiding collisions. The first of those options was Hill Descent Control (HDC), which mechanically asserted brake stress when traversing downhill grades. The second such function was Hill Start Assist (HSA), which prevented back-roll when taking off on-grade, from a standstill. Also featured was Trailer Sway Control, so named for its means to boost towing stability.
Inside, the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee obtained a revised inside, full with a number of luxurious facilities. One of probably the most noteworthy of those additions included Sirius Backseat TV, which allowed rear-seated occupants to look at their selection of satellite-broadcast tv reveals. Other notable upgrades included a MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System and ParkView rear-facing digital camera.
Multi-Layered Appeal
After greater than a decade and a half of manufacturing, the Jeep Grand Cherokee had matured into a singular, but extremely refined SUV, able to interesting to an especially broad client base.
While solely 73,678 Grand Cherokees have been sold in total during the 2008 model year, the recognition surrounding Jeep’s luxurious SUV continued to develop. Though threatened by the tumultuous occasions surrounding the last decade’s monetary disaster, the Grand Cherokee persevered largely unscathed.
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Specifications
| Engine | 3.7L V6
4.7L V8 5.7L V8 6.1L V8 3.0L V6 Diesel |
| Horsepower | 215/305/325/420/215 horsepower |
| Torque | 235/334/369/420/376 lb-ft torque |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.7 sec SRT8 |
| Quarter Mile Time | 14.5 sec SRT8 |
| Weight | 4,149- 4,780 Lbs |
| Price | $29,420/$31,390 Laredo/4WD
$36,715/$39,305 Limited/4WD $39,855/$43,290 Overland/4WD $41,575 SRT8 4WD
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| Production Numbers | 73,678 |
Available Exterior Colors
The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee was obtainable, Deep Blue Pearl, Jeep Green, Black, Stone White, Bright Silver, Olive Green, Light Graystone Pearl, Mineral Gray, Red Rock Crystal, Brilliant Black, and Jasper Blue.
Available Interior Colors
The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee inside was obtainable in Slate/Graystone, Dark Slate Gray, and Khaki.
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Video
We discovered an incredible video concerning the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee.