2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland SUMMIT
To start, I would like to say that I have owned many Jeep Grand Cherokees since they have been produced. All of mine have either been Limited or Overland, with my last one being the '06 JGC Overland with the HEMI. The first thing you will notice on the new 2011 (WK2) is that it is much quieter than prior GC models. They even have 'carpeted' the inside of the wheel wells... we'll see how long that stays attached over a few winters. The second thing you will notice is how they have went back to rounding out the edges on the outside. Die hard Jeep fans may have liked the prior version (WK) as it was true to the utility roots of Jeep, but in reality, the GC is not made for off-roading, so the roots needed to be trimmed a bit. The third thing is the interior refinements. The SUMMIT has a few more, but even at the base Overland level, this vehicle is in competition for many of the european SUVs. I bite my tongue when I say that because from my perspective at least this one does have those true 4x4 roots of Jeep engineering, so not really even a "competition", but from a 'style' perspective, it now holds its own. The last significant difference from prior JGC models is that they have provided many more options, but also many more 'standard' features. Now the SUMMIT is for sure going to have all of the bells and whistles, but the basic foundation is the same for all models. The new 3.6L engine is quiet and fuel efficient, but still has the pick up, so they have definitely improved the power to weight ratio from prior match ups (when you didn't want the V8)... funny, since I have read that this model (WK2) is heavier than its predecessor. The air suspension still remains to be seen how often this is going to be a useful feature. The 4x4 system is nice to have some options for type of terrain now. Small issue for me is that I don't like the knob being exposed all of the time in the centre console when you are making switches very seldom... they should have either dash-mounted or provided this knob and surrounding buttons in an enclosed portion of the centre console. One other small issue for me is with the panoramic roof... I like this feature, but why do you have to choose between that or the rear seat video entertainment system? I think chrysler engineers need to align with most other manufacturers and provide seat back monitors... A couple of features I really like: the touch sceen navigation, the passive entry and push button start, the remote starting feature, the chrome upgrades on the SUMMIT. A few things I am going to add: Shorty antenna (to get in garage!), winter floor mats, cargo area mat (too bad they got rid of the reversible cargo floor), and a winter set of tires (the 20" wheels are expensive if you don't want steel wheels, which I don't). Just to explain my star ratings above: Overall Rating: Not a 5 since there are some things that did not get 5. Comfort: The seats are still not totally flexible to different driving and the amount of things on the steering wheel now is getting confusing!! Performance: 3.6L engine is a great option and I don't think I will need the HEMI again. Exterior Styling: Very nice makeover with smooth corners and look that is very classy. Interior Design: The back seats now have heating and reclining, the new panoramic roof is great and the overall feeling inside is luxury. Value for Money: If you are comparing to domestic, no competition, if you are comparing to european or other imports, this has now risen to be very competitive... great features, great design and a lot less $ for level of refinement you are buying. Reliability: I think this remains to be seen. So far, so good! I will continue to be a Jeep owner and I would like to say that I am quite connected to the other vehicles on the market and even though I have owned JCGs for so long, I still always do my research to make sure I am getting good value and not just loyal to a brand. Hope this all helps!!
- Comfort 4.0
- Interior 5.0
- Performance 5.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 4.0
- Purchased a Used car
- Does recommend this car
Don't Buy One, You'll Regret It!
The V-8 model suffers from a constant surge while under load (towing, going up hills). Jeep agrees its a problem, but they designed it that way. It's suppose to help fuel mileage. Even the factory rep agrees it's a nuisance, but that's the way it is. It's time for Jeep to proudly wear the badge of Fiat--their new owner!
- Comfort 4.0
- Interior 5.0
- Performance 4.0
- Value 1.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 1.0
- Purchased a New car
- Used for Transporting family
- Does not recommend this car
Has it all
I had a MDX 2007 husband talked me into this I'm one happy lady . drive 25 miles to work each day this car is a dream come true . The workmen ship , look, ride beats the MDX hands down . Every day some one will ask me about the car . Drive it you will want to own it .
- Comfort 5.0
- Interior 5.0
- Performance 5.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a Used car
- Used for Commuting
- Does recommend this car
First New American Car... and I Love It
After years of buying only foreign cars (BMW, Nissans), I bought my very first new American car about a week and one-half ago: A 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit. Every day I drive it I'm amazed at how comfortable it is, how well-designed it is, and how many features it has. Based on my experience so far, I would highly recommend this car to a friend.
- Comfort 5.0
- Interior 5.0
- Performance 5.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a New car
- Does recommend this car
Love our new Jeep
We love the look of the new Grand Cherokee. My husband is 6 foot 4inches- so finding a car or truck that he is comfortable driving is difficult. We didn't need a third row of seating. We had our last Grand Cherokee for 10 years and 180,000. We are looking forward to having this Jeep for just as long. Great value!
- Comfort 5.0
- Interior 5.0
- Performance 5.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a New car
- Used for Commuting
- Does recommend this car
I could not be happier...
than I am now having owned the greatest Jeep ever for a bit more than six months. Dark charcoal grey with light beige interior Overland with Hemi V8, Trail Rated Package, all wheel drive with Terrain Select. I'll put this up against any other luxury off road SUV and prove I've got the winner. When I first test drove a sister ship, I was more impressed with its' on road capability than that which I had read in magazine reviews. I saved the off road experience for the GC I ordered. Wow describes my impression. I grew up with Jeeps; my Dad introduced me at a very tender age to a Wyllis Jeep. He stayed with Jeeps all his life culminating in one of the early GC's which I thought was a break through vehicle for all the obvious reasons. That said, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the finest Jeep ever built by a wide margin. Within five days of taking delivery, I drove from Maryland to Ocean Ridge Florida with a stop over in St. Augustine. I made St. Augustine in 12 hours totally refreshed and anxious for more. And, the value is excellent especially when you consider the quantum leap forward in quality materials and assembly, increased content, all independent suspension, and obvious attention paid to NVH. This is one quiet ride on the highway indeed. I'm obviously a proud owner and for all the right and just reasons; this Jeep simply put is a 10.
- Comfort 5.0
- Interior 5.0
- Performance 5.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a New car
- Used for Transporting family
- Does recommend this car
Best impulse buy EVER!!!!!!!
Traded 08 Xterra for 11 Limited JGC!!! LOVE IT!! Had intentions of trading early next year. I previously test drove 11 Ford Explorer and Edge Sport, also a VW Toureg TDI...sketchy reviews on the Fords and too high price-tag on the TDI. Test drove the Jeep....drove it home! So many bells and whistles for the money!! Took it on a road trip through the Rocky Mountains...25mpg! Absolutely NO regrets with this purchase! It's a perfectly sporty/luxurious SUV that doesn't feel like a soccer-mom crossover! If you are on the fence about which new SUV to buy...BUY A JEEP!! It has everything! Word to the wise....make sure you have a low deductible on glass coverage...I LITERALLY replaced the windshield the first week...thanks to a rock from a semi! Living in Colorado I know rock chips are a problem, but SERIOUSLY with rain-sensing wipers the windshield is like $900! $50 deductible the first week...no sweat! LOVE LOVE LOVE my jeep!! :)
- Comfort 5.0
- Interior 5.0
- Performance 5.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a New car
- Does recommend this car
much improved vehicle
we have owned 4 Grand cherokees and this is my favorite. Good price and has all the features. Iwould buy another Jeep.
- Comfort 5.0
- Interior 4.0
- Performance 4.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a New car
- Does recommend this car
This vehicle is amazing
I purchased the Overland edition with the Adaptive Cruise Control, and this vehicle does everything short of making you breakfast on your way to work. So smooth and quite and the fit and finish is better than what I have on either the 2011 BMW (3-Series) I just bought my wife or the 2008 Mercedes I traded-in for the Grand Cherokee. Friends and family who stop by ask about our new vehicles and 95% of their focus is on the Grand Cherokee and all that it offers. Thank you Jeep!
- Comfort 5.0
- Interior 5.0
- Performance 5.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a New car
- Does recommend this car
Got out of it while I could
I bought the 2011 Overland Edition last November. The vehicle is beautiful and drives just as well, however there were way too many defects for me to keep this vehicle. I owned the it for six months, and of that time, it was in the shop for at least six weeks. The problems I had were numerous, and many major parts were replaced, including the steering column and both front suspension shocks. I totally lost confidence in Chrysler when they admitted to me and the dealership that there was a design flaw in the AC ventilation system that causes an intermittent high pitch squeal, but did not offer any solution. I became afraid that the next problem I encountered would be met with the same discontent, so I traded my Overland in last week. As I stated earlier, it is a beautiful vehicle, but has way too many defects, especiallly for a $40K vehicle. Also, the interior and exterior plastic looks very cheap and often caused endless annoying rattles. I'm hoping that these problems get resolved for 2012, but I currently cannot recommend this vehicle.
- Comfort 4.0
- Interior 4.0
- Performance 4.0
- Value 1.0
- Exterior 4.0
- Reliability 1.0
- Purchased a New car
- Does not recommend this car