For the "Ironman" image and abilities of the VehiCross, the engineers looked to rally racing and motorcycle suspension systems. With their remote reservoirs and high-grade aluminum construction, these production-car-unique shock absorbers exhibit better resistance to performance-diminishing oil foaming. Coupled with Isuzu's proven suspension setup, they endow the VehiCross with predictable performance both on- and off-road without sacrificing quality in either arena. It's as capable and fun in the dirt as the most nimble of SUVs and rides very well to boot!
Based on our first instrumented experience with the innovative VehiCross, we have little doubt that the limited run of about 5000 U.S.-bound units over the next two years (20 percent Ironman editions) will be an unqualified success with the Gen-X audience they're seeking.
-Chris Walton
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Look-at-me Gen-X styling
Torque-on-Demand 4WD system
Outstanding Recaro seats
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Huge C-pillar blindspots
"Ironman" image a little hokey
Noisy engine at high rpm
Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
The Quickest Sport/Ute Of Them AllvFans of last year's 5.9-liter-motivated Grand Cherokee must have winced at the thought of losing 1.2 liters of engine displacement in the '99 model. Certainly it seemed Jeep's grip on the title as the fastest SUV knocking off 0-60-mph times of 6.8 seconds was a bygone badge of courage that Mopar fans could hang on their mantle next to the signed photos from Bo and Luke Duke of their Confederate flag-draped Dodge Charger. But fear not.
With the magnificent new 4.7-liter overhead-cam V-8 beating beneath its hood, the '99 Jeep Grand Cherokee is still clearly the quickest of the SUV pack, able to click off quarter-mile times of 15.8 seconds at 86 mph and accelerate 0-60 in 7.2 seconds, only four tenths slower than the 5.9-liter Magnum. But the story of the new Grand Cherokee's performance doesn't begin and end with this sophisticated new 235-horsepower SOHC V8. Bolted neatly behind is a new transmission that bolsters performance by offering a quick-shifting four-speed gearing set for acceleration, but with five gears for kick-down operation and smoother downshifting. In effect, the transmission offers two second gears helping keep the revs in the fat part of the powerband for passing.
The Quadra-Drive II full-time four-wheel-drive system puts the engine's power to the ground in impressive style. With Vari-Lok axles and progressive speed-sensing differentials front and rear, power application is exceptional.
The bulk of previous Grand Cherokee complaints centered around excessive body roll during cornering maneuvers. Jeep engineers addressed this problem with a new three-link rear suspension that not only helps control body lean and enhance tire contact area, but also reduces the unsprung weight of the underpinnings. High-tech "hydro-formed" tubular front and rear control arms are worth a look for those interested in the state-of-the-art suspension engineering. It's a change that will be relished by anyone who drove the previous version.
While street traction is excellent, the need for more aggressive rubber will only be missed by those who frequent the really tough off road environment. For those challenged only by snow and ice, the 4x4 system is well designed, working in tandem with the ride-biased Goodyear radials to safely grip the tarmac. Overall performance from the fastest of the SUV set is only one piece of the pie when assessing the talents of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee. This is a great luxury-ute that also lives up to its rugged Jeep go-anywhere heritage.
-Cam Benty
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Smooth, powerful SOHC V-8
Supple luxury with a rugged image
Unobtrusive 4x4 system
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Factory installed tires poor for off-road use
Rocky ride motions on some concrete roads
Faux wood interior trim looks it