The Jeep Cherokee – The Most Awarded SUV in Automotive History

In their original incarnation, SUVs were chiefly owned by folks who valued “utility” above “sport.” A four-wheel-drive, station wagon-like vehicle was just the thing to transport five (or more) adults to remote areas, handle bad-weather driving or pull heavy trailers. Trouble was, they required the skill of a limo driver to park in the city and a gas card with a generous limit to keep them moving. Consumers who wanted something more reasonable in terms of size and fuel usage were out of luck.

That changed with the 1984 arrival of the Jeep Cherokee. Though there was a trim level of the ’70s-era full-size Wagoneer called Cherokee, this new model was completely different. Its compact dimensions, unibody (as opposed to heavier body-on-frame) architecture and classic styling made this junior Jeep an immediate success. So where does the Cherokee sit today? Pretty high, and with arms full of awards:

• Jeep Grand Cherokee, the most-awarded SUV in history, captures the prestigious “SUV of Texas” for third consecutive year. The 2013 Grand Cherokee also won the “Full-Size SUV of Texas” and the ultra-premium Grand Cherokee Overland Summit was named the “Full-Size Luxury SUV of Texas.” The Jeep brand won every category entered.
• The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee was awarded a “Best Buy” from Consumers Digest in the Full-Size / Luxury SUV category. According to Consumers Digest, Best Buy award winners deliver the most value for the money in their respective classes. The Consumers Digest concept of value is based on a vehicle’s purchase price and ownership costs relative to subjective factors, such as comfort, performance and utility.
• The U.S. Government awarded 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 5-Star overall side crash rating, its highest designation, thanks to over 45 available safety and security features.
• The 2012 Grand Cherokee has earned a TOP SAFETY PICK from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, placing it in an elite class for safety and security. The 2012 ‘Top Safety Pick’ designation recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rear, and now rollover crashes based on “Good“ ratings in Institute tests.
• The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers an available Forward Collision Warning System recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
• The influential Ward’s magazine awarded the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine as one of the 10 Best Engines for 2012. According to Ward’s Executive Editor, Tom Murphy, “The Pentastar engine is just one of four repeat winners on the prestigious list, which is unusual of late.” Ward’s stated, “Chrysler has successfully demonstrated the breadth of this engine and how it delivers on all fronts including fuel economy, lower emissions and power.” Each year Ward’s recognizes the most technologically advanced engines that set new benchmarks in their respective vehicle segments.
• The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been named the “Official Winter Vehicle of New England” for 2012 by the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA). The judges lauded the All Winter Package and said, “…it’s ideally suited for what the New England region can dish out, with the new Selec-Terrain system, slush mats, block heater and remote start. The Grand Cherokee is a no muss, no fuss, all-conditions vehicle that is refined and simple to drive.”
• Off-road capability has been at the core of the Jeep brand from the beginning. The 2011 Grand Cherokee has Best-in-Class 4×4 Capability besting eight other competitors for the honor. The new generation Grand Cherokee builds upon its legendary status as the leader in 4WD mastery with unique innovations such as the available Quadra-Lift Air Suspension system and Selec-Terrain system.
• Rising above the competition, the Jeep Grand Cherokee claims Best-in-Class Ground Clearance with the Quadra-Lift Air Suspension system. Quadra-Lift can add an additional 4.1 inches of lift for a maximum height of 10.6 inches of ground clearance, so you can rest assure you won’t be getting hung up no matter where your adventures take you.
• Both the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine and 5.7L V8 engine feature Variable Valve Timing to help achieve Best-in-Class Driving Range (assuming all highway). A 24.6-gallon fuel tank, combined with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine’s improved fuel economy, delivers a far-reaching 500 miles on a tank of gas.
• Best in Class Horsepower: The Grand Cherokee. It is well-made. And it is made to haul.
• The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 was named one of the Ten Most Fun to Drive Cars for 2012 by The Fast Lane Cars (TFLCar). To qualify, vehicles must be available for purchase in North America, available for the staff of TFLCar to evaluate prior to the new year and put a huge smile on your face when you get behind the wheel. According to TFLCar, the SRT8 is special – for those who enjoy driving and is considered to be one of the most interesting cars of 2012.
• Second year in a row! The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee was named the MotorWeek Driver’s Choice Award for 2012 in the Best Large Utility segment (shared with Dodge Durango) for the second year in a row. The annual MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Awards looks at vehicles from a buyer’s point of view, including priorities such as value and reliability, while also taking the latest trends and innovations into consideration.
• The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been named the “SUV of the Year” for 2012 by the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) association. This is the second year in a row that the Grand Cherokee has won this prestigious award. The judges cited unstoppable off-road ability and impressive on-road performance as key points to the victory.
• Strategic Vision has named the Jeep Grand Cherokee its 2012 Total Quality Index winner for the Mid-Size Traditional Utility segment. Grand Cherokee owners should take a bow too. Strategic Vision’s annual automotive quality study is based solely on customer feedback regarding their perception of a vehicle’s overall quality.

If that isn’t enough to convince you, visit JT’s Chrysler Jeep Dodge before Christmas Eve and get triple rebates up to $10,000, or you can take advantage of 0% and pay nothing until St. Patrick’s Day on select new models!