Anyone have any knowledge of the new 05 Jeep Laredo's? Anyone's .02 on the pros and cons of the explorer or the jeep? Both seem to be the midsize SUV for each brand. Thanks for your input in the decision!

 

well if you are going to use it for what it's built for...which is recreation...then the Jeep would whip the Explorer any day. The Explorer isn't even built like a truck anymore. Flimsy suspensions, crappy 4x4 systems, etc. But just for a daily driver the Explorer would be my choice. Then again, the Jeep has twice the warranty too....

 

Well if I had to choose between the Explorer and the Jeep I would choose the Explorer, First of all the Jeep does not have twice the warranty, they both have a 3 year/36000 mile full warranty, but the Jeep has an extended powertrain coverage to 70,000 miles, now for the truck part, the Explorer can tow 7100 Lbs. while the Jeep can tow 6500 Lbs. And also on all 2005 Explorers the AdvancedTrac w/RSC is standard, also something you can't get on a Jeep, and from my Experience with the 4-Wheel drive setup on the new Explorers I find it to be among the best. And then it comes down to Engine choices, the Explorer comes standard with a 4.0L with 210 Hp and 255 Tq. while the Jeep comes with a 3.7L wiht 210 Hp. and 235 Tq. and the V8 Options are a 4.6L V8 with 240 hp. and 290 Tq. on the Explorer and a 4.7L V8 with 230 Hp. and 300 Tq. on the Jeep, and the HEMI isin't availble unless you get a 4X4 Limited. And suspension, the Explorer rides Extemly smooth with its IRS, the older Jeeps that I have rode in (2003) have rode quite rough. So in my opinion I would choose the Explorer hands down, It didn't become the Best Selling SUV For 14 Years and counting by being weak and flimsy!!

 

I've never driven the Grand Cherokee, so I can't comment on the truck. Supposedly, they're all "trail-rated", whatever that means. I own a 2wd Explorer and while it doesn't see any off-road or towing time, it is the best and most truck for the money. The V-6 is powerful, 5-speed tranny is silky smooth, and the cargo room is of the largest for its class. I've only had to replace the IAC valve and manifold gaskets. Minor inconveniences for such an inexpensive and reliable truck.

 

I've had 1 jeep and 3 explorers in the past 15 years. The jeep (1989) caught on fire twice, both times on the highway. I brought lemon law, and crysler bought it back. Then the first explorer (1993) which i rooled and fixed. Other than some rattles and a/c/heater problems, it was great. Everybody walked away from the accident as well, with just some cuts from the sunroof glass and minor whiplash (no headrests in that car!) then the next, a 1997. It was great. It was unstoppable, execpt for haveing to replace the heater box, compressor, blower moter, and evaprator core all at once ($$$$$$$$$!!!!!). Now i hae an 2003 V6, and is isn't as good as the rest, but as more room, better ride, and a 3rd row seat, which to my knowledge the cherrokee doesn't have. For what i use it for, the explorer wins hands down, and while the 4X4 isn't as good in it, it will get you through pretty much anything, execpt very deep mud and big rocks.

 

I too once thought that the newer explorers were a joke, till I actually took my father-in-law's hunting.

I should add that I've had experinces with the Cherokees as well, specfically Grand cherokees and Cherokee sports.

IMO, my new used '02 Explorer blows the doors off of any Cherokee sport, period.

IMO, they are too small, hard to get into, poor power, poor economy, and that 4.0L sounds like a small Cessna. Not too mention that they are down right spooky on ice and a high wind compared to an Explorer or any other SUV.

The only thing that my Explorer gives up is power when compared to a V-8 Grand cherokee.

 

My wife with my help made that decision a while back. The choice was a Chevy Trailblazer 4x4. Why, 275 HP 275 FT/LBs torque and 20-22 MPG. The Trailblazer had alot of interior room, comfortable, Very good off-road handling, weak point, gound clearance, Explorer isn't any better, and handles so-so off-road. As for the Jeep after she was trading in a Dodge Dakota that was a piece of junk, We where not going close to a Jeep-Dodge dealership. TRAIL-RATED, means drive them down the trail and sooner or later they will leave you on the TRAIL.