To those of you who remember me as a dodge/chrysler/jeep basher because of my prior ownership of a lemon Grand Cherokee, this may seem ironic. One of the local Jeep dealers is supposed to receive 4 of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT 8 this Friday. I have given them my home and cellular numbers because there is a part of me that is dying to trade of the Escalade for one of these things. Two of these JGCs are already spoken for with deposits, but there's red and silver ones that are still up for grabs.

This is the only dealer in the states of OK and AR to actually have these SRT 8s on their lot. Chrysler has limited it's production numbers to help drive up demand and the selling price of these vehicles, but this dealer is selling them for MSRP without mark up.

So...talk me into it, or out of it. Help me see past the blinding performance numbers by laying out some pros and cons for me. I need and appreciate the objectve opinions.

Chris

If I was you, I would gladly trade in an Escalade for a GC SRT-8.

Think about it.
The G/C has most of the features and luxury items that the Escalade has
The G/C is smaller and easier to manuver
The G/C is very fast
420hp...need I say more?
The G/C SRT-8 is a limited production

Get rid of the Escalade. Aren't they the most stolen vehicle or something like that? Well there's your reason to get rid of it and get the GD SRT-8

I vote for the SRT-8

The Escalade is the better vehicle from a reliabiltiy and quality standpoint, but if your looking to scratch the itch trading it in is the only thing thats gonna satisfy it.

With the new Escalade coming out in a few months, this might be the time to do it anyway.

The Escalade is the better vehicle from a reliabiltiy and quality standpoint, but if your looking to scratch the itch trading it in is the only thing thats gonna satisfy it.
With the new Escalade coming out in a few months, this might be the time to do it anyway.How do you know that the Escalade is a more reliable and a better quality vehicle to that of a vehicle that isn't even out yet?

How do you know that the Escalade is a more reliable and a better quality vehicle to that of a vehicle that isn't even out yet?

Because historically Chrysler quality has been about the worst I have experienced, and Ive owned two Jeeps, a 97 and a 99. They were among the worst cars I owned, and multiple people who have owned Dodge trucks that I know of have experienced early transmission failures etc.

Chrysler quality is getting better, but there is no way on earth you will get me to say that a Jeep of any kind will be more reliable or bulletproof than a time proven GM truck chassis.

Because historically Chrysler quality has been about the worst I have experienced, and Ive owned two Jeeps, a 97 and a 99. They were among the worst cars I owned.Well I don't think you can base a company's quality based on owning two vehicles.

Its a new model, and Chrysler is much worse than GM when it comes to customer care for defective products. Ask the folks with V8 Rams, Durangos, 2.7L Sebrings, and 2.7L LH cars.

Ok. One of the bigger cons to this JGC SRT 8 is the cost of replacement tires. The 285/40 ZR20 rinflat tires are $337, and its the same for 255/45 ZR 20 fronts. Goodyear is the only manufacturer I could find on Tirerack that made that size tire....and all they offer is run flat tires.

Help me out with pros and cons!!!

Yes, but how often are you going to replace the tires?

Having owned a GC and my father put 95K on it in 2 years, he gave it to me and I put 189,000 miles on it. I'd say other then the 2 trannys, 1 water pump, leaky fuel injectors and 1 fuel pump it was the best auto I ever owned.

BTW, both tranny's went out @ 95K. Which was typical for that model.

I vote to keep your $$ in the USA & keep the Cad. Remember, "Chrysler Corperation" no longer exists, it's now a German owned company & your $$$ will go overseas the same as buying any other import!
Dodge's transmissions are still suspect (over 10 years of making units that regularly self-destruct as soon as the warrenty expires has caused them to lose, I'm sure, quite a bit of business, then there's the known A/C evaporator issue, it leaks at 3 years of age, that wasn't, & I believe still isn't addressed).
Maybe "familiarity breeds contempt" would describe my attitude towards Dodge, but a couple years ago when I was shopping for a new 4WD truck, the only 2 vehicles that met my criteria were the Dakota & Colorado. I kept my $$$ in the US & chose the UNKNOWN QUANTITY over the know trans & A/C problems. I gave up 10-20 HP, but gained at least 3 MPG average, Chevy vs. Dodge. 220 HP under the hood is sufficient (there have been only 1 or 2 times in the last 18+ months I wished I had more power) & 19-21 MPG (25 highway) for a 4WD sure makes me happy.

that's like comparing a Charger SRT8 to a DTS. if you want power and speed you'd get the SRT8. but if comfort, luxury and class is your thing u'd get the DTS. same with the Esclade vs JGC SRT8, the Escalade might be slower but it has a better interior, it's has a WAY SOFTER ride and it's a Cadillac while the SRT8 GC is still just a Jeep. although a seriously fast and powerful Jeep. i'd say wait for the new Escalade to come out, now that's a cool SUV.

that's like comparing a Charger SRT8 to a DTS. if you want power and speed you'd get the SRT8. but if comfort, luxury and class is your thing u'd get the DTS. same with the Esclade vs JGC SRT8, the Escalade might be slower but it has a better interior, it's has a WAY SOFTER ride and it's a Cadillac while the SRT8 GC is still just a Jeep. although a seriously fast and powerful Jeep. i'd say wait for the new Escalade to come out, now that's a cool SUV.Not really the same as the Escalade is just a dressed up Tahoe. I'd go for the SRT8. Chrysler has changed dramatically over the years. I swore I'd never buy another Mopar because of my extremely bad experience with a new '98 Concorde but I have to keep in mind that Mercedes did a lot of rehab to the ailing company. From everything I have heard and seen, Chrysler is probably the best company to buy from now (in there segment anyway). I find myself in a postion where I'm willing to take a chance on a SRT8 Charger but will more than likely wait for the Challenger.

Because historically Chrysler quality has been about the worst I have experienced, and Ive owned two Jeeps, a 97 and a 99. They were among the worst cars I owned, and multiple people who have owned Dodge trucks that I know of have experienced early transmission failures etc.
Chrysler quality is getting better, but there is no way on earth you will get me to say that a Jeep of any kind will be more reliable or bulletproof than a time proven GM truck chassis.

Reading over this, I need to make a correction... Id make an exception for the Wrangler, and thats about it. But then, all youve got there is a tub with a motor, some seats and a tranny. Not alot to break there.

Do you want something comfortable or something fast? You know, as soon as you're out of warranty they make nice turbo kits for the 6.0s...

When did Jeep lower ther hortsepower claim on the SRT8?

Auburn Hills-Jeep® vehicles are known worldwide for their capability, utility and distinctive style.

The all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 combines those qualities with Street and Racing Technology's (SRT) balanced approach to performance, resulting in the quickest, most powerful Jeep vehicle ever created, and the ultimate performance sports utility vehicle.

"Jeep vehicles lead the way in performance and versatility," said Jeff Bell, Vice President, Jeep, Chrysler Group. "The all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 adds a new dimension to performance and versatility - and value. With its SRT-engineered 6.1-liter HEMI® engine and specially developed full-time four-wheel drive system, the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 provides stunning performance in an amazing variety of driving conditions.

"The all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 marries Jeep capability with SRT performance to create a vehicle that will leave in its dust competitors that cost twice the price," Bell added.

Powered by a 6.1-liter HEMI producing 415 horsepower (85 more horses and 25 percent more power than the 5.7-liter HEMI-equipped 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee) and 410 lb.-ft. of torque, the all-new 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8's performance numbers include 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds, 0-100-0 mph in the low 19-second range, and 60-0 mph braking distance of approximately 125 feet.

The new Escalade has 403 H.P. and 417 lb. ft. of torque 12 less hp.p, 7 more lb/ ft. The Caddy is heavier by several hundred lbs and cost about six grand more comparing both base models.

Comparing status and resale of course will heavily favor the Cadillac as will ride quality and smoothness. If drag racing trucks is your gig, get the Jeep, if luxury status and resale are important, get the Caddy.

"Personally", I think I'd prefer the SRT-8 but to be honest, I have not actually driven either vehicle so I can only go by what I've seen and read.
Some related points:
My first car was a '70 Plymouth 'Cuda. I loved the car but boy was it a cheaply built car. After that, I was a GM owner exclusively for years (well, I did have VW Beetles too). You couldn't pay me enough to buy a MOPAR from the mid 70's through most of the 90's. I had multiple experiences with freinds, family, and co-workers who did and that was enough to scare me off. Enter the '99 300M. I was really drawn to it and ended up buying one of the very earliest. Yes, I knew better than buying a brand new model, especially an early production one, but I was willing to take the chance. I can absolutely tell you that my EXTREMELY early production 300M was one of the best cars I've ever owned. It absolutely brought me back into thinking about MOPAR ownership again.
I was also never very impressed with Jeep quality either BUT... I currently own a '05 Wrangler and absloutely LOVE IT!!! Have had zero problems with it, and can't think of another vehicle I've owned that has been as much fun to drive.
On the flip side, as I mentioned above, the majority of my years have been spent in GM cars but to be honest, I've really been turned off by their lack of customer service over the last decade or so. Their product is okay but what problems they DO have seem to go unchecked. And trying to get resolutions from GM dealers or zone reps has gotten ridiculously hard. I have better things to do with my time than take multiple trips to the dealerships and have endless arguments with service reps. For this reason, I no longer own any GM cars other than my '95 Fleetwood. I'm letting my wallet do my talking for me. I have much better customer service from the other brands I own. Now that I think about it, my whole family has done the same. Both my family and my in-laws used to be GM owners and now there's only one person in both families that owns a GM product. Wow, I never thought of that!
So there you have it,

At one time my wife and I were both driving Grand Cherokees and my son and doughter both had Wranglers, all were decent vehicles, My son still has a Wrangler and my daughter has GC, though she has ordered an Envoy Denali and my daughter in law plans to replace her CRV with an Envoy Denali in April. Both fell in love with my wife's '04 Bravada. Of all the brands under the Chrysler roof, Jeep is the only one who's current vehicles I like. The only thing that bothers me with the question is why compare two vehicles that are so opposite each other yet so close in price. Their purpose in life is totally different.:confused:

At one time my wife and I were both driving Grand Cherokees and my son and doughter both had Wranglers, all were decent vehicles, My son still has a Wrangler and my daughter has GC, though she has ordered an Envoy Denali and my daughter in law plans to replace her CRV with an Envoy Denali in April. Both fell in love with my wife's '04 Bravada. Of all the brands under the Chrysler roof, Jeep is the only one who's current vehicles I like. The only thing that bothers me with the question is why compare two vehicles that are so opposite each other yet so close in price. Their purpose in life is totally different.:confused:

Yeah, I would think the new Trailblazer SS would be a more "direct" competitor. But maybe he doesn't want a "Chevy" in his driveway.

you can also check out the TrailBlazer SS .... close to 400 hp ( LS2 ) .... it comes in 2 or 4 wheel drive ..... i've been looking at both (SRT-8, SS) .... they are close in performance, with the SRT winning out ... i'd like to drive both before giving it any more consideration .... from what i've read the SS might ride a little better .... depends on the roads you travel, the weather, etc .... rest assured that something will get the Trade-in itch going every few months ..!!

Well, this is my first GM product. I have owned several Chrysler (prior to merger) products. The only issue I have with them are the transmissions. They all like to die in about 100k on the ODO. That said I have never had any problems with them.

The car I dreaded the most was my commuter car a 97 Kia Sepia (Bought new $6500.00), had a 1.8L Mazda Motor (I like Mazda's). They used cheap hoses for the vacume system the car spent more time in the dealer then it did on the road for vacume leaks. The 5sp tranny had to be replaced as it lost all the synchronizers at 7K. What can you say, you get what you paid for, thank god I only paid 6500. I took a loss on it and got something else.

The Trail Blazer SS is hardly a competetor to the Grand Cherokee SRT 8. The JGC's performance numbers are far and away better than any other performance SUV on the market. The TB SS is a freakin' bargain compared to the JGC, but it's just not even close in performance.

The driving force in my desire to own the JGC is the performance, and little else. It has nothing to do with not wanting the TB SS, or a CHevy in my garage. The last 275,000 miles I've driven have been in a Chevrolet/GM vehicle.

The more I seriously consider the cost of ownership of the JGC, the more I'm talking myself out of owning it. I'm going to give it a hard look when it arrives.....we'll see.

My wife has an 05 JGC Limited with the Hemi. I would have to say I think her interior is nicer than my CTS-V. The only thing I don't like, and it is minor, is the plastic is a little hard and doesn't have a nice feel. If the upgrade to the SRT-8 is simular to what Cadillac does with the V series I would say run, don't walk, to the Jeep dealership. To say the Jeep is not a luxury vehicle you are dead wrong, the IMO the Jeep is nicer than the current Escalade. The new Escalade is a different story, now that is a nice looking interior.

The Trail Blazer SS is hardly a competetor to the Grand Cherokee SRT 8. The JGC's performance numbers are far and away better than any other performance SUV on the market. The TB SS is a freakin' bargain compared to the JGC, but it's just not even close in performance.

The driving force in my desire to own the JGC is the performance, and little else. It has nothing to do with not wanting the TB SS, or a CHevy in my garage. The last 275,000 miles I've driven have been in a Chevrolet/GM vehicle.

The more I seriously consider the cost of ownership of the JGC, the more I'm talking myself out of owning it. I'm going to give it a hard look when it arrives.....we'll see.

How can you say that about the SS? As far as I know, there's been no actual tests of the SRT-8 yet. And as far as calling the SS a "bargain", I'm not sure what SS you looked at but the one I drove had a $43K sticker! You call that a bargain?

How can you say that about the SS? As far as I know, there's been no actual tests of the SRT-8 yet. And as far as calling the SS a "bargain", I'm not sure what SS you looked at but the one I drove had a $43K sticker! You call that a bargain?

I read a road test of the SRT 8 online while researching the vehicle. There are multiple tests of the TB SS vs the JGC SRT 8, all of which show the JGC faster in 0-60, 0-90-0, quarter mile, top speed, and through a slalom. You should consider yourself damn lucky to find a dealer who will sell a 300 SRT 8, or a JGC SRT 8 for the sticker price. Many dealers are selling them at thousands over MSRP (lots on Ebay) and people are standing in line to get them. Also none of the dealer incentives or cash back rebates that apply to the Jeep line are valid for the SRT 8. On the other hand, Chevrolet dealers are all too happy to cut deals off the sticker price, and they offer coupons, rebates, and incentives to buy...even the SS.

http://www.epinions.com/content_217486954116. With the Chevrolet, the SS bits are grouped in a package that can be added to either the LS or LT trim. In contrast, the SRT8 is a unique model that comes heavily loaded. So while the Chevrolet with AWD starts at $32,430 after a $1,000 rebate, the Jeep starts at $39,995 and has no rebate. Adjusting for feature differences narrows the gap to about $5,500.

Before GM's recent price cut, the difference was $4,000.

Is the Jeep worth an extra $5,500? Easily.

But wait...dealers right now want AT LEAST MSRP for the Jeep, while the TrailBlazer can be bought at a large discount. Before the recent price cut, people at trailvoy.com (a forum for TrailBlazer and Envoy enthusiasts) report buying the SS for as much as $9,000 below MSRP.

In this market, invoice on the SS certainly shouldn't be too difficult. This would add nearly $3,000 to the gap. Simply want the engine, and don't care for all-wheel-drive or amenities? Then the gap in what you'll pay could easily be $12,500.

I always say that people should only pay for the stuff they want. Chevrolet is far more flexible here than Jeep. Someone who "merely" wants a super-fast SUV with good handling will no doubt find the approximately $27,500 base SS a better buy than the $40,000+ Jeep.


You'll find this to be true...at least at local dealerships around here.

How about a GMC Typhoon .... or Cyclone ...!!

but seriously ... the GC SRT-8 would be the performance SUV to have right now ... as fast and handling as well as the Porsche Cayanne .... and costing half as much ...

and who would win every stoplight race on a rainy day ...??? maybe a Carrera 4s or an S4 ... but they have to worry about launches and gear changes ...( i've had these )

the TB SS would probably lag behind about 1 sec.. 0-60
very close 60-0 .... 118/120 ft
Slalom ....SS about 3 mph slower
1/4 ... second slower
SS - probably $5-10k cheaper ... saw Red Tag price of $31,682 well equipt
$5-10k buys lots of go faster parts ..!!???

if you want fastest right out of the box .... SRT-8 .... AWD is a blast ....
0.9gs .... that's some grip .... better tie the groceries down ..!!

please tell us about your test drive ..!!!

i can't give you much info
however I can say that 2 V guys are wanting (or may have already bought) the Cherokee SRT-8.....maybe search cts-v and you'll find the threads.
One was Black Beast, maybe PM him. There has to be something really special about this vehicle to make folks dump a V.

i can't give you much info
however I can say that 2 V guys are wanting (or may have already bought) the Cherokee SRT-8.....maybe search cts-v and you'll find the threads.
One was Black Beast, maybe PM him. There has to be something really special about this vehicle to make folks dump a V.

I am one of those V owners getting a Jeep SRT-8. If this SRTs performance is as impressive as the 300 SRTs have proven to be then it will be an awsome vehicle to drive.

I read a road test of the SRT 8 online while researching the vehicle. There are multiple tests of the TB SS vs the JGC SRT 8, all of which show the JGC faster in 0-60, 0-90-0, quarter mile, top speed, and through a slalom. You should consider yourself damn lucky to find a dealer who will sell a 300 SRT 8, or a JGC SRT 8 for the sticker price. Many dealers are selling them at thousands over MSRP (lots on Ebay) and people are standing in line to get them. Also none of the dealer incentives or cash back rebates that apply to the Jeep line are valid for the SRT 8. On the other hand, Chevrolet dealers are all too happy to cut deals off the sticker price, and they offer coupons, rebates, and incentives to buy...even the SS.


You'll find this to be true...at least at local dealerships around here.

Epinions?! Please that's all just average people posting whatever they feel like. As soon as I see some REAL road tests like Autoweek, Road & Track, etc, etc, then I'll pay attention. The SRT-8 isn't even out yet, from what I hear. The SS is and that may put it at a disadvantage because it's "actual" performance numbers are being compared to highly speculative ones from various sources. I drove the SS and it's a very nice truck. The one I drove had most if not all the options per the salesman and it was stickered at $43K. WOuld they deal on it? Probably, but that's true with many new vehicles too. And as far as the 300 SRT-8, I also drove one of those last week and I loved it but the dealer was MORE than ready to cut a deal on it too. He told me that although the SRT-8's WERE selling like hotcakes, that has died off considerably. The one I drove had been ther for over a week, and a black one they had was there even longer.
IMO, plan on an initial flood of interest in the Jeep but it won't last long. A month or two after they come out, you'll be able to get them for invoice or better.

IMO, plan on an initial flood of interest in the Jeep but it won't last long. A month or two after they come out, you'll be able to get them for invoice or better.

Especially when they start buying fuel for that beast!!

Kat, talking to my Michigan guy, I hear that the SS will get the 6 spd a/t that's being used in the Vette and Caddy already, by as soon as May or June. It was worth .4 in the qtr. mile in the Vette, should help the SS as well. Since the SS is the same platform as the SSR, they are considering the 6 spd. manual as well! ;)

Epinions?! Please that's all just average people posting whatever they feel like. As soon as I see some REAL road tests like Autoweek, Road & Track, etc, etc, then I'll pay attention.

And that's all I am. :D

The review of TB vs JGC I read was from Edmunds, and also one from some random autoconsumer site. The reviews are limited, but we all know they're inevitable. :yup:

I must apologize. I wasn't aware that Edmonds tested the SRT-8. I swear I checked that a while ago and there was no test. Strange point is that I just went to the Edmonds site and they DO NOT list the Trailblazer SS road test? :hmm:
Anyways, like I said, sorry, I didn't know they (or anyone else for that matter) had actually done a test.
I admit that the test looks real for the SRT-8. I agree the SRT-8 is a superior vehicle but after driving the SS I can tell you that it's no slouch and a very nice ride. Also, going on MSRP only, the two appear to be pretty closely matched on pricing. I know there's going to be discounts that will offset that but I guarantee there will be discounts on the SRT-8 too after the initial flood of interest subsides. Especially once people get a gander at the MPG ratings of the SRT-8. 11mpg AVERAGE?! :eek:

Especially when they start buying fuel for that beast!!

Kat, talking to my Michigan guy, I hear that the SS will get the 6 spd a/t that's being used in the Vette and Caddy already, by as soon as May or June. It was worth .4 in the qtr. mile in the Vette, should help the SS as well. Since the SS is the same platform as the SSR, they are considering the 6 spd. manual as well! ;)

I don't know Randy. I'm not betting that the LS2 powered SS will benefit much at all from more gears. That thing's got a real wide flat torque curve and that generally means extra gears are not a great boost.

I must apologize. I wasn't aware that Edmonds tested the SRT-8. I swear I checked that a while ago and there was no test. Strange point is that I just went to the Edmonds site and they DO NOT list the Trailblazer SS road test? :hmm:
Anyways, like I said, sorry, I didn't know they (or anyone else for that matter) had actually done a test.
I admit that the test looks real for the SRT-8. I agree the SRT-8 is a superior vehicle but after driving the SS I can tell you that it's no slouch and a very nice ride. Also, going on MSRP only, the two appear to be pretty closely matched on pricing. I know there's going to be discounts that will offset that but I guarantee there will be discounts on the SRT-8 too after the initial flood of interest subsides. Especially once people get a gander at the MPG ratings of the SRT-8. 11mpg AVERAGE?! :eek:

I imagine there will be a gumush of road tests of both vehicles, and comparos of one vs the other. The biggest problem with Car and Driver, or Road and Track is that they are all able to look past certain short-comings because a vehicle will haul arse. Several of the reviews I have seen on the SRT 8 have actually put N/A in the mpg. :eek: I guess they don't give a hoot about mileage@?! :bigroll:

The lower mileage, the cost of replacement tires, lack of buyer incentives, possible maintenance issues [via bad history with JGCs] have me on the fence about this trade. If the JGC comes in today I'm going to take a looong and hard look at it, and take a buddy along to offer his .02. I imagine you're right about sales of these SRT 8 vehicles slowing down eventually, but at this point the sales guys aren't flexible on the price. I'll keep you posted on how this turns out.

[quote=Katshot]I must apologize. I wasn't aware that Edmonds tested the SRT-8. I swear I checked that a while ago and there was no test. Strange point is that I just went to the Edmonds site and they DO NOT list the Trailblazer SS road test? :hmm:

Katshot;

if you scroll down about 2/3 of the way in the Edmunds.com SRT article ... they reference the 'SS' and it is highlighted ... click on that and it takes you to a 'SS' article .... that's the only way i've found it ..??

It's wierd you should say that because when I looked at the article, the SS "wasn't" highlighted. I thought that was strange and went looking for the test itself in their list of tests. When I didn't find it, I thought I was going crazy. I KNEW I had seen the test there before. Maybe Edmonds was updating their database or something? Who knows?
Either way, I just really wanted to see their performance data to refresh my memory while reading the SRT-8 info. I must admit, I think they're WAY off on the SS data. After driving the SS, I think it would blow-off my FTS but according the Edmonds data it would be a very close race (my 14.5 to ths SS's 14.3). :hmm:

Hey, check it out. There's a new "follow-up" review on the SS, and it's a pretty damn positive one at that.

http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpcontainers/do/vdp/articleId=108306/pageNumber=1

Here's what Car and Driver had to say;


Heinricy tested a two-wheel-drive version that achieved 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, the quarter-mile in 13.9 seconds, and 0.80 g on the skidpad. Following a brief drive in a similar SS, we have no reason to doubt his sums. Top speed is governed to 130 mph, probably sufficient for a 4600-pound SUV.

Here's the link. http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=41&article_id=10002

Apparently Car&Driver's truck is a LOT faster!!!

Unfortunately, they didn't actually test it. The numbers they published are just "manufacturer's Estimates". Still they only claim a 13.9-14.0 1/4 mile so Edmonds 14.3 may not be unrealistic.
All in all, I must admit, after driving it, I came away surprised and impressed. Oh, and I disagree with the C/D assessment about the ride quality. I didn't think it was bad at all.