Road Test of the CRD 3.0L Jeep GC

[Life_in_4Lo]

I like it and only $1665 over a petrol version
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=125933

I hope toyota follows suit!

 

[Dave Bennett]

That 3.0 CRD in the Rubicon would be the ultimate! eepwall:

 

[Ronnie4283]

Yeah I had to drive one for work. That engine is ********** nice!

 

[Life_in_4Lo]

Ronnie, more impressions!

Boy, the thought of that motor in the Rubicon... oh boy:Wow1: it's got me excited

some stats- man that CRD has got some grunt!!

3.7L v6 - 210 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque, 15 mpg city/20 mpg highway

3.0 CRD v6 - 215hp and 376 pound-feet (at 1600rpm), 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway

4.7L V8 - 305 hp and 334 lb-ft of torque, 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway

 

[Dave Bennett]

The biggest question out there is WHEN will Jeep offer the 3.0 CRD (or any other motor than the 3.8) in the Jeep Wrangler???

 

[Ronnie4283]

Well I'm a tech at a Jeep dealership, and part of my job is doin predelivery inspections on new vehicles. It's has some characteristics of all turbo diesels, the spooling up and the sudden rush of power. For anyone who has ever driven the Liberty with a diesel, the feeling is similar, but that 3.0 will PUSH the much bigger GC around like I didn't expect. It'll get up to highway speeds with a quickness, and passing is no sweat either. The torque is a good thing to have. It may be a lil too refined for my taste (not much diesel "clatter", but I grew up around semi trucks). But a great engine nonetheless. It would be truly amazing to see one in a JK, no more complaining about the minivan engine, which is a suitable engine, just a questionable source.

 

[gary in ohio]

The diesel vehicle cost more, the diesel doesnt get any better fuel millage and in fact get worse dollars per miles due to higher diesel cost. The CRD isnt going to be one of those million mile engine. Aside from some torque differances, I dont see a reason to put a CRD in a GC. Now if they can put it in a wrangler to gain some gas millage it might be worthwhile but its going to need to be 10+mpg to make any dent in the market.

I REALLY hate that I get a big *** suburban and get the same basic gas millage as a little wrangler.

 

[biere]

My diesel grand cherokee is what it is.

There are some things to consider about it.

Once I buy that expensive fuel I have more range than most gas versions have, I won't say all since I don't know what everyone is getting for mileage.

I worry less about an aftermarket fuel tank with more capacity or my ability to carry x number of jerry cans to cover y number of miles without refueling.

I like diesel fuel over gasoline since it is simpler to store some extra jerry cans around in case a power outage causes me to have trouble getting fuel when I am wanting to fill up with fuel. I also like how easy diesel fuel is to deal with when spilled compared to gasoline.

While I wish jeep offered diesls in all their vehicles in this country the sad reality is they do not.

I got tired of waiting for other new diesel jeeps to show up and bought this one.

It is darn impressive.

The diesel won't solve all problems, but as part of the package it is darned impressive to me.

I don't expect the engine to go a million miles or half a million miles.

I expect it to be what it will be and that is a basic 4x4 with decent range as sold from the factory.

I still wish the wrangler had a diesel engine option.

But sometimes you have to take what is offered new or decide to build your own.

 

[haven]

"..the diesel doesnt get any better fuel millage and in fact
get worse dollars per miles due to higher diesel cost."

False. Using federal government national average fuel costs and EPA mileage ratings, the 3.0L diesel's fuel costs are about 10% lower than the 4.7 or 5.7L gas engine. 10% is not a big deal over a typical year of driving, but you do save money with diesel.

The diesel also is worth more when you sell it, according to Kelly Blue Book. This exceeds the premium you pay for the diesel when you buy it.

It seems to me that the place where the gas engine models have an advantage is that they are covered by Chrysler's lifetime powertrain warranty, while the diesel models have warranty only for the first 36,000 miles.

Chip Haven

 

[durango_60]

My Father just purchased a GC Overland with the oil burner and I am quite impressed. The power is simply wonderful, and the traction control system made minced meat out of a moderately technical trail that I had him follow me up last night. I have seen many modified rigs resort to momentum and wheel spin to get up these swithbacks but he didn't spin a single tire, even when the drivers front was about 6" in the air due to the lack of articulation.

 

[jerdog53]

I have heard that Mopar Porformance shop will be offering the CRD in a crate motor sometime soon and don't limmit your self to just running Diesel when Bio-Diesel is out there.

 

[Tanto]

Can you suppliment it with a turbo?

 

[ox4mag]

3.0 CRD Review in JPFreek Adventure Magazine

We did a review of the 4x4 Limited 3.0 CRD in our spring 2008 issue. The vehicle was a blast to drive and despite its low ground clearance, the CRD engine is, in my opinion, one of the best diesel platforms I've had the pleasure of driving. You can check out the review on our website at:

http://www.jpfreek.com/web/reviews/2008_CRD_grand_cherokee/index.html

 

[LilKJ]

I can vouch for the CRD platforms... (granted mine is different)

I currently drive a CRD Liberty with the VM Motori 2.8L Turbo Diesel and the thing is great. Can't complain about a very capable and powerful 4x4 that gets 30mpg on the highway lifted on 32's with a roof full of goodies.

The 3.0 GC CRD has a little more getup and more interior amenities but I'd just mess them up anyways.

 

[XXXpedition]

That 3.0 CRD in the Rubicon would be the ultimate!

the jk comes with a 2.8l CRD - i guess that's what they will bring to the USA too, once they do....
but i have to say it's a great engine - seems a bit slow at first but if you really hit the pedal it takes off... (177 hp, 300 lbft)