In the bad old days of yore, cars, no matter where they were built, would usually break down, perhaps not straight away, but definitely at some point relatively soon. There were always certain precautions that you could take, not buying British was always a good start, anything Italian was to be avoided, especially if you lived on the coast or somewhere damp for example (The UK). But over the years, manufacturers began to realise that if their products were ‘reliable’ they’d be very popular indeed and sell lots and lots to the blackened, bruised and greasy fingered consumer.
And then there were American cars. Badly made, uneconomical, don’t handle and far too big for our UK roads are some of the common perceptions that people have about vehicles from over the pond. Whether any of the above is true or not doesn’t really matter as reputations are made and consolidated by half truths and lies, which are then repeated down through the decades. However time moves on, success as a manufacturer is judged, not just on units sold, but also on customer satisfaction and it’s customer satisfaction that is a clear indicator of your progress and your ability to encourage repeat business and brand loyalty.
All of which brings us nicely on to the topic of the day, namely, the results of the annual Driver Power survey. And it’s here where we see proof of Jeep’s growing reputation in the UK which is shown today in a major survey on the best cars to own – the Grand Cherokee 4×4 is named as one of the ‘Top 10 Best Cars To Own’, while the Jeep brand is heralded as the ‘most improved’.
Auto Express have shared with MotorMartin that the findings, from their 2016 Driver Power Survey, put the Grand Cherokee in ninth position, out of more than 150 cars sold in the UK. Not bad at all I’m sure you’ll agree. The survey also shows how Jeep as a brand is now ranked in 11th place – up from last year’s 26th – thereby registering the best improvement. The survey also highlights that comfort, practicality, technology and ease of driving are all highly rated by UK Jeep owners.
Jeep themselves have informed MotorMartin that with an overall score of 91.99 per cent, the 250 hp 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel Grand Cherokee has clearly impressed a large proportion of new and existing car owners, as Jeep continues to make great in-roads in the UK, in terms of sales.
They continue to say that in March this year, they registered 2597 cars – the greatest single month in their UK history. Last year they also capped a hugely successful 2015, increasing their sales, compared with 2014, by 137.2 per cent to a record-breaking 10,794, making them the fastest-growing car brand in the UK. Great news all round.
The Auto Express 2016 Driver Power Survey states that among the Grand Cherokee’s highlights for ownership are its performance, ride quality, practicality and in-car technology. Before continuing to say that the “big American off-roader continues to score well in most categories” and that Owners “rate the Grand Cherokee fun and comfortable to drive.”
The survey then informs us that, “Practicality matters for most SUV owners, and the car scored well here due to its large boot and roomy interior,” it concludes.
“We have been delighted with Jeep’s sales record in the UK recently, but that can only be sustained if Jeep owners are happy with their car,” shared Damien Dally, head of brand, Jeep UK with MotorMartin recently.
“We are naturally delighted to see that it appears to be the case. The Auto Express Driver Power Survey is a good gauge for us and this year the result is certainly a very positive one for Jeep.”
With prices for the Jeep Grand Cherokee starting at £48,195 (OTR) for the 3.0 CRD V6 Overland, £51,995 (OTR) for the 3.0 CRD V6 Summit, and £65,995 (OTR) for the 6.4 V8 Hemi SRT, I think it’s safe to say that for the Jeep fan in your family, they’ll be very happy with the Jeep Grand Cherokee at any price.
Where will you go?