Owner trades luxury vehicle for Jeep

Long-time Las Vegas resident Judy Harris drove her 2008 Mercedes Benz S550 down to Chapman Chrysler Jeep three months ago to test drive the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee on the recommendation of her son, Steven. Little did she suspect that she would be driving home that day and leaving behind her Mercedes-Benz.

"I've been fortunate to drive some very nice vehicles in my life including my Mercedes and just recently a Cadillac Escalade," Judy Harris said. "And I must say I was totally surprised to find that the unique features of the new Grand Cherokee outshined them all."

Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep has seen interest in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee remain high since the vehicle first arrived at the dealership earlier this year. Car and Driver magazine named the Grand Cherokee the No. 1 SUV of 2011.

"I've seen how customers consistently light up when they get inside this vehicle for the first time and experience its look and feel," said Don Hamrick, General Manager of Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep. "Judy Harris is a friend of mine and, having sold her family six vehicles over the years, I know how particular she can be when it comes to demanding the best performance and presentation from her cars. Even so, I was extremely confident that the new Grand Cherokee would meet and exceed her expectations."

The 2011 Grand Cherokee has high-end amenities including a big two-pane panoramic sunroof, leather instrument panel, power tilt/telescope steering wheel and power lumbar control. The door openings are larger and the rear seatbacks recline. The engine choices include a new 280-hp 3.6-liter, double overhead cam V-6, which also delivers excellent fuel economy, or a HEMI V-8 capable of over 20 mpg. The interior has an airy feel and safety systems include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection and a forward-collision warning system.

"I frequently drive to Northern Nevada due to my involvement in the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra Choir," Harris said, "so I encounter many weather conditions including snow. I handle it fearlessly because my Grand Cherokee has height-adjustable suspension and something called 'Select Terrain' which electronically responds to different driving conditions. Honestly, it drives like a Range Rover.

"When it came to my purchasing experience," she continued, "Chapman had a homey feeling to it. Not just Don, who I've known for quite a while, but literally everyone I interacted with made me feel comfortable and at ease -- just like family."

Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep sells and services new and used vehicles and is located on 3175 E. Sahara Ave. at Mojave Road. Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep can be reached at 800-NewDodge and www.VegasDCJ.com.

In addition to Chapman Dodge, Chapman Chrysler Jeep sells and services the complete line of Chrysler and Jeep vehicles. Located in the Valley Automall in Henderson. Chapman Chrysler Jeep can be reached at 888-207-1687 or online at www.ChapmanChryslerJeep.com.