BIG DOGGY; Our Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 still thrills, but it tests our patience, too.(News)(Product/service evaluation)

Byline: NATALIE NEFF

If you want snow tires for your Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, too bad. We've searched high and low for a set, and apparently, they don't exist. We're thankful our Jeep has managed just fine through the worst that winter could muster-despite fears about what 420 hp and 20-inch 255/45 Z-rated tires might add up to on an ice-covered road surface.

"I used the Cherokee for a variety of duties-Christmas shopping, grocery getting, tailgating and local ski-tripping,'' said one staffer. "It handled it all.''

Another logged more than 1000 miles during one weekend for assorted chores, including a run to the local home improvement store for a load of electrical supplies and a trek to Chicago for a new transmission and axle housing for his own collection of Jeeps (CJs). He recorded fuel mileage readings between 15.0 and 16.4 mpg on the highway but said, "The range on a tank of gas is horrible. I'd like to see routine runs of 300-plus miles.''

We're still head-over-heels in love with the engine, with most log entries at least mentioning the monster propulsion and the fantastic exhaust note. "Tap the gas, and you're instantly pinned against the seat,'' said a driver. "The power is just immense and really moves ...