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With
their Cherokee model in its 10th year, and with consumers
now enamored with Ford's Explorer, Jeep decided it
was time to bring another player into the SUV game.
Although the Cherokee was still selling well, it really
couldn't compete directly against the bigger and more
luxurious Explorer, which Ford brought out as a 1991
model. In 1993, Jeep responded with their handsome
Grand Cherokee, which coupled legendary Jeep off-road
capability with a smoother highway ride and more spacious
interior than its smaller brother.
Three
trim levels were initially offered; base, Laredo and
Limited. All models boasted two features not seen
on other vehicles in the Grand Cherokee's class: a
driver's side airbag and four-wheel antilock brakes.
Base models had a few notable features such as full
instruments, cloth interior and a five-speed manual
gearbox. The Laredo added body cladding, fancier seats,
power mirrors and cruise control. And the top-of-the-line
Limited came with leather seating, A/C, four-speed
automatic transmission, upgraded sound system and
power everything. Later in the 1993 model year, the
Grand Wagoneer debuted -- essentially a G.C. Limited
with simulated woodgrain tacked onto the body sides,
just like dad's old Ford LTD Country Squire Wagon.
Built
on a stiff unibody chassis, which was lighter than
a truck-like body-on-frame arrangement, the Grand
Cherokee's 105.9-inch wheelbase was 4.5-inches longer
than the Cherokee's, resulting in more legroom for
those riding in the back. Unlike the Explorer or Cherokee,
the Grand Cherokee was not available as a two-door
model, a smart move on Jeep's part as four-door SUVs
were much more popular with consumers than the two-door
variants.
Jeep's
strong and trusty 4.0-liter, 190-horsepower inline
six was chosen as the Grand Cherokee's motive source.
And later in the 1993 model year, a 5.2-liter V8 sporting
220 horses debuted, giving the Grand Cherokee an advantage
over its six-cylinder only competitors, such as the
Explorer, Toyota 4Runner and Chevrolet S-10 Blazer.
Other than giving Grand Cherokee owners bragging rights
on the golf course, the V8 allowed the G.C. to tow
up to 6,500 pounds -- ideal for the likes of 4H families
or Airstream trailer owners.
Three
four-wheel-drive systems were offered. Base and Laredo
came with Command-Trac, a part-time system where the
four-wheel mode could be used only on slippery pavement
or off-road. Optional on the Laredo was Selec-Trac,
which allowed the use of four-wheel drive on dry roads
as well, meaning the vehicle could be left in 4WD
all the time.
And
optional on the Laredo and standard on the Limited
and Grand Wagoneer was Quadra-Trac, a strictly full-time
system. Later in the year, a two-wheel-drive Laredo
became available, though only with the six-cylinder
engine.
Jeep's
Quadra-Coil suspension, which used live (solid) axles
(preferred over independent suspensions because of
their toughness) coupled with four links and coil
springs, contri-buted to the Grand Cherokee's fine
balance of four-wheeling prowess and long-distance
touring comfort.
1994
brought refinements to the Grand Cherokee. Four-wheel
disc brakes debuted on the Limited, sound systems
were upgraded, the rear seat received headrests and,
later in the year, a power sunroof became available.
Other changes included the marketing ploy of naming
the base model "SE," adding side-impact
beams in the doors for added crash protection, and
dropping the fake-wood bedecked Grand Wagoneer.
Not
to be outdone by Ford's Eddie Bauer Explorer (a fancy
edition named after an upscale outdoor gear and clothing
company) Jeep introduced the Grand Cherokee "Orvis"
edition for 1995. As with the rival Explorer Eddie
Bauer, the Orvis was named after a purveyor of outdoor
equipment. The Orvis edition was a Cherokee Limited
that featured a questionable color scheme of green
paint with red and gold accents and a two-tone green
and champagne interior with red accents.
More
worthwhile improvements for '95 included increased
torque output (from 285 to 300 foot-pounds) for the
V8 engine (which slightly improved acceleration and
hill climbing performance), the standard fitment of
four-wheel disc brakes to SE and Laredo models, and
deeper tinting on side and rear windows. Two new options
debuted: an integrated child safety seat and a flip-up
liftgate window. And for those who liked the luxurious
Limited but didn't need four-wheel drive, a two-wheel-drive
Limited (six-cylinder engine only) was newly available.
The
addition of a passenger's side airbag was just one
of a number of significant changes that occurred for
the 1996 Grand Cherokee. The workhorse 4.0-liter inline
six received more torque and was refined for quieter
operation. Both the SE model and Command-Trac were
dropped, leaving an improved Selec-Trac as the standard
four-wheel-drive system for the Laredo. Quadra-Trac
continued as standard on the Limited. The power steering
on Limited models featured variable assist, meaning
more power assist at slow speeds, such as when parking,
and less assist at higher speeds for improved road
feel. And later in the year, service points underhood
were highlighted with bright yellow, making it easier
for one to find that dang dipstick.
Exterior
changes were discreet and involved a larger grille,
new bumpers and restyled body cladding. Nameplates
were relocated onto the front doors, fog lights were
integrated into the front bumper for a cleaner look,
and new wheels graced Laredo and Limited models.
Inside
the cabin, a new instrument panel and steering wheel
housed the dual airbags. Adjustable shoulder belts
improved comfort, as did newly optional heated front
seats (on Limited models). Limited models also received
a few more luxury items: remote stereo controls mounted
on the steering wheel, a memory system for two drivers
(that retained the settings for the driver's seat,
outside mirrors and radio station presets), and auto-dimming
side and rearview mirrors. New seat fabrics and improved
stereo systems with CD decks further updated the interior.
After
all that happened in 1996, 1997 saw but a handful
of changes. Chief among them was the availability
of the V8 engine for two-wheel-drive Grand Cherokees
and the six-cylinder engine's qualification as a transitional
low-emission vehicle (TLEV) in California. The antilock
braking system was refined for smoother operation,
the base stereo was upgraded, carpet quality was improved
and some new colors, such as Deep Amethyst Pearl and
Bright Platinum, debuted.
Later
in the year, a sporty TSi model debuted, featuring
16-inch alloy wheels, 225/70R16 tires, leather seating
and a premium stereo. The TSi brought the number of
Grand Chero-kee models offered back to three: Laredo,
TSi and Limited.
1998
would see the first generation Grand Cherokee go out
with a bang. A big bang, as a new 5.9 Limited debuted.
The number referred to the engine size in liters,
meaning this model housed a powerful 5.9-liter V8
underhood. The big V8 thumped out 245 horse-power
and 345 foot-pounds of torque, enough to catapult
this SUV from zero to 60 mph in only 7.3 seconds,
making it the quickest SUV available that year. Helping
out in the performance department was a low restriction
exhaust (with a chrome tip) and a 3.73 rear axle ratio.
A few other features separated the 5.9 from the standard
Limited model: hood louvers, a mesh grille insert
and unique five-spoke alloy wheels. The occupants
of a 5.9 Limited were treated to even more luxury
than the already plush Limited, with softer leather
trim and a more powerful (180-watt) stereo.
The
funky Orvis model was discontinued and other Grand
Cherokees received a few small refinements, such as
improved steering feel, an underhood light, and a
revised ignition key lock for increased security.
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Careful
evolution marked the revamped 1999 Grand Cherokee.
The latest body style is a slightly softened but still
handsome version of the previous model. Although the
wheelbase remains the same, overall length is up by
4 inches and height increases a few inches, as well,
resulting in more cargo and passenger room. And Jeep
wisely relocated the spare from the cargo area to
under the rear floor, freeing up luggage space.
A
new overhead-cam 4.7-liter V8 with 230 horsepower
and 295 pound-feet of torque (later models got up
to 265 ponies and 325 lb-ft from a High Output version
of this engine) replaces the old pushrod 5.2-liter
V8, and the sturdy 4.0-liter inline six was refined
for more power (10 additional horses) and smoother
operation. Automatic transmissions are paired with
both engines, but the V8's tranny has another gear
"between" second and third that improves
passing performance at higher speeds. Joining Selec-Trac
and Quadra-Trac is Quadra-Drive, which has the ability
to send all the power to a single wheel if the other
three have no grip.
The
nicely equipped Laredo and luxurious Limited trim
levels are still offered, Sport and Special Edition
models appeared briefly and currently the top o' the
heap is the Overland. The Overland has the 4.7 H.O.
V8 as well as a wealth of standard features such as
front and side-curtain airbags, an Infinity sound
system with 10-disc changer, heated/power front seats,
Quadra-Drive, side step rails, power sunroof, wood/
leather steering wheel and 17-inch alloys wheels.
In
2005, jeep unveiled the newest version of the Grand
Cherokee - complete with independant suspension, a
Hemi V8 boasting 300 hp and a chiseled look, the top-end
model offeredsports-car eating acceleration and go-anywhere
capability on demand.
For
2006, Jeep has approved production of the Commander
- with V8 power and seating for 7, in an overall package
not much larger than the current Grand, Jeep is poised
to take over the market.
As
before, trim levels consist of the nicely equipped
Laredo and high-end Limited.
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