1984-2001 XJ Jeep Cherokee
The 1984 Jeep XJ Cherokee was a scaled down version of its namesake, the 1974 Jeep Wagoneer Cherokee. The new model shared nothing but the name from its predecessor. The XJ Cherokee sported a more nimble 7 inch shorter wheelbase, with overall length being chopped a whopping 21 inches! The smaller size, coupled with a 1,000 pound weight reduction, resulted in much better fuel economy and offroad capability. The Jeep XJ Cherokee was available in both 2 door and 4 door models.
In 1985, a 2 wheel drive version of the XJ Cherokee was offered; making that option the 1st time it had been available on a Jeep vehicle since 1967. The 2 wheel drive version was the exact vehicle as the 4WD version, sans the front axle.
1997 saw the XJ Cherokee receiving its first major re-design in 13 years, mostly in appearance with a more aerodynamic styling. The last year that the Jeep built the XJ Cherokee was 2001. In 2002, the XJ was replaced by the Jeep Liberty.
1993-98 ZJ Jeep Grand Cherokee
When the 1993 Jeep ZJ Grand Cherokee was debuted, it was Chrysler’s first true “Jeep” model. All previous had been based on AMC (American Motors Corp) design. The ZJ Grand Cherokee was built to compete directly against the bigger and more luxurious Ford Explorer. The Grand Cherokee brought the legendary Jeep off-road capability with a smoother highway ride, and was an instant winner.
The Jeep ZJ Grand Cherokee was offered with an inline 6 cylinder engine, along with a couple of V-8 versions, including the powerful 5.9-liter. The big V8 pumped out 245 horse-power and 345 foot-pounds of torque, enough to send the ZJ from zero to 60 mph in only 7.3 seconds, making it the quickest SUV available.
Three different 4WD applications were used on the Jeep ZJ including; the Command-Trac, Selec-Trac and Quadra-Trac systems. The ZJ was also built in several different trim packages over the years, ranging from the Base, to the Limited, to the eclectic Orvis edition, which was built to compete with Ford’s Eddie Bauer edition vehicles.
1999-2004 WJ Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 1999 Jeep WJ Grand Cherokee was a complete re-do from the ZJ Grand Cherokee. The inline 6 cylinder and the V-8’s were all redesigned. The new Quadra-Drive was added to the 4WD application selections, and the wheel bolt pattern was changed from the 5 x 4 ½, to a 5 x 5 lug pattern. The spare tire location was changed to under the floor, making for more luggage storage space. The nicely equipped Laredo and luxurious Limited trim levels were still offered, and Sport and Special Edition models appeared briefly. The most luxurious trim package offered was the Overland.
2005- 2011 WK Jeep Grand Cherokee
The all-new 2005 Jeep WK Grand Cherokee debuted in 2004 for the 2005 model year. Features available for the first time in a Jeep include Quadra-Drive II four-wheel drive, rear-seat DVD player and optional 5.7 L Hemi V8. The 3.7 L V-6 replaced the 4.0 L inline 6 cylinder.
The new design emphasizes power and luxury, with significant work done on improving noise and vibration. However, for the first time, Jeep also emphasized on-road performance to a similar extent as the cornerstone of its brand, off-road capability. |
