Manufacturer Jeep (Chrysler) Model years 1993–1998 | Production January 1992–1998 Designer Larry Shinoda (1987) | |
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Also called Jeep Grand Wagoneer (1993) Assembly Detroit, Michigan, United States
Graz, Austria (Magna Steyr)
Córdoba, Argentina
Valencia, Venezuela (Carabobo Assembly) | ||
The Jeep Grand Cherokee (ZJ) is the first generation of the Jeep Grand Cherokee sport utility vehicle. Introduced in 1992 for the 1993 model year, development of the ZJ Grand Cherokee started under American Motors and continued after their acquisition by Chrysler in 1987. It originally came in three trim levels: base, Laredo, and Limited. The base model included features such as full instrumentation, cloth interior, a standard five-speed manual transmission, and was given the "SE" name for the 1994 model year. Power windows and locks were not standard equipment on the base and SE, although they were finally included in 1995. The minimal difference in price resulted in low consumer demand, so the low-line model was eventually discontinued. Additional standard features included a driver-side air bag and four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS). The Laredo was the mid-scale model with standard features that included power windows, power door locks, and cruise control. Exterior features included medium-grey plastic paneling on the lower body and five-spoke aluminum wheels. The Limited was the premium model, featuring lower body paneling that was the same color as the rest of the vehicle. The Limited also had standard features such as leather seating, power sunroof, heated mirrors, heated power seats, and a keyless entry system. The "Up-Country" version was also offered between 1993 and 1997, often painted "Champagne Pearl" or black. It came with 4WD and a 4.0 straight-6. Package groups with the various trim levels included: Convenience, Fog Lamp / Skid Plate, Lighting, Luxury, Power, Security, Trailer/Towing.
Contents
- Minor Changes for the 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee after Late 1992Early 1993
- 1996 Restyling
- Fleet Markets
- 4x4
- Suspension
- Awards
- Models
- Special edition ZJs
- Jeep Grand Wagoneer 1993
- The Orvis Edition 19951997
- TSi 19971998
- The 59L Limited ZJ 1998
- References
When it was first introduced in April 1992 as an early 1993 model year vehicle, the Grand Cherokee only had one powertrain choice: the 4.0L AMC-derived 4.0L Power Tech I6 engine that produced 190 horsepower. This became the "volume" engine for the Grand Cherokee. Transmission choices included a four-speed automatic transmission (early production ZJs used the AW4 - the A500SE (later 42RE) replaced the AW4 during the latter half of the 1993 model year) or an Aisin AX15 manual transmission. Low demand for the manual transmission resulted in its discontinuation after the 1994 model year for North America but it remained on the option list for European ZJs (ZGs sold in Europe with the diesel powertrain retained the AX15). The drive train choices included rear-wheel drive or four-wheel-drive. In 1995, the engine lost 5 horsepower to 185 due to new EPA regulations imposed on the 1996 model year.
Export models produced at the plant in Graz, Austria, were given the vehicle designation of "ZG".
Minor Changes for the 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee after Late 1992/Early 1993
After 1992, Chrysler made some minor changes to the 1993 model year Grand Cherokee. The changes are shown in The New Jeep, a brochure on the 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee published in 1992. The crimson-colored interior option for the vinyl and cloth seats was no longer available, and the Limited model now had the option of quilted Highland-grain leather seats. The 5.2L High-Output Magnum Engine V8 with 220 horsepower was added in early 1993. The only transmission choice was a 46RH, four-speed automatic transmission. The Jeep Wagoneer Limited was also shown in the brochure, as it became available in early 1993. The radio face was changed for the A/M-F/M cassette player in early 1993, with raised buttons and rounded knobs, as well as larger green display text to match the rest of the Grand Cherokee's interior. The radio also introduced Dolby's noise reduction technology for the cassette player. Full-faced steel wheels replaced the six-spoke version on the Base/SE model.
In 1995, the performance of the V8 engine was upgraded to 300 lb·ft (410 N·m) from 285. The 1996 model featured cosmetic changes to the body including the grille, bumpers, and foglights, while interior additions included dual airbags. The AMC 4.0 L straight-6 engine, able to tow 5,000 lb (2,300 kg), was also refined with more torque and quieter operation. The 1996 Limited model also included more luxury items such as driver placement memory, radio controls on the steering wheel, and variable-assist power steering.
In 1998, Jeep introduced a limited-edition 5.9L Limited model for the Grand Cherokee. It was available with the 5.9L Magnum Engine V8 with 250 horsepower. It was only available in four-wheel-drive with a four-speed automatic transmission. The engine and model were only available for the 1998 model year. This was not the only four-wheel-drive SUV that Chrysler Corporation produced. The Dodge Durango R/T offered the same engine, starting in 1999, and was made through the 2000 model year.
Between 1996-98, the export Grand Cherokee Laredo (marketed for Japan) had the optional Aspen package (source: The Story of Jeep).
1996 Restyling
For the 1996 model year, the Grand Cherokee received a minor restyling to keep up with competitors such as the Ford Explorer and the Toyota 4Runner, both of which had been improved. The Grand Cherokee featured new front and rear bumpers, dual front SRS airbags, upgraded seatbelt safety devices, steering wheel-mounted sound system controls for some models, and revised steering wheel, now three-spoke with integrated cruise control buttons, a new dual-note horn, and the horn buttons were deleted in favor of a single horn pad which allowed the driver to press anywhere in the center of the steering wheel to sound the vehicle's horn. It was also given upgraded seats, an upgraded interior with new door panels and interior trim panels, a glove box that had more storage space, new tires and wheels, revised headlamps, fog lamps that were directly integrated into the vehicle's front bumper on some models, a new keyless entry remote, and faux wood interior trim standard on all models. An optional rear lift glass (first introduced with the 1995 Orvis edition where production tailgates manufactured after January 3, 1995 have both provisions for both fixed and lift glass) for the Laredo and Limited were added to the options list (the fixed glass came standard). The base SE model was dropped for 1996, in favor of new features being added to the Laredo (now base) model. The Grand Cherokee now offered standard power windows, power door locks, rear door child locks, cool blasting, keyless entry, A/M-F/M radio with cassette player and compact disc player and four standard speakers, cloth seating surfaces, and more. The manual transmission was no longer offered after the 1994 model year Grand Cherokee sold in North America but remained as the base transmission for European ZJs (ZG) sold in Europe with the diesel motor. New front door designs got new side body cladding strips, and the 'Laredo' subtext on the Laredo model was moved down to the cladding. The 'Grand Cherokee' badge was relocated to the front lower doors, and was now larger (using a font style similar to other Chrysler products), replacing the 1974-era American Motors font style used on Jeep vehicles. On V8-equipped Grand Cherokees, there was a new V8 badge on the rear liftgate. The 4X4 badge, on four-wheel-drive-equipped Grand Cherokees, was also changed to raised metal letters instead of the 4X4 decals offered before. A combination cassette player and CD player was available for the first time as an option, and the vehicle featured an OBD II diagnostics port under the dashboard on the driver's side, required for all 1996 model year and newer vehicles, a digital odometer and trip odometer, a 120 miles per hour speedometer rating on some models, and the vehicle now included some user-programmable features such as if the headlamps and tail lamps flashed when a button was pressed on the keyless entry remote, how many miles until service intervals, whether the horn sounded when a button was pressed on the keyless entry remote, and more. The overhead console was somewhat redesigned for the 1996 model year to improve storage space and feature availability. In addition to the cigarette lighter port, a 12-volt power port was added for cellular telephones, coolers, computers, and other devices. The ashtray was also removed from the rear doors, replaced by a solid area. The Limited model and Orvis Edition model both got chrome interior door handles.
Fleet Markets
In the mid-late 2000's, Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) Jeep Grand Cherokees that came in right hand drive became a popular vehicle choice for Canadian Mail Carriers since it shared the same chassis, body, suspension and engine as the North American left hand drive version.
Although RHD Grand Cherokee's were eligible for import into Canada as early 2007, the majority would not be imported until 2011 as more RHD models began to enter the market.
4x4
Four-wheel drive systems included Command-Trac, a part-time unit offering temporary 4-wheel assistance; Command-Trac was dropped from lineup in conjunction with the SE trim in 1996. Selec-Trac had the option of either full-time or part-time operation; both shift-on-the-fly Command-Trac and Selec-Trac were already available for the Cherokee, and they were adapted to the Grand Cherokee. Exclusive to the Grand Cherokee was the introduction of Quadra-Trac system with permanent all-time four-wheel assistance. This was optional on all models. Low-range required using a manual shift lever for all three systems.
Suspension
The Quadra-Link suspension design was used on both the front and rear axles. This design uses four control arms, two above the axle and two below it, to control longitudinal movement and rotation about the lateral axis (drive and braking reaction). A panhard rod, also referred to as a track bar, is used to locate the axle laterally. Two coil springs are seated on top of the axle housing as well as two gas-charged shock absorbers. The optional "Up Country" package included heavier duty German made gas charged shocks installed upside down, taller coil springs and longer bump stops; thereby increasing ride height by one inch.
Awards
The Grand Cherokee V8 was on Go-go mobile and Driver magazine's Ten Best list and was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 1993.
It was also Petersen's 4x4 of the Year in 1993, 1996 (with the redesigned NV249 transfer case), 1998 (with the newly available 5.9 L V8), 1999 (with its acclaimed 2nd generation model), 2001 (with the new 5-speed transmission), and 2005 (with its 3rd generation model).
Since 2011, the latest WK2 Grand Cherokee has been dubbed the "Most Awarded SUV Ever" due to the amount of awards it received when it was redesigned in 2011.
Models
The 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ was available in many, distinct trim levels:
The Base and SE (1993-1995) were the most basic trim levels of the Grand Cherokee between 1993 and 1995. The Base was given a name, the SE, in 1994. Standard features included the 4.0L "Power-Tech" Inline Six-Cylinder (I6) engine with 5-speed manual transmission, full instrumentation, vinyl-and-cloth trimmed seating surfaces, front high-back bucket seats, a split-folding rear 60/40/60 bench seat, an A/M-F/M stereo with 4 speakers, manual roll-up windows and door locks, and fifteen-inch (15") styled steel wheels. In 1995, the SE gained standard power windows and door locks, as well as keyless entry, air conditioning, an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette player, warning chimes, and a 4-speed automatic transmission. The SE was dropped after 1995, and in 1996, the Laredo became the base trim level of the Grand Cherokee.
The Laredo (1993-1998) served as the midrange trim level of the Grand Cherokee between 1993 and 1995, and the base trim level of the Grand Cherokee between 1996 and 1998. It added these features to the base SE Grand Cherokee: fifteen-inch (15") alloy wheels, an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette player, air conditioning, warning chimes, cloth seating surfaces, keyless entry, power windows and door locks, a chrome front grille, and body-side cladding and molding. In 1996, the Laredo became the base trim level of the Grand Cherokee, and remains the base trim level to this day. In 1995, the Laredo gained a standard 4-speed automatic transmission, as the 5-speed manual transmission was dropped after 1994. Many of the features available on the luxurious Limited model could also be had on the midrange or base Laredo model.
The Special Edition (1997-1998) was slotted just above the base Laredo trim Grand Cherokee between 1997 and 1998. It added the following features to the basic Laredo trim: a premium 120-watt Infinity Gold sound system with 6 speakers, an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette and CD players, power front bucket seats, a security system, color-keyed body-side trim and front and rear bumpers (sourced from the Limited), a 'Special Edition' emblem on both front doors, and more.
The TSi (1997-1998) served as the "sporty" trim level of the Grand Cherokee between 1997 and 1998. Slotted above the base Laredo trim, the TSi added these features to the basic Laredo trim: sport alloy wheels, blue front and rear bumper and side trim accents, sport leather-trimmed and perforated seating surfaces, heated front bucket seats, an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette and CD players, a premium 120-watt Infinity Gold sound system with 6 speakers, a security system, and more.
The Limited (1993-1998) served as the "luxury" trim level of the Grand Cherokee between 1993 and 1998. It added these features to the midrange Limited Grand Cherokee: premium leather-trimmed seating surfaces, premium low-back front bucket seats, power front seats, a premium 120-watt Infinity Gold sound system with 6 speakers, fifteen-inch (15") or sixteen-inch (16") luxury alloy wheels, a security system, 4-speed automatic transmission, an Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC or VIC), carpeted floor mats, body-colored front grille, front and rear bumpers, gold-plated badging, and body-side cladding and trim, and more.
The Orvis Edition (1995-1997) was a partnership between the Orvis catalog and Jeep. Based on the Limited model, and available between 1995 and 1997, it offered two exterior color options, either Moss Green Pearl Coat or Light Driftwood Pearl Coat, an A/M-F/M stereo with CD player, unique beige-and-green luxury leather seating surfaces with red piping and matching door panel accents, luxury fifteen-inch (15") or sixteen-inch (16") alloy wheels with Moss Green-painted accents, a power sunroof, heated front bucket seats, unique beige-and-green carpeted floor mats with red piping, a beige-and-green leather spare tire and spare wheel cover with integrated storage pockets, and more. Jeep ended their partnership with Orvis in 1997, and thus, the Orvis Edition Grand Cherokee was discontinued after 1997.
The 5.9L Limited (1998 only) The 5.9 Limited was a Jeep Grand Cherokee produced only for the 1998 model year, having more luxury and performance than that of the regular Limited. Chrysler manufactured nearly a quarter million Grand Cherokees in 1998. Of those, fewer than fifteen thousand were 5.9s. It housed a Magnum 5.9 L V8 engine with an output of 245 hp (183 kW) and 345 lb·ft (468 N·m) of torque, going from zero to 60 mph (100 km/h)in only 7.3 seconds[6] (Motor Trend measured this at a slightly faster 6.8 seconds[7]), making it the quickest SUV available that year. The performance of the 1998 5.9 L V8 has been surpassed by Jeep only with the introduction of the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, which housed a 6.1 L Hemi Engine.[8] The 5.9 Jeep Grand Cherokee was named the 1998 four-wheel drive vehicle of the year by Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine.[6] The 5.9 Limited was available only in Deep Slate, Stone White, Bright Platinum. European version named 5.9 Limited LX and had two additional colors: Forest Green (rare) and Deep Amethyst (very rare).
The 5.9 jeep grand cherokee included a number of improvements over the top of the line "limited" Grand Cherokee, that were unique to the 5.9. This included, in addition to the premium motor, all the options found on the limited edition, in addition to:[7]
The Grand Wagoneer Limited (1993 ONLY) served as the most luxurious Grand Cherokee trim level in 1993, offering these features in addition to the luxurious Limited features: quilted leather seating surfaces, faux vinyl wood side paneling, 'Grand Wagoneer' emblems on both upper front fenders, more wood interior trim, the deletion of the body-side cladding panels, the 5.2L Magnum V8 engine, 4X4 only, and a chrome front grille. Meant to pay homage to the then-recently-discontinued Jeep Grand Wagoneer SJ, the Grand Wagoneer Limited proved to be unpopular with Jeep enthusiasts, and was therefore discontinued after 1993.
Special edition ZJs
Throughout its lifetime, there were several different "one-off" and special edition models of the ZJ. The following highlights several of these.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer (1993)
For 1993 alone, Jeep carried over the Grand Wagoneer name for a special luxury version of the Grand Cherokee with both the 4.0L I6 and the 5.2 L V8 engines, this marked the last appearance for the Grand Wagoneer in the Jeep lineup. Having all the features of the Limited, it featured a simulated wood grain body cladding, along with special Grand Wagoneer badging, and a unique leather interior. This Jeep was the most costly of the line up, and was produced in limited numbers.
The Orvis Edition (1995–1997)
The Orvis (1995–1997) was a Grand Cherokee Limited package that featured an exterior color scheme of Moss Green, or in 1997 the (less common) Light Driftwood, with roan red and maize side strip accents (1995). Moss Green paint accents on the road wheels (matching the moss green body color) and the special "Orvis" brand badging were the only significant exterior visual differences. In performance, the 5.2 V8 engine became standard, but was available with a 4.0 inline 6-cylinder engine. Also, some Orvis editions came with a rear liftglass (which in 1996 became a mainstream option), tow hooks, and the Up-Country suspension group. However, the interior was special. Two-tone green and tan leather seats were complemented with roan red accent piping and Orvis insignia. There was a slight difference between the 1996 and 1997 years' interior compared to each other. The 1996 had a black dash where the 1997 had a tan dash, The Orvis Edition luxury trim package was optional on the Limited version, and when equipped with all the other options was the most expensive of all the Grand Cherokee versions until 1998 when the 5.9 Limited was introduced. Jeep ended their relationship with Orvis Catalog in 1997, and the Orvis Edition was therefore discontinued.
Production numbers of the Orvis Editions are:
TSi (1997–1998)
A sporty TSi model (1997–1998) briefly debuted, exterior features included single color body paneling with lower indigo blue striping, a body colored grille, and TSi accent similar to that found on the Eagle Talon model. "TSi" really is a misnomer on the Jeep. Both Jeep and Eagle were originally built by AMC. The AMC Eagle TSi was a "Turbo Sport Injection," and, on that model, included a turbo. Eagle had intended to create a TSi grand Cherokee; Chrysler did not agree, but nevertheless copied over the TSi logo. The "TSi" logo has been jokingly referred to as "Tape, Stripe, Indigo," as the only real addition the TSi model added to the base was an indigo pin stripe tapped onto the cladding—nothing else in the TSi was unique to that model.
The TSi could only be ordered in select colors, which included Black, Platinum, and Deep Amethyst. TSi packages came equipped with 5 spoke 16-inch (410 mm) alloy wheels (similar in style to those available on the 1996 "Chrysler Sebring Coupe"), 225/70R16 Goodyear Eagle GA tires, fog lights, Luxury group, featuring: "Highland" perforated, power, leather seats, overhead computer, and a premium sound system with steering wheel mounted controls. Contrary to popular belief, the suspension used on the TSi was the standard duty Quadra-Coil suspension used on all non-UpCountry ZJs. Both the 4.0 I6 and the 5.2 V8 were available. Quadra-Trac was standard with the TSi package for both engines, while Selec-Trac was optional with the I6. Both engine options could also be special ordered in 2 wheel drive configurations. The TSi was priced between the Laredo and the Limited; however, it was comparatively unpopular and a limited number were sold.
The 5.9 L Limited ZJ (1998)
The 5.9 Limited was a Jeep Grand Cherokee produced only for the 1998 model year, having more luxury and performance than that of the regular Limited. Chrysler manufactured nearly a quarter million Grand Cherokees in 1998. Of those, fewer than fifteen thousand were 5.9s. It housed a Magnum 5.9 L V8 engine with an output of 245 hp (183 kW) and 345 lb·ft (468 N·m) of torque, going from zero to 60 mph (100 km/h)in only 7.3 seconds (Motor Trend measured this at a slightly faster 6.8 seconds), making it the quickest SUV available that year. The performance of the 1998 5.9 L V8 has been surpassed by Jeep only with the introduction of the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, which housed a 6.1 L Hemi Engine. The 5.9 Jeep Grand Cherokee was named the 1998 four-wheel drive vehicle of the year by Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine.
The 5.9 Limited was available only in Deep Slate, Stone White, Bright Platinum. European version named 5.9 Limited LX and had two additional colors: Forest Green (rare) and Deep Amethyst (very rare).
The 5.9 jeep grand cherokee included a number of improvements over the top of the line "limited" Grand Cherokee, that were unique to the 5.9. This included, in addition to the premium motor, all the options found on the limited edition, in addition to: