Jeep Grand Cherokee (ZJ)

Early 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo

Early 1993 ZJ crimson interior

The Grand Cherokee (ZJ) was first introduced at the 1992 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan. Then-CEO of Chrysler Corporation, Bob Lutz, drove a Poppy Red Clear Coat 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ Laredo 4X4 from the Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP) where the Grand Cherokee was assembled to Cobo Hall, where Lutz and then-mayor of Detroit Coleman Young drove up the front steps and into the lobby of the building, "crashing" through a plate-glass window (which "exploded" just prior to the vehicle's entrance).[4]

The Grand Cherokee (ZJ) was initially available in three trim levels: base, Laredo, and Limited. The base model included features such as full instrumentation, a 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 for 1993 and 1994. The minimal difference in price resulted in low consumer demand, so the low-line model was discontinued after 1994. Standard features on all models included a driver-side airbag 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 remote keyless system. The "Up-Country" version was also offered between 1993 and 1997. It came with 4WD and the AMC straight-6 4.0 L engine. Package groups included: convenience, fog lamps, skid plate, lighting, luxury, power, security, and trailer towing.

When it was first introduced in April 1992 as an early 1993 model year vehicle, the Grand Cherokee had one powertrain, the AMC-derived 4.0 L Power Tech I6 engine that produced 190 horsepower. Transmission choices were 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 sales demand for the manual transmission resulted in its discontinuation after the 1994 model year for North America, but it remained on the options list for European ZJs. The drivetrain choices included rear-wheel drive or four-wheel-drive.

The all-new, 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee went on sale in April 1992 in Base, Laredo, and Limited trims. At launch all Grand Cherokees were powered by the 4.0 L Power Tech Inline Six-Cylinder engine, and were all four-wheel drive. Starting in early 1993, the Grand Cherokee became available with the 5.2 L Magnum V8 engine, and a Grand Wagoneer model became available with standard four-wheel drive and V8 power, as well as a plush leather-trimmed interior and faux vinyl woodgrain side and tailgate paneling. The 5.2 L Magnum V8 engine was available with the Quadra-Trac four-wheel drive system, which was based around an NV249 transfer case with a viscous coupler. The Quadra-Trac system was a permanent four-wheel drive system that allowed up to 60% of power to the rear wheels and a 50–50 split when loss of rear traction occurred. It also had a low range that still utilized the viscous coupler in the 1993-1995 model years. In 1996 and beyond, the low range provided a true 50-50 lock between the front and rear axles. However, the system required little to no driver input, as it was automatically determined by the viscous coupler when more front bias was required. In addition to Quadra-Trac, a Selec-Trac Full-Time four-wheel drive system was available that was a "Shift-on-the-Fly" four-wheel drive system that had a 4-wheel drive part-time mode (50/50 lock) a 4-wheel drive full-time mode (variable front bias, much like the Quadra-Trac) and a 4 LO. The standard part-time four-wheel drive system in the Grand Cherokee was known as Command-Trac, a part-time only four-wheel drive, modes were 2 wheel drive, 4 HI, and 4 LO. All three four-wheel-drive systems featured a selector lever that was located next to the transmission gear selector or shifter. Two Wheel Drive Grand Cherokees featured a small storage area in place of the four-wheel drive selector lever.

In late 1992/early 1993 calendar year, 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 5.2 L High-Output Magnum Engine V8 producing 220 horsepower was added in early 1993. The only transmission choice was a 46RH, four-speed automatic transmission. The top-of-the-line Grand Wagoneer trim was also shown in the brochure and became available in early 1993. The radio face was changed for the AM/FM 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 noise reduction technology for the cassette player. Full-faced steel wheels replaced the six-spoke version on the Base/SE model.[5][6]

For 1994, the upgraded Jensen Electronics AccuSound premium amplified audio system was rebranded Infinity Gold, with upgraded components. An AM/FM stereo with an in-dash CD player became available for the first time. Mid-level Laredo models gained standard fifteen-inch sport aluminum-alloy wheels. The Grand Wagoneer model was dropped for 1994, while the Base trim level is renamed the SE. The Aisin AW4 four-speed automatic transmission was replaced for 1994, becoming the Chrysler-built 42RE.

In 1995, the performance of the V8 engine was upgraded to 300 lb⋅ft (407 N⋅m) from 285. The AMC 4.0 L straight-6 engine, rated to tow 5,000 lb (2,268 kg), was also refined with more torque and quieter operation.

An uplevel Orvis Edition model of the Grand Cherokee was introduced in partnership with Orvis catalog, adding features to the uplevel Limited model such as perforated tan and Moss Green leather-trimmed seating surfaces and front and rear door panels, an AM/FM stereo with in-dash CD player as an option, and unique exterior trim and fifteen-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with green inserts to the Limited trim. A flip-out rear glass hatch was a new option for the Orvis, along with font lettering which was similar to other Chrysler products (which was phased in the following model year). The base SE trim level received more standard equipment such as power windows and door locks, Antilock Braking System (ABS), keyless entry, an AM/FM stereo with cassette player, air conditioning, and upgraded fifteen-inch styled steel wheels. The five-speed Aisin AX15 manual transmission was also no longer available for 1995.

For 1996, the Grand Cherokee received a mid-cycle restyling, with new front and rear bumpers and side cladding, a larger front grille, new aluminum-alloy wheel options, and an entirely new interior, now featuring a front passenger side airbag and revised interior fabrics. A combination AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD players became available, as well as a rear-mounted multi-disc CD changer unit. The five-speed manual transmission option was also dropped for 1995. At this time, the part-time Command-Trac four-wheel drive system was dropped, leaving the full-time Selec-Trac and computerized Quadra-Trac four-wheel drive systems as options. The previous base SE trim was discontinued due to low sales, and the mid-level Laredo became the new base trim.

A new steering wheel that featured three-spokes with integrated cruise control buttons, a new dual-note horn, and the horn buttons were deleted in favor of a single horn pad. The front seats were new as well as an upgraded interior with new door panels and interior trim panels, a glove box with 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 remote keyless system, as well as 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 Grand Cherokee now offered standard power windows, power door locks, rear door child locks, keyless entry, AM/FM 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 only 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 and initially used with the 1995 Orvis package), 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.

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 remote keyless system, how many miles until service intervals, whether the horn sounded when a button was pressed on the 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.

The 4.0 engine rating was reduced by 5 horsepower to 185 to meet EPA regulations for the 1996 model year production.

For 1997, a new trim level of Grand Cherokee, the Special Edition, was introduced, adding the Infinity Gold premium amplified audio system, an AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD players, dual power-adjustable front bucket seats, color-keyed exterior trim, and a security system to the base Laredo model. The TSi, also based on the base Laredo model, added unique sixteen-inch sport aluminum-alloy wheels, unique front and rear bumpers and side cladding, an AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD players, dual power-adjustable front bucket seats, luxury leather-trimmed seating surfaces with dual heated front bucket seats, dark gray wood interior trim, and a security system to the Laredo trim. The 5.2 L Magnum V8 engine was now available with 2-wheel-drive (Rear-Wheel-Drive). The Orvis Edition was in its last production year for 1997, available in Moss Green and a Birch Silver exterior color.

For 1998, the first-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee (ZJ) entered its final year of production. The Laredo and other models were carried over, and the new 5.9L Limited Edition was introduced and exclusive to this year model.

Production of the first-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ ended in mid-1998, as production of the next generation Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ) began at Jefferson North Assembly.

Between 1996 and 1998, the export Grand Cherokee Laredo (marketed for Japan) had the optional Aspen package (source: The Story of Jeep).

1998 5.9l Jeep Grand Cherokee, deep slate, export model

In 1998, a 5.9 L Limited model featured the 5.9 L V8 Magnum engine producing 245 hp (183 kW) with all-wheel-drive and a four-speed automatic transmission. This engine and model was only available for the 1998 model year. This Limited model featured the 5.9 L Magnum V8 engine from the Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck, unique forged sixteen-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, unique ruffled luxury leather-trimmed seating surfaces and front and rear door panels, an AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD players, a unique ten-speaker, 180-watt Infinity Gold premium amplified audio system, a unique mesh grille and a vented performance hood to the standard Limited model. The 5.9 also included working hood vents, an upgraded alternator, and a unique exhaust.[7] The 1998 5.9 L was the then fastest production SUV, having a measured 0-60 time (by Road and Track) of 6.8 seconds—a time that would not be beat until almost ten years later, with Jeep's SRT.[8]

1993 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Following the introduction of the all-new 1993 Grand Cherokee ZJ, Jeep introduced an "ultra-luxury" model of its all-new midsize SUV, called the Grand Wagoneer. Based on the Grand Cherokee Limited and paying tribute to the Jeep Grand Wagoneer SJ of which the Grand Cherokee ZJ replaced, the Grand Wagoneer included a standard 5.2L "Magnum" High-Output V8 engine and the new "Quadra-Trac" computerized full-time four wheel drive (4X4) system, both of which were optional on all other Grand Cherokees. Additional features on top of the Limited included exclusive faux woodgrain vinyl decals on the front fenders, doors, and rear tailgate, chrome Grand Wagoneer emblems on both front fenders, deletion of the lower textured body side cladding, unique pinstripes on the front and rear bumpers and above the woodgrain decals on both sides of the vehicle, color-keyed heated power-adjustable side mirrors, a chrome front grille, front bumper-mounted driving (fog) lamps, a color-keyed leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with cruise control, ultra-luxury quilted leather-trimmed seating surfaces, a security system, and a full-size, matching cargo area-mounted spare tire and wheel with vinyl cover. The Grand Wagoneer was available in several different exterior color options, although all interiors were beige in color, regardless of exterior color. Options were very limited, as the Grand Wagoneer had a long list of standard equipment, although an A/M-F/M radio with graphic equalizer and single-disc CD player was available as an option (the Grand Cherokee ZJ was one of the first midsize SUV's to offer a factory-installed, in-dash CD player as an option). As there was not a large market for the Grand Cherokee ZJ-based Grand Wagoneer, it was discontinued after the 1993 model year, once again leaving the Limited as the top-of-the-line Grand Cherokee trim level.

1995 Grand Cherokee Orvis Edition

1995 Grand Cherokee Orvis Edition interior

The Orvis (1995–1997)[11] 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' interiors compared to each other. The 1996 had a black dash whereas 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 its relationship with Orvis Catalog in 1997, and the Orvis Edition was discontinued. However, in Europe, the ZJ (ZG) Orvis Special Edition in RHD form now became the ultimate. Boasting all the Orvis extras, plus features such as Bonnet (Hood) vents from the 5.9, this exclusively high output 4.0 6 cylinder (195 bhp) 3:73 standard gearing car was offered in Platinum Mist Metallic with Black Leather and wood trim, complete with an Option Free list (except Tow Pack), 0-60 of 8.1, and a factory top speed of 132 mph.

Production numbers of the Orvis Editions are:

• 1995: 10,020
• 1996: 2,341
• 1997: 2,733

(Note - European (ZG) 4.0 HO model Orvis - estimated at a couple of hundred in RHD).

1998 Grand Cherokee TSi

A sporty TSi model (1997–1998) was briefly offered, with exterior features that included single-color body paneling with lower indigo blue striping, a body-colored grille, and TSi accents. The TSi trim level was first used on the turbocharged, intercooled version of the 1986-89 Chrysler Conquest before it transferred to Eagle and was applied to performance-oriented 1990-98 Talons and 1993-97 Visions from Jeep's sister brand. The TSi trim was applied to the Grand Cherokee to create a stronger connection between Jeep and Eagle, as Eagle sales had been in the doldrums by 1997.

The TSi could only be ordered in select colors, which included Black, Platinum, and Deep Amethyst. TSi packages came equipped with five-spoke 16-inch (410 mm) alloy wheels, 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 and was discontinued after a two-year run.

The 5.9 Limited was 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. Standard was a Magnum 5.9 L V8 engine producing 245 hp (183 kW) and 345 lb⋅ft (468 N⋅m) of torque and capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.8 seconds,[12] making it the quickest SUV available that year (That time was not bested until almost ten years later, when Jeep introduced the SRT). Because of this, unlike other Grand Cherokee models, the 5.9 Limited required premium unleaded gasoline. 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.[13]

The 5.9 Limited was available only in Deep Slate, Stone White, and Bright Platinum. European version named 5.9 Limited LX and had two additional colors: Forest Green[9] and Deep Amethyst.[10]

A Deep Slate 1998 Grand Cherokee 5.9 L (Note hood louvers and mesh grille inserts)

The 5.9 Jeep Grand Cherokee included unique features. These included all the options from the Limited and the following:[12]

• a higher output alternator
• Low profile roof rack (used on the next generation)
• Unique wood grain accents
• Calf's leather interior
• Chrome exhaust tip
• Unique front grille
• Unique side rocker moldings
• Functional heat-extracting hood louvers
• Leather armrest in rear seating position
• 6-channel Infinity premium stereo (includes rear door subwoofers, and cargo area soundbar)
• Leather-wrapped shifter and emergency brake handles
• Unique leather door inserts, armrests, and console lid
• Unique five-star wheels
• 46RE 4-speed automatic transmission
• 3.73 differential gearing with rear Trac-Loc
• Requires premium gasoline