Jeep Grand Cherokee (ZJ)

This is the first generation. For overview of all models, see Jeep Grand Cherokee

ZJ
Overview
Also called	Jeep Grand Wagoneer (1993)
Production	January 1992–1998
Model years	1993–1998
Assembly	Detroit, Michigan, United States Graz, Austria (Magna Steyr) Córdoba, Argentina Valencia, Venezuela (Carabobo Assembly)
Body and chassis
Platform	ZJ platform
Powertrain
Engine	2.5 L 425 OHV I4 Engine specs  •Displacement: 152.5 CID (2,499 cc)  •Stroke: 3.701 in (94 mm)  •Bore: 3.622 in (92 mm)  •Power: 114 hp  •Torque: 221 ft/lb of torque  •Fuel Type: Diesel 4.0 L AMC 242 I6 Engine specs  •Displacement: 242.1 CID (3,968 cc)  •Stroke: 3.413 in (87 mm)  •Bore: 3.88 in (99 mm)  •Power: 190 hp  •Torque: 225 ft/lb of torque  •Fuel Type: Regular Unleaded Gasoline 5.2 L Magnum V8 Engine specs  •Displacement: 318 CID (5,211 cc)  •Stroke: 3.31 in (84 mm)  •Bore: 3.91 in (99 mm)  •Power: 225 hp  •Torque: 300 ft/lb of torque  •Fuel Type: Regular Unleaded Gasoline 5.9 L Magnum V8 Engine specs  •Displacement: 360 CID (5,895 cc)  •Stroke: 3.58 in (91 mm)  •Bore: 4.00 in (102 mm)  •Power: 245 hp  •Torque: 345 ft/lb of torque  •Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline
Transmission	4-speed Aisin AW-4 automatic 5-speed Aisin AX-15 manual 4-speed 42RE automatic 4-speed 44RH automatic 4-speed 44RE automatic 4-speed 46RH automatic 4-speed 46RE automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	105.9 in (2,690 mm)
Length	1993–95: 178.7 in (4,539 mm) 1996–98: 181.2 in (4,602 mm)
Width	1993-95: 69.2 in (1,758 mm) 1996–98: 69.2 in (1,758 mm)
Height	67.3 (1709 mm)
Curb weight	I6: 3,574 lb (1,621 kg) V8: 3,901 lb (1,769 kg)
Chronology
Predecessor	Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Successor	Grand Cherokee WJ

The "ZJ" models, manufactured from 1992 to 1998, 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.

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. 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).

A 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo

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. 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. 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

1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited

1996–1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee

• 1993–1995 — Base "SE"
• 1993–1998 — Laredo
• 1993–1998 — Limited
• 1995–1997 — Orvis "Limited Edition"
• 1997–1998 — TSi
• 1993 Grand Wagoneer
• 1998 5.9 Limited

Explanation of the Models

Base/SE

Prior to 1996, this was the least expensive model of the Grand Cherokee. Fairly basic, the Base (later SE) featured fifteen-inch full-faced steel wheels, manual windows, door locks, and front seats, vinyl seats, an A/M-F/M stereo with four speakers, the 4.0L AMC-derived "Power-Tech" Inline Six-Cylinder Engine, and a 5-Speed Manual Transmission. Power locks, a cassette or CD player, and premium sound, as well as cloth seats could be added. In 1995, power windows and door locks, along with keyless entry and warning chimes became standard, making this entry-level Grand Cherokee model appeal to American families. However, the SE was discontinued after 1995 due to slow sales.

Laredo

Prior to 1996, the Laredo was considered the "uplevel" trim package for the Grand Cherokee. It added fifteen-inch alloy wheels, power windows and door locks, cloth seats, an A/M-F/M-Cassette stereo, and a chrome front grille. Starting in 1996, the former base model SE model was dropped, making the Laredo the basic trim package for the Grand Cherokee. Features such as a CD player or cassette/CD player combination, a premium sound system, power leather seats, and a CD changer could be added to appeal to buyers wanting luxury features, though not wanting to spend money on the uplevel Limited model. In 1998, a Special Edition Laredo was introduced. This model is almost identical to the limited, except for the fifteen-inch alloy Wheels, the chrome grille and the option for fabric or leather seating. The Laredo was the volume seller of the Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ lineup.

Limited

Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, red color.

The Limited was the most expensive trim package for the Grand Cherokee. It added alloy wheels with either silver or gold-painted accents, an Infinity Gold premium six-speaker sound system (for 1993: Jensen AccuSound) with 120-watt amplifier, power seats, heated leather seats, and body-colored side trim and bumpers. Power heated body-colored side mirrors were added for 1996.

Grand Wagoneer Limited

Only offered for 1993, the Grand Wagoneer Limited was built off of the Limited model for that year. The only difference between a Limited and a Grand Wagoneer Limited for 1993 was that the latter trim package featured vinyl appliques on the sides and rear of the vehicle, featuring a dark walnut wood look. Plush leather seats also became standard on this model, as did the 5.2L V8 engine. Because of its unpopularity, the Grand Wagoneer Limited trim package was dropped starting in 1994.

Engines

Years	Displacement	Engine	Power	Torque	Notes
1995–1998	2.5 L Diesel	425 OHV I4	114 hp (85 kW)	221 lb·ft (300 N·m)	export
1993–1995	4.0 L (242 CID)	AMC I6	190 hp (142 kW)	225 lb⋅ft (305 N⋅m)
1996–1998	4.0 L (242 CID)	AMC Power Tech I6	185 hp (138 kW)	220 lb⋅ft (298 N⋅m)
1993–1998	5.2 L (318 CID)	Magnum V8	225 hp (164 kW)	300 lb·ft (407 N·m)
1998	5.9 L (360 CID)	Magnum V8	245 hp (183 kW)	345 lb·ft (468 N·m)	Limited

Transmissions

Years	Model	Engine
1993	AW4 4-speed automatic	4.0 L (242 CID)
1993-1994	Ax15 5-speed manual	4.0 L (242 CID)
1993–1998	42RE 4-speed automatic	4.0 L (242 CID)
1993–1995	46RH 4-speed automatic	5.2 L (318 CID)
1996–1998	44RE 4-speed automatic	5.2 L (318 CID)
1998	46RE 4-speed automatic	5.9 L (360 CID)

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)

1993 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

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)

1996 Grand Cherokee Orvis

1995 Grand Cherokee Orvis

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, all Orvis editions were installed with 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:

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

TSi (1997–1998)

1998 Grand Cherokee TSi

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. They 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, and Bright Platinum. Other features separated the 5.9 from the standard Limited model including:

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

• Functioning heat-extracting hood louvers
• Revised grill with mesh grille inserts
• Five-spoke alloy Ultrastar wheels
• Black-wall tires
• Chrome plated exhaust pipe
• An improved premium 180 watt, 10 speaker Infinity stereo system
• A rear speaker bar for additional Infinity speakers
• Calf-grain, soft leather seats and trim
• Leather center console armrest
• Leather door inserts
• Leather shift handle, e-brake and transfer case handle
• Enhanced faux wood trim throughout, additionally around the transmission shift handle base
• A full-leather spare tire cover with multiple pockets
• A center leather armrest in the rear seat
• A lower-profile roof rack
• Molded rocker panels
• Chrome Badging

The Grand Cherokee 5.9 further included additional performance-enhancing features including:

• A stronger 46RE transmission than the 5.2
• Quadratrac heavy duty NV249 transfer case
• Standard trac-lock rear differential
• An electric cooling fan
• A high-output 150A alternator
• Lower restriction exhaust and chrome plated exhaust tip

Further statistics from Motor Trend, January, 1998:

The 5.9 Limited was the only high-performance Grand Cherokee available until the SRT8 was introduced in 2006, featuring a high-performance V8 engine.

Model	Production Total	Percent
1993–1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee "ZJ"	1,428,095	100.00%
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee	247,372	17.32%
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited	14,286	1.00%
5.9 Limited w/Federal Emissions	10,051	0.70%
5.9 Limited w/CA Emissions	4,235	0.30%

Safety

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

1996-1998 Grand Cherokee IIHS scores

Moderate overlap frontal offset	Marginal
Small overlap frontal offset	Not Tested
Side impact	Not Tested
Roof strength	Not Tested

NHTSA

1993-1998 Grand Cherokee NHTSA scores

Frontal Driver (1993-1995):
Frontal Driver (1996-1998):
Frontal Passenger (1993-1995, 1998):
Frontal Passenger (1996-1997):

References

Inline

General

• Berg, Phil. "Jeep Grand Cherokee Preview". Go-go mobile and Driver (August 1998): 69–70.