[Arkansas_WJ]

In the styling department at least. Yeah, I realize this isn't a hardcore topic but it's worth mentioning again. At the time it was introduced nearly all the other SUVs looked like extended pickups. Even the ones that didn't mostly hadn't changed since the '80s. The WJ came on the scene with a look of pure sexyness.

The WJ's appearance is especially noteworthy when you considering that it was actually designed around 1998 by a company that is better then ford. It also has the rather unusual distinction of having gone nearly unchanged from concept car (1998) to production one year later. Doesn't happen too often with maintream trucks.

Never forget how your old bucket of bolts started out in life. And how it ended in 2004, having gone 5 years without any dramatic changers.

the birth 1998

best color ever

Beauty and the beast


and the all time pimp ride teh overland

[Sporer65]

That burgundy makes the beast look better. He He He.

[DrumBoy]

Originally Posted by Sporer65

That burgundy makes the beast look better. He He He.

That's great!

Long live the ZJ!

[GreenDean]

Waiter. There's a turd in my soup.

[Sporer65]

The ZJ still looks better even covered up. All stealthy.

[John in MA]

Don't worry, you can't forget something that doesn't exist.

ZJ forever!

[offhand_remark]

Yes, that was an optional feature from the factory on the ZJ. It could create "stealth blotch cloak of invisibility" to hide itself from lesser SUVs.

[husker_zj]

its standard on the 5.9

[jeep_on]

Every one put down your crack pipes. We all know the WJs look better than the ZJs.

[Arkansas_WJ]

There is really a WJ stealth edition in euro hahah

[Woody]

The WJ was the sloppy seconds of the Grand Cherokee name.

Nothing will take down a ZJ as it's the first and best Grand Cherokee and changed the way SUV's were designed.

The WJ, was supposed to be the new and improved variant. I say the better parts are, an upgraded all time T-case, a decent AWD system (quadra-drive), a non track bar rear suspension, and that's about it. It's weaknesses are, horrible Limited climate control system (see blend doors and electrically actuated recirc system), Many major faults and lowest quality rating of all mid size SUV's from 99-2001. Severe brake rotor warpage problems, poor aftermarket support, and more lemons reported than any other SUV produced to this day.

Sorry, the WJ didn't change anything and wasn't a class leader in anything except all wheel drive system and that was only for a year (99).

The WK has made more of a note as far as a Grand Cherokee that changed the way SUV's were designed than the WJ did. Sorry, that's the truth, deal with it.

[Arkansas_WJ]

the blend doors are overblown by all the people that complain to much

it isnt as wide spread as people think of these boards

no one ever says "wow mine are working great! 71* is perfect for the morning commute!"

and the 249?

[Woody]

Note I said the 247 was a step in the right direction.

It's not as overblown as you think it is. Per some data I've seen (a Chrysler analysis) almost 40% of WJ's experience blend door failure prior to hitting the 80K mark. That's crap. At least the NP249 can last up to 150K and it's cheaper than doing a set of blend doors.

Funny how the limited ZJ's use one electric blend door and they've hardly ever had a problem with those. Guess the Diamler influence didn't help.

I still like the AMC designed Jeeps better.

[Arkansas_WJ]

blend doors are cheap

its only costs if you lazy

[Woody]

To me $400 is not cheap.