Don't forget how far ahead of its time the ZJ was

[John in MA]

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 ZJ came on the scene with a very unique look, sort of European in a way. The wedgy nose and hood, tapered roofline, full cladding, etc.

The ZJ's appearance is especially noteworthy when you considering that it was actually designed around 1985 by a company that soon was out of business. It also has the rather unusual distinction of having gone nearly unchanged from concept car (1989) to production several years 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 1998, having gone 13 years without any dramatic changers.

1985:




1989:



1993:




1998:

[micifus]

I like that 89 alot better, those fogs are cool very 80's the caldding is sweet too.

[ArloGuthroJeep]

The 85 has a ghetto looking hood., the 89 looks riced out. 93 was by far the best year of the ZJ - no questions asked! The 98 was pimp with the 5.9 though

[Trouble Maker]

The 85 and 89 were only concept vehicles. For the full story.....

http://faculty.concord.edu/chrisz/hobby/93-Jeep1home.html

[ArloGuthroJeep]

Originally Posted by Trouble Maker

The 85 and 89 were only concept vehicles. For the full story.....

http://faculty.concord.edu/chrisz/hobby/93-Jeep1home.html

You sure? I am pretty sure my dad has an 84 ZJ...In fact I am nearly positive I remember him picking it up from the dealership.

[John in MA]

The 85 and 89 were only concept vehicles. For the full story.....

http://faculty.concord.edu/chrisz/ho...Jeep1home.html

I know, that was my point. Went nearly unchanged from conception to production. The '85 wasn't even a vehicle, it was a clay model.

Despite owning a '94 (same as '93 outwardly) I think the second pattern ZJ looks a little better. Less dated and more aggressive (something to do with not having a straight bumper/grill line) and the cladding isn't as busy. But I dig the AMC-era fender lettering the 93-95's have.

[Blake]

Originally Posted by ArloGuthroJeep

You sure? I am pretty sure my dad has an 84 ZJ...In fact I am nearly positive I remember him picking it up from the dealership.

1984 was the first year for the Cherokee.

[ArloGuthroJeep]

Originally Posted by Blake

1984 was the first year for the Cherokee.

Pssssssst, quit listening to what I am saying and hear what I am talking about...or something like that.


I am just messing around

[John in MA]

Your '84 ZJ must look great next to the '96 Wrangler.

[Kolak]

The ZJ has classic lines that will stand the test of time. The purposeful, angular design, and relative freedom from sharp creases and excessive character lines show the kind of design restraint that's extremely rare today. It's that uncluttered quality that will allow the ZJ to keep its appeal for many years to come.

[ben_wagner]

Very cool.

[offhand_remark]

Thanks for posting. I'm kinda what you might say obsessed with the ZJ. Granted, I like Cherokees in general, but the body style of the ZJ for an SUV just does it for me and how I find myself into the one I have now seems almost destiny. I'm not huge into cars. I know a fair amount and I do a lot of my own work...I have never been into anything like racing cars or monster trucks...but I am an artist and there is something about the design of the ZJ that just fits into my world. I agree with Kolak above, there is just something about the design of it that just works: classic, simple, angular...I look at a lot of the SUVs on the road today and I think they are just ugly. There is something about the ZJ that just works, it could've worked 20 years ago and it will work 20 years from now. To each his own, yes, but in my opinion, for me and what I am looking for in a transport, the ZJ has great character.

[ynotyj]

Originally Posted by John in MA

Despite owning a '94 (same as '93 outwardly) I think the second pattern ZJ looks a little better. Less dated and more aggressive (something to do with not having a straight bumper/grill line) and the cladding isn't as busy. But I dig the AMC-era fender lettering the 93-95's have.

Cool thread. I never saw that pic of the 89 before. I like the YJ / TJ style door handles and the way the cladding rises between the front and rear wheels.

The smoked headlight covers have to go, though...

[nierace]

With the two tone and the cladding that goes over the fender flare, it almost looks like a Montero

It was ahead of its time...but its almost 2007

[ynotyj]

I like the cladding over the wheel well. Reminds me of my 92 XJ Laredo, and was one of my earliest criticisms of the ZJ.