ZJ Grand Cherokee

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ZJ (1993–1998)

1994 Grand Cherokee Laredo

The ZJ models, manufactured from 1993 to 1998, originally came in 3 general trims, the Base, Laredo, and the Limited. The Base model (later renamed SE in 1994) offered basic features such as full instruments, cloth interior, a standard five-speed manual transmission (93-94), and other optional equipment found on Laredo; The SE model was dropped in 1996 due to lack of consumer demand. The Laredo was the mid-scale model (base model after 1996), features included added body cladding, power windows, power door locks, and cruise control; exterior features displayed a medium grey plastic lower body paneling and five-spoke aluminum wheels. The Limited was the premium model, with the lower body paneling being the same color as the vehicle color. The Limited also boasted features such as leather seating, optional power sunroof, mirrors, seats, and remote keyless entry system; a basic onboard computer; and waffle-like cast aluminum wheels.

1996 brought cosmetic changes ranging from improved body modeling (grille, bumpers), and integrated foglights; interior features added dual airbags and increased fabric quality for seating. At the same time, the American Motors-fonted "Grand Cherokee" fender emblems were replaced with a font style used on other Chrysler vehicles. The AMC 4.0 L straight-6 engine, able to tow 5,000 lb, was also refined, though receiving slightly less hp but gained more torque and presented quieter operation. Limited models that year and onward had more luxury items such as driver placement memory, remote radio control from the steering wheel, and variable assist while driving and parking.

Between 1996-98, the export Grand Cherokee Laredo (marketed for Japan) had the optional Aspen package (source: The Story of Jeep).

1 4x4
2 Models
- 2.1 Special Editions
3 Engines
4 Transmissions
5 Awards
6 Modified ZJ's

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4x4

Four-wheel drive systems included Command-Trac (NP231), 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 (NP242) 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 were adopted to the Grand Cherokee. Exclusive to the Grand Cherokee was the introduction of Quadra-Trac (NP249) having all-time four-wheel assistance only, this was standard on all Limited and most specialty trims and optional for Laredo models alike. Rear wheel drive models were sold though only for the Laredo in late 1993, and it wasn't until 1994 when rear wheel drive was available for Limited; and in 1997 5.2L V8 engines were sold along with rear wheel drive.

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Models

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

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Special Editions

Throughout its lifetime, there were several different "one off" and special edition models of the ZJ. The following highlights several of these.

The 5.9L Limited ZJ (1998)

A Deep Slate 1998 Grand Cherokee 5.9L (Note hood louvers and mesh grill inserts). The Grand Cherokee 5.9 Liter Limited was produced only for the 1998 model year, having more luxury and performance than that of the regular Limited and sold under the trim '5.9 Limited'. It was also marketed in Europe as the Grand Cherokee Limited LX. It housed a Magnum 5.9L V8 engine with an output of 245 hp and 345 ft·lbs of torque, going from zero to 60 mph in only 7.3 seconds (Motor Trend measured this at a slightly faster 6.8 seconds; see Motor Trend, January 1998, page 51.), making it the quickest SUV available that year. The straight-line performance of the 1998 Grand Cherokee 5.9L has been surpassed by Jeep only with the 2006 introduction of the 6.1L SRT8 HEMI Grand Cherokee. The 5.9L Grand Cherokee has developed an almost cult-like following among a subgroup of Jeep enthusiasts. (see, e.g., jeepsunlimited.com, grand cherokee forum.) Other features separated the 5.9L from the standard Limited model including:

functioning heat-extracting hood louvers
a mesh grille insert
unique five-spoke alloy wheels
black-wall tires
an improved premium 180 watt, 10 speaker infinity stereo system,
a rear speaker bar for additional infinity speakers
softer leather trim,
leather door inserts,
leather shift handle, e-brake and transfer case handle,
wood trim 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 that eliminated squeaking problems found on the base 5.2L limited
molded rocker panels

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

stronger transmission than the 5.2L with a heavier output shaft
standard Dana-44 rear differential with traction lock
electric fan
high-output alternator
freer-flowing exhaust with three-inch pipes and chrome plated exhaust tip

Jeep Grand Wagoneer (1993)

For 1993 alone, Jeep carried over the Grand Wagoneer name for a special luxury version of the Grand Cherokee with the 5.2L V8, 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.

The Orvis Edition (1995-1997)

The Orvis (1995-1997) was a Grand Cherokee Limited package that featured an exterior color scheme of deep moss green with red and gold stripe accents (1995), 1996 to 1997 Orvis exteriors were of moss green tone with basic roan red striping You also had an option for silver; the interior was a two-tone green and champagne seats complimented with roan red accents and "Orvis" company badging.

The Orvis option package 26L for the I6 4.0 and 28L for the V8 5.2 included the Up Country suspension package, Tow package and skidplate group.

Orvis Production figures:

1995-10020 1996-2341 1997-2733

TSi (1997-1998)

A sporty TSi model (1997-1998) briefly debuted, exterior features included single color body paneling, with lower light blue striping accent. TSi packages came equipped with 16 in alloy wheels, 225/70R16 tires, leather seats and a premium sound system.

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