The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-size sport utility vehicle produced by the Jeep division of Chrysler. The Jeep Grand
Cherokee was the first Chrysler-badged Jeep product. The Jeep Grand Cherokee first debuted in 1993. It was available
in three trims: the Base, Laredo, and the Limited. The Base model offered basic features like full instruments, cloth
interior, and a standard five-speed manual transmission. The Laredo was the mid-scale model that included added body
cladding, power windows, power door locks, and cruise control. Exterior features displayed a medium gray plastic
lower body paneling and five-spoke aluminum wheels. The Limited was the premium model, with the lower body paneling
matching the vehicle paint. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited featured leather seating, optional power sunroof,
mirrors, seats, and remote keyless entry system.
In 1999, the Jeep Grand Cherokee was redesigned. The spare tire was relocated from the side to under the floor, and
the heavy V8 engines were replaced with the all-new PowerTech engines from Chrysler. A notable feature available in
this generation was the automatic four-wheel drive option called Quadra-Drive. The Laredo and Limited trim levels
were standard models, but this generation included specialty models: Sport, Special Edition, Overland, Columbia
Edition, and Freedom Edition.
The third generation Jeep Grand Cherokee debuted for the 2005 model year. Notable features for this Jeep Grand
Cherokee included Quadra-Drive II four-wheel drive, rear-seat DVD player and optional 5.7L Hemi V8. This generation
Jeep Grand Cherokee was designed to emphasize power and luxury, with significant work done on improving noise,
vibration, and harshness. In 2008, the Jeep Grand Cherokee received a minor facelift. The bottom part of the
headlights became more rounded, and the lower portion of the front bumper became removable for off-road use.
In 2011, an all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee was introduced to the market. Like the previous generation, the chassis
is steel uniframe. This new Jeep Grand Cherokee is powered by the all-new 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 5.7L Hemi V8.
Four-wheel drive systems include Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II. Also available is the
Quadra-Lift suspension that can raise the Grand Cherokee’s ground clearance up to 11.1 inches. The Jeep Grand
Cherokee has been a vehicle for family’s, off-road enthusiast, and the everyday driver. It will continue to be
one of the leading SUVs on the market today.