After practically a decade in manufacturing, the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s first-generation drew to a detailed in 1998. Yet, simply because the beloved ZJ entered retirement, an all-new second-generation Grand Cherokee was solid into the limelight. Longer, taller, and extra highly effective than its predecessor, the WJ Grand Cherokee turned an prompt favourite of these looking for a automobile that was equal components kind and performance.
Many had been fast to level out the second-gen Grand Cherokee’s putting seems to be, because the WJ took on a “broader within the shoulders” look, compared to its earlier counterpart. However, Jeep’s redesigned luxurious wagon additionally got here filled with a wealth of latest tech, which made it a formidable performer, on each the road and path. This well-rounded listing of attributes would finally propel the WJ Grand Cherokee to iconic standing, setting a lot of gross sales information alongside the best way.
The Birth Of The WJ
From its earliest days, these at Chrysler envisioned the Grand Cherokee as a front-runner inside the fledgling home SUV market, which on the time had been largely dominated by Ford’s Explorer. The second-generation redesign of the Grand Cherokee served so as to add credence to this pursuit, by interesting to the rising wants of shoppers.
Many steps had been taken to bolster the Grand Cherokee’s cabin and cargo house, whereas consideration was additionally targeted on enhancing the luxurious wagon’s drivability. The majority of those developments had been meant to handle the perceived shortcomings of the XJ Grand Cherokee, as voiced by a number of critics.
A “Better” Grand Cherokee
Credit: jeepexperts.comFor all intents and functions, the WJ was really “all-new”, reportedly sharing solely 127 components with the ZJ Grand Cherokee earlier than it. Chrysler even noticed match to bestow the 1999 WJ with a brand new non-obligatory 235 horsepower V8 (4.7L). This engine changed the outgoing 5.2L V8 that had beforehand served as a substitute.
However, shoppers might nonetheless go for the usual 4.0L inline-six, which by that point, had gained fairly the status for stellar reliability. Yet, even this powerplant was reworked for the 1999 mannequin 12 months, receiving a brand new consumption manifold, which yielded a further 10 horsepower. This, in flip, introduced the 4.0 inline-six’s complete output to 195 horsepower.
The Grand Cherokee additionally acquired a brand new Quadra-Drive four-wheel drive system. This system offered motorists with the choice of choosing from a number of drive configurations, together with computerized 4WD.
Additional revisions for the 1999 mannequin 12 months included the introduction of an all new three-link rear suspension, which offered elevated cornering stability. This was additional complemented by the addition of revised tubular entrance and rear management arms, which had been hydroformed for enhanced structural fortitude.
The Grand Cherokee’s spare tire was additionally relocated beneath the wagon’s undercarriage, from its earlier location inside the rear cargo bay, permitting for extra storage capability. This served to treatment a long-standing criticism of the first-generation Grand Cherokee, typically voiced by shoppers.
An Unmistakable Success
By all accounts, the Grand Cherokee’s second-generation makeover was an unmistakable success. By the tip of 1999 manufacturing, Chrysler had manufactured and bought at a complete of 300,031 Grand Cherokees, which nonetheless stands as the one highest manufacturing complete of any 12 months to this point. Such success proved instrumental in bolstering the Grand Cherokee’s place inside the home SUV market, which solely continued to develop ever extra aggressive with every passing 12 months.
1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Specifications
Credit: jeepexperts.com| Engine | 4.0L Inline 6
4.7L V8 |
| Horsepower | 195/235 horsepower |
| Torque | 230/295 lb-ft torque |
| 0-60 MPH | 7.3 sec |
| Quarter Mile Time | 15.7 sec |
| Weight | 3,880-4,130 lbs |
| Price | $25,995/$27,965 Laredo/4WD
$31,760/$34,190 Limited/4WD
|
| Production Numbers | 300,031 |
Available Exterior Colors
The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee was obtainable in Dark Slate, Patriot Blue, Everglade, Flame Red, Bright Platinum, Black, Stone White, Sienna, Taupe Frost, and Champagne.
Available Interior Colors
The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee inside was obtainable in Agate, Camel, Taupe.
Credit: jeepexperts.com1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Video
We discovered an incredible video concerning the ’99 Jeep Grand Cherokee.