Jeep Grand Cherokee (ZJ) Guides, Photos and Videos

The Jeep Grand Cherokee (ZJ) is the first generation of the Jeep Grand Cherokee sport utility vehicle. Introduced in 1992 for the 1993 model year, development of the ZJ Grand Cherokee started under American Motors Corporation (AMC) and was continued after the company was acquired by Chrysler in 1987.

Export models produced at the plant in Graz, Austria, were given the vehicle designation of "ZG".

The all-new 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ offered many new and class-exclusive features that its competitors, such as the Chevrolet S-10 Blazer and Ford Explorer, did not offer.

For example, all Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ models featured a standard front driver's-side SRS airbag in the steering wheel. The Limited model offered a digital climate control system. All models offered a digital Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) that monitored critical vehicle systems and provided audible and visual feedback when a fault was detected (doors, hood, tailgate, engine coolant level, engine oil level, and front and rear lighting systems were some of the systems monitored by the EVIC). In addition to monitoring vehicle status, the EVIC could also display current date and time information and vehicle service interval reminders, and could be set via buttons on the EVIC screen. An overhead console provided a mini trip computer with current direction of travel and exterior temperature information in Celsius or Fahrenheit, as well as elapsed time, mileage remaining until the fuel tank is empty, and trip mileage for two trips (Trip A and Trip B). In addition to the mini trip computer, the overhead console provided storage for a single garage door opener, and two pairs of sunglasses, and included four overhead map/reading lamps. Keyless entry allowed for easy access to the vehicle without having to insert the vehicle's key into the door lock cylinder, and could also arm or disarm the class-exclusive vehicle security system. The interior lights illuminated whenever a door was opened, and could shut off automatically along with the automatic headlamps. The ignition cylinder was located on the right side of the steering column, and was lighted so that it could be easily located during nighttime driving conditions. Finally, a premium AccuSound factory audio system by Jensen (or Infinity Gold on 1994 and newer models) and 120-watt amplifier located underneath of the rear bench seat could be paired with an in-dash CD player and five-band graphical equalizer for a high-fidelity audio experience.

A fully mechanical full time four wheel drive system could split torque when a wheel was losing traction, and send all available traction to that wheel in order to keep moving . In addition, the system, called Quadra-Trac, could automatically detect when four wheel drive was needed, and automatically switch from rear wheel drive without input from the driver. The Grand Cherokee ZJ also offered Chrysler's 318 cubic inch (5.2L) Magnum electronically fuel-injected V8 engine as an option, which produced 220 hp (164 kW) and 280 lb⋅ft (380 N⋅m) of torque for up to 5,000 lbs. of towing capacity, and was the only SUV in its class at the time to offer a V8 engine as an option.

In 1996, even more new features were added to the Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ. The newly available Jeep Memory System utilized a button panel located on the inside of the front driver's door panel to recall driver's seat adjustment, mirror adjustments, and radio preset settings when the corresponding key was inserted into the ignition cylinder (each keyless entry remote was engraved with either a '1' or a '2' to designate which key would automatically recall these settings). Heated seats also became available for the front driver and passenger with slide switches located near the lighting controls on the driver's side. A power tilt-and-sliding sunroof was added to the options list, and remote controls for the audio system were added to the back of the steering wheel on some Grand Cherokee models. For the first time on the Grand Cherokee, buyers could choose a combination cassette and single-disc CD player instead of just either a cassette or a single-disc CD player. Dual front SRS airbags now came standard on all models, and the 5.2L Magnum V8 engine gained 5 lb. ft. of torque, up to 285 from 280, and remained one of the most powerful SUV's in its class.

Finally, in 1998, the 5.9L Limited model became available for the Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ, utilizing Chrysler's 360 cubic inch (5.9L) Magnum electronically fuel-injected V8 engine producing 245 horsepower and 345 lb. ft. of torque, which made the Grand Cherokee ZJ 5.9L Limited the most powerful SUV in its class.

The Grand Cherokee (ZJ) was initially available in three trim levels: base, Laredo, and Limited. The base model included features such as full instrumentation, cloth interior, a standard five-speed manual transmission, and was given the "SE" name for the 1994 model year. Power windows and locks were not standard equipment on the base and SE for 1993 and 1994. The minimal difference in price resulted in low consumer demand, so the low-line model was discontinued after 1994. Standard features on all models included a driver-side air bag and four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS). The Laredo was the mid-scale model with standard features that included power windows, power door locks, and cruise control. Exterior features included medium-grey plastic paneling on the lower body and five-spoke aluminum wheels. The Limited was the premium model, featuring lower body paneling that was the same color as the rest of the vehicle. The Limited also had standard features such as leather seating, power sunroof, heated mirrors, heated power seats, and a remote keyless system. The "Up-Country" version was also offered between 1993 and 1997, often painted "Champagne Pearl" or black. It came with 4WD and the AMC straight-6 4.0 L engine. Package groups included: convenience, fog lamps, skid plate, lighting, luxury, power, security, and trailer towing.

When it was first introduced in April 1992 as an early 1993 model year vehicle, the Grand Cherokee had one powertrain, the AMC-derived 4.0 L Power Tech I6 engine that produced 190 horsepower. Transmission choices were a four-speed automatic transmission (early production ZJs used the AW4 - the A500SE (later 42RE) which replaced the AW4 during the latter half of the 1993 model year) or an Aisin AX15 manual transmission. Low sales demand for the manual transmission resulted in its discontinuation after the 1994 model year for North America, but it remained on the option list for European ZJs. The drivetrain choices included rear-wheel drive or four-wheel-drive.

The all-new, 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee went on sale in April 1992 in Base, Laredo, and Limited trims. At launch all Grand Cherokees were powered by the 4.0 L Power Tech Inline Six-Cylinder engine, and were all four-wheel drive. Starting in early 1993, the Grand Cherokee became available with the 5.2 L Magnum V8 engine, and a Grand Wagoneer Limited model became available with standard four-wheel drive and V8 power, as well as a plush leather-trimmed interior and faux vinyl woodgrain side and tailgate paneling. The 5.2 L Magnum V8 engine was available with the Quadra-Trac four-wheel drive system, which was based around a NV249 transfer case with a viscous coupler. The Quadra-Trac system was a permanent four-wheel drive system that allowed up to 60% of power to the rear wheels and a 50-50 split when loss of rear traction occurred. It also had a low range that still utilized the viscous coupler in the 1993-1995 model years. In 1996 and beyond, the low range provided a true 50-50 lock between the front and rear axles. However, the system required little to no driver input, as it was automatically determined by the viscous coupler when more front bias was required. In addition to Quadra-Trac, a Selec-Trac Full-Time four-wheel drive system was available that was a "Shift-on-the-Fly" four-wheel drive system that had a 4 wheel drive part time mode (50/50 lock) a 4 wheel drive full time mode (variable front bias, much like the Quadra-Trac) and a 4 LO. The standard part-time four-wheel drive system in the Grand Cherokee was known as Command-Trac, a part time only four-wheel drive, modes were 2 wheel drive, 4 HI and 4 LO. All three four-wheel drive systems featured a selector lever that was located next to the transmission gear selector or shifter. Two Wheel Drive Grand Cherokees featured a small storage area in place of the four-wheel drive selector lever.

In late 1992/early 1993 calendar year, Chrysler made some minor changes to the 1993 model year Grand Cherokee. The changes are shown in The New Jeep, a brochure on the 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee published in 1992. The crimson-colored interior option for the vinyl and cloth seats was no longer available, and the Limited model now had the option of quilted Highland-grain leather seats. The 5.2 L High-Output Magnum Engine V8 producing 220 horsepower was added in early 1993. The only transmission choice was a 46RH, four-speed automatic transmission. The Jeep Wagoneer Limited was also shown in the brochure, as it became available in early 1993. The radio face was changed for the AM/FM cassette player in early 1993, with raised buttons and rounded knobs, as well as larger green display text to match the rest of the Grand Cherokee's interior. The radio also introduced Dolby noise reduction technology for the cassette player. Full-faced steel wheels replaced the six-spoke version on the Base/SE model.

For 1994, the upgraded Jensen Electronics AccuSound premium amplified audio system was rebranded Infinity Gold, with upgraded components. An AM/FM stereo with in-dash CD player became available for the first time. Mid-level Laredo models gained standard fifteen-inch sport aluminum-alloy wheels. The Grand Wagoneer Limited model was dropped for 1994, while the Base trim level is renamed the SE. The Aisin AW4 four-speed automatic transmission was revised for 1994, becoming the Chrysler-built 42RE.

In 1995, the performance of the V8 engine was upgraded to 300 lb⋅ft (407 N⋅m) from 285. The 1996 model featured cosmetic changes to the body including the grille, bumpers, and foglights, while interior additions included dual airbags. The AMC 4.0 L straight-6 engine, rated to tow 5,000 lb (2,268 kg), was also refined with more torque and quieter operation. The 1996 Limited model also included more luxury items such as driver placement memory, radio controls on the steering wheel, and variable-assist power steering.

An uplevel Orvis Edition model of the Grand Cherokee was introduced in partnership with Orvis catalog, adding features to the uplevel Limited model such as perforated tan and Moss Green leather-trimmed seating surfaces and front and rear door panels, an AM/FM stereo with in-dash CD player, and unique exterior trim and fifteen-inch aluminum-alloy wheels to the Limited trim. A flip out rear glass hatch was standard with the Orvis, along with font lettering which was similar to other Chrysler products (which was phased in the following model year). The base SE trim level received more standard equipment such as power windows and door locks, Antilock Braking System (ABS), keyless entry, an AM/FM stereo with cassette player, air conditioning, and upgraded fifteen-inch styled steel wheels. The five-speed Aisin AX15 manual transmission was also no longer available for 1995.

For 1996, the Grand Cherokee received a mid-cycle restyling, with new front and rear bumpers and side cladding, a larger front grille, new aluminum-alloy wheel options, and an entirely new interior, now featuring a front passenger side airbag and revised interior fabrics. A combination AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD players became available, as well as a rear-mounted multi-disc CD changer unit. The base SE trim level was dropped for 1996, leaving the Laredo as the new base model. The five-speed manual transmission option was also dropped for 1995. At this time, the part-time Command-Trac four-wheel drive system was dropped, leaving the full-time Selec-Trac and computerized Quadra-Trac four-wheel drive systems as options.

A new steering wheel which featured three-spokes with integrated cruise control buttons, a new dual-note horn, and the horn buttons were deleted in favor of a single horn pad. The front seats were new as well as an upgraded interior with new door panels and interior trim panels, a glove box with more storage space, new tires and wheels, revised headlamps, fog lamps that were directly integrated into the vehicle's front bumper on some models, a new remote keyless system, as well as faux wood interior trim standard on all models. An optional rear lift glass (first introduced with the 1995 Orvis edition where production tailgates manufactured after January 3, 1995 have both provisions for both fixed and lift glass) for the Laredo and Limited were added to the options list (the fixed glass came standard). The base SE model was dropped for 1996, in favor of new features being added to the Laredo (now base) model. The Grand Cherokee now offered standard power windows, power door locks, rear door child locks, keyless entry, AM/FM radio with cassette player and compact disc player and four standard speakers, cloth seating surfaces, and more. The manual transmission was no longer offered after the 1994 model year Grand Cherokee sold in North America, but remained as the base transmission for European ZJs (ZG) sold in Europe with the diesel motor. New front door designs got new side body cladding strips, and the 'Laredo' subtext on the Laredo model was moved down to the cladding. The 'Grand Cherokee' badge was relocated to the front lower doors, and was now larger (using a font style similar to other Chrysler products and initially used with the 1995 Orvis package), replacing the 1974-era American Motors font style used on Jeep vehicles. On V8-equipped Grand Cherokees, there was a new V8 badge on the rear liftgate. The 4X4 badge, on four-wheel-drive-equipped Grand Cherokees, was also changed to raised metal letters instead of the 4X4 decals offered before. A combination cassette player and CD player was available for the first time as an option, and the vehicle featured an OBD II diagnostics port under the dashboard on the driver's side, required for all 1996 model year and newer vehicles, a digital odometer and trip odometer, a 120 miles per hour speedometer rating on some models, and the vehicle now included some user-programmable features such as if the headlamps and tail lamps flashed when a button was pressed on the remote keyless system, how many miles until service intervals, whether the horn sounded when a button was pressed on the remote, and more. The overhead console was somewhat redesigned for the 1996 model year to improve storage space and feature availability. In addition to the cigarette lighter port, a 12-volt power port was added for cellular telephones, coolers, computers, and other devices. The ashtray was also removed from the rear doors, replaced by a solid area. The Limited model and Orvis Edition model both got chrome interior door handles.

The engine rating was reduced by 5 horsepower to 185 to meet EPA regulations for the 1996 model year production.

For 1997, a new trim level of Grand Cherokee, the Special Edition, was introduced, adding the Infinity Gold premium amplified audio system, an AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD players, dual power-adjustable front bucket seats, color-keyed exterior trim, and a security system to the base Laredo model. The TSi, also based on the base Laredo model, added unique sixteen-inch sport aluminum-alloy wheels, unique front and rear bumpers and side cladding, an AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD players, dual power-adjustable front bucket seats, luxury leather-trimmed seating surfaces with dual heated front bucket seats, dark gray wood interior trim, and a security system to the Laredo trim. The 5.2 L Magnum V8 engine was now available with Two-Wheel-Drive (Rear-Wheel-Drive).

For 1998, the first-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ entered its final year of production. For 1998, a new performance-oriented 5.9 L Limited model was introduced, adding the 5.9 L Magnum V8 engine from the Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck, unique forged sixteen-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, unique ruffled luxury leather-trimmed seating surfaces and front and rear door panels, an AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD players, a unique ten-speaker, 180-watt Infinity Gold premium amplified audio system, a unique mesh grille and a vented performance hood to the standard Limited model. The Orvis Edition was also dropped for 1998. Production ended of the first-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ in mid-1998, as production of its successor, the second-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ), began at Jefferson North Assembly, following a retooling of the plant.

In 1998, a 5.9 L Limited model featured the 5.9 L V8 Magnum engine producing 245 horsepower with all-wheel-drive and a four-speed automatic transmission. This engine and model was only available for the 1998 model year.

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