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The Jeep Grand Cherokee The Jeep Grand Cherokee ushered in the modern midsize SUV early in the 1990s. The Grand Cherokee represents a bigger and better version of Jeep's smaller Cherokee. Jeep’s designers wanted it to be maneuverable enough for the city, big enough for the family, classy enough to take out on the town, and have the endurance to go off road. And they did it!. The JGC, as it's commonly referred to, is one of America's top sellers in the SUV market. Unlike other SUVs from American manufacturers, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is built using a car-like uni-body chassis instead of a body-on-frame design. A uni-body chassis provides greater advantages in terms of on-road handling, vehicle entry and exit, and of course safety. Keeping up with Jeep's reputation for setting gold-standard for off-road endurance, is the Grand Cherokee's advanced four-wheel-drive systems. Previous Jeep Grand Cherokee There are two previous generations of the Jeep Grand Cherokee: Built from 1999-2004, this Grand Cherokee is a little bit smaller and generally less sophisticated than the current one. It had a solid axle in front compared to the current independent setup, and recirculating-ball steering instead of rack-and-pinion.This model was well liked during most of its production period. It received high marks for manageable size and, for 4WD models, off-road prowess. There were two trims (Laredo and Limited) and two engines: a 195-hp 4.0-liter inline-6 and a 235-hp 4.7-liter V8. The V8 engine was the better choice providing more power without sacrificing fuel economy (compared to the six-cylinder).Jeep made on-going improvements to this model, used-vehicle shoppers should try to get as new of a Grand Cherokee as possible. Beginning in 2001, the V8 was matched to a five-speed automatic. In 2002, Jeep introduced three additional trim levels (Special Edition, Sport and Overland), a high-output 265-hp V8 and more available features. Further refinements were made in 2003. The 1st generation Jeep Grand Cherokee (1993-'98) rode on two live axles, had the choice of either an inline-6 or V8, was noted for its superb off-road abilities with adequate on-road handling. This model's 220-hp 5.2-liter V8 was larger in area than later V8s but not as refined.For most years of this generation, shoppers will encounter the familiar Laredo and Limited trims. There was also a base-trim SE (offered through 1995), the Limited-based Orvis ('95-'97), the TSi ('97 and '98) and the '98-only 5.9 Limited. The 5.9 Limited had an exclusive 245-hp 5.9-liter V8. Todays Jeep Grand Cherokee The standard engine for the Grand Cherokee is a 210-hp 3.7-liter V6. For those who want more power than the V6 can deliver, two seperate V8 engines are available, including a 235-hp 4.7-liter V8 (305 hp for '08) and a 330-hp 5.7-liter V8. The SRT8 comes with a 6.1-liter V8 that cranks out 420 hp. All Grand Cherokees come with a five-speed automatic transmission, and all but the SRT8 are available as either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive… the SRT8 comes with all-wheel drive. Jeep equips the higher-level trim, 4WD models with the more advanced Quadra-Trac II or Quadra-Drive II systems, also engaging Hill Start and Hill Descent technology for '08 (Quadra-Drive II systems). The best models to consider are 1996 and newer as these benefited from safety, power and feature improvements.
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