The Grand Cherokee is the flagship of
Jeep's sport-utility family, and, in some
respects, remains ahead of the ever-growing and ever-improving compact-class pack.
When Chrysler introduced the Grand Cherokee in 1992 sport-utility sales already were
booming, with Jeep Cherokee enjoying year-over-year sales gains for more than a
decade. The idea was to take the Cherokee concept a step up the aspirational ladder,
combining rugged Jeep attributes with the luxury, comfort and performance associated
with expensive cars.
The combination has proved to be a winning one. Over a quarter-million Grand Cherokees rolled out of Jeep-Eagle dealerships last year, a
total that was second only to Ford's phenomenal Explorer among all sport-utility
cars. Obviously, the folks at Jeep have been doing something right.
For 1996, the Grand Cherokee receives a number of significant detail changes. Most
notably, the interior underwent a makeover, which included installation of dual
airbags and more luxury options. The exterior also received modest freshening updates.
We picked a Limited model with V8 power and 4wd for our review.
The Grand Cherokee's prime competitors--Explorer and GM's
Chevrolet Blazer/
GMC Jimmy
twins--have gone for more rounded lines in their most recent redesigns, giving them all
a more contemporary, aerodynamic appearance. Grand Cherokee, however, has maintained
the angular lines and boxy shape even through its latest restyling.
And it works. The distinctive, rugged Jeep look, with its vertical grille and
side-body cladding, still stands out from the competition.
The Grand Cherokee comes in three models: base, Laredo and the top-of-the-line Grand
Cherokee Limited. Laredo and Limited are both available with one of two 4wd
systems--Selec-Trac, which can be used as a part-time system, or the more sophisticated
Quadra-Trac, which operates continuously.
Selec-Trac is standard equipment on Laredos equipped with 6-cyl. engines and automatic
transmissions. Grand Cherokee Limited models with 6-cyl. engines come with the
Quadra-Trac system. Quadra-Trac is optional on V8-powered Grand Cherokees, and both
models can also be ordered with rear-drive only, $24,603 for the basic Laredo, $30,479
for the Limited.
In contrast to the Explorer and Blazer/Jimmy, There is no 2-door version of the Grand
Cherokee. It is also smaller and generally lighter than its key rivals--particularly the
Explorer--riding a shorter wheelbase.
However, at 70.9 in., the Grand Cherokee is the widest of the bunch, and in 4x4 trim
it also provides the most ground clearance--8.3 in. Good ground clearance is one of the
keys to successful off-road performance, and off-road usefulness is a core value at
Jeep.
