Jeep Grand Cherokee

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2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee

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Interior of 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-size SUV made by Jeep, a division of DaimlerChrysler. European Grand Cherokees are manufactured in Austria by Magna Steyr.

See Wikicars' comprehensive Jeep_Grand_Cherokee Review.

Recent Changes

• The 2009 New York Auto Show played host to the unveiling of the 2011 Fourth-Generation Jeep Grand Cherokee. Penned by Chrysler's superstar designer Ralph Gilles, the new Grand Cherokee is based on the Mercedes-Benz ML. Underhood, buyers will have a choice between the 280 hp 3.6-liter "Phoenix" flex-fuel V6 or the 360 hp 5.7-liter HEMI V8. Both engines are more fuel efficient than their predecessors thanks to implementation of already existing technologies such as variable-valve timing and Multi-Displacement System (cylinder deactivation tech). Speaking of tech, the Grand Cherokee also sprouted a whole host of technology new for the Chrysler brand such as the optional Quadra Lift air suspension which raises ground clearance up to 11.1 in at the flick of a knob, Selec-Terrain which incorporates a rotary knob to dial in the right vehicle settings for different road conditions, Quadra-Drive II 4x4 and hill-descent control. [1][2]

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• Features available for the first time in a Jeep included Quadra-Drive II four wheel drive and a rear-seat DVD player. In addition, 2006 saw the debut of the SRT8 edition, the fastest Jeep ever produced. It is described in more detail below.

• Jeep UK teamed up with outdoor clothing and equipment retailer, Snow+Rock, in 2008 to produce a limited edition version of the Grand Cherokee, dubbed (unimaginatively), Grand Cherokee "Snow+Rock". Available in both Limited and Overland trims. Additions entail chrome tail lamp guards, black running boards, rear splash guards, a moulded cargo tray, multi-purpose roof crossbars, ski carrier, roof box or bike rack and, according to Jeep, a £2,000 ($4,030) price reduction from the standard Limited and Overland models. [3]

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Styles and Major Options

The 2006 Grand Cherokee comes in four trims: the Laredo, Limited, Overland, and SRT8. A variety of engines is available, but all levels are equipped with a standard 5-speed automatic transmission. Some of the standout features for each trim are as follows:

Laredo

• 3.7L 210hp V6 Engine
• High-Performance Halogen Headlamps
• Electronic Stability Program
• 17" Silver Alloy Wheels
• Cruise Control
• Power Windows/Locks

Limited

• 4.7L 305hp 334 lb-ft V8 Engine
• Leather Trimmed Seating
• Boston Acustics AM/FM/6-Disc CD Changer Sound System
• Roof Rack
• Automatic Air Conditioning
• Rain Detecting/Speed Sensitive Wipers

Overland

• 5.7L 330hp V8 Engine
• Sunroof
• Driver/Front Passenger Heated Seats
• Leather/Genuine Wood Trim Interior
• Sirius Satellite Radio with Boston Acoustics System
• Parksense Rear Distance Control

SRT8

• 6.1L 420hp V8 HEMI Engine
• 20" Polished Forged Alloy Wheels
• Bilstein Monotube Shock Absorbers
• Preferred Suede/Royale Leather Trim Interior
• Trailering Harness
• Rocker Panel Extensions

Pricing

Today's actual prices for the Jeep Grand Cherokee can be found at CarsDirect.

Grand Cherokee Trims
Laredo 4x2	Laredo 4x4	Limited 4x2	Limited 4x4	Overland 4x2	Overland 4x4	SRT8
MSRP
$27,415	$29,385	$33,615	$36,205	$39,440	$42,680	39,700
Invoice
$25,179	$26968	$30,697	$33,037	$35,882	$38,800	$36,578

Gas Mileage

As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Trim
3.7L V6 4x2	4.7L V8 4x2	5.7L V8 4x2	3.7L V6 4x4	4.7L V8 4x4	5.7L V8 4x4	6.1L V8 4x4
MPG
17/22	15/20	15/20	17/21	15/20	14/19	12/15

Reliability

• RECALL ALERT: On Sept 21st 2007, Jeep issued a recall involving 28,755 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Commanders made between May 17 and July 13 2007 due to a manufacturing mistake involving the disc brakes that could cause the clamper to fracture and stop functioning. [4]

• RECALL ALERT: Jeep recalling more than 47,000 2002-2003 Liberty because of loss of lubrication in their front ball joints due to salt and 2009 Commanders, Grand Cherokees, and Wrangler models due to a possible reversed wiring on the driver's airbag controller which may inhibit the airbag's deployment.

Safety

According to the NHTSA, the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee received the highest ratings of 5/5 stars for Front and Side Impact crash tests. In Rollover tests, it performed slightly worse, receiving a 3/5 stars for two wheel drive models and a 4/5 stars for four wheel drive models.

The list of standard safety equipment found on the Grand Cherokee is as follows:

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Front and Rear Anti-Roll Bars
• Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
• Front Impact Airbags w/Occupancy Sensors
• Side Impact Bars
• Seatbelt Pretensioners

Photos

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Colors

A full list of colors can be found at CarsDirect.com. Here is a partial list:

Exterior

• Black Clearcoat
• Dark Khaki Pearlcoat
• Light Graystone Pearlcoat
• Midnight Blue Pearlcoat
• Stone White Clearcoat

Interior

• Dark Khaki/Light Graystone
• Khaki
• Medium Slate Gray

Main Competitors

• Honda Pilot
• Volkswagen Touareg
• Nissan Murano
• Ford Explorer
• Chevrolet TrailBlazer
• Toyota Highlander
• Acura MDX
• Toyota LandCruiser Prado
• BMW X5
• Mitsubishi Pajero

Hybrid Models

There are currently no hybrid models of the Grand Cherokee.

Resale Values

According to Kelley Blue Book, "the Grand Cherokee is projected to retain an average value over five years, with the V6 model losing more of its value than the V8. The Grand Cherokee's projected 24-, 36-, 48- and 60-month residual values are better than the Nissan Pathfinder, on par with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, and well below the Toyota 4Runner.

Autos.com ranks the Grand Cherokee Second in its class for Resale Value, tied with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Chrysler Pacifica, and Nissan Pathfinder, and behind a four-way First Place tie between the Honda Pilot, Nissan Murano, Toyota 4Runner, and Toyota Highlander.

Criticisms

• "Hard plastic interior surfaces could use some padding..." - Edmunds.com
• "The [second-row] seat back is a large, hard expanse with no rake, so you can't adjust it to your comfort level." - Cars.com
• "Balanced, stable, but body lean prompts slowing down for tight, fast turns." - Consumer Guide
• "The Grand Cherokee does not offer a third-row seat and interior space is nowhere near the levels of larger Sport Utility Vehicles..." - Kelley Blue Book
• "Apart from the engine and the brightness of the headlamps, every single thing about this car is wrong. It's uncomfortable, cramped and feels like it's made entirely of melted lego". - Top Gear

Current Generation: (2011–present)

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The next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee will go on sale in spring 2010 as a 2011 model.

Like the previous generations, the chassis is steel uniframe. Engine choices include 3.6L Pentastar V6, 5.7L Hemi V8. Transfer case choice include Quadra Trac I, Quadra Trac II, Quadra Drive II. Optional Quadra-Lift suspension can raise vehicle's height up to 11.1 in (281.9 mm). Trailer tow is rated 7400 lb for 4x2 models.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2009 New York Auto Show.

The 3.6L Pentastar V6 will replace the aging 4.7L Power-Tech V8, the WK platform will continue.

Production

The company announced a US$1.8 billion, 285,000 square feet (26,477 m2) expansion of its Jefferson North Assembly plant to allow flexible manufacture of the next-generation model, as well as other undisclosed products off the same platform that was developed jointly with Mercedes (ML Chassis).

Previous Generations

Third Generation (2005-2010)

The all-new WK Grand Cherokee debuted in 2004 for the 2005 model year.

The design still emphasizes power and luxury, with significant work done on improving noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). However, for the first time, Jeep also emphasized on-road performance to a similar extent as the cornerstone of its brand, off-road capability.

This newfound emphasis on on-road refinement led Jeep to replace the live-axle with leading-arms front suspension found in the ZJ and WJ, prized by off-roading Jeep fans for its ability to maintain consistent ground clearance and provide optimal wheel articulation, with a double-wishbone independent setup like that which debuted in the 2002 Liberty. Jeep changed its philosophy due to what it perceived as increasing demand in the SUV marketplace for on-road performance and decreasing demand for off-road capability.

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SRT-8

Jeep Grand Cherkee SRT8

An "SRT-8" (Street and Racing Technology V8) version of the Grand Cherokee debuted at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. Powered by a 420 hp (313 kW) version of the 6.1 L "Hemi", it also features upgraded Brembo brakes, large dual performance exhaust with polished tips (exiting out the middle of the rear), Bilstein performance gas charged shocks and modified suspension components, Mercedes-Benz NAG1 (WA580) 5-speed transmission, unique NV146 transfer case, specially designed electronic all-wheel-drive system and interior and exterior updates. A drive shaft from a diesel application, fortified Dana 44 rear differential, and 12" wide Goodyear tires in the rear (11" in the front) complement the performance package. The sports tuned suspension allows the Jeep SRT8 to hold 0.92g on the skid-pad, putting the 5,000 lb (2,300 kg) truck on par with the Porsche 911 Turbo (997), which holds just 0.04g more (0.96g) on the skid-pad. A road test of the 2006 model by Road & Track magazine yielded a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.6 seconds and a quarter mile dragstrip of 13.2 seconds at 104.1 miles per hour (167.5 km/h). Such numbers made the SRT-8 Grand Cherokee the fastest accelerating vehicle within the SRT8 lineup (which at the time included the Chrysler 300C, Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger and the now-discontinued Dodge Magnum), and second only to the SRT10 Viper among all SRT tuned vehicles. There is no electronic speed governor employed, leaving the top speed rev-limited (revving to redline in top gear) to just shy of 170 mph (270 km/h).[21]

To achieve superior on-road handling, off-road gear has been removed to make the SRT-8 lighter. The SRT-8 has no low range case and no limited slip or locking differentials. Its ride stance is significantly lower and the front fascia spoiler gives the vehicle 7 inches (178 mm) of ground clearance. The Grand Cherokee SRT-8 was the first SRT vehicle to wear the Jeep emblem.

Only 10,355 Jeep SRT8s were ever built.

BlueTec

A version of the Grand Cherokee with DaimlerChrysler's BlueTec Diesel V6 from the Mercedes-Benz E320 is expected in 2006.

Second Generation - WJ (1999-2004)

WJ Jeep Grand Cherokee

The redesigned WJ 1999 Grand Cherokee shared just 127 parts with its predecessor. The structure was stiffened by Porsche Engineering for sharper steering and lighter weight. The spare tire was relocated from the side of the cargo compartment to under the floor to great relief of owners. The two heavy pushrod V8 engines were replaced by a single aluminum SOHC unit, Chrysler's then-new PowerTech. Although this engine produced less torque than both previous V8s, it was lighter and got much better fuel economy.

While other Jeep vehicles used the Mopar 5 x 4.5 bolt circle, this was the first Mopar to receive a wider bolt pattern - 5 x 5. The 5 x 5 bolt pattern (also 5 x 127mm), although common to GM rear wheel drive vehicles and light duty trucks/vans, has spread beyond its use with GM (and Ford] with their 1973 to 1978 LTDs and Lincolns).

A notable feature that was available this generation was the automatic four wheel drive option called Quadra-Drive. With three viscous clutches, it was the only truck all wheel drive system at the time with triple differentals, as Toyota had removed the front locker from their Land Cruiser.

The 45RFE automatic transmission in the WJ was notable. It included 3 planetary gearsets rather than the two normally used in a 4-speed automatic. This gave it six theoretical speeds, and it would have been the first six-speed transmission ever produced in volume, but it was programmed to only use five of these ratios. Four were used for upshifts, with a different second gear for downshifts. Although five of the six ratios were used, Chrysler decided to call it a "4-speed automatic". In 2001, Chrysler enabled the use of the sixth gear to make the transmission a 5-speed automatic, and a new name: 545RFE. The different second gear is still used for downshifts. Chrysler labeled the transmission as a "Multi-Speed Automatic." Owners of 1999 and 2000 WJs with the 45RFE can have their transmission computer flashed to enable the 5th gear.

WJ Models

The Laredo and luxurious Limited trim levels were standard models. Specialty models:

• 2002–2003 — Sport
• 2002–2004 — Special Edition
• 2002–2004 — Overland

WJ Engines

Years	Displacement	Engine	Power	Torque	Notes
1998–2004	4.0 L	Power Tech I6	195 hp (145 kW)
1998–2004	4.7 L	PowerTech V8	235 hp (175 kW)
2002–2004	4.7 L	High Output PowerTech V8	265 hp (198 kW)

First Generation - ZJ (1993-1998)

ZJ Jeep Grand Cherokee

The ZJ models, manufactured from 1993 to 1998, originally came in 3 general trims, the Base, Laredo, and the Limited. The Base model (also known as SE) offered basic features such as full instruments, cloth interior, and a five-speed manual transmission (in 1993 only); The SE model was dropped in 1996. The Laredo was the mid-scale model, features included added body cladding power windows, power door locks, and cruise control; exterior features displayed a medium grey plastic lower body paneling and five-spoke aluminum wheels. The Limited was the premium model, with the lower body paneling being the same color as the vehicle color. The Limited also boasted features such as leather seating, optional power sunroof, mirrors, seats, and remote keyless entry system; a basic onboard computer; and waffle-like cast aluminum wheels.

1996 brought cosmetic changes ranging from improved body modeling (grille, bumpers), and integrated foglights; interior features added dual airbags and increased fabric quality for seating. At the same time, the American Motors-fonted "Grand Cherokee" fender emblems were replaced with a font style used on other Chrysler vehicles. The AMC 4.0 L I6 engine was also refined, though receiving slightly less hp but gained more torque and presented quieter operation. Limited models that year and onward had more luxury items such as driver placement memory, remote radio control from the steering wheel, and variable assist while driving and parking.

Specialty models included the Orvis (1995-1997); a Grand Cherokee Limited package that featured an exterior color scheme of deep hunter green with red and gold strip accents (1995), 1996 to 1997 Orvis exteriors were of hunter green tone with basic gold striping; the interior was a two-tone green and champagne seats complimented with red accents and "Orvis" company badging. A sporty TSi model (1997-1998) briefly debuted, exterior features included single color body paneling, with a light blue striping accent. TSi packages came equipped with 16 in alloy wheels, 225/70R16 tires, leather seats and a premium sound system.

The 5.9 Limited was produced only for the 1998 model year, having more luxury than that of the regular Limited. It housed a powerful 5.9 L V8 engine with an output of 245 hp and 345 ft·lbf of torque, going from zero to 60 mph in only 7.3 seconds, making it the quickest SUV available that year. Other features separated the 5.9 from the standard Limited model, an upgraded 46RE transmission, electric engine fan to save power, upgraded styled rocker panels, a more aerodynamic roof rack, mesh styled grille, unique five-spoke alloy wheels, an improved 10 speaker Infinity premium stereo system, softer higher quality leather seats and leather appointments to the door panels, center console, transmission and transfer case shifters. Many of these unique parts are sought after by Jeep enthusiasts to put on their non 5.9 Limited versions.

For 1993 alone, Jeep resurrected the Grand Wagoneer name for a special luxury version of the Grand Cherokee with the 5.2 L V8, this marked the last appearance for the Grand Wagoneer in the Jeep lineup.

Four-wheel drive systems included Command-Trac, a part-time unit offering temporary 4-wheel asistance; Command-Trac was dropped from lineup in conjunction with the SE trim in 1996. Select-Trac had the option of either full-time or part-time operation; both shift-on-the-fly Command-Trac and Select-Trac were already available for the Cherokee, and were adopted to the Grand Cherokee. Exclusive to the Grand Cherokee was the introduction of Quadra-Trac having all-time four-wheel assistance only, this was standard on all Limited and specialty trims and optional for Laredo models alike. Rear wheel drive models were sold though only for the Laredo in late 1993, and it wasn't until 1994 when rear wheel drive was available for Limited; and in 1997 5.2 L V8 engines were sold along with rear wheel drive.

The Grand Cherokee V8 was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list and was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 1993.

Specialty models appeared for a brief time, The Sport was slightly more equipped than the Laredo and offered a two-tone black trim interior for style. The Special Edition was introduced offering the same quality of the Limited, differences include 4.7 L V8 engine and slightly revised front grille were standard issue on the Special Edition. The Overland (appropriated after the former Jeep parent, Willys-Overland) was the top-of-the-line level, boasting the 4.7 L H.O. V8 as well as a wealth of standard features such as front and side-curtain airbags, an Infinity sound system with 10-disc changer, heated/power front seats, integrated rock rails, power sunroof, wood/leather steering wheel and 17 in. alloy wheels.

ZJ Models

• 1993–1996 – Base "SE"
• 1993–1998 – Laredo
• 1993–1998 – Limited
• 1993 Grand Wagoneer
• 1995–1997 – Orvis "Limited Edition"
• 1997–1998 – TSi
• 1998 5.9 Limited

ZJ Engines

Years	Displacement	Engine	Power	Torque	Notes
1993–1995	4.0 L	AMC I6	190 hp (142 kW)
1996–1998	4.0 L	AMC Power Tech I6	185 hp (138 kW)
1993–1998	5.2 L	Magnum V8	220 hp (164 kW)	285 ft·lbf (386 N·m)
1998	5.9 L	Magnum V8	245 hp (183 kW)	345 ft·lbf (468 N·m)	Limited

Origins

The Grand Cherokee was a spinoff of the notably smaller Jeep Cherokee. Based on the Jeep Concept 1 (1989), the Grand Cherokee's origins date back to 1983 when American Motors engineers were designing a Cherokee successor. The first generation was the first Chrysler-badged Jeep product since AMC came up with the concept; the AMC engineers/designers behind the project, who later became Chrysler employees after the 1987 buyout, were pushing for a late 1980s release date. However, then-CEO Lee Iacocca was pushing for redesigned Chrysler minivans, delaying the Grand Cherokee's release until late 1992.

The Grand Cherokee debuted in grand fashion at the 1992 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Then-Chrysler president Robert Lutz drove Detroit mayor, Coleman Young up the steps of Cobo Hall and through a plate glass window to show off the new vehicle. Production of the Grand Cherokee started shortly afterward in the purpose-built Jefferson North Assembly in Detroit, Michigan and has remained there since.

Design quirks and oddities

Many of the first year models (Late '98/99) had many "unresolved" problems, such as rear windows failing to work.

See also

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	JEEP
	The Fiat Group Abarth | Alfa Romeo | Autobianchi | Ferrari | Fiat | Lancia | Innocenti | Maserati | Iveco | Chrysler | Dodge | Ram | Jeep Current SUVs/Cars: Wrangler JK · Wrangler Unlimited · Grand Cherokee · Liberty SRTs: Grand Cherokee SRT8 Historic SUVs/Trucks: CJ-2A · CJ-3A · CJ-3B · CJ-7/8 · Wrangler YJ · Wrangler TJ · CJ-10 · VJ · C101 · C104 · Wagoneer XJ · Wagoneer SJ · Grand Wagoneer · Gladiator · J-Series · Comanche · Forward Control · Cherokee SJ-XJ · Compass · Patriot · Commander Military J8 · Kaiser M-715 Concept Gladiator · Hurricane · JT · Rescue · Trailhawk · Wrangler Ultimate · Renegade Hybrid Concept · Z5 Concept · Patriot Back Country Concept · EV Prototype · Wrangler Lower Forty Concept · Wrangler Overland Concept · Wrangler J7 Concept · Patriot Extreme Concept · Wrangler Trail Boss Concept · NuKizer 715 Concept · The General Concept · Mopar ImMortal Concept · Mopar XJ Stroker Concept · XJ001 Concept SRT · Mopar · HEMI
name of founder/s	Corporate website	A division of Fiat S.p.A

External links

• Official Jeep Grand Cherokee Homepage
• Grand Cherokee - information site
• wagoneers.com
• wjjeeps.com
• Jeep SRT-8 info provided by ajeepthing.com
• Jeep adds Rocky Mountain Edition models to Patriot, Liberty and Grand Cherokee
• New York: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee must serve two masters
• All-New 2011 Grand Cherokee Revealed
• 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 Sketch Leaks

This page uses content from Wikipedia; see Jeep Grand Cherokee, which includes these contributors.