- Powerful and refined 4.7-litre V8 engine
- Responsive 2.7-litre turbo-diesel engine
- Small turning circle
- Off-road capability
- Low-tech 4.0-litre petrol engine
- High fuel consumption and small tank
- Unsupportive driver’s seat
- Suspension lacks low-speed compliance
- Suspension lacks body control
Review: Jeep WJ Grand Cherokee (1999-00)
Overview
Released in June 1999, the Jeep WJ Grand Cherokee was a five-seat, 4WD wagon. Manufactured in Detroit, USA, the WJ Grand Cherokee was initially available with 4.0-litre inline six cylinder and 4.7-litre V8 petrol engines (the ‘4.0L’ and ‘4.7L V8’ variants).
Engines
Of these engines,
- the 4.0-litre overhead valve petrol engine had a cast iron block, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 8.8:1; and,
- The 4.7-litre PowerTech V8 petrol engine had a cast iron block, aluminium cylinder heads, chain-driven double overhead camshafts, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.3:1.
Although Jeep referred to the automatic transmission as a four-speed, the transmission had an alternate second gear for kick-down operation.
Dimensions and suspension
Compared to the ZG Grand Cherokee , the WJ Grand Cherokee was 110 mm longer (at 4610 mm), 36 mm wider (1836 mm), 46 mm taller (1762 mm) and had a 1 mm longer wheelbase (2691 mm). The WJ Grand Cherokee had ‘Quadra-link’ suspension with coil springs front and rear with hydro-formed tubular front and rear control arms.
| Variant | Edition | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L | Laredo | 1999-00 | 4.0-litre petrol I6 | 4sp auto | 140 kW at 5000 rpm | 295 Nm at 3050 rpm |
| 4.7L V8 | Laredo | 2000 | 4.7-litre petrol V8 | 4sp auto | 162 kW at 4700 rpm | 390 Nm at 3200 rpm |
| Limited | 1999-00 |
Quadra-Trac II
The WJ Grand Cherokee was fitted with Jeep’s Quadra-Trac II 4WD system. In normal conditions, torque was directed to the rear axle; in the event of slippage, a clutch pack would transfer torque to the front axle. There was also a ‘4-Lo’ mode which provided permanent four-wheel drive with a 2.72:1 gear ratio.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the WJ Grand Cherokee included dual front airbags, ABS and electronic brake force distribution.
Features: Laredo and Limited
Standard features for the Grand Cherokee Laredo included 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with radio and cassette player, air conditioning, cruise control, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser.
Beyond this, the Grand Cherokee Limited added leather seats, climate control air conditioning, a ten-disc CD player, power adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, front fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel, trip computer and woodgrain highlights.
Review: Jeep WG Grand Cherokee (2000-03)
Overview
Released in November 2000, the WG Grand Cherokee was a minor update on its predecessor (and therefore part of the WJ Grand Cherokee generation). Visually, the WG Grand Cherokee was distinguished its body-coloured grille for the Laredo editions and white-faced instrument gauges. The range was initially unchanged, but expanded in February 2002 with the range-topping Overland edition which was powered by a ‘High-Ouput’ version of the 4.7-litre PowerTech V8 engine.
| Variant | Edition | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L | Laredo | 2000-03 | 4.0-litre petrol I6 | 4sp auto | 140 kW at 5000 rpm | 295 Nm at 3050 rpm |
| 4.7L V8 | Laredo, Limited |
2000-03 | 4.7-litre petrol V8 | 4sp auto | 162 kW at 4700 rpm | 390 Nm at 3200 rpm |
| Overland | 2002-03 | 4.7-litre petrol V8 | 5sp auto | 190 kW at 5200 rpm | 425 Nm at 3500 rpm |
Quadra-Drive (Overland)
The Overland was fitted with Jeep’s Quadra-Drive 4WD system. Compared to the standard Quadra-Trac II system, Quadra-Drive added ‘Vari-Lok’ differentials in the front and rear axles which enabled torque to be transferred between wheels on the same axle (i.e. cross-axle transfer).
Safety equipment
As with the WG Grand Cherokee, standard safety equipment for the Laredo and Limited consisted of dual front airbags, ABS and electronic brake force distribution. The Overland, however, was also equipped with full length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants).
Features: Grand Cherokee Laredo, Limited and Overland
Compared to its predecessor, the Laredo gained a CD player while the Limited was fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels. From November 2001, power folding mirrors were standard across the range and the Limited was fitted with an eight speaker sound system.
The Grand Cherokee Overland was differentiated by its 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels, combination leather and suede seat upholstery, 10-way power adjustable front seats, rain-sensing wipers, power sunroof, sill-protecting rock rails, skid plate, floor mats and red wood interior paneling.
Review: Jeep WG2 Grand Cherokee (2003-05)
Overview
Released in March 2003, the WG2 Grand Cherokee introduced a revised range and mechanical upgrades. The WG2 Grand Cherokee range included a 2.7L CRD variant that was powered by a 2.7-litre inline five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine sourced from Mercedes-Benz. Mechanically, the WG2 Grand Cherokee also had a revised suspension setup with lower pressure shock absorbers, greater steering feel, new brake calipers and a more sensitive brake pedal.
The 2.7-litre OM647 turbo-diesel engine had a cast iron cylinder block, an aluminium cylinder head, common-rail direct injection, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 18.0:1.
| Variant | Edition | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L | Laredo | 2003-05 | 4.0-litre petrol I6 | 4sp auto | 140 kW at 5000 rpm | 295 Nm at 3050 rpm |
| 2.7L CRD | Laredo, Limited, Overland | 2003-05 | 2.7-litre turbo-diesel I5 | 5sp auto | 120 kW at 4000 rpm | 400 Nm at 1800-2600 rpm |
| 4.7L V8 | Laredo | 2003 | 4.7-litre petrol V8 | 5sp auto | 164 kW at 4600 rpm | 394 Nm at 3300 rpm |
| Limited | 2003-05 | 167 kW at 4350 rpm | 390 Nm at 3750 rpm | |||
| Overland | 2003 | 4.7-litre petrol V8 | 5sp auto | 190 kW at 5200 rpm | 425 Nm at 3500 rpm | |
| 2003-05 | 419 Nm at 4000 rpm |
Safety equipment
For the WG2 Grand Cherokee, curtain airbags for front and rear occupants were made standard across the range (previously limited to the Overland).
Features: Grand Cherokee Laredo and Limited
Features for the Laredo were extended to include included a six speaker sound system with 180-watt six-channel amplifier, six-way power adjustable front seats and tinted glass. Furthermore, the Limited was fitted with 10-way power adjustable front seats with memory settings, rain-sensing wipers and auto-dimming door mirrors.
November 2003: Grand Cherokee update
In November 2003, the WG2 Grand Cherokee underwent a minor update – these models could be identified by their new front fascia and more upright grille. The Laredo editions featured chromed grille bars, while the Limited and Overland editions had body-coloured grilles with chrome surrounds and round fog lights. Power and torque outputs were also revised for the 4.7-litre V8.
2004 Grand Cherokee Vision Series
In September 2004, limited-run ‘Vision Series’ models were released. Available for the 4.7L V8 Limited and 2.7 CRD Limited, the Vision Series added 17-inch ‘Rogue’ alloy silver-painted wheels, a power sunroof, rear parking sensors, rock rails, stainless steel sill plates, improved cargo net and brushed aluminium interior highlights.
2004 Grand Cherokee Navigator pack
In October 2004, a limited number of ‘Navigator’ packs were available across the WG2 Grand Cherokee range. The Navigator packs included a GPS navigation system (which could also serve as a PDA), tow kit, nudge bar with driving lights, alloy side steps, bonnet protector, windshields and roof crossbars.
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