Introduced in the summer of 1998, the WJ Grand Cherokee had a similar design to the outgoing ZJ. Like the ZJ, the WJ featured a uni body design and carried over the same basic body structured of the ZJ but with a more rounded and sculpted appearance. The 4.0l inline 6-cylinder engine was carried over from the ZJ and was standard in the Laredo model and optional in the Limiteds. The 5.2l and 5.9l engines were dropped and initially replaced with the 4.7l and later the 4.7l H.O. would be introduced, standard in the Overland models and optional in the Limiteds. WJs featured two four-wheel drive systems, Selec-Trac and Quadra-Drive. Selec-Trac was featured in Laredo and often coupled with the 4.0l engine so it was also available in Limited models. Most Limited and Special Editions featured variations of the Quadra-Trac system which was often coupled with the 4.7l V8 engine. Notable differences in the two four-wheel drive systems were part-time with Selec-Trac opposed to all-time four-wheel drive with the Quadra-drive system.
1999 Grand Cherokee Laredo
1999 Grand Cherokee Limited, photo courtesy motortrend.com
The WJ featured two trim level initially which were carried over from the ZJs, Laredo (base, though could be equipped with almost all features offered in the Limited) and Limited (high-end). The notable characteristic of the Laredo models is lower body plastic cladding and bumpers and black door handles. Limiteds featured painted cladding and bumpers, as well as, door handles. In addition, Limiteds came standard with a leather interior which was optional on Laredos and featured brighter headlights than the dark ones on Laredos. Later the WJ got additional trim levels, Overland, Laredo Sport, and Special Edition in 2002. In 2003, the Laredo Sport and Special Edition trims were dropped. In the last year of production, the 2004 model year, Laredo, Rocky Mountain Edition, Columbia Edition, Laredo Freedom Edition, Special Edition, Limited, and Overland models were featured. Overlands became the highest trim in 2002 available and came with every feature offered, even skid plates and real wood trim in the interior. Special Editions were dressed up Laredos with painted lower cladding and bumpers, but retained the black door handles, Laredo grille, and Laredo interior.
2002 Grand Cherokee Overland, photo courtesy wjjeeps.com
2002 Grand Cherokee Special Edition, photo courtesy of wjjeeps.com
In addition to a number of special models offered in 2004, 2004 models are also unique in that they feature a different front end than the 1999-2003 models. Other changes from 1999-2004 include variations in wheel choices, and interior amenities. Later WJs saw more modern conveniences such as navigation, rain-sensitive wipers, tire pressure monitoring, parking sensors, power adjustable pedals, and side curtain airbags. Seats saw various variations as well throughout. Laredo seats changed in 2002 and again in 2003. 2003-2004 Laredo seats are notable for not featuring head restraints unless equipped with leather interior. Limited seats changes in 2001 and remained the same until 2004 as a result of criticism of support in the 1999-2000 seats. Overlands featured leather seats with swede inserts from 2002-2003 and only came in a shade of grey with a black dashboard and two-toned grey and black door panels. In 2004, Overland interior color remained the same but the seat design changed and swede inserts were no longer included. 2001 saw a notable Laredo option package know as the Special Appearance Group, this option package featured a 17 inch wheel not offered before or after 2001, painted lift gate trim and handle, and lower cladding molded in color to match the paint color, in some cases. Special Appearance Laredos also came with leather seats in most cases.
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| 2001 Grand Cherokee Laredo Special Appearance Package, note blue cladding and 17 inch wheels. Photo courtesy manchestermotorsports.com |
2004 Grand Cherokee Laredo, note round fog lamps and different front bumper and grille, photo courtesy wjjeeps.com
2004 Grand Cherokee Special Edition, photo courtesy of torquenews.com
2004 Grand Cherokee Limited, photo courtesy of thecarconnection.com
2004 Grand Cherokee Overland, note side differnet side cladding with chrome strip and a deleted ripple, only featured on '04 Overlands. Photo courtesy of wjjeeps.com
2004 Grand Cherokee Rocky Mountain Edition, note painted Limited cladding and bumpers but painted grey available in blue, red, white, and green. Photo courtesy wjjeeps.com
2004 Grand Cherokee Columbia Edition, note same exterior as Rocky Mountain Edition
2004 Grand Cherokee Freedom Edition, not unique front bumper and side pipes, and silver roof rails. Model also featured carbon fiber dash trim. Photo courtesy wjjeeps.com
The 1999-2004 Grand Cherokee will always be my favorite model for both its design, interior, features, and capabilities. I always admired the ZJs and the only reaosn I like the Wj more is because, in my opinion, anything I found wrong with the ZJs was corrected in the WJs. The WJs are a refreshed and modern ZJ and have aged gracefully. In addition, the build quality is amazing. At 15 years old and 150,000 miles, mine has no rust on it anywhere and all features still work as they should. Before I bough mine in 2011, my father owned a 2002 Grand Cherokee and I can speak just as highly of it even though my family does not own it anymore.
At left, my father's previous 2002 Grand Cherokee Laredo Sport. Sports featured leather seating, Infinity Sound, leather trimmed steering wheel with radio control, and 6-way power driver and passenger seat standard. At right is my 1999 Laredo which is equipped with every available Laredo option in '99 except the 4.7l V8 and factory hitch.
OMG those are lot of jeep i am considering getting one, but a wrangler, beacuse they are AWESOME!
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