1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Jeep Grand Cherokee. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Jeep Grand Cherokee.

1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review

The Grand Cherokee came only in a 4-door body with a one-piece rear liftgate. Standard features included a driver-side airbag, 4-wheel antilock brakes, and a 5-speed manual transmission. A 4-speed automatic transmission was optional. Standard engine for base, Laredo, and Limited models was a 190-horsepower, 4.0-liter 6-cylinder. Later in the 1993 model year, a 5.2-liter 220-horsepower V8 became standard in the new Grand Wagoneer (a one-year-only, top-of-the-line Grand Cherokee). Three distinct 4WD systems were available. Part-time Command-Trac; Selec-Trac, a full-time system that could be switched between 2WD and 4WD; and Quadra-Trac, a permanently engaged 4WD system. Two-wheel-drive models arrived late in the 1993 model run.

Year to Year Changes

1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Side door-guard beams were installed, and the base model was renamed SE. Grand Wagoneers were deleted, but the V8 engine was optional on all models--automatic transmission only.

1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee: In 1995, only SE and Limited models were available, plus a Laredo option for the SE. All Grand Cherokees now had all-disc brakes, and the V8 engine gained 15 pound-feet of torque. A flip-up liftgate window joined the option list, and the 5-speed manual transmission was dropped.

1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee: A passenger-side airbag was added for 1996, in a redesigned dashboard. Outside, a restyled grille dipped into the front bumper, and optional fog lamps were integrated into that bumper. A new steering wheel contained cruise-control switches and a center horn pad. Front and rear shoulder belts gained height adjustment.

1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Given the host of revisions made last year, changes to the 1997 Grand Cherokee were minimal.

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Jeep added a monster 5.9-liter V8 to a new model named 5.9 Limited. The big V8 came only with Quadra-Trac 4WD and an automatic transmission. Jeep's flagship was redesigned for '99.

1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Road Test

Pros	Cons

Antilock brakes	Fuel economy

Wet-weather traction (4WD)	Engine noise

Passenger and cargo room	Reliability (early models)

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Base-engine power is adequate for most drivers, but the 5.2-liter V8 is much better, especially in low-speed acceleration. It delivers strong off-the-line pickup as well as brisk passing response. The 5.9-liter in the Limited model has even more power at low speeds. We averaged 16.5 mpg in a 6-cylinder Grand Cherokee, and a meager 13.3 mpg with a V8. All three engines can get noisy, though they're much quieter when cruising. Interior room is good, though the spare tire takes up space. Head and leg room are generous all around, and three adults fit in the rear seat. Entry/exit to the front requires only a slight step up. Rear doors are narrow at the bottom and don't open wide enough to allow large people to get in or out without bending a little. With the rear seatback up, luggage space isn't much greater than in a midsize car. Even with the child seat that became available during 1994, rear seatbacks can be folded down to create a long cargo floor.

Value for the Money
We rate the Grand a step behind the Ford Explorer, but both lead the field in refinement, ability, and overall quality. An Explorer is more trucklike, a trait that some buyers like and others do not, but the Grand Cherokee offers impressive on- and off-road performance, plus a broad range of engine and 4WD choices. Early Grand Cherokees suffered some reliability problems, so a later model might be a better bet.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo	Rating

Performance	6

Fuel Economy	3

Ride Quality	4

Steering/Handling/Braking	3

Quietness	3

Controls/Materials	4

Interior Room	5

Room/Comfort (rear)	3

Cargo Capacity	7

Value within Class	6

Total:	44

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Air conditioner: If the air conditioner gradually stops cooling, the computer (PCM) may not be sending a signal to the compressor-clutch relay to cycle off, which causes the A/C evaporator to freeze up. (1993-95)

Air conditioner: If water leaks onto the floor on the passenger side or the air conditions stops cooling, the air conditioning drain hose might be blocked. (1993-96)

Automatic transmission: If the transmission will not engage when first started, chances are the torque converter is draining down. A check valve in the fluid line leading to the transmission cooler should remedy the problem. (1993)

Automatic transmission: The transmission won't upshift for about the first quarter mile in cool weather due to defective cast-iron seal rings in the governor drive. (1993-94)

Engine misfire: Rough idle and stalling can be traced to a defective idle-air-control motor. (1993-94)

Fuel pump: If fuel pump may fails, a revised pump assembly should be installed. (1997-98)

Manual transmission: High shift effort on 5-speed manual transmission may be remedied with a replacement shift shaft lever and shift detent plunger. (1999-98)

Oil consumption and engine knock: Oil-pump-gear wear results in bucking and surging when the engine is warm and lack of lubrication when the engine is cold. (1993)

Oil leak: The rear main seals on 4.0-liter engines are prone to leakage if the vehicle is operated in dirty conditions. (1993-96)

Oil leak: A chronic oil leak at the filter on 5.2-liter engine is likely due to a warped adapter plate. (1995)

Transmission leak: Automatic-transmission fluid leaks from the speed sensor in the transmission. (1993-94)

Vehicle shake: If camber alignment cannot be brought into spec, countermeasure offset ball joints are available. (1997-98)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$390

Alternator	$360

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$700

Brakes	$300

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$375

Exhaust System	$270

Radiator	$380

Shocks and/or Struts	$155

Timing Chain or Belt	$195

Universal Joints	$135

NHTSA Recall History

1993: Eccentric cam-adjuster bolts in both front lower-suspension arm-to-front axle-bracket attachments may fail, causing vehicle to pull to one side.

1993: Molded plastic pin that connects upper and lower steering-column shafts may be sheared; shafts could separate, causing total loss of steering control.

1993: Retainer clip that secures master-cylinder input rod to brake pedal could work loose, allowing separation, which may cause loss of braking.

1993: Safety improvement campaign advises that center rear seat belt buckle may not be accessible for cargo stowage when right side of seatback is folded down.

1993-98 in 15 states and Washington, D.C.: Front-disc brake rotors can experience severe corrosion if operated for extensive period in "salt belt"; can eventually compromise structural integrity, allowing wear surface to separate from hub.

1995: Parking-brake release button can separate, so brake may not hold and vehicle could roll inadvertently.

1996 w/Quadra-Trac, temporary spare tire, and 225/70R16 or 245/70R15 tires: When temporary spare tire is in use, front axle can overheat; can force fluid out of seals, increasing risk of fire.

1996: Fasteners that secure alternator fuse could have improper clamp load; arcing could cause fire in engine compartment.

1997: Airbag could deploy inadvertently when ignition is shut off.

1997: Fuel-level sending unit degrades over time, causing gauge to show significantly more fuel in tank than is actually present.

1998: Power-brake booster-vacuum reservoir diaphragm can split or tear; may cause increase in engine idle speed and loss of power brake assist.

1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1993
Grand Cherokee 2WD	$1,300-1,800	$800-1,100	$200
Grand Cherokee 4WD	$1,800-2,600	$1,200-1,800	$300-400

1994
Grand Cherokee 2WD	$1,600-2,100	$1,100-1,400	$200-300
Grand Cherokee 4WD	$2,100-2,800	$1,500-2,000	$400-500

1995
Grand Cherokee 2WD	$1,900-2,500	$1,300-1,700	$300-400
Grand Cherokee 4WD	$2,500-3,200	$1,800-2,300	$500-700

1996
Grand Cherokee 2WD	$2,400-3,100	$1,700-2,200	$500-600
Grand Cherokee 4WD	$3,000-3,700	$2,300-2,800	$700-900

1997
Grand Cherokee 2WD	$2,900-3,600	$2,200-2,700	$700-800
Grand Cherokee 4WD	$3,500-4,200	$2,800-3,400	$900-1,100

1998
Grand Cherokee 2WD	$3,500-4,300	$2,800-3,400	$900-1,200
Grand Cherokee 4WD	$4,100-5,300	$3,400-4,300	$1,400-1,700

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	105.9

Overall Length, in.	179.0

Overall Width, in.	70.9

Overall Height, in.	64.7

Curb Weight, lbs.	3614

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	79.3

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	23.0

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.9

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	40.9

Rear Head Room, in.	39.1

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	35.7

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Initial Grand Cherokees came only with a 4.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine, which developed 190 horsepower (185 in '96 and '97). A 220-horsepower V8 went into the Grand Wagoneer, introduced later in the 1993 model year. When that model was dropped in '94, it became optional for all 4WD Grand Cherokee models. Not until '97 did 2WD models get the V8. In 1998, Jeep introduced the limited-edition 5.9 Limited model. It held a 5.9-liter V6 that made 245 horsepower. Depending on model, Grand Cherokees might have any of three 4-wheel-drive systems; or 2-wheel drive, introduced during 1993. Torque output from the V8 grew from 285 to 300 pound-feet in 1995. Command-Trac disappeared after 1995.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohv I6	4.0 / 242	185-190	200-225	5-speed manual: 16/20 4-speed automatic: 15/20	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 16.5

ohv V8	5.2 / 318	220	285-300	4-speed automatic: 14/18	4-speed automatic: 13.3

ohv V8	5.9 / 360	245	345	4-speed automatic: 13/17	4-speed automatic: 14.6

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1998 Grand Cherokee

Front Impact, Driver	3

Front Impact, Passenger	3

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

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Also in the 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review:

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep Grand Cherokee Road Test

Jeep Grand Cherokee Reliability

Jeep Grand Cherokee Prices

Jeep Grand Cherokee Specs & Safety

Jeep Grand Cherokee Photos

Jeep Grand Cherokee Full Review