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1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Date Published: 2/20/08

1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
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Price Range:
$3,900 - 16,400

Class:
Midsize SUV
1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Expert Rating Summary
Category
Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 6-cylinder Rating
Performance 5
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 5
Steering/Handling/Braking 4
Quietness 3
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 6
Room/Comfort (rear) 4
Cargo Capacity 7
Value within Class 6
Total Score: 51
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
Chart: One rating chart provided for a representative model
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1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review
Jeep's flagship sport-utility vehicle was redesigned for 1999. A new V8 engine was available. Although the wheelbase was unchanged, the Grand Cherokee's body was more than 4 inches longer and 2 inches taller. Front-seat passenger space and usable luggage capacity increased modestly. The spare tire was relocated from the cargo hold to beneath the rear floor. Laredo and Limited models returned from the previous generation, and antilock brakes remained standard. The base engine was a revised version of the prior 4.0-liter inline 6-cylinder, newly rated at 195 horsepower--a gain of 10. A new 4.7-liter overhead-cam V8, making 230 horsepower, replaced the 220-hp overhead-valve 5.2-liter V8. Both engines mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. The automatic unit on V8 models had an extra gear between second and third gears, to improve passing response and provide smoother downshifts. Grand Cherokee again offered rear-wheel drive and a choice of three 4WD systems--all usable on dry pavement. Selec-Trac, which could be shifted from 2WD to 4WD; Quadra-Trac, a permanently engaged 4WD system; and, new for 1999, was Jeep's permanently engaged Quadra-Drive, which could send 100 percent of the engine's power to any wheel at any time.
Year to Year Changes
2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Two-wheel-drive Grand Cherokees now were available with V8 power. The 6-cylinder engine had previously been mandatory with rear-drive. For 2000, Selec-Trac 4WD was available with the V8, after being limited to the 6-cylinder. Front seatbelt pretensioners became standard, as did sunvisor extensions and a "Headlights-On" indicator on the dashboard.
2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Interior revisions and larger wheels were new this year. A 5-speed automatic transmission replaced the 4-speed for V8 models. A second overdrive top gear in the new 5-speed automatic was intended to increase highway fuel economy. Like the 4-speed, it had an extra gear between second and third gears, to improve passing response. Limited models exchanged their standard 16-inch wheels for 17-inchers, which were optional on Laredos. Aluminum-finished interior trim was added, and the available universal garage-door opener was newly backlit for easier nighttime viewing. New standard features included a rear storage net, rear child-seat anchors, and a connector for electric trailer brakes.
2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee: New models for 2002 included the Sport, with leather upholstery, heated mirrors, and other amenities standard, and the Special Edition, with a 10-disc CD changer and body-color exterior trim. Topping the line was the new Overland, with a 260-hp V8 engine, altered front and rear styling, and special interior trim. Side curtain airbags and power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals were newly optional.
2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Laredo got revised front seats for '03, and rear seats gained the LATCH child-seat attachment system.
2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Jeep offered a 2WD version of their most-expensive model, Overland, for 2004. Also new this year is an available navigation system.
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