In 1993, Jeep released the first edition of the Grand Cherokee family of vehicles with its ZJ model. Coupling legendary Jeep off-highway capabilities with a smoother highway ride and a larger, more luxurious cabin interior than its brother (the Jeep Cherokee), the Grand Cherokee was a far more capable offering than the Ford Explorer released two years earlier.
[Not a valid template]Jeep later improved upon its original design of the ZJ, which included a 5.9L V8 in 1998, with the evolution of the WJ Grand Cherokee in 1999. Featuring a 4.7L V8, as well as an increased gear ratio and other amenity upgrades, the WJ became a staple of Chrysler’s commitment to capable full-size vehicles. The evolution continued and in 2005, the WK Grand Cherokee would push the envelope with features that made it a “Trail Rated” vehicle. Capabilities comparable to those of its cousin, the Jeep TJ, further solidified the heritage of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The continual expansion of the Grand Cherokee continued with the introduction of a 3.0 L CRD diesel engine for the 2007 model year and a completely new redesign of the WK Grand Cherokee with the 2011 model which we reviewed in our current issue of JPFreek Adventure Magazine (review can be read here).
Chrysler’s dedication to offering a highly capable family of vehicles is reflected throughout the history of the Grand Cherokee, and this is the focus of JPFreek Adventure Magazine’s vehicle photo essay featuring Jeep’s Grand Cherokee.
* Larkspur, Colorado is home to Bryan Maine and his 2005 WK Grand Cherokee. It is an amazing example of a highly capable off-highway vehicle, and the rig features the following mods:
– Magnaflow Exhaust system
– SuperLift 4” lift with SSR’s
– American Racing Crush Rims
– 33” BFG AT KO’s
– 4xGuard Rear HC Skid Plate
– 4xGuard Front HC Skid Plate
– 4xGuard Rock Rails
– 4xGuard CB Antenna Mount
– Hi-Lift Jack/Rack Mount
– Shovel & Ax/Rack Mount
– Defender Roof Rack
– 2 Hella Rally 4000’s
– 2 Hella Rally 4000’s w/CELIS
– Galaxy 88 CB w/Firestick Antenna