Jeep Grand Cherokee Models and Grand Cherokee History

The 1998 Grand Cherokee by Jeep boasted a hearty 5.9-liter V8 engine that delivered 245 horsepower, making it the ruler of allJeeps. The Orvis model was phased out and several new colors were added as were new airbag systems. The redesigned 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured only 127 parts that carried over.

It got a new powertrain, transmission, suspension, braking and steering system, new 4WD and a redesigned interior and exterior. The 2000 Grand Cherokee received some minor touch-ups and a new two-wheel drive wasintroduced with a 4.7-liter V8 engine. The 2001 Grand Cherokee debuted a five-speed automatic transmission with two overdrive modes. Front tow hooks in chrome were added with the Limited Model, and several new packages were added that offered body enhancements, different wheels and various interior options and upgrades.

The 2001 Grand Cherokee featured three new trim levels, SE, Sportand Overland. Added options also included side curtain airbags, tire-pressure monitoring system and automated windshield wipers. Minor changes were made for the 2002 version. In 2003, Jeep improved the handling, adding reduced-pressure shocks, and discontinued the Sport and Special Edition trim levels.

In 2004, the Grand Cherokee came standard with a DVD player and GPS system. The 2005 Grand Cherokee was entirely redesigned with a new four-wheel-drive system, independent suspension and three different engines to choose from, as well as a new body and interior style. In 2006, Jeep added the Overland Trim with a larger 5.7-liter V8 engine. Jeep also added the Quadra-Trac II for the Laredo trim. Jeep only made a few alterations for 2007, adding a diesel engine for buyers and making improvements to safety equipment. In 2008, Jeep redesigned its 4.7-liter V8, making it more powerful and capable of delivering 305 horsepower. They also added some new interior features, offering HID headlights, a rear entertainment center and technology upgrades like start assist and hill descent. A diesel V6 engine was made available for the popular Laredo model.

The 2009 model added Quadra-Trac II technology and boasted better gas mileage. It was outfitted with an iPod integrated GPS system and a new trip computer. In 2010, Jeep discontinued the Overland trim level and made a few minor adjustments to upgradeable options. The 2011 Grand Cherokee was relatively unchanged. In 2012, Jeep added a few new trim levels and marked the return of the luxurious Overland Summittrim. In 2013, Jeep added the Trailhawk trim and offered a few new features for the Overland Summit trim. In 2014, the Grand Cherokee offered a new 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine with an eight-speed automatic. Jeep also made minor changes to the interior and added some newer technological features, too.