Jeep: The First 70 Years - Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep Saviors: 1984-1998
You could reasonably state that the World War II MB saved Willys-Overland. You could also say the Cherokee XJ saved AMC Jeep. The move towards smaller, more fuel-efficient SUVs was inevitable as gas prices increased in the late '70s. Development started on a new vehicle then but was stymied by AMC's impending bankruptcy. Renault came to the rescue in 1979 with a badly need loan. When 1980 rolled around, AMC was closer to the edge and Renault stepped up again, this time taking a 47.5 percent share of AMC for its trouble. The alliance wasn't always a happy one, but the XJ benefitted from some of Renault's small car engineering. New engines also debuted, the 2.5L Four and the GM-sourced 2.8L V6. The 2.8L is not remembered fondly in the Jeep world, but it was a last-minute stopgap until the engineers finished developing the now legendary 4.0L EFI engine, itself a refined 258ci AMC six.

Faced with an army of foreign and domestic competition in the SUV market, with the help of the Chrysler infusion, Jeep introduced the Grand Cherokee ZJ in 1992 as a '93 model. Once again, a stylish and practical new vehicle cranked up the sales numbers, and there have been three more generations since that year. Ironically, the Grand Cherokee was planned to replace the Cherokee, but the popularity of both models, plus nice separation in their respective market segments, kept them side by side in the Jeep lineup. To double the irony, the XJ outlasted the first-gen ZJ. Both the XJ and the ZJ revitalized Jeep by providing popular, high sales-volume products at the times they were needed most.

1984 Cherokee Chief XJ
It's no exaggeration that the XJ saved Jeep. We take the little XJ for granted now, but it was an innovation when it appeared due to its lightweight unitbody construction and coil-spring front suspension. It was offered in both two- and four-door models in Custom (base-model), Pioneer, and Cherokee Chief kitting.
1984 Cherokee Chief XJ It's no exaggeration that the XJ saved Jeep. We take the little X
1986 Wagoneer Limited XJ
The Wagoneer name was purloined for a luxo-rig on the XJ chassis. For the most part, it lived up to that hype. It was considered a totally separate model, with two divisions: the plain Wagoneer and the Wagoneer Limited. The Limited mimicked the SJ Wagoneer (which was now "Grand") by having woodgrain side panels. It had all the power accessories you would expect, leather interior trim, a reasonably high-end stereo, and even such high-tech goodies as an automatic load-leveling device.
1986 Wagoneer Limited XJ The Wagoneer name was purloined for a luxo-rig on the XJ chassi
1988 Comanche Chief MJ
Midsize pickups were all the rage in the '80s, and Jeep responded by building an XJ-based version. Beginning in 1986, the Comanche was a perfect fit. Initially, it came on a 119.7-inch wheelbase in three trim levels. A year later, it expanded to include a short 113-inch-wheelbase model and the 4.0L found its way into the line. Surprisingly, after the '87 Chrysler takeover, the Comanche (later called the MJ) continued in production-competing with Dodge's Dakota. The MJ died after the '92 model year, but it was known as a brilliant adaptation of an existing line and a particularly attractive truck. The "Chief" theme was resurrected for this '88 shortbed package in "arrest-me" red.
1988 Comanche Chief MJ Midsize pickups were all the rage in the '80s, and Jeep responded

1993 Grand Cherokee Laredo ZJ
The Grand Cherokee began development in the '80s as an eventual replacement for the XJ, but the lack of development money within AMC slowed its progress. The Chrysler infusion speeded things up in some ways and slowed it down in others. It might have made the market in 1990 or 1991, but the addition of the 5.2L V-8 to the options list took some extra time. Rolled out in early 1992 as a '93 model, the ZJ was an instant hit on all levels. The base engine was the 4.0L I-6 and the 5.2L was the top dog. A high-luxury Grand Wagoneer version, complete with woodgrain side panels, was also trotted out as a special model to replace the recently retired SJ, but it didn't fly for long and lasted only through the '93 model year. Its place in the line was taken by the Limited model, which was sans woodgrain.
1993 Grand Cherokee Laredo ZJ The Grand Cherokee began development in the '80s as an eve
1998 Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited
When the Grand Cherokee line faced a big upgrade for 1999, Jeep decided to send the ZJ out with a bang. Enter the 5.9L Limited. They replaced the 5.2L with a 245hp 5.9L EFI V8, tuned the drivetrain and suspension for handling and speed, then gave it a fine suit of expensive clothes to cover the muscles. In the press, the 5.9 Limited certainly overshadowed the rest of the '98 ZJ line, and maybe even stole a little thunder from the upcoming WJ.
1998 Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited When the Grand Cherokee line faced a big upgrade for 199
2001 Cherokee Limited XJ
You know the end is near when they start calling you "Classic." So it was in the later years of the XJ, after a bit of freshening up in 1997 and the Classic model was introduced. The XJ was phased out after the '01 model year and its place in the Jeep product line taken by the Liberty (called "Cherokee" in export markets). The XJ had a great 17-year run. It was planned to be replaced shortly after the Grand Cherokee ZJ appeared for 1993. The XJ was also slated to end production in 2000, but continued into 2001 to "meet demand in the marketplace," according to the press info. You can probably read that to mean the Liberty was late.
2001 Cherokee Limited XJ You know the end is near when they start calling you "Classic."