The Jeep Grand Cherokee (ZJ) is the first generation of the Jeep Grand Cherokee sport utility vehicle. Introduced in 1992 for the 1993 model year, development of the ZJ Grand Cherokee started under American Motors Corporation (AMC) as a mid-sized successor to the compact Jeep Cherokee (XJ) intended to replace both it and the aging Jeep Wagoneer (SJ) and was continued after the company was acquired by Chrysler in 1987.
Export models produced at the plant in Graz, Austria, were given the vehicle designation of "ZG".
Jeep Concept 1 (1989)
A preproduction version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ was first shown in 1989 as the Jeep Concept 1. Featuring similar styling to the production 1993 Grand Cherokee ZJ, the Concept 1 featured a brown exterior with unique "two-tone" lower accent paint, 'Jeep' lettering on one spoke of each wheel, smoked headlamps and tail lamps, front bumper-mounted fog lamps, minivan-style exterior door handles, and a roof rack that was unique to the Concept 1.
Dodge "ZJ" Concept (1990s)
In the early 1990s, Dodge planned a midsize replacement for the Dodge Ramcharger full-size, truck-based SUV, which had been in production since the late 1970s. An unnamed "Dodge ZJ" prototype was manufactured that was similar in style to the 1989 Jeep Concept 1, but featured a unique front end with the Dodge "Cross-Hair" front grille, slimmer front headlamps, and unique front and rear bumpers and body side cladding. However, prior to the 1992 introduction of the all-new 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ, the project was cancelled, and the replacement to the Ramcharger would not arrive until the 1998 model year as the Dodge Durango, based on the midsize Dodge Dakota pickup truck.
New Features
The all-new 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ offered many new and class-exclusive features that its competitors, such as the Chevrolet S-10 Blazer and Ford Explorer, did not offer.
For example, all Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ models featured a standard front driver's-side SRS airbag in the steering wheel. The Limited model offered a digital climate control system. All models offered a digital Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) that monitored critical vehicle systems and provided audible and visual feedback when a fault was detected (doors, hood, tailgate, engine coolant level, engine oil level, and front and rear lighting systems were some of the systems monitored by the EVIC). In addition to monitoring vehicle status, the EVIC could also display current date and time information and vehicle service interval reminders, and could be set via buttons on the EVIC screen. An overhead console provided a mini trip computer with the current direction of travel and exterior temperature information in Celsius or Fahrenheit, as well as elapsed time, mileage remaining until the fuel tank is empty, and trip mileage for two trips (Trip A and Trip B). In addition to the mini trip computer, the overhead console provided storage for a single garage door opener, and two pairs of sunglasses, and included four overhead map/reading lamps. Keyless entry allowed for easy access to the vehicle without having to insert the vehicle's key into the door lock cylinder, and could also arm or disarm the class-exclusive vehicle security system. The interior lights illuminated whenever a door was opened, and could shut off automatically along with the automatic headlamps. The ignition cylinder was located on the right side of the steering column, and was lighted so that it could be easily located during nighttime driving conditions. Finally, a premium AccuSound factory audio system by Jensen (or Infinity Gold on 1994 and newer models) and a 120-watt amplifier located underneath of the rear bench seat could be paired with an in-dash CD player and five-band graphical equalizer for a high-fidelity audio experience.
A fully mechanical full-time four wheel drive system could split torque when a wheel was losing traction, and send all available traction to that wheel in order to keep moving. In addition, the system, called Quadra-Trac, could automatically detect when four wheel drive was needed, and automatically switch from rear wheel drive without input from the driver. The Grand Cherokee ZJ also offered Chrysler's 318 cubic inch (5.2 L) Magnum electronically fuel-injected V8 engine as an option, which produced and of torque for up to 5,000 lbs. of towing capacity, and was the only SUV in its class at the time to offer a V8 engine as an option.