1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee

These days, most 'Sport Utility Vehicles' aren't much more than kid-hauling, pavement pounders. For the most part, the only 'off-road' they ever see is the dirt lane going to grandma's, so creature comforts receive more engineering attention than the 4-wheel drive systems. But Jeep's Grand Cherokee is different....very different.

First of all, it's a Jeep. While most SUV's are built to be more car-like, Jeeps are not. They're body-on-frame construction, sophisticated suspension and several 4-wd systems help to make the Grand Cherokee a Very capable off-roader. In fact, it's won several "4-wd of the year" awards.It's a very capable kid-hauler too. There are cup holders and storage cubbies galore. And it's got a very civilized interior. Not quite what you'd expect from a true-blue off road machine.

The Grand Cherokee is available as the base Laredo, up-level Limited, the Overland, Special Edition, Sport, Columbia and Freedom Edition round out the model line. All come standard with two-wheel drive, but why would you get an off-roader like this with two-wheel drive? That's like de-caffeinated coffee. What's the point?

The standard powerplant is Chrysler's bullet-proof 4.0-liter inline six-cylinder. It makes 195 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic is the only choice here, but they tend to be as reliable as the engine. A 4.7-liter overhead-valve V8 is also available. It makes 235 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque and comes with a five-speed automatic. A high-output version of the 4.7-liter V8 is standard on Overland and optional on Limited, Special Edition, and Freedom Edition models. It has 265 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque.

Four-wheel drive is available in three flavors; Selec-Trac, which can be shifted from 2WD to 4WD; Quadra-Trac, a permanently engaged 4WD system; and, the permanently engaged Quadra-Drive II, which could send 100 percent of the engine's power to any wheel at any time (sort of like a really advanced AWD system).

The Grand Cherokee is Jeep's flagship model, so it comes well equipped, no matter what trim level you get. The Laredo has power everything (including power seats), Limited, Overland and Columbia models add model specific interior and exterior trim along with special leather interiors and 4-wd options. Laredo and Freedom editions have cloth seats. Side-curtain air bags and ABS are standard

The Grand Cherokee, unlike most, is a true Sport Utility Vehicle. Though it performs admirably on pavement, it can go almost anywhere. Keep that in mind next time you go see grandma.

Model Year to Year Changes: 2000: Front seat belt pre-tensioners became standard, as did sunvisor extensions and a "Headlights-On" indicator on the dashboard. 2001: The 5-speed automatic transmission replaced the 4-speed for V8 models. A second overdrive top gear in the 5-speed automatic was added to increase highway fuel economy. Limited models get 17-inch wheels, which were also optional on Laredos. New standard features included a rear storage net, rear child-seat anchors, and a connector for electric trailer brakes. 2002: The Sport model was introduced and came with leather upholstery, heated mirrors, and other amenities standard. Also introduced was the exclusive Overland model. It came with the H.O. V8 engine, special front and rear styling, and special interior trim. Side curtain airbags and power-adjustable pedals were added to the option list. 2003: The Laredo got re-designed front seats and the rear seats got the LATCH child-seat attachment system. 2004: The top-of-the-line Overland was now available in 2WD and a navigation system was added to the option list.

Model Year Things to Look For: 1999-01: Cooling Fan Relay - $160. This will cause the engine to overheat because the electric fan doesn't work

1999-00 Fuel Pump - $360. This will cause the engine to shut off and/or not start

1999-01 Camshaft Position Sensor (4.0L engine only) - $115. This will cause the engine to shut off and/or not start

1999-01 Transmission Input Shaft Speed Sensor (5 speed automatic transmission only) - $65.

1999-01 Output Shaft Speed Sensor (5 speed automatic transmission only) - $65.

1999-03 Front Brake Rotors warping - $380. This was caused by poorly designed brake pads

1999-03 Blend Air Door (A/C)(Jeep TSB #24-001-04) - $400.

2001-04 Seat Heater (when equipped) - $220.

2002 Governor Pressure Sensor(4.0L engine only) - $150. This can cause the Check Engine Light to come on 03