Cherokee vs Grand Cherokee

[wsmm]

Looking to purchase a used Cherokee for myself, as my wife's 2000 has been a great vehicle. Only trouble is I'm having a hard time finding a reasonable one in good shape in mid-Michigan. There does however seem to be quite a few Grand Cherokees. What are the major differences between the two? What are the main draw backs of the Grand Cherokke? How does the Grand Cherokee compare to the Cherokee.

THanks,
Bill

[Enjoyinglife121]

Could you clarify what you mean by 'Grand' (i.e ZJ, WJ or WK)?

I'd guess you mean ZJ or WJ..

Kent

[wsmm]

I tend to get lost in the two letter designations. What I'm refering to is a 1996 to 200? unit that bears the Grand Cherokke badging, versus a 1996 to 2001 unit that bears a "Cherokee" badging.

Bill

[wsmm]

Looked up the designations. Yes I would be refering to the ZJ and WJ lines.

Bill

[Enjoyinglife121]

Bill - OK, now we have a basic frame of reference.

ZJ (93-98)
WJ (99-04)

Both the ZJ's and especially the WJ's have stronger unibody frames then the (square body) XJ it sounds like you are considering replacing. Generally this probably wouldn't matter to you. However if you plan to off-road or (being in Michigan) the stronger unibody may fair better with rust etc.

I can't speak much on ZJ's beyond noting the 5.9 liter are popular due to the large V8. Perhaps others will jump with their experiences with ZJ's. Like all jeeps they tend to last a long time

Moving to either a ZJ or WJ does provide a few engine options (V8's) not available in the US XJ models.

The WJ's were a total redesign from the ground up. Much stronger unibody, better ride characteristics, creature comforts, etc. Of course this commands higher prices. The below WJ site may help you procure more information on WJ's.

WJJeeps.com - Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ 1999-2004

What general enhancements (if any) would you like if you were to replace your XJ (e.g. improved interior, stereo, heated mirrors, engine power, etc).

When I was researching my WJ purchase, the general consensus was the 03 and 04 models were the best in the WJ series. I went with 03 HO (i.e. Overland).

Hope this helps
Kent

[wsmm]

Really am hoping to stay with a Cherokee over a Grand Cherokee if I can find one. Wife is keepng her Cherokee, it's a 2000 limited and loaded, she loves it and it gets good gas milage also. The second Cherokee or Grand Cherokee will be mine for back and forth to work. I love the 6 cylinder, automatic transmission and transfer case that is in her Cherokee (2 wd, part time 4wd high, full time 4wd high and 4 wd low).

Bill