1999 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE WHERE VALUE MEETS VERSATILITY

After a major freshening for 1997, the Jeep^® Cherokee enters 1999 as the unbeatable combination for value and versatility among lower-middle sport-utility vehicles. The Jeep Cherokee lineup for 1999 includes SE and Sport models in both two- and four-door body styles, as well as four-door Classic and Limited models.

Within the line, Cherokee Sport gets a freshened exterior appearance for 1999. The front grille, head lamp surroundings, front and rear bumpers and rear license plate brow are now painted in body color. Cherokee Sport is positioned directly above the SE version, offering a richer specification without a top-of-the-line sticker price. Its new appearance and functional interior, including an instrument cluster with tachometer and four gauges, stereo radio/cassette/clock combination with four speakers, spare tire cover and rear window defroster will appeal to customers who are looking for value along with unmatched versatility and capability.

Other features added throughout the Cherokee line for 1999 include optional heated seats on the Limited version, which come with both driver and front passenger six-way power adjustment and a 124-amp alternator. Across the line, new one-piece weather strips around the front and rear door windows minimize outside noise, water and dust intrusion into the interior.

Also added to the option list for the first time is the Sentry Key^TM immobilizer, a sophisticated vehicle theft-deterrent system that uses the on-board electronics and a small integrated circuit chip in the key to prevent the engine from running without a valid ignition key.

For 1999, Cherokee is offered in two new exterior colors - Forest Green and Desert Sand - and two new interior colors - Camel and Agate. The previous "Cherokee", "Sport" and "Classic" decals are replaced by more upscale, dimensional graphics.

Under the hood, Cherokee SE comes equipped with the Power-Tech 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 125 horsepower (87 kW) and 150 lb.-ft. (198 Nm) of torque, coupled with a five-speed manual transmission. Sport, Classic and Limited models are powered by a 4.0-liter Power-Tech six-cylinder engine, delivering 190 hp (131 kW) and 225 lb.-ft. (301 Nm). This engine is also available on the Cherokee SE. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard on the Classic and Limited versions, but optional for the Cherokee Sport, which has a five-speed manual transmission as standard equipment. All power trains feature new engine sensors, a new "JTEC+" engine controller and a new catalyst for better emissions, improved reliability and enhanced durability.

Rugged off-road ability is provided by two proven transfer cases offered on four-wheel drive Cherokees: Command Trac^®, the standard part-time four-wheel drive system, and Selec-Trac^®, the available full-time four-wheel drive system. Both systems provide low range four-wheel drive for severe off-road conditions. Two-wheel drive is also available.

Export versions of the Jeep Cherokee are four-wheel drive only and, in addition to the U.S. offering, also come with right-hand drive and a 2.5-liter turbo diesel engine that develops 113 horsepower (85 kW) and 221 lb.-ft. (300 Nm) of torque.

Creating a new segment upon its introduction in 1984, Cherokee continues to be a success in the lower-middle sport-utility segment. Fully redesigned for 1997, its classic styling, modern technology and Jeep trademark four-wheel drive leadership appeal to young and old around the world.