Some people worry that buying a used car means they are missing out on having a lot of options available and can't completely customize their new ride to meet their needs. In reality, you have a huge number of options when shopping for a used model because you effectively have every possible combination of features available across every model year. This is especially true when looking at a long-running model like the Grand Cherokee here at Ruge's CDJR, your used Jeep dealership. However, having so many choices available to you means it pays to take some time to look at what's on offer and narrow things down a bit.
It's worth noting that the Grand Cherokee is a vehicle that's been around for 30 years, which means there are many different pre-owned examples out there. Your choice of model year can be incredibly important, particularly when it comes to changes from generation to generation. Even within a generation, going from one model year to the next often introduces new features and options that are worth considering. Let's take a look at the different generations of the Grand Cherokee so far and some key details that you should have in mind while shopping.
1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Development of the Jeep Grand Cherokee first got going 40 years ago in 1983 as American Motors Corporation (AMC), the owner of the Jeep brand at the time, began working on a follow-up to the popular Cherokee model. The brand wanted something larger that would be more spacious inside while still building on the early success of the Cherokee. AMC was purchased by Chrysler in 1987, but development on the Grand Cherokee continued. The long-awaited model was finally revealed to the world for the first time at the 1992 North American International Auto Show, receiving immediate attention and wide acclaim.
The first generation of the Grand Cherokee hit the road for the 1993 model year and set the foundation on which all later generations and models would build. It came standard with a 4.0L straight-six engine that delivered 190 hp and could be paired with a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission. However, there was also a more powerful 5.2L V8 that generated 225 hp. For the final model year, a third engine was introduced: a 5.9L V8 with 245 hp that made the Grand Cherokee the "world's fastest sport utility vehicle," according to Jeep.
1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
After a facelift for the 1996 model year, the Grand Cherokee was completely redesigned for 1999, closing out a century that was defined by Jeep. For this second generation, the Grand Cherokee was a clean-sheet design that shared fewer than 130 parts with the first generation. It retained the 4.0L straight-six engine, which was updated for better performance, along with a new V8 engine that offered excellent power and impressive fuel economy. This generation also saw the introduction of automatic four-wheel drive, a system Jeep called Quadra-Drive, which made the Grand Cherokee a rugged and dependable option.
The second-generation Grand Cherokee saw a complete redesign of its interior, which included larger doors in the rear and improved space for rear passengers to be more comfortable. Features like automatic dual-zone climate control and a 10-disc CD changer (remember those?) also became available on higher trims. You won't find a lot of these second-generation models for sale today, though they can be worth keeping an eye out for if you want a cheap midsize SUV.
2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The oldest Grand Cherokee models you will frequently discover when shopping for a pre-owned vehicle come from the third generation, which got its start with the 2005 model year. This generation saw numerous upgrades and improvements, bringing it more in line with modern vehicles that deliver fantastic performance and sophistication. For starters, a number of engines were introduced and offered on these vehicles, including a 3.7L V6 and a 4.7L V8. If you're interested in some serious performance from your midsize crossover, then look for a model with the available 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, which delivers up to 357 hp and makes for a great overall driving experience.
Numerous trim levels were offered throughout this generation, from the affordable Laredo to the high-end Overland, so you can find a wide range of features and options. The high-performance SRT8 trim first became available in 2006 and introduced a remarkable 6.1L HEMI V8 with 420 hp. This generation received a facelift and update for the 2008 model year, which makes used Grand Cherokees from this point on exceptional examples to look for. The 2008 facelift included revised headlights and front-end features, making them particularly appealing options while you're looking at used models.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
If you're looking for a newer used Grand Cherokee, then fourth-generation vehicles are going to be your best bet. This generation launched with the 2011 model year, so even the oldest examples are just over a decade old and still have plenty of life left in them if they were treated well. For its fourth generation, the Grand Cherokee gained four-wheel independent suspension for improved handling and a better overall ride. It was released with a new 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine and a 5.7L HEMI V8, both of which remained the common options through this generation. If you want something with heart-pounding performance, then look for the SRT model with its 6.4L HEMI and 475 hp. In 2018, Jeep took things up another notch with the Trackhawk, which boasts a supercharged HEMI V8 with 707 hp.
As the longest generation for the Grand Cherokee, you can find a surprising variety of features and options across its numerous model years. The fourth generation received its first facelift in 2014, featuring a new front end, revised lighting for the front and rear, and other updated details. The other key model year to note for this generation is 2017 when the vehicle received a second facelift and a number of new features and options. These Grand Cherokee models have reshaped headlights and grilles, with numerous updates inside and out; plus, the off-road-focused Trailhawk trim and the high-end Summit trim were both added for 2017.
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The current generation of the Grand Cherokee kicked off with the 2022 model year, and to be honest, this beauty has never looked better. For one thing, joining the standard Grand Cherokee is the all-new Grand Cherokee L, which features an extended wheelbase and three rows of seating. You can find three different four-wheel drive systems on the Grand Cherokee these days, along with an available air suspension, Selec-Terrain drive mode system, and even an available 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain. These are amazing vehicles, but finding a used model can be challenging because of how new they are.
A Fantastic Choice No Matter the Year
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a fantastic choice, no matter what you're looking for in a spacious and powerful crossover SUV. Year after year, it has delivered robust performance, dependable capability that can take you just about anywhere, and luxurious interior features. With so many terrific options available, all you have to do now is decide on what you need and find the used model that delivers. Call or come visit us at Ruge's CDJR to work with one of our friendly salespeople, and we'll help you find that perfect used Jeep you've been looking for.