Retro Cars Wiki
Register
Advertisement

Jeep Cherokee

The Jeep Cherokee created the sport/utility market and, after all these years, it's still going strong. For 1995, the legendary Cherokee is essentially a carryover model. The big news is that the Cherokee gets a driver's airbag as standard-equipment throughout the line. Other standard equipment enhancements include a reclining front seat and dual horns. The Cherokee was repositioned last year toward the entry-level end of the  compact sport/utility market, since the newer Grand Cherokee has the upper end of that marketplace pretty well covered. Now the Cherokee is designed to appeal to buyers who want the Jeep heritage but who prefer it to come in a more affordable package. Key competitors for the Jeep Cherokee include the Ford Explorer, the Chevrolet Blazer/GMC Jimmy twins and the Toyota 4Runner. The Cherokee is available in three trim levels, SE, Sport and Country, in 2-door and 4-door versions. Given Jeep's off-road heritage, it should come as no surprise that two 4-wheel-drive options are offered: a part-time as well as a full-time 4-wheel-drive system. Both systems feature shift-on-the-fly operation and a 2-speed transfer case that incorporates a floor-mounted shift lever. The base engine remains the 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder. The optional engine is the powerful 4.0-liter inline 6-cylinder. The base transmission is a 5-speed manual. A 3-speed automatic is optional in SE models and, later in the year, it will also be available with the base-level engine. A 4-speed automatic overdrive is the optional transmission in all other models.

Jeep Wrangler

The Wrangler is a true dyed-in-the-wool off-road vehicle. Its roots stretch back to World War II when pioneer Willys Jeeps transported thousands of GIs across Europe and the islands of the Pacific theater. These days the sport/utility world is crowded with a wide variety of shapes and sizes, but the Wrangler remains true to the original concept of a go-anywhere, rugged and dependable 4-wheel-drive. As such, this American icon remains a part of the Jeep lineup. Positioned toward the less-expensive end of the sport/utility market, the Wrangler is designed for younger buyers who want the fun and adventure of a 4wd vehicle in an affordable package. The ride is bouncy and creature comforts are few, a canvas top and side curtains are standard. Key competitors for the Jeep Wrangler include the Suzuki Samurai, the Geo Tracker and the Isuzu Amigo.  The 2-door 4-passenger Wrangler is available in three trim levels: S, SE and Sahara. The Renegade trim package has been dropped, but new this year is the Rio Grande package. It adds southwestern theme accents to the base level S. The base engine is a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder. The optional engine is a 4.0-liter inline Six. The base transmission is a 5-speed manual; a 3-speed automatic is optional. A 2-speed transfer case and automatic locking hubs are available throughout the line. Major options include air conditioning, full locking doors (with roll-up windows and a hardtop), a locking glovebox, intermittent wipers and "Add-A-Trunk", a lockable carpeted storage area.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

1995

In its third year, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the flagship of the Jeep line, boasts a wide range of improvements designed to keep it at the top of the luxury sport/utility field. Most important, antilock brakes are now standard equipment throughout the line. Also coming on board this year are several welcome new options: a flip-up liftgate window, an overhead console with two map lights and an integrated child safety seat.

Positioned at the upper end of the sport/utility market, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is designed to appeal to upscale buyers who want a luxury 4-wheel-drive vehicle and who value the Jeep name. Primary competition for the Grand Cherokee comes from the Mitsubishi Montero, Oldsmobile Bravada, Ford Explorer and the Land Rover Discovery. 

The Grand Cherokee is available in three trim levels: the base SE, the uplevel Laredo and the top-of-the-line Limited. The Grand Cherokee comes in 4-door versions only. New this year is the Orvis Edition, which provides another level of upscale style that echoes the outdoorsy theme of the Orvis mail-order catalog.

The base engine remains the potent 4.0-liter inline 6-cylinder. The optional engine is a more powerful 5.2-liter V8, which this year comes with a new  camshaft for higher-torque. Both engines are mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. The 5-speed manual has been deleted.

Part-time and full-time 4-wheel-drive systems are offered. Also available is an awd option that features a viscous coupling for smooth front-to-rear torque transfer.

Advertisement