Jeep Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee created the sport/utility market and went strong over the years.
1991
The 1991 Cherokee was available in four trim levels, a base 2-door and base, Briarwood and Limited 4-door SUVs.
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 was a true dyed-in-the-wool off-road vehicle. Its roots stretched back to World War II when pioneer Willys Jeeps transported thousands of GIs across Europe and the islands of the Pacific theater. Over these days, the sport/utility world was crowded with a wide variety of shapes and sizes, but the Wrangler remained true to the original concept of a go-anywhere, rugged and dependable 4-wheel-drive. As such, this American icon remained a part of the Jeep lineup.
1991
Positioned toward the less-expensive end of the sport/utility market, the Wrangler was designed for younger buyers who wanted the fun and adventure of a 4wd vehicle in an affordable package. The ride was bouncy and creature comforts were few, a canvas top and side curtains are standard. Key competitors for the Jeep Wrangler included the Suzuki Samurai, the Geo Tracker and the Isuzu Amigo.
The 2-door 4-passenger Wrangler was available in two trim levels: base and S.
1995
For the first generation Jeep Wrangler's last year, two new trim models were introduced: the 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.
