The Jeep Grand Cherokee made its grand entrance onto the SUV scene in 1993. The Jeep Cherokee was selling well, but competition was increasing and with Ford introducing the deluxe Explorer, a direct competitor, Jeep designed and promoted the “Grand” Jeep Cherokee. The Grand offered more space, smoother highway traveling, an increased celebrated off-road ability next to its lesser sibling, and its status on the red carpet of sport utility vehicles was nothing short of star quality. By the time 2001 rolled around, the Jeep Grand Cherokee was strutting its stuff. It’s performance was impressive with a 3,960 cc 4 liters 6 in-line engine with 98.4 bore, 86.7 mm stroke, 8.7 compression ratio and an overhead valve with 2 valves per cylinder. It coolly boasted unleaded fuel with fuel economy a main 78-liter unleaded fuel tank. It ran an EPA (highway) of 11.8 with a multi-point injection fuel-system. Power was SAE and 145kW, 195 hp at 4,600 rpm; 230 ft. lb., 312 nm at 3,000rpm. The 2001 Grand’s handling was ABS with a 3.55 in 1 axle ratio. Four disc brakes along with 2 ventilated discs and an immobilizer. Space saver steel rims with an internal spare wheel and front and rear beam suspension and a stabilizer bar firm with coil springs. Impressively built and beautiful to behold, on the roadway, or even curbside, it caught the eye of every onlooker. Its chassis consisted of body side molding, front and rear black bumpers as well as driver and passenger power black door mirrors. Its external dimensions ran an overall length of 4,610mm.. Overall width 1,836 mm. Height 1,763 mm. Ground clearance 231 mm. Wheelbase 2,690 mm. Front track 1,511 mm. Rear track 1,511 mm. Curb to curb turning circle at 11,400 mm. Surface lens were complex, headlights were halogen bulbs. Glass was heat reflective, trim was luxury trim. Gross vehicle weight rating (kg) was 2,427. Curb weight (kg) was 1,802. Gross braked trailer weight (kg) 907 and max legal load (kg) at 499 Though it came in typical standard colors, it swanked metallic paint, black paint, gloss paint, and pearl paint. It had a swing-out rear window, rear platform step, windshield wipers with variable speeds, roof rails, tinted glass, privacy tinted glass on rear and also on the inside. It sported air-conditioning, mast antenna, audio system, cigarette and cigar lighter, ashtray, clock, compass, computerized fuel consumption, full console dashboard, full floor console with covered storage box, delayed courtesy lights, cruise control, lighted entry system, glove compartment, door ajar warning, driver and passenger airbag, external temperature, adjustable front seat belts, head restraints on front and rear seats, low fuel level warning, and six speaker sound system. It also provided a ventilation system recycling air, vanity mirrors for driver and passenger, plastic steering wheel, cloth and velour upholstery and a tachometer. The locks were internal and the Jeep Grand Cherokee provided seating for five. The Jeep Grand Cherokee gave a great scare to many of its competitors not only in function, but also in beauty. It was a rather revolutionary style when first introduced and 2001 saw sales for the vehicle soar. At 20 mpg highway driving and 16-mpg city driving, its fuel efficiency wasn’t anything to scoff at, though in that respect, it had competitors chomping at its heels. Category:Home › Autos • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 2 • You should never use after-market auto parts when maintaining or fixing your car • Should a new car be rust-proofed? • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 1 • Five safest cars in North America • How to ensure your teen drives safely after getting a license • Pros and cons of using an hydrogen generator for your car • DIY automotive maintenance: How to change the oil