This is a Jeep WJ, better known as the 1999-2004 Grand Cherokee. Big lights, well positioned fog lights, the seven bar grille, slightly flared arches. Yep, it is definitely a Jeep, the kind of vehicle which gives the driver confidence that the journey will be completed in one piece.
Not particularly cheap from new, and not ‘trail rated’ unless fitted with the ‘country pack’ option, they were solid and practical.
OK, let’s move on.. This is a new Jeep Grand Cherokee..
The seven bar grille is still there, as is the Jeep badge, but what happened to the slightly flared arches, the headlights, the fog lamps, the nicely sculpted front end?
No wheel arch flares is bad enough, the headlights look like they were borrowed from a pimped rice burner (and should be given back immediately), and the fog lamps are not USABLE fog lamps at that height. The idea behind fog lamps is that they illuminate the road UNDER the fog, not glare back from the wall of fog into the driver’s eyes.
The new Jeep GC is not a go anywhere, get you out of anywhere vehicle. It is a vehicle for the highway or a track, and not the kind of track which leads to one’s favourite fishing spot.
I will admit that inside, the new Jeep is nice, but lots of cars have nice interiors, while not many can get you through the worst of weather conditions. I always promised myself a new Jeep if ever I had the funds, but this one Chrysler can keep. Instead, I will get the WJ fully restored and get the full country pack too..
