1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee always has been a very user-friendly midsize sport/utility vehicle. But the redesigned 1999 model is better in most respects and definitely makes the 1998 model feel dated.

There are only 127 carry-over parts from the 1998 Grand Cherokee. Major changes include slicker styling, new 4.7-liter overhead-camshaft V-8, improved six-cylinder, slightly roomier interior and new anti-lock braking system.

Also debuting is a new four-speed automatic transmission that works with the 4.7 V-8 and cleverly allows an extra second gear between second and third gears for improved passing response and smoother downshifts.

Jeep traditionally has had excellent four-wheel-drive systems, but it outdoes itself with its new, optional permanently engaged Quadra-Drive system, which keeps the Grand Cherokee moving even if only one wheel has minimal traction. Also offered are the solid Selec-Trac and Quadra-Trac II four-wheel-drive systems, with Quadra-Trac II being a full-time system.

The Grand Cherokee continues to come as the Laredo and upscale Limited versions.

The Laredo rear-drive model's base price is $25,695 and the four-wheel-drive version stickers at $27,665. The Limited lists at $31,460 with rear-drive and $33,890 with four-wheel drive. My test Limited had a hefty $35,745 price with the 4.7 V-8, four-wheel-drive and popular options such as a power sunroof.

Jeep has retained the Grand Cherokee's solid front and rear axles because it doesn't want to sacrifice the vehicle's superb off-road driving prowess. Few Grand Cherokee owners leave pavement, but the Grand Cherokee is more of a mountain goat than ever, despite its genteel personality.

Jeep maintains that the battle for the best sport-utility vehicle ``is being fought on-road as well as off-road.''

Maybe so, but the Grand Cherokee's decent ride would be less trucklike if at least the solid front axle was dropped, despite a refined front suspension and new three-link rear supension that eliminate the old annoying side-to-side pitching motions over bumps.

The ride also would improve if Jeep increased this sport/ute's wheelbase (distance between front and rear axles). But the old 105.9-inch wheelbase has been retained to also keep impressive off-road abilities.

The Grand Cherokee is four inches longer and two inches higher for slightly more interior room. The seating position is an inch higher, but step-in height is reduced by one inch for easy entry.

The spare tire has been moved from the cargo area to below the rear floor to allow more space, and the entire rear seat can swiftly be folded forward to provide more cargo room. But the cargo floor is too high for easy loading, thanks to the relocation of the spare under that floor. And cargo space is just average unless the back seat is folded.

There's decent room for four adults. But the driver's seat doesn't move back far enough for a tall driver, and a tall occupant behind such a driver will find leg room tight if the driver moves his seat to get comfortable. There's gobs of room for right-side occupants, but narrow rear door openings make it difficult to easily get in and out.

The quiet, attractive interior has legible gauges and smooth, easily reached controls--and is positively lush in the Limited. But radio controls are too small to be safely used by a driver. Front seats provide good support and visibility is excellent, thanks to a large glass area and big outside mirrors.

The new 235-horsepower V-8 is more responsive than the Grand Cherokee's old-fashioned larger pushrod V-8s and makes this vehicle a hot rod; it zooms from 0-60 m.p.h. in just 7.7 seconds and provides excellent passing on highways.

The venerable 4-liter inline six-cylinder is smoother and quieter, with horsepower increased by 10 to 195. But it will be hard to pass up the silky V-8, which costs $960 for the Limited and $1,055 for the Laredo.

Fuel economy is nearly identical--and unimpressive--with either engine. It's 15 in the city and 19 on highways with the V-8 and 16 and 21 with the six.

The quiet Grand Cherokee retains car-like handling, although the steering feels dead and is unresponsive near the on-center wheel position. It also calls for too many small corrections at highways speeds--despite an all-new steering gear. Braking is strong, with an easily modulated pedal.

Those who like the old Grand Cherokee should love the new one. And newcomers to the vehicle who don't need lots of people and cargo room also should be impressed--especially if they do go off-road.