1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Price, Specs, Review & Road Test

Jeep proves the term "sport/ute" needn't be an oxymoron with the devilishly quick Grand Cherokee. The silken SOHC 4.7-liter/235-horsepower V-8 in our long-termer inspired one editor to write, "This may be the smoothest engine ever offered in the Chrysler lineup." Indeed, the refined powerplant grants the muscle-bound all-season hauler a sophisticated demeanor that until recently remained unperturbed under hard acceleration. Editors have noted gear whine in off-throttle situations and increased harshness in shifts. We'll have both conditions looked into at our upcoming service visit, while we'll straighten or replace a fuel tank skidplate bent fording a stream on a camping trip. The Jeep again showed its mountain-goat climbing talents on an ascent to an 8000-foot peak. We appreciated the simple interior controls and cushy seats bounding up the trail, though around town the seats have been criticized as too pillowy. While our Grand Cherokee doesn't offer the BMW's intimate man-machine interface, it does offer pulse-quickening sportiness with a fair measure of utility.