One could quite easily conclude that Jeep started the new millennium on a high note. Sales were flourishing, and several Jeep models were fresh off the heels of receiving substantial updates, much to the delight of consumers. Simply put, it was a wonderful time in the world of all things “Jeep”.
Of Jeep’s success stories of the era, few were quite as significant as that of the Grand Cherokee. In 1999, Chrysler debuted the newly redesigned second-generation WJ Grand Cherokee. The company’s luxury wagon, in its updated form, took on a larger stature to which the bulk of critics found favor. By the end of the year, over 300,000 WJ Grand Cherokees had been sold, setting a single-year sales record that still stands today.
Chrysler looked to carry this momentum over into the new millennium, with the release of the 2000 Grand Cherokee. Though little changed between years one and two of WJ production, the second-generation Grand Cherokee’s sophomore outing still proved a success.
Equal Parts Form And Function
The 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee was perhaps best known for its generous passenger/cargo space. As part of the Grand Cherokee’s second-generation redesign, the spare tire was relocated from the rear cargo bay, to underneath the vehicle, freeing up additional storage space. Both rear door openings were also enlarged and reshaped to aid in passenger ingress/egress.
The Grand Cherokee’s luxurious facade also drew attention from consumers. Unlike many other SUVs of the day, those behind the wheel of the Grand Cherokee were greeted by a host of premium-tier accessories. Such amenities included optional 10-way power seating, dual-zone climate control, and steering wheel-mounted stereo controls.
Fit For The Road Ahead
The 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee came with two available engines, which included the base 4.0L inline-six, and the 4.7L V8, the latter of which replaced the outgoing 5.2L V8 the year prior. Though the V8 engine served as the more powerful of the two engines offered, many consumers still opted for the 4.0L inline-six, due to its stellar reputation for reliability.
Also of note was the 2000 Grand Cherokee’s use of Jeep’s Quadra-Drive four-wheel drive system, which provided motorists with the option of operating in 4WD-Auto mode. When selected, 4WD-Auto mode automatically provided power to the front axle when loss of traction was detected, thereby minimizing the risk of becoming stuck.
The 2000 Grand Cherokee also came equipped with a three-link rear suspension, heavy-duty tubular front/rear control arms, and modified coil springs. Such upgrades were aimed at enhancing the Grand Cherokee’s cornering capabilities, while simultaneously improving ride quality.
Perhaps the most notable turn of events to take place during the 2000 model year, came when Chrysler began offering a 2WD version of the V8-equipped Grand Cherokee. This served as a prime opportunity for performance-minded consumers, who did not require a full off-road capability.
Additional changes for the 2000 model year included the introduction of front seatbelt pretensioners, upgraded leather interior, and two new color options (Shale Green and Silverstone).
A Milestone Year
The Jeep Grand Cherokee certainly took the earliest days of the new millennium by storm. Mere months into the year, Chrysler reached a historic milestone, manufacturing the 2-millionth Grand Cherokee. This is a feat that becomes even more impressive, when one considers that this mark was reached less than a decade after the Grand Cherokee entered production.
2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Specifications
| Engine | 4.0L Inline 6 4.7L V8 |
| Horsepower | 195/235 horsepower |
| Torque | 230/295 lb-ft torque |
| 0-60 MPH | 7.8 sec |
| Quarter Mile Time | 14.1 sec |
| Weight | 3,772 Lbs |
| Price | $26,895/$28,695 Laredo/4WD $32,205/$34,635 Limited/4WD |
| Production Numbers | 271,723 |
Available Exterior Colors
The 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee was available in Black, Champagne, Shale Green, Sienna Red, Taupe Frost, Everglade, Silverstone, Flame Red, Patriot Blue, Steel Blue, and Stone White.
Available Interior Colors
The 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee interior was available in Agate, Camel, and Taupe.
2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Video
We found a great video about the 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee.