In 1997, Jeep® introduced a new premium performance model for the 1998 Grand Cherokee lineup, dubbed the 5.9 Limited. At the time, Jeep ads claimed that the Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited was the “world’s fastest SUV”, some 20 years before the introduction of the supercharged Trackhawk.
Under the hood, Jeep installed the 5.9-liter (360 cubic-inch) OHV V8 which delivered 245 horsepower and 345 lb.-ft. of torque. The V8 was mated to a 727 TorqueFlite derived 4-speed automatic 46RE transmission.
Combined with a full-time Quadra-Trac four-wheel drive (4×4) system, the 5.9 Limited could reach 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds and complete the 1/4-mile in 15.2 seconds @ 88.7 mph (a full second over the 5.2-liter 318 cubic-inch V8 Grand Cherokee).
The Quadra-Trac system featured a 2.72 low range. Limited-slip Dana 44 axles were equipped with 3.73 gears allowing the 5.9 Limited not only to get a good grip on the pavement but off-road as well.
Other features include a standard 180-watt, 10-speaker Infinity Gold sound system with a rear roof-mounted soundbar, standard sunroof, and an interior swaddled with unique “calf’s nap” soft leather and faux wood trim.
The 5.9 Limited was awarded “4×4 of the Year” in 1998 by Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine.
This particular model is currently up for auction on BringATrailer.com, with only 75,000 miles on the odometer. With 14,344 units produced for the U.S., this Bright Platinum Metallic color was the most popular for the single model year production, with 5,711 units leaving the Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP).
The Carfax report shows that the vehicle has a clean history and lists its former homes in Virginia and North Carolina.
Bidding continues until tomorrow, Monday, January 30th, at 4:09 p.m. EST. So if you want to get yourself one of these performance-oriented first-gen Grand Cherokee (ZJ) models, this is a great example. So head on over to BringATrailer.com to see more pictures and to take a chance at bidding.
1998 Jeep® Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited 4×4 Image Gallery:
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