First-Gen Jeep Grand Cherokee May Explode in Value: Throwback Thursday Presented by the All-New Nitto Recon Grappler™ A/T
A first-gen Jeep Grand Cherokee can be purchased for a song. However, other early SUVs have exploded in value, is the Grand Cherokee next?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been with us for nearly thirty years now. The newest iteration has come a long way from the first gen Jeep Grand Cherokee. But it was that first gen that set the stage. It combined the Jeep go anywhere ability with a bit of room and comfort. It was a huge success. But time marches on and those early SUVs have been used and abused and today even the best examples can be had for well under $10,000. But will those bargain-basement prices last forever?
This week’s “Throwback Thursday” presented by Nitto Tire takes a look at the first gen Jeep Grand Cherokee. Courtesy the TFLclassics YouTube channel we get an in-depth look at one of these early Jeep SUVs. This Grand Cherokee ZJ is one of the first ever made as it was produced in January 1992. Even though it was an early build, it is in museum-ready condition with only 8,000 miles. Is the ZJ poised for a spike in value?
Significance Of the Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep of course has always been well-known for off-road ability. The Wrangler was naturally the vehicle of choice for trail use. There was the Grand Wagoneer that offered a lot more room and a lot more luxury. However, there was a gap to be filled. A Jeep that fit between the Wrangler and Grand Wagoneer in size, price, luxury, and ability. That is where the Jeep Grand Cherokee fit in.
It was the right model at the right time. Initially it was offered with a bulletproof 190 horsepower 4.0L inline 6-cylinder engine. Power was sent to either the rear or all four wheels. It made a spectacular debut at the 1992 Detroit Auto Show. Lee Iacocca famously drove it up a staircase, through a window, then onto the showroom floor. It was a legendary start for a legendary vehicle.
Perfect Rad Era Style
It is not easy today to find an SUV that is not designed to look like a half-worn bar of soap. Manufacturers today need to pull out every trick to eek out the highest mpg possible. That often includes soft, flowing aerodynamic shapes. But an SUV should look tough and boxy. The first gen Jeep Grand Cherokee has that squared off, muscular look that many seek out today.
On the inside you are treated to rows of big, chunky buttons. The dash has a simple instrument panel with gauges that use physical needles. The design inside continues the squared off theme we see on the outside. The transmission might be an automatic, but that is about the only automatic thing inside this Jeep. You have to start it by inserting a real key and twisting it. How quaint.
Prices Poised to Go to the Moon
Well, they can’t get much cheaper that is for sure. Even in today’s market where every used vehicle commands a premium the first gen Jeep Grand Cherokee remains a bargain. Many other early SUV models are seeing a spike in value over recent years. It stands to reason that this will also apply to the Jeep at some point.
They made a lot of them, but most have been used up and in rough shape today. If you can find one in reasonable shape it might be a good idea to grab it now. Will they ever provide bitcoin returns? Well, that is doubtful. But at the very least you will be driving around in a legendary SUV, with cool looks and it won’t depreciate any further.
Check out the video below to get a closer look at this well-preserved first gen Jeep Grand Cherokee. It will make you miss the days of the simple SUV. It might even make you start to comb the classifieds.
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