The Jeep Grand Cherokee was designated the ZJ for the Years 93'-98'. Everything about the ZJ was new, including it's new factory in Jefferson Avenue, Detroit. The ZJ was the first in the Jeep lineup to use 4 coil springs instead of the usual 2 coils for the front, and leaf springs in the rear, and the first SUV to ever have a drivers side airbag. The new Grand Cherokee compared to the smaller Cherokee, was 4.5 inches longer in wheelbase, 8 inches longer in length, and had about 3 more inches of shoulder room in the front, 5 more inches the rear hip room, over 7 cubic feet more cargo space and doors 4 inches wider than previous Cherokee models. In 1993, when the ZJ debuted, it originally came in 3 basic trim packages, Base, Laredo, and Limited. The Base model offered all of the minimal standard features, including a full instrument panel, cloth interior, and 5 speed manual gearbox. Laredo models offered more creature comforts like power windows, power locks, and cruise control, as well as other pieces, like extra cladding, medium grey lower body cladding, and five spoke aluminum wheels. The Limited model was the luxury model at the time, with the most notable cosmetic difference being the color-matched body cladding, as well as more creature comforts like leather seating, optional power sunroof, mirrors, seats, and remote key-less entry system; heated mirrors, and heated seats, a basic on-board computer; and waffle-like cast aluminum wheels. A special "luxury" version for 1993 was released that carried over the Grand Wagoneer Jeep nameplate and marked the last year for the nameplate. This model was made in limited numbers. It featured all of the options from the Limited version as well as simulated wood body cladding, and special Grand Wagoneer badging and leather interior. In 1994, the Base trim was dropped for the SE trim, which remained the low end model, and gained Power windows and locks in 1995. With low sales in favor for the Laredo models, eventually, the SE model was dropped from the production line forever, leaving the Laredo for the low end model. Small changes were made to the AMC 4.0 L I6 cylinder head in 95'. The 5.2 Liter V8 gained 15 more lb-ft of torque in 95' as well, from 285 up to 300 lb-ft. The special Orvis Edition was released in 95', most noted for it's moss green color scheme. This was the most expensive model for the ZJ until the 98' release of the 5.9 limited model. For all model years, an Infinity speaker sound system was available.

1996 the ZJ had changes to its design. The interior was changed in favor for a more rounded dashboard, along with a different steering wheel. Dual air bags were also added, and the quality of the fabrics used. Exterior changes included deeper dished wheels, Removal of the Grand Cherokee chrome badges, new cladding with Chrysler-fonted badging molded in, front bumper cover with integrated fog lights (previous models used fog lights attached to the top of the bumper cover), and grille. The grille on previous models had 4 sharp corners, whereas the new grille extended down into a new shape in the bumper cover, and had 2 sharp corners on the top, and the lower corners became rounded off. The ZJ's made for 96' and over also were slightly longer in length, gaining about a half inch. The AMC 4.0 L I6 engine was also refined. The block was redesigned, strengthening the unit by using more webbing cast into the block, and a stud girdle added rigidity of the crankshaft main bearings. The result was a quieter engine, and though it took a loss in horsepower, the torque band was lowered, resulting in much more low end power. Limited models gained more luxury items such as driver placement memory, steering wheel controls for the radio, and variable assist while driving and parking. 97' marked the last year for the Orvis Edition, which also was the only year it was available in the "light driftwood" color scheme and came standard with the 5.2 L V8. Introduced in 97' was the rare TSi model, and was priced between the Laredo and Limited models.

1998 marked the last year for the ZJ. The 4.0 L cylinder head was again redesigned for a more emissions friendly design that flowed much more freely. Marking the end of the ZJ to make way for the totally redesigned WJ in 1999, the ZJ got a special edition version, in which less than 15000 were produced. It housed a Magnum 5.9 L V8 engine, churning out 245 HP and 345 lb-ft of torque. It became the quickest SUV available for that year, going 0-60 in only 7.3 seconds, although Motor Trend measured it at a quicker 6.8 seconds. Peterson's 4-wheel & Off-Road named the 5.9 Jeep Grand Cherokee the 1998 four-wheel drive vehicle of the year. It was only available in 3 colors, and had cosmetic changes like an improved interior, wheels, and functioning hood louvers. The interior was much improved with leather all around, including door inserts, and wrapped shifters. Faux wood paneling was also used in the interior. A stronger transmission was also used for the added power in the 5.9, and is a Gem among ZJ enthusiasts.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee had a complete makeover for it's first time in 1999. Sharing only 127 parts from the ZJ (mostly screws and fasteners), the WJ was aimed more at the new millennium, with smoother curves and a softer ride.