Jeep WJ Models and Features, 2002-2004

New features and options for 2002 models

Laredo

Laredo Sport

Special Edition

Limited

Overland

• New Overland upscale model (August 2001)
• New Laredo Sport model (November 2001)
• New Special Edition model (introduced at NY Auto Show March 27, 2002)
• Adjustable Pedals (available option on all models except Sport)
• Air Bags, system upgraded with Multiple Threshold Sensors and Dual-Stage Inflators to meet more stringent impact requirements
• Air conditioning performance and airflow improvements (new thermal expansion valve for 5%-10% improved cooling)
• Assist handles (all models, passenger side interior roof handle deleted to make room for the side air bags. On both driver and passenger sides the A-pillar trim piece was shortened and restyled to house the new pull handles.
• Electroluminescent gauges (standard on Limited and Overland. N/A on Laredo, Sport or Special Edition)
• Engine, new High Output V8 (standard on Overland, optional on Limited. N/A on Laredo, Sport or Special Edition)
• Rain Sense Wipers (standard on Overland, optional on Limited. N/A on Laredo, Sport or Special Edition)
• Rock Rails, custom (standard on Overland, N/A other models. Can be ordered via parts and installed onto 1999-2004 Limiteds and 2002-2004 Special Editions)
• Seats, new Suede/Leather (standard on Overland, N/A other models)
• Seats, new fabric/appearance for Laredo
• Seats, new optional Laredo leather seat appearance
• Side curtain air bags (standard on Overland, optional on all other models. May be deleted for credit on Overland)
• Tire Pressure Monitor System (optional on all models except Laredo Sport, can also be retrofitted to 1999-2001 models)
• Tow hooks (chrome versions standard on Overland. On Laredo and Limited, black hooks are included with Skid Group package and also with Up Country option; Limited models previously featured chrome hooks, now changed to black)
• Vari-Lok™ Rear Differential replaces Rear Trac-Lok® — Optional without Quadra-Drive®
• Wheels, two new styles (for Overland and Limited)
• Wheels, Silverblade standard on Laredo
• Woodgrain (real redwood) finish upper steering wheel and trim accents (standard on Overland, N/A other models)
• Oil pressure gauge no longer reads actual “pressure”, but rather is just a slide switch (On/Off). Running change from 2002-2003
  Six new exterior colors:
• Dark Garnet Red Pearl Coat replaces Sienna Pearl Coat
  
• Graphite Metallic replaces Champagne Pearl Metallic
  
• Inferno Red Tinted Pearl Coat replaces Flame Red
  
• Onyx Green Pearl Coat replaces Shale Green Metallic
  
• Bright Silver Metallic (added February 2002)
  
• Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat (added March 2002, first appeared on Special Edition models)
  New Interior color:
• Former interior color Agate replaced with Deep Slate Gray (darker)
  Deleted items:

• Antenna, thick black coating on antenna removed
• Assist handle, passenger ceiling mount (redesigned and moved to “A” pillar)
• Brake control wiring harness for trailer tow package
• Cargo net (formerly included on selected models)
• Center lower dash woodgrain finish (formerly standard on Limited, now plain black finish on Limited and Overland)
• Chrome tow hooks on Limited (changed to black)
• Cigarette lighter (included with selected 99-01 models)
• Emblems, Infinity Gold, speaker covers
• 4×4 rear side badging deleted (formerly standard on all models, non-Quadradrive models feature one 4×4 badge on rear liftgate)
• Hood lamp (formerly standard on Limited)
• Operating Tips VHS videotape (formerly included with 99-01 models)
• Roof crossrails and rubber protection strips (formerly standard on all models, now available only as an accessory)
• Tire Pressure Monitor System (On low-end models; four tire monitoring instead of five, running change from 2nd half of model year 2002)
• Tow hitch rubber cover (formerly standard on models with tow option)
• Trailer brake wiring connector is now a Mopar option
  Other changes/differences:

• Cargo shade moved rearward 1-1/4″
• EVAP canister and Leak Detection Pump moved from engine bay to left rear inside quarter panel. New model ORVR (onboard refueling vapory recovery) system (government requirement)
• Radio harness connectors changed to new style and size 

 

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New features and options for 2003 models
 

Laredo

Limited

Overland

• Short-run model year, production started Monday July 22nd and ended Friday December 20th
• Laredo, Limited and Overland models continue, no body changes
• Laredo Sport model discontinued
• Special Edition model discontinued until model year 2004
• Suspension – Reduced-pressure shocks for improvements in overall ride comfort
• Brakes – Reduced brake pedal effort allowing shorter stopping distances during braking maneuvers, accomplished by increasing the master cylinder output pressure for a “lighter” brake pedal feel. New brake calipers for 2003 complement lighter brake pedal feel, providing smoother and more linear braking
• Steering – Revised steering gear torsion bar, reducing steering effort both on- and off-center by a very noticeable 20-percent
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for mounting the new generation of aftermarket infant child seats. With the LATCH system, child seats attach directly to the structure of the rear seat, making them easier to install.
• Three “new” exterior colors (these were actually introduced in the 2nd half of the 2002 model year) – Bright Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat and Light Pewter Metallic Clear Coat.
• Bumper fascias and cladding on Laredo models go from current molded-in-color metallic to molded-in-color non metallic. Medium Driftwood Metallic will be replaced with Taupe while Gray Metallic will be replaced with Dark Gray.
• Three exterior colors discontinued – Black, Silverstone Metallic and Woodland Brown.
• New Satin Silver 17″ Wheels Standard for the Overland; new chrome-clad wheels are optional on Limited and Overland; real chrome wheels from 2002 available only as a Mopar dealer accessory.
• High back cloth bucket seats for Laredo
• Laredo center I/P bezels change from silver metallic to black
• Rear headrests change from the flip/fold-in-place style to a fixed style design that requires them to be removed when the seats are folded down
• Overland models in 2002 featured the Up Country Suspension Group as Standard. For 2003, this feature could be knowingly (and in many cases unknowingly) deleted by applying a no-cost, no-credit order code called “SDA Quadra Coil Suspension”. Quadra-Coil suspension is the standard “softer” suspension that is used on all Grand Cherokee models, so by selecting this “option”, as many dealers and owners did, the Up Country springs and shocks were deleted (downgraded to standard springs and shocks).
• Oil pressure gauge no longer reads actual pressure, gauge electronically changed to read pressure in two positions, “low” or “good”. (Running change from 2002-2003)

Mopar Audio/Video/Communications:

• New RB1 AM/FM/CD stereo with built-in Navigation system – DVD based NAV system with display screen featuring just one disc for all of U.S.A. and parts of Canada. Single slot CD player with CD changer controls (11-disc total capacity). Sirius Satellite Radio® capable. Built by Alpine. More info. ($1595 MSRP, available Nov. 6, 2002)
• New hands-free cellular system – “Uconnect” exclusive voice-activated, hands-free in-vehicle communications system. Featuring state-of-the-art upgradable Blue Tooth wireless technology. Includes dash-mounted control pad, an external speaker and a Blue Tooth module (hidden). The system allows up to five cellular phones to work with an equipped vehicle and automatically mutes the vehicles radio during use. Requires a Blue-Tooth hands-free profile cellular phone. Also features an audio address book which enables customers to store 32 personal phone numbers; Call transfer, to transfer a call from the vehicle’s system to the mobile phone. Communicates in three languages – French, Spanish, English. Available now (October 2002) as a dealer installed option. More info. (Part # 82207853 $299.99 MSRP + install)
• New AM/FM stereo with in-dash 6-cd changer – Flush mount, includes CD changer controls (16-disc total capacity), RDS capable ($650 MSRP)
• New AM/FM/CD Stereo w/cassette – Rear seat audio function – Dot matrix display, wireless headphone option, RDS capable
• New Sirius Satellite Radio System (MSRP $299 + install, available November 25, 2002)

Deleted items:

• Chrome exhaust tip removed from 4.7 HO models!
• Roof rack cross rails available as a factory installed option, also added to Mopar accessory catalog ($85.00 MSRP)
• Memory feature on passenger side mirror removed
• Instant mpg feature removed from EVIC
• Auto-dimming mirror removed from Laredo “F” package & Luxury Group
• Rear floor mats now an option on entry level Laredo “E”
• Cargo shade is now a Mopar accessory option for the Laredo, available in Dark Slate, Taupe and Sandstone ($85.00 MSRP)
• Ashtray removed, replaced with cubby bin “for sunglasses or a cellular phone”
• Rear seat headrests fixed instead of fold-away
• Height-adjustable rear seatbelt anchors deleted
• Both front and rear headrests now vinyl instead of leather
• Rear outside corner vents now Black on Laredo models
• No velcro anchor on rear seatbelts
• Tire Pressure Monitor System (On low-end models; four tire monitoring instead of five, running change from 2nd half of model year 2002)
• Tilt wheel lever rubber boot eliminated on the upper bezel, now all plastic with a formed indentation for the lever

 

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New features and options for 2004 models
 

Laredo	Special Edition	Freedom Edition
Columbia Edition	Rocky Mountain	Overland

 

• Early launch, production started January 2, 2003 (Overland 2/3/03)
• Nearly identical in features and options to the 2003 model year except front-end refreshened with a unique grille and fascia for each model. The new “inset” style grille designs have vertical instead of angled “throats”. New round fog lamps replace the rectangular style used from 1999-2003. Other fascia changes include a lower front fascia chrome appliqué for Limited and Overland models.
• New Freedom Edition model debuted in late March 2003 (Production started March 10th)
• New Columbia Edition debuted in October 2003 (Production started October 6th)
• New Rocky Mountain Edition debuted in May 2004. This was the last WJ series model.
• Last model year for the 4.7 HO engine
• Laredo and Limited models started arriving in showrooms in early February, Overland in March
• I-6 engine continued as the base engine throughout the 2004 model year (replaced by the 3.7L V6 in model year 2005).
• New RB1 Navigation Radio, factory installed option (except Laredo 2WD). Includes Infinity Gold stereo system with remote 10-Disc CD changer. Also available as a Mopar accessory.
• Uconnect offered as a factory option (late availability)
• Park Distance Sensors – Help with maneuvering in and around parked cars and tight spaces. Four ultrasonic, color-keyed sensors are discreetly integrated into the rear bumper, activating an interior light/sound indicator when you put your vehicle in reverse. Dealer installed option, available April 2003.

 

Laredo:

• 4 wheel drive versions only
• One trim level only, basic “E” Package
• 4.0L I-6 engine standard, V8 not available until late in model year
• New front bumper fascia and grille design
• Selec-Trac 4WD transfer case standard
• Optional Quadra-Trac I transfer case (high-range only, no “low” or “neutral”)
• Optional Quadra-Trac II transfer case (on-demand 4WD system)
• Optional fog lamps, new round style
• Optional “Tan Your Hide Group” (Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power sunroof, $1650 MSRP)

Special Edition:

• Step-up Laredo model
• New front bumper fascia and grille design
• Two trim packages: 2WD (standard, “X” package) and 4WD (“T” package)
• Fog lamps, new round style
• Body-color front and rear fascias and cladding (like the Limited)
• Optional 4.7L V8 engine (4WD only)
• Special Edition badge
• Available power sunroof, adjustable pedals, Tire Pressure Monitor System, skid plate group

      The Special Edition “T” Package includes the following:

• Quadra-Trac II NV-247 on-demand 4WD system
• Infinity Sound System with 10-disc changer
• Seats, dual front power 6-way
• HomeLink universal transceiver
• Vehicle security system
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Cargo shade cover
• Carpeted front & rear floor mats
• Dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors
• Optional Up Country Suspension

 Freedom Edition:

• Available in 2WD and 4WD versions
• 4.7L HO V8 engine option
• New front bumper fascia and grille design
• Fog lamps, new round style
• Chrome tow hooks
• New custom Tubular side rails
• Silver fascia accent
• Heavy-duty suspension with gas shocks
• Silver roof rails
• Molded cargo tray
• Outlined white letter P235/65R17 Goodyear Wrangler SR-A all-terrain tires
• 17-inch Rogue graphite-painted cast aluminum wheels
• MicroTech instrument panel accents
• Selec-Trac® full-time four-wheel drive system is standard on 4WD models
• Limited production edition, March 10th production start
• Available exterior colors: Red, silver, blue, black and Graphite Metallic

Columbia Edition:

• Production started October 6, 2003 and ends in December
• Limited production run of 6,000 vehicles (Grand Cherokee)
• Special “Columbia” badging
• Available in 2Wd and 4WD versions
• 4.0L I6 engine standard (42RE transmission)
• 4.7L HO engine optional (545RFE transmission)
• Selec-Trac transfer case standard
• Dana 35C/194MM Rear Axle standard, Dana 44 optional
• Remote audio steering wheel controls – not available
• Unique 2-tone seats with Columbia logo
• Unique aluminum finish dash trim
• Foglamps
• Rear Auxiliary 12-Volt Power Outlet
• Auto headlamps
• Overhead console with Homelink
• Unique 17″ wheels with platinum finish
• Optional 17″ Chrome Clad Aluminum Wheels
• Graphite side cladding
• Graphite finish front and rear fascias
• Infinity sound system with 10-disc changer
• Roof rack crossrails standard
• 6-way power seats standard
• Available exterior colors:
  Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat
  Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
  Stone White Clear Coat
  Inferno Red Tinted Pearl Coat
  Midnight Blue Pearl CoatOptions: 
• 4.7L HO engine optional (545RFE transmission)
• Rear Vari-Lok 3.73 Progressive Axle Dana 44
• Power heated mirror
• Skid plate group
• Side curtain air bags
• RB1 Navigation radio
• Adjustable pedals
• Tire pressure monitor system
• Trailer tow groups
• Engine block heater
• Buyers will receive a complimentary Columbia jacket and fleece vest
• MSRP starts at $30,375.00 (2WD) and $32,345 (4WD)

Limited:

• New front bumper fascia and grille design
• Fog lamps, new round style

Overland:

• New front bumper fascia and grille design
• Fog lamps, new round style
• Newly designed two-tone leather-trimmed seats with larger seatback bolsters, more supportive seat cushions, new seat fabrics. Dark Slate Gray with Light Slate Gray leather inserts on the seatback and seat bottom
• Padded center console lid
• Chrome insert added to bodyside cladding
• Chrome wheels now standard (real chrome, same as offered in 2001-2003)
• Up Country Suspension deleted as of September, 2003. Prior to that, Overland models were available with and without this option. When the no-cost order code SDA (“Quadra Coil Suspension”) was selected, it actually deleted the Up Country suspension option, unbeknownst to many dealers and customers. No credit was given).
• Now offered in a 2WD version
• Midnight Blue Pearl Coat exterior color added (a total of six exterior color options are offered for the Overland in 2004)

Exterior paint changes:

• Midnight Blue Pearl Coat replaces Patriot Blue
• Deep Lava Red Metallic Clear Coat replaces Dark Garnet Red

Other:

• Tire jack moved from spare tire well to under left rear seat

Deleted items:

• Driver and passenger front door courtesy lights
• Front windshield upper tint strip
• No “dead pedal” pad, just plain carpet now
• No remote audio steering wheel controls (Columbia Edition)