3278

Having bought my first XJ, it's time to start planning my second. The trick is, this one isn't for me, it's for my daughter, who will need her first car in a few years; she wants a Cherokee, but doesn't like the bells and whistles that come with newer models, while I'd really like her to have a driver's side air bag.

All that said, here are my questions:

• What is the earliest year of XJ to have driver's side airbags? [I care less about passenger side. ]
• Does that model year have what I call "the minivan interior," i.e. the Chrysler parts-bin controls?
• Is it possible to get that year's XJ with manual windows?

Yeah, we're old-fashioned. Sorry!

Abovetimberline

The first year for airbags was 1995,they added passenger side in 1997,for what you are looking for 95 2001, sport model
Just some more help,look up jeep cherokee history,tons of info.

MostlyHarmless

Driver's side airbag was added in 1995 I believe, passenger in 1997. 97 is also the year of the interior redesign, though I'm not sure if that's what you mean by minivan interior. It stayed the same until 2001. As for the windows, I think you could always get it with manual ones.

jd4x426

yep 95 they started airbags and all years had manual windows just have to find one with then usually base models had the crank window some sports but not all had them also

winston427

This is a helpful guide to the standards and options offered for each year.

http://jeephorizons.com/tech/xjstockspecs.html

3278

Nice work. Thanks, everyone!

[edit]1996 it is![/edit]

Firestorm500

I have noticed that as Chrysler got farther along in their Jeep production after buying AMC/Jeep, the Cherokees got plainer and plainer inside and out.

The ones from 1997 and later really get plain.

Maybe this is what he means by "minivan interior".

winston427

Will be a good choice overall. Highest production numbers of any year and Chrysler added extra supports to the body for 96. If you find one that is has a late run production date, chances are you may get the 29 spline 8.25 axle.

3278

Basically. The switchgear and dash controls of my 92 are simple and, I don't know, "Jeepy." A friend has a 2001, and as far as the eye can see are controls identical to those in my grandparents' Chrysler minivan. And hey, there's nothing wrong with that, but it doesn't feel like a Jeep to me.

Firestorm500

In '92, Chrysler was still using the original AMC/Jeep design, which is a good thing in my opinion.