Overview & Reviews

When the original Jeep Cherokee debuted back in 1984, its compact dimensions, unibody (as opposed to heavier body-on-frame) architecture and go-anywhere capability made it an immediate success. But the SUV scene changed dramatically over the course of its nearly 20-year production run. By the early 2000s, car-based "crossovers" like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 had usurped the antiquated Cherokee's throne. With the arrival of the modernized Jeep Liberty for the 2002 model year, the Cherokee was put out to pasture, its time seemingly having come and gone.

The Liberty never really caught on with consumers, however, whereas the trusty Cherokee's reputation continued to resonate. Accordingly, Jeep resurrected the iconic Cherokee nameplate for the Liberty's successor. Today's Cherokee is a true crossover that shares its platform with the front-wheel-drive Dodge Dart sedan, departing from the rear-wheel-drive tradition established by the original Cherokee and upheld by the Liberty. Its aerodynamic shape, feature-rich interior and carlike driving dynamics speak soothingly to today's pavement-biased shoppers. But rest assured, it's still a Jeep -- so if you do want to hit up some trails, three available four-wheel-drive systems plus numerous off-road-ready options ensure you won't get left in the dust.

Current Jeep Cherokee
The current Cherokee is offered in Sport, Latitude, Trailhawk and Limited trim levels. The Sport is pretty spartan, but it provides convenience features like power accessories, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker touchscreen stereo with USB/Bluetooth connectivity. The better-equipped Latitude entices with its alloy wheels, foglights, LED interior lighting and options like dual sunroofs, nine-speaker audio and the excellent 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen interface. The Trailhawk focuses on heavy-duty hardware, including standard 4WD with the locking rear differential, flared fenders, wider wheels and tires, skid plates, tow hooks and an off-road suspension with a 1-inch lift. The fancy Limited lacks those rough-and-ready items but boasts bigger alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery and other luxury-oriented provisions. A panoramic sunroof replaces the dual sunroofs on the options list for both the Trailhawk and Limited.

In the engine room, the Cherokee is powered by either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder (184 horsepower) or a 3.2-liter V6 (271 hp). The transmission for both is a nine-speed automatic. Front-wheel-drive is standard, but Jeep offers three four-wheel-drive systems: an introductory setup with a single-speed power transfer unit (referred to by most automakers as "all-wheel drive"), a two-speed unit with low-range gearing, and an upgraded two-speed system with a locking rear differential that's exclusive to the Trailhawk.

In reviews, we've found the Cherokee's four-cylinder engine underwhelming in terms of both power and refinement, but the V6 is a nice upgrade considering its smooth, satisfying acceleration. We're pleasantly surprised that Jeep offers it, as V6s have largely disappeared from this segment in favor of more fuel-efficient fours. As noted, the Cherokee's V6 isn't much less efficient than the base four, so it's pretty much a win-win. We're not convinced that the transmission really needs all nine speeds, but it goes about its business unobtrusively for the most part.

From the driver seat, the Cherokee isn't as sporty as the Ford Escape or Mazda CX-5, but it handles well enough, and its cushy, quiet ride makes commuting a breeze. Off-roaders intrigued by the Cherokee's refinement will be pleased to learn that there's some real bushwhacking potential here, particularly in the "Trail Rated" Trailhawk, which also looks considerably meaner from the curb. What's not found in the Cherokee is an abundance of cargo space -- it brings up the rear among comparable crossovers -- but on the bright side, the sliding-and-reclining backseat is thoroughly adult-friendly.

Used Jeep Cherokee Models
The current, second-generation Jeep Cherokee debuted for the 2014 model year.

The first-generation Jeep Cherokee was unveiled for the 1984 model year as an austere, tough-as-nails SUV, with only its then-radical unibody construction separating it from true truck status. Two- and four-door versions were available. Built on a short wheelbase and tipping the scales at approximately 3,100 pounds, the Cherokee was nimble and responsive compared to the Chevy Blazers and Ford Broncos of its day. On the other hand, getting in and out could be tricky due to the high step-up and small doors, and the rear seat was quite cramped.

The original Cherokee evolved with mostly minor changes over the years, highlighted by the arrival of a fuel-injected four-cylinder engine for 1986 and the popular 4.0-liter inline-6 engine for 1987. A refreshed Cherokee was introduced for 1997 with slightly smoother exterior styling, some structural tweaks for improved refinement and a new dashboard (including dual airbags), but its utilitarian, no-nonsense character remained fully intact.

In our road test of a '97 Cherokee, we found the Jeep unequalled off-road, yet still respectable on the blacktop in terms of acceleration and handling. We liked the firm, sporty ride, although some may find it too stiff and trucklike. At this point, finding a clean and well-maintained first-generation Cherokee is going to be tricky, but modifying the vehicle for enhanced off-road use is very popular.

For more information on the original Jeep Cherokee, go to our Jeep Cherokee History page.

User Reviews:

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  junk - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jason - December 14 - 6:36 pm

  I just got this jeep and let me tell you it stinks! No power no good off road capabilities. Worst of all no room. I have a family of 4 and none of us are liking it. Im going back to my chevy Avalanch more room, power and better fuel milage.

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  A Hunk of Junk !!!!! DEFINITELY a lemon! - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Ben Fink / Anthony Gordon - February 16 - 7:04 am

  Wow , What a huge dissapointment, was really excited and bought a 2016 trail hawk with the 6 cycl engine Heres how owning one has gone (FYI i only have had it 3 weeks ) Week 1, computer froze with rear camera stuck on and blaring latin oompah music ,,,,,,,brought it back to the dealer for repair ,,,,they said dust got in the computer? Week 2 , brought it in for a computer update ....... Week 3 ,,,,transmission froze up while driving into neutral , couldnt get it out of neutral , had it towed to the dealers ( Santa Monica ) and its been sitting there for 3 days and nobody has even looked at it yet What can I tell you ,,,its a huge disappointment , jeep dosent seem to care.... its been in the shop more than Ive actually driven it ,,,,,wish I would have bought something elese and the dealer is NO help whats ever !!!!!!!!!!!! #jeep #trailhawk #jeeptrailhawk #lemon

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  Do your research first - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Henry Reed - August 3 - 3:57 am

  First of all after purchasing this car I feel like the stupidest person alive. I assumed there would be a spare tire or at least a donut which there is none, all you get is a tire pump filled with a one time use sealant where the spare should be. You think i wouldve checked before buying. The Uconnect voice commands only understand you 5% of the time, worthless. I purchased the Lifetime Warranty, which i assumed would be forever as long as Im in ownership of the vehicle and breathing. This is not the case the Lifetime warranty becomes void as soon as the repair cost becomes more than the vehicles value at the time, I figure 10-12 years according to what i see on Blue Book Values, not to mention deductibles on warranty repairs which greatly affects warranty price. Last but not least, bring a calculator with you on any new car purchase and take the time to recalculate the dealers figures, mine offered me $1000 trade-in on my hunk of junk without even seeing it, which now that i think about it. He probably gave me nothing and made it seem like he did. Live and learn. I have only owned this for 3 days, so i dont know very much on performance and reliability, but from what Ive seen so far, I think im in for a very bumpy road ahead. My first choice was a 2016 Hyundai Tucson, shouldve went back.

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  2016 model 6cyl 9 spd - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By joe skelly - January 3 - 5:14 pm

  I guess we win. transmission crapped out after only 265mi. yes thats right 265! All the things everyone is saying about this vehicle are true. Run dont walk away from this. Luckily we were not on highway when it failed. Dont listen to dealer lies. They know about transmission problems and are not able to fix them. Gonna have to take a huge loss to get out from this junk. Lemon law is our only hope.

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  Wrost car I have ever had in my life - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By janis.thompson@comcast.net - August 20 - 1:38 am

  Do not buy this car. It will not start, the door will come down on you head and knock you out, the tire pressure gauge alternates between okay and low, and the dealer will flash the computer about fifteen to twenty times and the car will still not work. I will never , never, never, buy another Jeep. Also I had the worst dealership. When I called about my car during the 6 weeks they kept the car during the first 3 months of ownership I was told that nobody in the shop know anything. I had to take off work to talk to the shop about the status of my car. they thought is was okay to sell me that loaner car at the same price of my Jeep which was about $10,000 less than my Jeep. Usually drive about 20,000 per year but I am afraid to drive this car! Plan to sell as soon as possible! Paid much more than it was worth.

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  Buyer BEWARE - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By daveandJan - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new in 2001. Vehicle has been back to dealer five (5) times for brake noise. Roters and Pads replaces at 11000 miles. Dealer said "Its normal for jeep", "Expect brakes and roters every 9 to 12k". Road noise is terrible, have to yell at passenger, there is no head room, and seat travel is minimal. Just traded it with 22K for Honda CR-V. Will never buy Jeep again!!

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  By far the worst Jeep ever. - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Kendall Smith - July 22 - 3:19 am

  So we had to rent this car while our X5 was getting fixed. First I want to say that this car is not good looking at ALL. First i will start with the quality of the interior . The front seat comfort was OK, but the rear seat comfort was awful. Now the engine. I am blown away by how horrible this engine is. I tried to accelerate and I seriously had to wait a solid 2 seconds to go any farther . AND yes I know cars have lag , but this was a lack of a good engine. I hate this so called SUV.

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  BAD CAR TO BUY!!! - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By tn - August 2 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE HAD A 1996 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT FOR 7 YEARS AND ITS THE LAST ONE. THIS CAR HAS A FRAME RAIL AND STEERING GEAR BOX BOLTS CRACKING RECALL PROBLEM. DONT BUY ANY REGULAR CHEROKEE. CHRYSLER WILL NOT PAY FOR MY REPAIRS AND ONLY 2500 ARE ON THE RECALL LIST, BUT MINE CAR IS NOT. THOUSANDS OR MORE ARE AFFECTED BY THIS PROBLEM AND IT CAN CAUSE A CRASH. MY FRAME RAIL CRACKED AND LOST MY STEERING THREE TIMES IN THE LAST 1.5 YEARS. THIS IS A BAD CAR!

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  HORRIBLE vehicle: DO NOT BUY - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By rickd9 - July 25 - 9:58 pm

  This is the worst vehicle on the planet. Constant "Death Wobble" issues. Poorly designed. Aggravating Crank Position Sensor issues arise throughout the year (engine will not get spark causing no-start issues).