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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Excellent SUV - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
By British Bernie - September 2 - 10:00 amI love my Jeep Cherokee. Its an excellent SUV! It is primarily used as a company car, but it gives me great pleasure for weekend use. I would rate this vehicle as one of the most practical SUVs in its price range.
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Stisfied - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
By steverin - August 31 - 3:33 pmI simply wanted a 4wd that would be able to safely traverse logging roads, ice/snow and has lots of after-market support. I found all of this in the cherokee.
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Excellent, tough truck. - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By IronWagon - August 24 - 10:00 amCherokees have always been a tough, reliable 4WD. After owning one for years and 120K miles, I agree. Luxurious, no. Many vehicles are more comfortable. Small, nimble, simple vehicles, yes. Very durable too. One turn signal switch has been replaced. All other items, tires, brakes, oil, etc., were maintenance items. This is a vehicle that has seen many offroad miles in the Southwestern deserts, and it seems to be just breaking in. Offroad, it will leave posuer 4x4s (Xterra, etc) behind, including very expensive ones. The 4.0L engine has more in common with a tractor, but theyll run past 300K with basic shadetree mechanic skills. A simple scan of the used Cherokees bears this out. A+
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Good Vehicle - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
By george - August 24 - 8:23 amIve 237,000 plus miles on this vehicle. Major repairs include clutch replacement (twice), fuel pump, radiator, water pump, air conditioning (freezes up intermittently, still does), and Ive replaced the battery harness once. Despite these repairs, its been a great utility truck for driving on construction job sites. I love power of base inline 6 engine. Ive gotten consistently 23 mpg. average city/hwy. If Jeep makes this vehicle again, I would buy another one. Its a classic.
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Just What I Need - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By Bradley Mullins - August 22 - 6:26 pmThis is my first vehicle, and a great one at that. I drive a lot, and I usually get about 22 MPG with it. I can use it for hauling my friends or my "stuff" around. It was built tough; I rolled it last July, but had it repaired and it looks and drives like new again. A couple of things have been replaced, such as the tires, spark plugs, clock spring, and brakes. I bought it at 83,000 miles, and at 142,000 its still going strong. Great vehicle!
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Over 200,000 and still the best - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
By josh.w - August 16 - 7:23 pmI got this great suv in march of 2010 for my first vehicle. I love the style and ride with the 4.0 L 6 cylinder. Its easy to drive and great for a new driver. Mine has over 200,000 miles and still sounds great. I wish jeep still made these because they are the best.
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faithful classic cherokee - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
By liberty stinks - August 15 - 10:00 amI have not had one single major problem with my classic cherokee. When I compare this Jeep to other peoples driving experiences I feel very lucky because I have had far less problems with it than anyone I know. My cherokee has been more loyal to me than some friends of mine! I love my Cherokee, and I am saddened I wont be able to buy a new one when her time is up; but at the same time I am proud to know in a few years that my Jeep will be known as a real classic.
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WYSIWYG - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
By tommy d - August 10 - 10:00 amGreat, functional, fun to dive vehicle. If you want a bigger back seat or more stowage, buy a Suburban. Fun to drive (short wheel-base) but drives like a truck... built on a truck chassis... duh!
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Some things you love like to bite you - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
By Braz - August 8 - 9:10 pmI had this vehicle for a little more than 4 years. I loved to drive it, although gas was a bit less back then. I had to break down and trade because, first the door nearly fell off, I had 2 oil leaks that were fairly costly ($500 total) the hatch leaked so badly that it would pour the rain inside. I would probably get an average of 19-21 +- mpg. I would have liked a heads up before I bought it.
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4x4 jeep - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
By abster - August 7 - 1:30 pmI bought this 96 Cherokee back in 2006 with 70k. I have replaced a couple of sensors-1 was causing the car to die intermittently. It took about 4 different trips to the mechanic before they figured out what was wrong. They thought it was the o2 sensor but it wasnt. It was the-hmmm...cant remember sorry. I have also replaced the water pump, radiator, starter, brakes and had a couple of flushes. It has been running great since. Great 4WD & good pickup. Bad gas mileage- about 14 mpg. Took it up to 100mph+ & got some intense shake. The doors and locks could have been designed better. Had problems w/the a/c-vents stopped blowing due to a broken lever inside. Very bumpy ride.
