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 Spare/Snow Vehicle - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By byron555 - July 5 - 2:43 pm

  After exchanging our Subaru Outback for a mini van we found our selves without 4x4 for the first time. And we proceed with the snowiest winter in recorded Wisconsin history. We bought this as a "spare" vehicle, I say spare but it is now being used more than our 07 Hyundai Entourage Limited mini van. The 4.0 with the 5 speed accelerates with force up to 65 mph. The snow capability and stability easily rivals our old Outback, and the off road ability absolutely crushes the Outback. It is also far cheaper than a used Outback. I really like Subarus and have owned 7 of them, but I like this Jeep better than the 2000 Outback we owned.

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  My Jeep - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jeeper01 - June 3 - 11:13 pm

  I bought my jeep Cherokee Sport 3yrs. ago and never had any problems with so far and it has 140000 mi. on it.It is a great vehicle for off roading to get to my fav. fishin/campin/hunting spots here in PA..fuel economy is getting better with a Gibson Perf. exhaust and a K&N cold air intake and I just added a BBK 62 mm. throttle.There is so many mods. that you can add to this vehicle. that makes it so fun to own. Looks are great for town and off roading to.

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  Just plain great vehicle - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By freebird - May 19 - 2:00 am

  The only thing that comes to my is Great vehicle! Try it youll love them Enough said, no need to say more

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  Love my Jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Steve E - April 20 - 9:26 am

  128,000 miles and still kicking. I love my Jeep Cherokee. I hang on to it because there is nothing out there I want to replace it with. It is the perfect size, great motor, great 4WD system w/ part time/ full time and a simple vehicle. In deep mud and snow I still havent gotten stuck. I wish Jeep would bring this one back into production. Get back to basics!

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  ndiw - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Oumar - April 16 - 10:00 am

  didnt like it until I start driving it. Its very stable and powerful. Driving it gives me a lot of confidence, it feels like the strongest flexible car to drive

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  The Greatest American Car Ever Built!!!! - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By FM - April 13 - 10:56 pm

  The car has never been to the dealer just now 01/02/09 the motor over heated so its getting a complete engine rebuild the cylinder heads and walls do not have a single scratch and no sludge in the crank case was offered $5000 for the car will never sell priceless!

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  Rest in Peace - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By dtskiles - March 13 - 10:00 am

  At 75,000 miles the A/C died. Repairs were VERY costly. Gas mileage was stable from day one - at a dismal 17mpg. But the engine itself is amazing. That inline 6 is about the more reliable engine Ive ever owned and gives the car more power than it needs.

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  Works for me - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By sbmackie - February 19 - 3:33 pm

  Bought to fill light hunting/skiing duty in New Mexico. Gets 17 around town (light foot), and about 21 on the highway in hilly/mountainous country. I coast a lot down hill and keep the speed down to 70 max. Have three kids; a bit cramped in hip room in back seat. Front ample for me, rear leg room OK if I pull the front seats forward a bit. With rear seat down, dog, guns, gear, etc. fit nicely. Rides fine. Have put 10,000 miles on it since I bought it (total 56,000) with only the standard oil/filter/lube. Easy for this very non-mechanical person to work on. I would recommend for anyone who needs a good four person small SUV that has SUPERB off road capability and adequate in town manners.

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  Solid - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By leben - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my jeep 2 years ago after having a variety of cars with power everything that were nothing but trouble and expensive to replace. My jeep has power nothing, and I love it. Nothing breaks, nothing squeaks or rattles. Every time I turn the key it fires right up. It hasnt let me down in the snow, rain, mud, or rocks. My only repairs in 25000 miles of driving have been new front discs and new tires (expected). Simple enough to make repairs by myself.

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  Real SUV - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By appltech - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Cherokee with 42000 miles on it. except for few minor annoyances such as transfer case lever that vibrates now and again, an exaust system that vibrates a little on start up on cold days and a minor recall this vehicle has been very reliable. This is the real deal, not a car with 4WD so expect more of truck like experience. I wish jeep had up dated the cherokee in the same vein as the Grand Cherokee; by keeping the solid front axle etc.