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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  Is this for real? - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Is this suv for real - May 27 - 12:50 pm

  My Father brought this home new when I was in high school. He used it for the work commute. Last year, with 212k problem free miles on it, he just gave it to me!! I now have near 245k miles on her and it runs and sounds just like when he first brought it home!! I cannot say enough about this engine and vehicle!! It boggles my mind that Jeep could get rid of it!! You couldnt PAY me to drive a Liberty! 3. who? I really believe that with my REGULAR maintenance Ill get well over 350k. Well see!

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  Great 4x4 - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Steve - May 25 - 5:56 am

  I bought this new in 99 and now have 116,000 mi on it and have not had anything go wrong, love the 4x4 goes anywhere and through anything, 3 snow drifts, no problem!

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  Fun while it lasted - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Heidi - May 24 - 12:13 am

  I bought this car used right out of college with only 60,000 miles on it (have owned it three years). Was great fun to drive and I liked that it was a car with personality but unfortunatly it kept on breaking down. I sunk just as much money into repairs (door fell off, other door was falling off, leaked oil, cracked everything, yada yada). Finally it just broke down on me and I am forced to get a new car as this one just is not worth it. Was a good, fun cheap car while it lasted but I would not recommend buying it today to anyone.

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  Why did they stop making it? - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By akaskip - May 3 - 7:00 am

  Bought this Jeep when my wife was pregnant with our first child. Wanted a safe and reliable vehicle. I got what we paid for and more. My wife loved it. It has been a workhorse for the last six years and now that I have finally got it as my primary vehicle, plan on keeping it for many more years to come. In fact, when it came time to get a bigger vehicle (interior) to accommodate the growing family, we stayed in the Jeep family and got a Commander.

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  outstanding vehicle - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By wizak - April 9 - 10:00 am

  this is the best car i have ever owned! Within the last 12 months I have driven in a blizzard (One of only two cars that was able to get around), driven through a desert, driven from sea level to 14,000 feet high and not one problem. the jeep heats up quickly in cold weather, the ac works wonders in hot temps and its roomy enough to carry a family around town if you wanted it too.

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  Great Vehicle - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jeep Fan - April 8 - 2:00 am

  My only complaint is the gas mileage. I like everything about my Jeep. Next time I will pobably get more options. My husband loves it too! Ps. for mothers out there it is really nice not having to bend down to get your kids in the carseat, definate plus.

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  Love my Jeep - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By pkamas - March 19 - 5:03 pm

  I love my Jeep! This is the best, most reliable, most fun vehicle I have ever had. Even more fun than a BMW 320I (had one of those -- thats another story). I have had this vehicle for 6 years; bought it new, never had a problem. The only time it was in the shop was when I hit a deer and wanted to get the grill fixed. Gas mileage is great for an SUV. I constantly go 320 miles or more on a tank. If its a road trip Ive gotten as much as 450 miles a tank. Not too bad! Love the Cherokee, I wish they would not have discontinued it, the Liberty is too cutesy, not my style. Great overall vehicle.

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  You really pay for the 4.0 in-line V-6 - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By DWS - March 15 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, but Im going broke filling it up all the time. Im only getting 265 miles out of a 19.6 gallon tank of gas. It has a ton of power and I can lay some scratch off the line. It came with the pathetic and ugly steel wheels, but I upgraded to the "Gambler" 5-hole style alloy wheels that you see on the upgraded wranglers sometimes. It gives it a whole new look. I also recommend adding side-step bars and a bug shield.

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  MITY SUV - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By ReblTeen84 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I come from a family of Jeeps, so it was sorta logoical when i got mine. Grandma had one for 15 years before it caught fire, and she ended up replacing it with another cherokee. Mine does anything i want it to and i have yet to get it stuck anywhere, and thats WITH everything stock. The only thing i did after i bought it was repalce the Goodyears that came on it..disgusting things they were. Put Michelin Cross Terrain SUVs on it. Havnt had any major problems except for a 4x4 issue, but that ended up being a fault of the dealer. Excellent in the snow and off road. Anyways, if you can find one, i highly recommend it!

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  Reliable and affordable - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Leebie - March 7 - 1:16 am

  I bought this 2001 Cherokee Sport almost 4 years ago as a solution to the bad winters here in Michigan. I chose well. This is a wonderfully capable off road vehicle with good ground clearance. It plows through the snow, sometimes pushing the snow with the bumper when it gets deep. There is a lot of power with the 4.0 inline 6 which snaps your head back when you want to play at the lights. It handles well on tight curves and despite its classification as an SUV it doesnt have that vague steering I have noticed on other SUVs. The styling has been called boxy but I love it and consider it classic. It has never had a problem since I have owned it, just the routine maintenance so far.