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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Made for driving off-road - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By nd826 - August 2 - 2:00 amI bought mine as a lease return and have had only one problem - the transfer case was shot, probably because the previous person drove with PT 4WD on *all* the time (clearly not the brightest). Warranty covered it, so it wasnt so bad. Every other aspect runs beautifully - tons of power from the in-line 6 cyl. engine, and amazing off-road capability. Ive been in snow and mud up to my fenders, but my cherokee climbs right out of it. The MPG isnt bad for an SUV - 20-22 MPG on avg. for me. The ride comfort isnt great, esp. in the tight back seat, but Im happy to trade a little on-road comfort for the off-road/bad weather confidence :)
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1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By rllr - July 31 - 8:50 amI bought the 98 Cherokee Sport brand new in June 98. Eleven years later it drives like new. Its engine has gained fame has incredibly reliable, the best of the best from Jeep. Ive driven it everywhere. It can go 100mph comfortably and get out of any snow bank. Its a shame they discontinued it. As someone over 6 feet tall, I really appreciate the great head room!!
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Reliable and Long-lasting - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By RdeB - July 30 - 1:40 amWe are at 250,000 miles and going strong! This car has served us well, so we are keeping it, even after 10 years! The drawbacks have always been the same: it is noisy, and there is no leg room behind the drivers. We chose the Jeep because of the wide space in the back (fits a 4-ft wide object in the flat, and is high). We also like the rack on top and the comparatively small outside dimensions & lots of window area (maneuverable & easy to park), and on slippery roads in the winter we like the safety of 4WD.
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The Original SUV...Scrap The Liberty!!! - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
By NateW - July 22 - 10:00 amIn just over two years of ownership and over 100k miles, one word sums it up, RELIABLE. Engine has always averaged 19.1 mpg according to the trip computer. Not bad for a big 6 cyl. and a vehicle with the aerodynamics of a brick, but hey, its all part of the charm!! Other than oil changes, 1 set of tires, 1 brake job, and replacing the transfer case at 171,000 miles this thing starts and goes every day without fail. Its Simple Design makes for a very dependable AND easy to maintain vehicle even for the novice mechanic.
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Only in a Jeep - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
By Jeep1413 - July 8 - 10:00 amMy 97 cherokee Sport has 119,000k and still running. Not as peppy around town as the older models. Great stock off- road capability. I have a few problems like a cracked exhaust manifold,and a vacuum leak. I only get 14 miles per gallon. I have plans to trade it in for a 1996.
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Jeep Guy - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
By Jeff Neidhardt - July 3 - 1:13 amGood car, wish they still kept making them after 2001. Good value, 4WD and space at a very affordable price. Why did they stop and replace with the smaller, uglier Liberty?
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95 Cherokee 2WD Sport - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
By Happywithit - May 20 - 10:00 amNo serious problems with this vehicle ever. Total repair bills approx $1000.00 since new ownership. Excellent car, wish they were still being made!
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Jeep loyalist - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
By fastpete - May 14 - 2:00 amThis is my 3rd Jeep in 4 years. My parents got a 96 Grand Cherokee Ltd. I fell in love and got a 94 GC Loredo v8. Loved it but bills forced me to sell it. I then got a 94 GC Ltd v8. It drove like a Caddy 4 wheeling. I got talked into a 2000 Cherokee Sport at the dealership. This was the best Jeep yet. 4x4 is way better than the Grands. The only thing I have to complain about is lack of leg room, and no cruise control on my model. Otherwise I recomend to any seriouse 4x4 buyer.
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a jeep thing - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By chris2234 - May 13 - 10:00 amExcellent inxepensive suv with good re- sale value. The only problem is gas mileage. My 1990 crown victoria with 175,000 miles got better gas mileage.THis vehicle will no leave you stranded and is the best 4wd i have ever driven. THe only downside to a reliable engine is the gas mileage. ALos cheeply built with too much plastic inside. Rattles like a 10 yr old car. No complaints other than gas mileage, par for any suv, but rediculously low for this vehicle.
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Someone convince Jeep to Bring it Back! - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
By drmmrboy74 - May 9 - 2:00 amThis was my first and only Jeep. Although it was a lease, I did go off road a few times and was greatly impressed of its abilities. Besides being reliable to and from work (a blast in the Mich. Winters), I also used it to lug around a fairly large drum set. The "Fern Green" never became a boring color either. Over- all, this was the best vehicle Ive ever owned!
