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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  Dependable and Low Maintenance - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jan B. - January 12 - 5:36 am

  I bought the car thinking I would have it about 5 years. I drove it for 12 and had only routine maintenance. It has pretty good get up and go for merging onto the interstate and the Part-Time Shift to put it into 4WD for icy/snowy conditions was nice to have. I recently checked and found I get about 17 to 18 MPG.

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  good jeep - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By slunsford - January 6 - 2:03 pm

  I bought my 1995 Jeep Cherokee from my boyfriend a couple of years ago, after he had it for about 3 years. It currently has 237000 miles and still running strong. We have had to replace minor tings along the way, such as, battery, hoses, maybe the water pump (cant remember for sure because Ive had a lot of jeeps!). It leaks a little bit of oil, but I could get that fixed, I just havent yet. Everyday I get in to ride, I wonder how it is still holding on, but the engine is STRONG! Never had ANY transmission problems, shifts fine! My car does have body damage that I have chose not to fix, but that does not affect the way she drives so Im fine with it!

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  Too soon to tell - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Opa Schuh - January 6 - 10:40 am

  I just took delivery of my car today but I had a similar loaner for 3 weeks as my came from an out-of-state dealer and had to be prepped to my specifications. I bought this machine so I can flat tow behind my RV. I always keep a car for 10 years or more, and given my age this could be my last car. Hence I bought all the bells and whistles and sure glad I did. The more I drive it the more I love it. Regarding fuel economy, maintenance, etc. its too soon to tell.

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  Great performing small SUV - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Susan - January 6 - 1:36 am

  I bought my 1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport new. It is still running great. I have only had general maintenance and no major repairs. It is perfect for me to haul around my 5 dogs.The only complaints I have are 1. the cup holder was poorly placed when designed. It broke off twice and I replaced it once. At $12 a pop I decided to do without. 2.The radio died after 5 years and the replacement I got is nowhere near as simple to use. 3. I wish they had allowed for a little more leg room. Overall, this Jeep has been very good and reliable transportation and I will probably drive it another 10-12 years.

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  Wolfeboro, NH Jeep - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Whitcomb - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Excellent performance on snow and ice. Very dependable. Almost 100,000 miles and plan to keep it forever.

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  A different look! - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Lee - December 23 - 12:18 am

  I have the 2016 Trailhawk 3.2 V-6 AWD, When you get behind the wheel you think your driving a larger SUV. It has the feeling that it is well built. I have driven the other small SUVs in this class and the tinny feel when you shut the door and the road noise from different types of payvment let you know your in a small SUV. This is different from the fit and finish on the interior to the snappy 3.2 V-6. I have know about the transmission problems but they must be fixed because this tranny is as smooth a butter. The MSPR of mine went just over $40k and that is a bunch for a small SUV but in this case you get what you pay for. What other small SUV comes with Rock setting with locker rear axel. Its also the only one you can tow four down behind a motor home. I give it two thumbs up.

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  The best Jeep ever! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By flyboy - December 16 - 10:23 pm

  Ok, I bought this great Jeep in 2004 and I have put on over 80,000 miles without anything more than wear and tear slowing me down. Extremely reliable, why did they get rid of this?

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  Worst car Ive ever owned - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By countryboyrmx - December 15 - 5:44 pm

  Whats broke on it so far: Cruise Control - Gets going over speed set going downhill. Set to 70mph and seen it go over 86mph. Radio - randomly duplicates mp3 files Radio - randomly freezes and reboots while driving. Engine - 17k miles and started leaking oil Broken fog light switch - shoved into dash. broken at factory Fuel door - freezes shut in winter and need hot water to open it Shifting - loud pops as it goes into gear at times and upshifts on hills and lugs down Shifter - Went to put it into gear and shifter broke

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  Love it - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By jackie - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Yes, I love it. Kicks ass in the snow! No major problems, just power windows were replaced. Always reliable and fun to drive. Has the feel of a car, but has the room of a wagon.

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  Expected more... - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By rlb4227 - December 14 - 1:31 am

  Was reliable until about 100K. Was constantly in the shop. At about 118K was in the shop monthly. Finally overheated on the side of the interstate and was pronounced dead. I was expecting much more from a Jeep. Previously owned a 93 Cherokee and made it just past 200K before it died.