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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1996 Jeep Country - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
By brushn228 - May 4 - 10:00 amPurchased in spring of 96 this vehicle has held up very well no repair issues other than tires,brakes,LOF,tuneups and such. At 200K my daughter still drives it daily.
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This Jeep is a Champ - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
By Littlewing - May 1 - 1:16 pmChrysler totally blew it when they discontinued this model in a pathetic attempt to court the soccer mom set. They have yet to produce anything even close and now they are looking for a government hand out? That 4.0, 6 cylinder is rock solid and has plenty of power. The is a simple vehicle that any mechanic and most back yard tinkers can work on. I use mine for commuting, back country trout fishing, beach driving and towing my boat. It has over 120k miles(just a pup) and it has cost me almost nothing in repairs. I have owned a Trooper, 4Runner and a Grand Cherokee. This little SUV beats them all hands down. Wake up Chrysler give us back our real Cherokee and maybe youll even turn a profit.
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Cherokee - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
By Anthony sortino - May 1 - 2:26 amGreat car but should have got the V-6. U connect not worth the 895. Overall good car except for 4 cylinder
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Jeepers creapers - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
By cheri key - March 31 - 10:00 amMinimal upkeep w/ care over 6 years. No rust, original exhaust, replaced shocks at 35k, wheel bearings at 42k. No smoke or oil. Solid vehicle - shame Jeep dropped this model in 2002.
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EXCELLENT RIDE - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
By topgun - February 18 - 2:00 amThe only problem Ive had is the mount which holds the rearview mirror fell off. It was garage kept. 69,ooo miles. Maybe thats why the interior is imaculate and the exterior paint and body is good as new. I used to have a 95 dodge neon and the dash got a huge crack in it! There are no signs of any possible damage to the dash or anything else so far. The Jeep is very peppy and more importantly has excellent handling, which the combination of the two, makes it fun to drive! I highly recommend this vehicle.
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96 XJ SE - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
By pocoPAT - February 15 - 11:13 pmI got the Jeep in2001 with 120000 from my mom. Ive had it for 6 years and its been great. It was problem free until it got over 150,000 miles; it now has 207,000. In the last 50k miles Ive replaced, 2 water pumps, starter, rotors, alternator and all the normal parts. The headlight switch has gone bad twice, the doors dont latch well and the inside handle has broken off along with the rubber stripping. Its got a 3"skyjacker lift, Rancho shocks, JKS links, Flowmaster muffler, throttle body spacer, cold air intake. front tube bumper rear hitch. I got this vehicle when i was 19 and Ive driven it hard. Before it was mine I learned to drive on it, hard miles.
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Second one... - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
By se - February 12 - 9:03 pm97 Cherokee with 154k. Rebuilt the cooling system last year at 145k, the first time it was touched. Virtually indestructible, its done everything asked of it. Its a Jeep..not quiet..not smooth..just good road manners & traction to spare. We always keep a Jeep around for deep snows and the 97 is far better than the 95 we had before. If you need a pack mule to pull or haul & get decent mileage, consider a Cherokee.
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lovin it - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
By John - February 2 - 11:23 amI bought my Jeep used. It had 80,000 miles on it. Was worried it would have problems but it has never broke down and only needed maintenance I have yet to have an issue with it. The gas mileage is fair, with gas prices I think every vehicle but hybrids are in the same boat. Its dependable and its been a great Jeep. Weve talked about upgrading to a newer one but this one is so wonderful I hate to give it up just yet. We do a lot of driving and I now have 159,000 miles on it and wouldnt hesitate to use it on our next cross country outing!
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My Tank - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By ScootertheMan - January 27 - 10:00 amI bought the Jeep new because I was tired off getting stuck in the snow. The Jeep is like a tank and rides like one also. I take it hunting and drive it over plowed muddy fields without any worry of getting stuck. I have 65,000 mi on it and have had no major problems.
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best bet in class - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
By Brian - January 25 - 10:20 amI drive my 97 Cherokee Country pretty hard. Never had any issues; gas mileage isnt great but I knew that when I decided to get an SUV. This thing accelerates great out of the gate, is comfortable on the highway and is unstoppable off-road. I challenge anyone to get this thing stuck.
