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:

• 

  The Family Truckster - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By WillieG - December 8 - 2:00 am

  All in all my Jeep has been a good reliable friend. Better than expected acceleration from the 4.0 liter six with decent torque for passing. Have put 55,000 miles on it and has never failed to start or left me stranded. Excellent handling both on and off- road, well for a SUV anyway. Love the classic looks of the exterior, but the interior could stand a bit more room, especially in the back seat. Gas mileage has been in the 18-22 mpg range since new. Only real gripe is its tendency to eat up front brakes and rotors. Replaced the pads twice and had the rotors machined three times and replaced once for warping and vibration.

• 

  Love my Jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By PastorEvan - December 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a great little vehicle for just getting around. So manuverable and agile in tight places. Old, but reliable 4WD system just goes in tough places. I can eat up those wannabe SUVs. Very powerful, but a bit thirsty engine. Lots of aftermarket things to enhance your jeep too. Im gonna hang onto her for a long time.

• 

  Jeep Cherokee - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By tanneraspen - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful car, I have 93,000 miles and its solid.

• 

  Tall Wagon With Jeep MoJo - Hot - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By brucebolen1 - November 7 - 1:43 pm

  4x4 Trailhawk V-6 has excitement and passion. Owned many SUVs like Tahoes, X5, ML and original 87 Cherokee. Drives like a luxury vehicle, refined, comfortable, fast, powerful. Interior design, materials, fit and finish and seat design first rate (better than Grand Cherokee). Interface screen, nav and controls (with backup) is very intuitive and the best in the business. Love exterior and interior style including front end. Blacked-out trim on a white Trailhawk with black hood trim is awesome. Passing power is totally appropriate for the situation with partial-throttle downshifts (9-speed does not mind skipping a gear). Low RPM at any speed. Uses regular 87 octane gas.

• 

  I cant let her go 2000 jeep cherokee 4x4 - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By 107wood - November 4 - 3:17 am

  I bought a newer F-150 so I no longer had a need for my jeep so i decieded to sell it. I washed it, waxed it, painted the mouldings and bumpers with bumper paint, touched up the finish coat, cleaned the rust off the steel rims, steam cleaned the interior. Ive now decided to keep her and sell my truck. This has been the most reliable vehicle Ive owned. After 7 years and 90K (bought it with 65K) I have had no major repairs. The only issues Ive had is with the suspension but its all maintenance items.

• 

  JEEP The High Price of Low Quality - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By 00jeepgcl4x4 - November 2 - 5:23 pm

  I bought my Jeep used, paid book for it. Beautiful exterior/interior fully loaded minus sunroof. The following is a list of noted discrepancies or issues Ive had by order of occurrence. 1. Garage door programmable buttons - are for looks only, at least mine cant be programmed. 2. The fuel gauge works from 3/4 tank and below only, when I fill it up, once the gauge hits 3/4 it immediately drops to Empty (the fuel light comes on too) 3. Rotors, pads, alternator (all replaced, and all expensive compared to other makes/models) 4. Replaced CAM SHAFT position sensor (idled rough, and kept jolting and dying) 5. ABS/Brake lights came on, Speedo went crazy, the engine died. Its still broke. SIGH

• 

  True utility and reliability - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Ben - October 30 - 4:10 am

  This has been my only car for 6 years, bought it in 99 with 60k on it, now it is nearing 150k. Never regretted the purchase. Driven across the country twice pulling a trailer. Survived 2 Boston winters. All problems have been minor (water pump, thermostat, radiator). Not the most luxurious vehicle, bumpy ride, but it cruises on the freeway and gets good mileage for an SUV with 4WD. Biggest problem was a broken lower mounting bolt. It had to be drilled and was fairly expensive. This happened around 95k. Also, there was a brake recall for cars sold in the Salt Belt, though since my car was originally sold in California the recall was not honored.

• 

  two years - still goes! - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By zero - October 26 - 8:03 pm

  In the two years I have owned my Cherokee, Ive logged 20k on a Jeep i bought with 33k. This Jeep has been a workhorse if Ive ever seen one. Yeah, a few small issues have popped up; oil pressure gauge, new shocks, tires, and the usual maintenance -- but aside from that, this truck keeps going. Im averaging 19 mpg with a combination of 75% highway and 25% city. I needed a reliable vehicle that would endure the beating that roads around the NYC area would throw at it. The Jeep fit the bill. Its great in the snow, the A/C handles the heat well, and long trips with my Cherokee are a pleasure

• 

  Sweet Machine - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jacked XJ - October 25 - 6:50 pm

  This is my 1st Jeep. I absolutely love this vehicle. My friends and I have taken this jeep many many places. From Maryland (my home state) to Fairbanks, Alaska to Tijuana, Mexico. Since those road trips I have put an 8 inch lift with 35x13.50x16 Pro Comp M/T tires on American Racing rims and many extra mods. 4.0 MPI still performs flawlessly after 87,000miles, tranny and transfer case rock solid with Command Trac 4x4 system. I have taken this XJ to Moab and may other places, slammed it up against many other machines never a disappointment.I recently talked my Honda driving wife into an old CJ-7 purchase; she was reluctant at first till she heard that ol 350 purring under the hood. Keep Jeepin.

• 

  Jeep 96 sport - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Johnny Dare - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 96 sport with 112000 miles i now have 126000 on it with no major problems, other than the shake at mid speed which im checking into it has done well for me, gas mileage is about 18 so im not complaining at all, cup holders are another issue, more would be better but were to put them is the other problem.back seat good for kids not much else, received recall notice about the hubs and steering box, nice to know that jeep is still covering any problems that come up years after the warrenty is gone