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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  170k and still going - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By bmv - January 25 - 1:56 am

  Bought this Jeep in 1999 with 63k miles. Ive put over 100k miles on it. Its been cross country twice, up and down the East coast and throughout the Southwest. It is very utilitarian, harsh over rough roads, but it handles better you would expect--very nimble. As it aged I replaced multiple water pumps, a radiator, wheel hubs, a starter--but overall it has been pretty resilient. Some creaks and rattles and the paint and some of the exterior bits are fading, but it always starts. Worst problems: oil leaks consistent and difficult to fix, driver door upper hinge broke off, lower engine mount broke around 90k miles.

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  Havent seen my Jeep in almost a month.. - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By RRAaron - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought a 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport 2W drive. AutoNation "certified" and under limited warranty. Had a nagging "clunk" when shifting from N to D, not all the time. Turns out I needed a differential & transfer case. Due to warranty process, car had to be inspected by an AutoNation adjuster - took over a week for dealership mechanic to make appt. then 3 day wait then 1 day eval and then had to get OK to proceed. Jeep dropped off on 1/25/03, still in the shop as of today, waiting for parts. Part of problem is the Jeep ran fine- apparently problem had been present for some time, but no one noticed. No official cause for the mechanical problem.

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  Love/Hate - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By in_motion - January 13 - 4:33 pm

  Bought this XJ before my student teaching semester in college at 180xxx mi. Perfect for hauling all kinds of teaching junk and made a 30 mile round trip commute daily with no problems. Since I bought it, Ive replaced the rear brakes, water pump, thermostat, spark plugs, and a block expansion plug. All work was done by me as this is the easiest vehicle to fix ever! Parts are cheap and plentiful. It now has 213xxx miles on it and is still running ok. The suspension is saggy in the rear, but this is expected on a 15 year old vehicle. Underbody rust is about to send it to the scrap yard, but I will drive it till it does.

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  Put the 3.6 not 3.2 liter engine in this! - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By buffalotom - January 2 - 9:45 pm

  Great great great car, I was so happy to see this come out, excellent all way around and the off road features are unsurpassed.

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  I Cant live without my JEEP! - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By njacks - December 29 - 12:46 pm

  When I first bought my Jeep, I was so happy and knew that this was the ride for me. I bought it with 22 inch wheels on it. I took them off and put factory on it. I have drove in mud, snow, sleet and the thing still runs like a PRO. I did tear up the differential and I had to replace the U-Joints twice. I have a few leaks and the brakes stink. The body needs paint. But other then that, the Jeep is strong tough and will pull anything. I would buy two or three more if I had the money. But I love my Jeep Cherokee sport, there is no Jeep out there like it. They should keep making Jeep Sports.

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  capable and fun - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By tropicalbob - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Once you get over the horrible gas mileage, youll love this vehicle, its fast, with 190 hp and lighter than the blazer and explorer, and capable, its great pulling boats and jetskis out of the lake on dirt ramps, and my friends are always amazed at what I can get unstuck , I pulled out my friends explorer (2001) last winter, and a passport which was stuck in the woods behind his house, that was funny since he paid twice as much, and I was driving thru the same mud he got stuck in

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  Great car - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Chrys - December 1 - 3:56 pm

  Good car. Runs well. Have more than enough space. Have had 4 boards and 4 people in the car at once. Have been able to put 10 boards in the car.

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  Get one and youll want to keep it forev - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By 5forfighting - November 17 - 11:00 pm

  My 2001 Sport 4dr 2wd was my daily driver for the past 6 years. I now have a more fuel-efficient car for daily driving and the Cherokee is a "spare" vehicle. But I couldnt justify selling it. Its just too dependable, low-maintenance and useful. Even with 150k miles on the drivetrain, it runs like new, never misses a beat and doesnt leak anything at all. Its a bit noisy and gets horrible fuel mileage in city driving (around 17 mpg) and only 24-25 mpg highway. But its got torque to haul a lot, ground clearance to go anywhere, tons of cargo room (plus a roof rack) and is easy to drive in any weather, on any roads. I just got back from a trip (920 miles each way) at mostly 75 mph, no problem

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  The Little Beast - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Bryan - November 16 - 11:16 am

  This Jeep has been the most reliable auto I could imagine. I had to replace the water pump a couple times, the radiator, and have the intake cleaned once. Other than that, we are talking regular maintenance, and 219,000 miles later she still roars to life every morning. I have driven her on the beach, in the snow, out of holes (my fault), and every time, the Jeep has been up to the task. I say all of this and remind the reader that the Jeep 15 years ago is not the Jeep today. I think simplicity, quality mechanics and minimal electronics is the way to have an auto you can keep for many years.

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  Does nothing extremely well, or poorly - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By emurray - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Lots of engine noise. Goodyear rubber wore out fast. Have Michelin X Terrain SUV tires, now. Small armrests. Rear door entry is tight for adults. No rear seat headrests!!! Lousy spare and in bad location. Readily accepts tow hitch, fog lamps, after-market sound system. Latest design is much cleaner than late 80s, early 90s. Great little 4WD utility vehicle.