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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  Fun..READ - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Frenchy - October 15 - 10:00 am

  This jeep has good gas comsuption. Performance 0-60 is really good for its weight/power ratio. The factory says 8.7s to 60. I beleive it. But with 35000 miles and no tune up, it will decrease dramatically. I timed it to 60 w/ 35000 miles: about 10.5s. Oh...it goes 115 no problem. After 60mph, the acceleration is so- so. Their is plenty of cargo space in the trunk. read the rest....

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  XJ = Quality - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By boardz - October 1 - 2:46 am

  I have owned several Jeeps and have been pleased with the quality, dependability, simplicity and utility of every one. My 1999 Jeep XJ Cherokee is by far the best overall vehicle I have ever owned. I would recommend any year Cherokee - that has been well maintained - to anyone that needs a dependable utility vehicle at a reasonable price!

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  like the "old-school" styling - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeeperscreepers - September 25 - 10:00 am

  To me, this suv just looks like an suv is supposed to: tough. The new Liberty looks too much like the old Rav4s--to rounded, small, and wimpy looking. Ive enjoyed my Cherokee, and wish it would have snowed more often last winter. It plows through snow like a knife through butter. I think the V6 has pretty good acceleration, and it cruises at 75-85 mph quite smoothly. For only a V6, the gas mileage seems a bit low...only about 17-18 mpg on average. The inside could use more storage areas. Theres not really anyplace to put things besides the armrest cavity and the glovebox.

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  Solid as a rock - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Tim - September 23 - 4:20 am

  Bought our 4WD Sport new 9 years ago. At 99,000 miles, it has been mechanically perfect - not a single breakdown. Only repairs have been normal maintenance items. Ample power for pulling a 2,000 lb trailer over high passes. Its noisy and rides like, well, a Jeep. But on lousy mining roads, it never gets stuck, and is absolutely unbendable. Not stylish, not particulary comfortable, gas mileage is nothing to brag about; it is the ultimate utility vehicle.

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  Not a single problem - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Doc Stevens - September 18 - 10:40 pm

  Bought at 15k and driven daily since 2001. A great vehicle. No major issues. Great fun to drive. The 4.0L puts the "sport" in sport utility! Built solidly, no rattles, etc. It is a shame that Jeep stopped making this body style and this porven engine. The new Liberty looks like all of the Japanese SUVs out there.

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  Commander is a Cherokee wanna-be - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Sleek Black Powerful - September 17 - 4:53 am

  I cannot be happier with my fun 1996 Jeep Cherokee that I bought at 126,500 miles. It is a sleek, black Sport 4Dr 4WD with gray cloth interior, OEM aluminum wheels, and Goodyear Tracker tires. The car is in fantastic condition, in terms of the engine, transmission, suspension, electronics, interior and exterior. It simply looks cool and commanding. Its as if Jeeps new Commander design team went retro and modeled their design off of the original 84 Cherokee. Id even venture to say that the new Mustang is to the original 65 Mustang as the new Commander is to the original 84 Cherokee. Its a lot of fun driving this car. The shift-on-the-fly 4WD gets me anywhere in brutal Chicago weather.

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  2 door bigwheel pimp! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By dj - September 16 - 11:33 pm

  I got my Jeep in October of 2007 and I love it! I received it with 93,000 miles on it and it has bout 120,000 miles now. Just recently I had to replace the crank shaft censor and the radiator fan assembly, but overall its a great build and like a rock. Mine is 2 door and White with tent and I have big bowlegged tires on it and I just changed the grill to chrome to match my rims. I am officially obsessed with my Jeep and its brand.

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  great - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By ottotheduke - September 16 - 10:00 am

  im buyin another, they stopped making the xj model but im getting another used one the 4x4 system is the best and will last forever.

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  Great All-Purpose Rider - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Dan - September 15 - 3:36 am

  So far Ive had no problems mechanically with this car. Ive taken it off-road and it handles nicely, while on-road is even better. In general, for a vehicle with this kind of mileage (+50000) its in good shape. It does have some problems, though. When 4 wheel drive high range is engaged, if you make a sharp turn the wheels lock. Also, when put in reverse for too long, it sometimes stalls or sputters. You need to find the right kind of tires, too. Wet handling is below average, even with 4WD. The vehicle corners well for an SUV and has a good turn radius, just make sure its not cornering heavily above 50mph. At speeds above 80 on a straightaway highway, it becomes very shaky.

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  Jeep Cherokee the greatest Car - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By David2 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought this cherokee 96 around January 2003 with 90000miles. Now, mine has almost 120000, but still runs strong!!! No major or minor problems so far. Great car! this vehicle is built really well. Only thing I have little complain with is its fuel economy. However, this vehicle has 4.0 L engine meaning that naturally fuel economy cant be good as one expects. Moreover, this vehicle has fast acceleration.~ good good good. I dont see any bad things.