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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  Do these things ever die? - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By MaxHops - September 3 - 8:40 pm

  I have had my Jeep for 12 years and have only had standard maintenance work done. Water pump, brakes, shocks, serpentine belt, tires, oil are the only thing I have had to replace. The V6 in this is called the iron maiden for its extreme reliability. I think I could drive it for another 10 years if I need to.

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  Great all around vehicle - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Bigfoot - August 23 - 3:13 am

  Ive had my Jeep nearly 5 years now. Have put about 50,000 miles on it. Really like this for a hunting vehicle. Enough room in the back with the back seat folded down, and also plenty of room for 4-5 people if needed. The only repairs I have needed to make other than the normal ones are I had to have the front CV joints (thats what I call them) replaced. There is one just inside each tire. Also had to have the passenger side wheel bearing replaced. I have stayed up pretty well on the scheduled maintenance of my Jeep. Im sure that has helped.

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  Great Jeep - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By hsowle - August 19 - 9:23 pm

  Amazing Jeep. I have had it for 2 years and have had no mechanical problems, with the exception of a faulty check engine light. I take it off roading and it handles like a dream in snow and rain. There is limited head room, but the front seats are exceptionally comfy (especially with the seat heaters). Not great gas mileage, but you dont buy an SUV expecting great mileage. I would highly recommend this Jeep to anyone who wants a reliable workhorse of a vehicle. By far the most reliable and versatile vehicle that Jeep has ever come out with. I wish theyd bring them back!

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  2000 Jeep Cherokee - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By saxd45 - August 14 - 12:20 pm

  This is a great little run around vehicle. Built like a tank. Almost 10 years old and we still can take it to the club without "shame" Seats fold down & we can haul a ton of stuff.

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  dont buy a cherokee - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By dynamite44 - August 10 - 10:00 am

  i have a 2000 jeep cherokee sport. it had been a "demo car". In the first 30,000 miles, i had it towed twice, had the drive shaft fall out at a stoplight, had all the power windows and locks go at the same time, all the gauges replaced, the entire fuel system replaced (except 4 fuel injectors, the gas tank itself, and the fuel rail), front axle replaced, transfer case rebuilt twice, transfer case linkage replaced 3 times, and the rear axle rebuilt...

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  1996 Jeep Sport Classic 4DR 2WD - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By mariobox - August 10 - 10:00 am

  After seven years the only problem Ive had is a couple of oxigen sensors that needed replacement ($350). Other than that, this Jeep has earned its keep and then some. Strong and reliable as can be.

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  My First Car - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jeep-it - August 9 - 9:56 pm

  I bought my red, 5-speed Jeep Cherokee in Sept. 2006 and still have it to this date. I bought it with 85k miles on it and it now has a little more than 100k miles on it. In that time, the only problems Ive had are glitchy power windows and a cracked evaporator. I was slightly weary about buying a gas guzzling SUV for my first car but after driving it for a while, Ive found that it does real well. It gets about 19/20 city, but I find that keeping it just below 65 on the highway will get me 30 mpg for highway trips (and thats with a fully loaded college vehicle!). This has been and will remain a fun, reliable, and efficient first vehicle. I plan to hold onto this for a long time.

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  Mixed bag - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By spikester - August 8 - 7:53 pm

  This is the second Jeep 4.0 motor vehicle that I have owned. This version is the high output version (approximately 190 hp). I bought this used and specifically wanted the "sport" version for its increased off-road ability. These small Cherokees are very reliable. A bit snug inside - the rear seat isnt made for adult Americans. Gas mileage is about 16 combined which isnt bad for a 4x4 with a/c and auto trans. Rides too stiff for the wife. The price you pay for the "sport" suspension. No cruise control either.

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  Do your research first - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Henry Reed - August 3 - 3:57 am

  First of all after purchasing this car I feel like the stupidest person alive. I assumed there would be a spare tire or at least a donut which there is none, all you get is a tire pump filled with a one time use sealant where the spare should be. You think i wouldve checked before buying. The Uconnect voice commands only understand you 5% of the time, worthless. I purchased the Lifetime Warranty, which i assumed would be forever as long as Im in ownership of the vehicle and breathing. This is not the case the Lifetime warranty becomes void as soon as the repair cost becomes more than the vehicles value at the time, I figure 10-12 years according to what i see on Blue Book Values, not to mention deductibles on warranty repairs which greatly affects warranty price. Last but not least, bring a calculator with you on any new car purchase and take the time to recalculate the dealers figures, mine offered me $1000 trade-in on my hunk of junk without even seeing it, which now that i think about it. He probably gave me nothing and made it seem like he did. Live and learn. I have only owned this for 3 days, so i dont know very much on performance and reliability, but from what Ive seen so far, I think im in for a very bumpy road ahead. My first choice was a 2016 Hyundai Tucson, shouldve went back.

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  Its really a V-6 - 2018 Jeep Cherokee
  By Reachin - July 25 - 12:39 pm

  I put over 1,000 miles on it the first week. Very good on the highway and not bad on city streets. Compared to my 92 Wrangler with over 350,000 on the odometer this vehicle is a Limo. I do find it odd that FCA left 2014 technology in the radio when even they step down vehicle Compass has the new radio.