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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Awesome Rig! - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
By JWyatt2 - June 13 - 10:00 amThis rig is fun to drive with great torque and HP for its light weight. The body is classically styled. Its probably a better off roader than its big brother the Grand Cherokee. Compared to my Ford Explorer its a much better off roader with 10+ inches of ground clearance; much better acceleration; better engine and tranny.
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Bye, Bye Jeep... - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
By 2Mack - June 7 - 10:00 amIve driven jeeps for the past 5 years and have been pretty happy overall. If jeep had continued to manufacture the Cherokee Limited I probably would have continued to drive it. However, I did experience a number of recurring issues on both my Cherokee and SE models that proved extremely annoying.
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95 Jeep SE 4D 4WD has been very reliable - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
By JD Green - May 30 - 2:00 am170,000 miles. The only non-routine maintenance problem was a sheared engine mount bolt at about 120,000 miles. There have otherwise been no mechanical problems. Not even the clutch has failed.
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Cherokee Country 4WD/ABS - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
By weidem - May 30 - 2:00 amConvenience & vehicle utility are what this small to midsize family workhorse important. Whether you mean to go offroad or stay on, this vehicle serves an economical familys needs for safety, fun, and small truck type needs. It made me appreciate backroads, where I can get away from the stressful highways where the "Consumer Report BestBuys" clog the road. I tend to get where Im going in the same time or better anyway, but with a smile on my face. Our kids would much rather ride in this than a sedan, because even they can see the view better.
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Great Small SUV! - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
By Grant Stanley - May 25 - 6:06 pmI have a 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport. I bought it back in September of 04. I bought it with 55,000 miles on it, and it has 59,000 at the moment. I would suggest getting a high performance air filter and an inexpensive lift kit. I put a 2" lift on mine and it really makes a difference, not only on the outside, but the ride quality is much better. I would definitely recommend this car, especially because of the cost of gas these days. I get about 18 miles per gallon, and where I live, I pay about $40 to fill it up. Also, the 4.0L 6 cylinder engine has a lot of power, especially when you add the air filter. When i bought it, it had about 190hp, now its cranking out about 205hp.
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good jeep ? - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
By kelliott - May 24 - 10:00 amthis is my second jeep cherokee sport that i have worn out. my 99 has 90000 miles on it and i can say that it has started and got me to where i wanted to go every time. for the price it is a good truck. i did have to replace both power window motors in the front at about 40000 miles. i had to replace my rotars at about 50000 miles also. get rid of the liberty and bring back the cherokee!!
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Love My Jeep - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
By Tyson - May 11 - 4:16 pmI bought this car car new. It has been reliable. 187000 miles now. Never had an issue with the transmission. Awesome offroad, and snow performance - never been stuck in mud or snow. Part time 4x4 is great. 17 mpg average. Got 21 mpg once on highway trip. Replaced normal things- alternator, belt, brakes, tires. Stuck with regular maintenance. Replaced several window motors, and has had several electrical glitches.Recently had head gasket replaced (approx. $800) due to oil leak - first leak Ive had. Now evaporator coil is cracked ($1300 repair, or no AC). It may be getting close to time to replace, but I really dont want to get rid of it. With new tires, its impossible to surpass off road
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165,000 Miles and Still Going Strong - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
By M. Oberstaedt - May 8 - 12:53 pmHave owned the Jeep for 10 years and its still fun to drive and knock down a Mustang or 2 with its fantastic acceleration to 70MPH. (Speedo only goes up to 85MPH) Best engine that was ever put into a Jeep. Even my wife gets a kick out of it. Have only put in approx. $600 in repairs needed over the 10 years with the biggest expense being to replace the radiator with a new aluminum one with a lower pressure cap. This happened at 163,000 miles last month. Interior carrying room is also great and I remove the lower back seat and put the back down to get more room than that offered by the new SUV imitators. Wish they still made this one.
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Bring back the Jeep Cherokee - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By lheywood - April 29 - 9:46 amA great car for off road, and for me has been just fine on road. Has been pretty reliable for the first 13 years, then problems (see below).
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Will take you anywhere in style. - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
By gerico - April 25 - 10:00 amM More trucklike than car. Great field of vision all around the car.No blindspots. The engine is strong &quick. Rear seats pop out for extra room. ore truck than carlike ride.
