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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  I love reading the Jeep reviews - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Awesome truck - December 11 - 4:40 am

  Four Cherokees....Id buy four more. 84 ( black beauty } 93 ( black beauty II } 98 { green hornet )01 { Brutis ). Brutis pulled a new Kia SUV with a tow package and a 2300 lb sterndrive boat hat was coupled to it out of our lake and up the ramp. And I didnt have to bother with low range! Enough said.

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  Sometimes okay, most of the time not! - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By chipsahui2 - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Its been 4 years since new, it had some good times, had alot of bad. At about 20k mile, driveshaft fell off resulting in two weeks in the shop. At about 50k miles, speedometer gained a mine of its own, spent 3 days in the shop and $300 for a new computer. Currently and for the third time, oil pressure gauge is not functioning correctly. Will be visiting the dealership for the 7th time in 6 months. Jeep gets about 14 mpg, very poor. Currently, the Jeep is at 57k miles. The 4.0L does the job well. Command- Trac 4WD is poor on the streets but great off-roading and deep snow. Trak- lok differential offers excellent traction in 2WD.

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  Average SUV - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By spartan24 - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This Jeep is what I consider an average SUV. It is definitely not carlike. It is great off-road and in the snow. Its not so great for stop and go traffic or higher freeway speeds. The ride tends to be rough around town, but its pretty smooth on a good highway. The engine has great power but sucks way too much gas for its size. The styling is better than most SUVs out there. The interior is smaller than it would seem by looking at it from the outside. There are rattles here and there, especially from the transfer case shifter, and the exhaust can be a little loud at times. Overall, this jeep has some good features and some bad. Its average.

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  sportin - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By bdwheels - November 20 - 10:00 am

  happy with it. Now with kid, woud have liked 4-door

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  Best all around car ever built - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Phoebe - November 14 - 5:16 am

  108,000 miles, Classic package, AC/AT/CC/4.0/4WD, (even push-up sunroof). Beautiful, practical, dependable, lovable car! Just big enough, classic lines, most indestructible drivetrain ever built, nimble, responsive, turns on a dime, excellent reliability & safety record, excellent parts availability, easy to work on. Still looks beautiful inside & out, even the cigar lighter still works, feels so secure on NEs winter roads with the fantastic on-the-fly 4WD, not a rattle or squeak. Ive added a CD changer, a good double cupholder I bought on eBay, and a firm foam wedge cushion for more drivers seat support. Take good care of a Cherokee and it will take care of you for a long time

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  grows on you - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jay - November 10 - 5:40 pm

  This is my first Jeep. And I love it. Once you get past the poor gas mileage and lack of creature comforts you realize this is a workhorse SUV meant to take whatever you dish out every day. I do whatever I want with it. Fish, hunt, urban cruising, snow, rain, dirt, etc. I even commute in it. The engine light is annoying but I just consider it an old friend now who comes to visit from time to time. A easy and FREE trip to any auto parts store gets you a free computer reading that tells you to relax about the engine light. Very useful for moving refrigerators, dogs, military gear, bikes, kids, canoes, wood, etc. Easy to clean, easy to dirty. FUN, cheap and reliable.

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  Ryans Jeep Review - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By RyanJeep - November 5 - 11:56 am

  Very reliable. Kept regular maintenance schedule ... minimal down-time for mechanical repairs over the life of the vehicle. In family since new.

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  My 2 wheel drive jeep - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By alex8277 - November 1 - 9:20 am

  So its two wheel drive. My friend has a Blazer I can get everywhere he can just as fast. With out the 4 wheel drive. So it doesnt get stuck I love her.

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  jeeps rule - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By grabo - October 23 - 10:00 am

  everyone should own one

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  Jeeps are my life - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By sdv - October 13 - 10:40 pm

  I have owned 5 Jeeps. 83 cj7, 88 Wrangler, 2-91 Cherokees, and this 01 Cherokee. They all had the inline six cyl. motors. Good rugged vehicles. I plowed with the cj and wrangler and they held up good. The Cherokees are good cars but they all seem to have issues around the 100000 mile mark. I have learned from the past to just bite the bullet and put radiators in them at the 100 grand mark. They are not that good on gas (maybe 21 to 23 on a trip)but I still keep buying them..LOL They are good in the snow climate up here in the northeast. This 2001 Cherokee has had synthetic oil changes since new so we will so how long I can run this without getting the usual compression blow by.