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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  Too bad theyre gone - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By tinias - August 12 - 10:00 am

  A great ride. Very capable offroad, with good power and low end torque.

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  bad radio - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Radio - August 8 - 6:44 am

  I recently leased a 2016 Jeep Cherokee latitude after having a 2010 Lincoln . wanted something different . I was looking for a lot of extras and was surprised to find most of my wish list with this car. I am happy with how it drives and the extras, but I am writing this because I am so disappointed in the radio. I get a handful of stations and I have asked the service guy to check it , thinking there was something wrong., but was told it was a new radio and there was nothing wrong. I am not sure if anyone is having the same issue. I like listening to the radio not just a few stations. I am thinking on bringing it back because of this . so if you are about to purchase this jeep and you want a good radio , dont buy this jeep .

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  hmmm... - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeepdriver99 - July 15 - 9:06 am

  I bought my Jeep with 66k miles on it. It is now 9 months later and I have put 3k miles on it. My Cherokee is a lemon! I purchased the extended warranty which would cover it fully until 2009 or 100k. I have had to bring it in to be serviced 6 times and only 2 were covered under warranty! Thankfully the REALLY expensive fixes were covered under warranty: driveshaft and transfer case cracking which would have set me back thousands of dollars. Three times the check engine light came on with the dealer telling me that the vapor canister was cracked, the gas tank was cracked, and some issue with my transmission. The other was when the crankshaft broke causing me to be stranded!

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  A satisfied Jeep owner - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By frank - July 14 - 6:23 pm

  I purchased my Jeep for three reasons: 1. To be able to travel the roads during any weather conditions. Except for icy conditions, nothing has stopped the Jeep. 2. Towing: I tow my 4000 pound boat/trailer without concern and do not worry about being able to get the boat back out of the water. The Jeep brings the rig right up the steep, nasty public launch that I use. The only problem here is that the weight of the boat tries to drag the Jeep down the ramp, even with brakes locked. 3. Durability: My family has owned numerous Jeeps and they have always served us well (except an early 1980s 2.8L Cherokee). This Jeep is the best I have owned so far, even with putting 15K/year on it.

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  Still good for the money - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By ksherinian - July 11 - 2:00 am

  The negatives first: - noisy - poor ride - horrible gas quality Positives: - excellent, bare bones, interior design - superb off-road performance - superb winter (snow & ice) performance - 112,500 miles and still no major repairs

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  What an SUV should be! - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Objective Owner - July 9 - 10:00 am

  The Cherokee is what an SUV should be; power to tow, excellent off-road capability, reliable, versatile,tough, and still comfortable and fun to drive. I have not had any problems with the vehicle. It tows a trailer very easily, is confident off road in some very rough country, and still works great for hauling groceries or clients. I admit to being a little critical of SUVs that were never meant to work. It seems like a bit of a waste.

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  Bring back the Cherokee! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Great SUV - July 6 - 10:00 am

  1st Cherokee was a 90, bought new. Bought this one new also & now has 85K miles. Still love it, but am considering buying a new SUV. Hate the Liberty!! So probably will move to Grand Cherokee, but I prefer the smaller size of the Cherokee. Its easier for me & my dog to get into. Im a real estate agent & if it werent for the hard-to-get-into back seat, I wouldnt be thinking of changing. Its been just great, very reliable and still looks new!

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  my ride - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By ecstasy - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Its defenitely a step down from my explorer in comfort/size. However I get better milage and better performance. It handles dirt roads at fast speeds and in 2-wheel-drive mode it can smoke the tires. Responsive accelerator, not the best braking. Very small in the back compared to a Ford Explorer. My roomate who is 65" hates it because it is too small. The ladies love it.

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  Best Truck Ever! - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Cleveland - June 24 - 3:43 am

  I waited years for a Jeep. Wanted A Wrangler, but I am a professional guitarist, and needed the interior room for my gear. I have had this Jeep almost two years now, and have very few complaints. It kills off- road, kills in the snow, and will track through deep mud almost like its on dry pavement. Handles great on the highway too, although high winds can be an adventure. At over 100,000 miles, it still runs incredibly strong. I regularly take it on long road trips without a second thought. It tends to chew up tires, its loud, not real cushy, and the fuel economy could be better, but hey, its a 4WD truck, not a luxury vehicle. I plan to drive it until it croaks or I do.

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  Great Vehicle - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By ShaggyisMBM - May 20 - 7:16 am

  I have owned a Bronco, a Wrangler, a F- 250, and a Tacoma. This is by far the best overall. The straight 6 has almost as much power as the V8s in my 2 Fords. Before I put new tires on I often had trouble not spinning the tires in rain. For an SUV it is quick. The 4wd has never left me stuck. There is room for all I need. I have only had minor problems other than needing a new rear end. These are cheap and easy to find and well worth the money. You can find after market parts for it almost anywhere. It is easy to work on. It has classic styling and almost everything is practical. I recommend it to anyone. Great in snow, off road, and in traffic.