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:

• 

  Not for Teens - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By vacottonking - June 27 - 2:00 am

  My 17 yr son rolled this vehicle, He was unharmed which is probably a plus from that stand point. The body of the vehicle held up even though it was unrepairable. In my opinion, the short turning radius, power, and top heavy nature of this vehicle require above average driving skills to be safe. I am sure most SUVs fit this category. I still want another one. I also had a 1991 Explorer that was much more comfortable and quiter, but not nearly as fun to drive as the jeep. The jeep was better off road and was lighter. Jeep was Better on the beach. Pick the jeep for fun & recreation, but get something else for trips if you are over 40

• 

  Wonderful. - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Brad Pullins - June 26 - 9:23 pm

  I have the 4Dr 2WD speed. I bought it when I turned 16 and it has been the best vehicle as far as reliability Ive ever seen. I bought it with 128k in 02 and now, in 05, I have 172k on it. Oil leaks a little, but that is expected for a 10 year old car.

• 

  Love This Vehicle, But I Have So Many Issues - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jarett H. - June 21 - 3:24 am

  CHECK EVERYTHING! Run the A/C full blast while letting the vehicle idle and watch the temperature and oil pressure, as well as idle RPM. Check the AUX cooling fan to be sure it works, it doesnt come on until the engine reaches 218 degrees F. Check the valve cover, oil pan, and other gaskets and seals. Check for corrosion on any part inside of the engine compartment as this could very well be a sign of potentially serious damage that will lead to expensive repairs. I paid $2500 for my Jeep in 2014, it is now worth about $1300 if I tried to resell it and I have put nearly $1500 into it in repairs with another $1000 for parts and labour just on the engine alone. Not to mention the horrible condition of the suspension, brakes, missing hardware, and quite a few other issues. But I do love the car enough to actually not mind all too much putting money into it because when I am done with all these repairs it will be one hell of a vehicle and last another 200000 miles.

• 

  Beware - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Whitney - June 18 - 9:23 am

  My Jeep has had nothing but problems. Radiator cracked, windows leak, doesnt start most of the time. I have replaced many sensors, hoses, and more. Has had about $4,000 put into it and still doesnt run well. Hasnt held up like I expected. Has a little over 100,000 miles.

• 

  Issues, Issues, Issues - 2015 Jeep Cherokee
  By towsonres - June 12 - 12:35 pm

  I want to start by saying that I love the comfort and styling of this car. I have the 6 cylinder, but that was not in the drop down menu. Jeep may have a serious problem with the Cherokee. Bought my first jeep on a Monday and started to have parking break issues. No fix after three trips back to the dealer to rectify the issue, so the dealer swapped out for another. I drove the new one for 300 miles and had a transmission code, which forced me to limp it back to the dealership. They swapped out the transmission module and they think that this may fix the problem. I sure hope so. I do feel that if you buy a vehicle in excess of $30,000 there should not be trouble the first week.

• 

  Great Buy For the Money - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By COL Rhino - June 8 - 3:36 pm

  I recently purchased my used, 2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport with 67,300 miles on it. So far, it is exactly what I expected, a solid, 4x4, SUV that is great for daily driving. My other vehicle is a 2005 Cadillac STS that I use if I want to have a luxury sport ride. Although it had passed State Inspection, I immediately had some upgrades installed. I had 5 brand new Firestone Destination A/T tires installed, a catback, Borla exhaust system, a heavy duty Interstate 7 year battery, a full set of 4 KYB heavy duty gas shocks and a new heavy duty steering dampener. Everything else was "good to go" and passed State inspection. I enjoy driving it locally every day. My wife enjoys it also.

• 

  Excellent Vehicle - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By commuter11 - June 8 - 11:18 am

  Cherokee Latitude V6 4 x 4 bought early June 2014, currently with 6000 miles on it. This has been a very nice vehicle, keeping my wife happy (replacing a totaled Caravan) with enough space for a reasonable amount of hauling in town. We generally drive it on road trips, also. Dont overlook that this really is a Jeep, a little heavier than otherwise would be the case, but you find the advantages when driving over rough roads, as it just glides along where most cars would be shaking themselves to pieces. MPG is great on the highway, up to 27 mpg, with excellent merging acceleration for on-ramps. Cornering is good, also. The 8.4 inch touch screen is easy to read and works well.

• 

  Ride and handling other suvs wish they had - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Frankly Texas - June 2 - 10:37 pm

  My wife and I were looking to replace our 3 year old Escape with 1.6 motor. We looked at and drove several other suvs but keep coming back to the 2016 Jeep 75th Anniversary Edition with the 2.4 motor. It just felt more solid, comfortable, quite and interior was laid out better to us. We wanted to like other models more, but the Jeep just won us over. Having owned and driven many cars from around the world, the Jeep just keep being the best option for us. The ride is solid, the seats firm, but not hard and the interior is very quite, which should make it a treat for long highway trips. Looking forward to our first. The 2.4 motor has plenty of power for anything we need, equal or better acceleration than our old 1.6 turbo, and surly better fuel mileage. We were lucky to see 25 mpg with eco motor even using a light foot. The best ride and handling Ive ever exeperienced was an older RR. The Jeep is the closes Ive come to matching it. So far we are both extreamly pleased with the Jeep. Now the cons: the dealers lack of knowledge of the product. Navaid a $600 addition cost on a $30,000 car, supplied by the same clueless dealer. Chrysler Finanical is the least customer oriented company Ive dealt with in the last 20 years, and unable to reconcile the difference between a 911 address and mailing address. My only hope is the Jeep will outshine our last plagued Chrysler vehicle, a 2006 Grand Caravan.

• 

  I love my Jeep - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Chris Jeep - May 22 - 2:00 am

  The Jeep has been dependable, reliable and a great fun to drive. I have enjoyed my Jeep and very sad to let it go. I wish these vehicles were still in production. If so, I would have bought another just like it. The engine light came off and on, but you learn this was just a malfuction and nothing mechanically wrong. My wife never like the ride, but she just could not appreciate it.

• 

  made the right choice - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By marvin chinitz - May 20 - 5:12 pm

  About my jeep cherokee trailhawk: I bought every option except the fancy audio speakers. After I ordered the car, Consumer Reports came out with best 10 safety options that every new car should have. With the trailhawk options I had every one on consumer reports list. The options are worth every cent. Just returned from drive from NYC to ski trip deep in Canada, a total of 32 hours of driving round trip. The Trailhawk was amazing, on highway or on snow or at city pace. If you cannot afford all the options i would not recommend the car. The options make it worth every penny, and make the car extremely safe to drive. That should be your first priority.