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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  The best toy ever. - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Flo Pacheco - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Really fun vehicle. Easy to work on. You can push it hard and gives you everything back. Great vehicle for loading with accessories. Grill guard, roof rack, lift, you name it and this vehicle can take it. It was a solid purchase.

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  Great find - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By JoeSmoe - April 15 - 2:06 am

  Bought mine from a friend for $2000. It had 113K on it and I was only planning to keep it a year. 40K miles later, Im still driving it to work every day with no problems. Only had to replace the water pump. Its been a great car.

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  Love my XJ! - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By bigmackloud - April 6 - 10:00 am

  It will be a sad day if i ever have to part with my XJ. its fun to drive, very quick for an SUV, and its awesome off-road. rides nice, the engine is very torquey, also the 4.0L I6 engine lasts forever. the back seat is small, not really ment for large adults on long trips. cargo area is decent. my spirited driving style nets around 18mpg, mixed driving. as high as 22mpg on the hwy. very reliable. doesnt have problems w/the little stuff breaking like in other cars. there are noises, but thats the Jeep trade mark. so far the noises havent caused any problems in almost 100K miles, so im not worried.

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  The perfect Jeep - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By deadeye - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Bought used from a lease reseller. I previously owned a Commanche truck, and loved the truck. I am very, very happy with the Cherokee. I get 20 mpg on the daily commute to work and on the highway. Not much stop and go driving though. Recently I stopped at a business and next to me was a woman with a Cherokee same year and style as mine. She asked if I liked mine, and said she loved hers "I can do anything I want with it!" That is the JEEP thing.

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  I love my Jeep! - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By amylee85 - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Cherokee used with 25,000 miles on it and have had no problems. I put around 90 miles on it per day so it gets a lot of use. It is extremely reliable and fun to drive, not too big & not too small.

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  After checking out all options - 2017 Jeep Cherokee
  By D Macker - March 31 - 6:59 am

  We went to the Detroit Auto Show and checked out all the SUVs at the show plus the new Pacific. We narrowed down our options to the Cherokee, the Ford Escape and the Buick Enclave. We went to a Ford dealership, Chrysler and Buick. We could not get a car in our price range to buy at all at the Buick dealer, we could not get a 6 cylinder in a Ford Escape unless we waited 6-8 weeks. At the end we got the Jeep Cherokee because they had a 6 cylinder loaded with sun roof, and a lot of upgrades for less the 35,000.00. If you have not priced cars in the last 8-10 years you will have sticker shock.

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  Former Subaru owner - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Scott "diesel" Flurer - March 25 - 11:11 pm

  Look for a rust free example. I wanted one that was not molested. Minor things are worn out or broken,but no big deal. I have invested in a 4.5 inch lift kit as ALL the suspension was original and worn out. Gauges are a little twitchy but functional. MUCH more power than my Forester and more room also. I like the option of 2WD,Part time 4 WD,4 WD and 4WD low range. Went with the 4.5 lift to fit the 32/11.50-15 tires I bought for it. My son has been buying,fixing,selling and 4 wheeling these Jeeps for years and he finally talked me into one 3 weeks ago. Choice of parts is much larger compared to my subie. Now I just have to wait for a warmer day to install my stash of new parts (lift kit,turbo exhaust,brake upgrade to rear disc)

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  Nothing Like It - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Mike - March 22 - 10:30 am

  There is nothing like the Jeep Cherokee. I bought my Jeep with ~50,000 miles on it back in 2004. It rides rough, but this rugged vehicle was bult to last. After driving it over 60,000 miles I have had to replace the AC condenser, tires, battery, and brake rotors (my Fault). Nothing else has been replaced. I have hauled almost 1000 lbs of crap in the back of it at one time. I still love Charolette (my Jeep).

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  My savior - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By 4dr jeep country - March 17 - 6:13 pm

  Thank God for my Jeep! I bought it with 77000 miles; it now has 91000, and I only got it 8 months ago. Its been very reliable; the only thing Ive had to replace so far is a power steering pump which is nothing. My Cherokee is great in the snow. It is very comfortable for a driver thats 63" and its fast. The gas mileage isnt the best, but what is these days.

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  I love this Jeep - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Rachel - February 20 - 5:50 am

  I have had this car for 7 years, it has been great. I have had to do some repairs and it leaks oil from somewhere we cant find, but I love it. Recently (at 170000 mi) I have had to replace the shocks, which were original. I have had to put on one set of tires, and replace most of gaskets/seals and it still leaks. It gets beans for gas mileage (usually 15- 17 mpg) but it still drives great. It has great power and reliablity. And I love how much stuff I can fit in it.