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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  Great Jeep - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By drwhkm - April 28 - 3:16 pm

  Bought this 2001 Cherokee Sport with 82K, and it was a great vehicle to own. Drove great through snow and mud, but also had a smooth highway ride. Engine provided plenty of power, however was also very thirsty. A very well-built, reliable Jeep.

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  No Problems - Only Fun - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By scottyindenver - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Since I bought my Jeep Ive not had any problems other than having to replace the windshield because of the rocks and crap on the roads in Colorado during the winter months. I have had to do brake maintenance more often than most do but I also drive 40 miles one way to work from Denver up into the Rockies 5000 feet (coming down that hill every night takes a toll on the brakes). It has been a lot of fun to own - definately glad I replaced my Chevy S- 10 Blazer with the Jeep.

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  Outstanding for what it is - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By ARod - April 22 - 11:38 am

  Make not mistake, this is a compact crossover that is semi-rugged, not fully rugged. In that sense, this vehicle is great. Theyve packed a lot into this body. Likes: Love the V6, mileage isnt great if you like to open her up but if you treat her nicely it will return decent mileage. Very quiet cabin, only really hear the engine loudly when flooring it. Alpine sound system is very nice. Lane Departure system works as advertised. Rear view Camera is awesome on the 8.4" screen, the computer is fast, recognizes your phone quickly and responds to commands quickly. Highly recommend getting the Safety/Convenience package that nets you the 3 items mentioned above. Interior space is decent. Dislikes: None yet really. The start/stop system when you are at the red light or at a stop seems to stop too late and start to early. Havent looked at the settings yet to see what is up with that. Overall, really like it. What it offers that the others really dont is a nice V6 that provides sweet acceleration for zipping about......a major plus for me. Also, from a cost standpoint it is a good value after rebates etc. Mine MSRPd at just over $30k and I got it for just above $24k. Lot of vehicle for $24k.

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  LOVE THIS RIG - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Yakamom - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car with 19,000 miles on it and now it has 58,000 it runs better than ANY car I have ever had.

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  jeep cherokee sport - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jamison - April 7 - 10:00 am

  i put my jeep through hell, and it still come through for me time after time. i will drive jeeps for the rest of my life.

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  the funnest toss-about ever - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Adam - April 4 - 7:20 am

  This is one of the most fun vehicles Ive driven. With secure on road handling and "go anywhere" capability it shows you what a Jeep is all about.

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  Its good for me... - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Ramblerman - March 23 - 10:10 pm

  I bought this Jeep with 117,000 miles on it. I had to rebuild the steering and put tires on it. The exhaust manifold was broken (a common problem on the 4.0L Jeep motors), but I replaced it with a lifetime guaranteed manifold from Gale Banks Engineering. It runs great and has no problem merging with traffic getting on the Interstate highways. It has the leather seats and I may install seat heaters because of that. It seems a little more cramped inside than my 86 Cherokee, but its still not too bad to drive three hours to work.

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  what a lemon - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Sean - March 20 - 10:36 pm

  i hate this car. it has died and lost all of it charm.

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  300,000 And Still Chugging Alone! - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By tabonifacio_95 - March 14 - 12:28 pm

  Own a Black 1995 Jeep Cherokee, Two Door, 2WD with the 5 Speed Manual Transmission. Absolutely fantastic of a truck! Been a California vehicle since day one. Love every minute driving in it, love putting every mile on it. Fun to drive, no major repairs, do yoursef a favor if you buy one...Dont be a jerk and not do any expensive repairs, Because these things DO LAST. If you take care of your Jeep, Your Jeep will take care of you. Its a fact in Jeeps world. *ITS A JEEP THING*

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  175k and still going strong...! - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By 1goodjeep - March 8 - 9:26 pm

  I purchased my 99 Cherokee Sport in July of 2005. It had 166k on it when I bought it, and its now nearing 175k. Only things Ive done to it is put a bigger set of tires on it and a serpentine belt. After totaling a new TrailBlazer last February and getting into the Jeep, it is quite a bit smaller, but gets far better gas mileage. Handling is way better then the TrailBlazer also. I guess I lucked out when I found my black Cherokee. It has the 4.0L with the 5 speed, and it downright HAULS with the manual. Its no nonsense exterior design makes this Jeep awesome in the woods. VERY easy to maintain. Sure its loud, not very comfortable, and somewhat small ... but hey its a Jeep and thats what a Jeep is.