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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  Not bad - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Big Mac - March 7 - 7:36 pm

  My 2001 Jeep Cherokee works just fine. I have a slight shimmy at 50 MPH but that may because of some bad wheels. I needed to have my AC rebuilt (70k) and I needed an expensive brake job (60k). The power steering sprung a leak ($400 at 60k). Besides that, its OK.

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  the best - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By jc 3 - March 4 - 9:50 am

  i love it, she just dont quit she starts every day and runs great my wife owns one too and she love hers

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  Gotta Love My Jeep! - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By AKDanica - March 3 - 10:00 am

  My second Jeep purchase. I owned 2 Nissans (functional), 3 Dodges (constant problems). In 1998, I bought my 1st box-type Jeep & fell in love! Around town or a snow bank, my Jeep always comes through! Both Jeeps are far beyond any expectation I had on the Jeep lot. Negatives? Road noise. "Rough" ride. SUV gas mileage. Positives: a blast to drive! Handles well on cement or off. Takes brushes with death with style & keeps on ticking! My 2000 has endured Alaskan winters, fishing roadtrips, a fender bender, & a mud pit a Hummer/4x4 Ram couldnt help themselves out of.. I see myself in the Jeep Cherokee until I turn it over to my sons 1st vehicle in 10 years!

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  Fun Rig - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Cherokee Country - March 1 - 8:56 am

  My grandparents and I went 50/50 in buying the Cherokee Country. Im 17 and got it last year for my first vehicle. I am absolutely in love with it. It gets me from point A to point B and I love the look and the comfort of it. Im only 53" so I fit perfect inside it. Its fun to take off road and nice enough to take out for a night on the town. I was in love the minute I set my eyes on it.

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  Great SUV for the money - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Mark Bishop - February 26 - 3:20 am

  This is the first Jeep I have ever owned and I plan on keeping it for a long time. It has plenty of power to pull my boat around through the hills and the gas mileage is a respectable 20 MPG on the interstate. I am 6 foot tall and the seat and ride are very comfortable compared to some other SUVs Ive been in. This is a good driving 4X4 for the money, too bad they quit making them.

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  Jeep! - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By thennig - February 21 - 6:53 pm

  I bought this vehicle about five years ago and still enjoy driving it! The inline six is a tough and reliable engine (original AMC engine design with some Chrysler modern mortifications). The vehicle is truly a SUV, it’s nothing to brag about, it’s very thirsty, and it’s very versatile. What can I say, “It’s a Jeep!”

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  Great Jeep - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jeep Lover - February 19 - 11:10 pm

  I bought my Jeep on 2004. This is awesome. No major maintenance except normal wear and tear. The engine is awesome. I have 128,000 mile on it so far. Looks like my coolant is leaking but these things are fixable. The bottom line is Engine which is awesome. I love Inline 6. This is a little monster in the snow. I am not kidding. Its a part time 4 wheel drive. when it snows, put it to 4 wheel and there you go, you will fly leaving all the cars and SUVs behind.

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  98 jeep xj - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By desprado227 - February 10 - 10:23 am

  228500 mi and still as strong as the day it was born JEEPS RULE THE EARTH all others try to follow

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  Like the Energizer bunny, it keeps going - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeep4ever@puertorico - February 2 - 6:33 pm

  Always wanted a Cherokee since high school and it came true about 7 years ago. Bought it with 60,000, in RED no less and with the 4.0. Picked a 2wd (less weight/better fuel econ). Repairs have been few: water pump;radiator;gas pump;starter. Take good care of it and it will last forever!

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  Its been a pleasure owning my Jeep - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By babsj - January 26 - 10:00 am

  No major problems. Maneuverable, consistent, dependable, sporty with comfort. I still smile when I drive it! A reliable classic design stands the test of time and serves me well.