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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  Still Running Strong - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By TNP - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought my jeep new in 98. I now have 104,000 miles on it, and the only problem I have has is a power window motor. I use it offroad on the beach quite a bit, and have yet to get it stuck. It has been the most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. I plan to buy another one for my son as soon as he gets his licence

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  Great car in the snow! - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Swooz - September 29 - 9:07 pm

  My car is 15 years old now, with a lot of miles on it, and has lost some of its power going up in the mountains...acceleration power is limited...

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  Still Kickin - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By josephmartins - August 28 - 11:06 am

  Bought it with 154k miles on the odometer. Fifth Jeep I have owned (incl a 90 and 2001 Cherokee, and a 97 and 98 Grand Cherokee). I never hesitate to buy a high mileage Jeep if it has been cared for by the previous owners. Immediately switched it to synthetic fluids/lubes for everything but the transmission. Just passed 232k miles and still going strong. Needed to replace the radiator at about 190k miles. While I had things apart I also replaced the coolant hoses, heater hoses, trans and power steering lines just to be safe. The last thing you want to do is tear it all apart again in 30k miles. Lazily neglected to replace the water pump. That came back to bite me about 20k miles later.

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  Computer hell - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Linrose - August 27 - 12:00 am

  I have replaced the computer in my 1998 Cherokee Sport 3 times. Luckily the last two were still under warranty. My mechanic tells me that the 98 model does this but the 97 and 99s dont. Tried junkyard dealers and was told they cant keep em in. Also the tach, speedometer, air bag lights fail intermittently. Probably different problems. Dont like the location of the "gear" indicator, causes me to look down, away from the road ahead. Otherwise I love it.

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  All around great vechicle - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jeeper4life - August 23 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive very reliable no serious mechanical problems i have over 65000 mile on it and it still runs as good as the day i bought it. I have no regerts lots of power w/I six cyl 4.0 liter engine fuel could be better but cant complain overall a well built vechicle

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  99 Jeep Cherokee - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Togdsp - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Not a bad vehicle for the price. No major repairs but had to replace driver side window. I noticed that the check engine light comes on if gas cap is not properly replaced. Approaching 50K miles. Vehicle has gotten alot louder within the past 5k miles, on the front end and with little squeaks here and there.

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  1999 Jeep Cherokee Classic - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By mjt1727 - August 21 - 10:53 am

  The 1999 Jeep Cherokee Classic is a very utilitarian vehicle. It is a bit loud on the road, does not have the best gas mileage, and the six cylinder engine is adequate. That being said, there have been absolutely no major issues and the vehicle just keeps running.

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  Loved mine! - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By spencer Millsap - August 5 - 3:43 pm

  I bought my jeep back in 2002 with 90k miles ALREADY on it! I just got rid of it at 205k miles to get a new Jeep Patriot 4x4. Awesome transition. I loved my Jeep, super dependable, great 4x4 performance, perfect cargo space, etc. Had to deal with water pumps, radiators, catalytic converters, and all other wear and tear of the car, but it lasted me 205k miles and it is STILL running strong. Go get one with low miles if you can find one

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  Too bad its extinct! - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Maddog - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I dont understand the decision to put this vehicle out to pasture. For the price and versatility, this has, by far, been the best vehicle Ive owned. At 6 1/2 years old with 102,000 miles, mine is still going strong. All Ive had to do is keep up with the basic maintenance. The worst mechanical problem Ive had is the water pump went bad at around 100,000 miles. The model that took its place will never match up to this awesome vehicle. Ill drive this til the wheels and engine fall off and then Ill replace them and keep on going. This will probably end up being the vehicle my kids inherit when they get their drivers licenses. I agree with the other review - BRING IT BACK!

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  98 Cherokee - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By DTF - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought one used because I needed a bigger car..my credit sucked so I got robbed on financing but the car has proven to be extremely reliable except for completely new sets of brakes ..twice...As an on call EMT/FF I do a lot of emergency driving so that might explain the brakes..rattling noise on acceleration..researched and talked to mechanic no loss of power has to do with lifters..dealer was fair but only if you came prepared and knew your prices and ranges...Would NOT buy vehicle from this dealer again