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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  2000 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By pweimar - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Excellent utility. One of the few vehicles made in the US which can be relied upon to exceed 200,000 miles if regularly serviced. "Jeepers" refer to them as BABY TANKS!

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  I LOVE THIS THING! - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By bradthecarman - December 13 - 2:00 am

  Im completely in love with my cherokee. I have over 260k miles on it, all ive really had to do is preventative care and regular maintance. Its one of the best values Ive ever seen. I wish I would of bought two. It is without a doubt one of the best daily drivers out there.

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  The Best Ive Ever Owned! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Papi - November 21 - 8:10 am

  I purchased this Jeep 3 years ago when it had about 70,000 miles. Before this Jeep I owned a 95 model. Today Ive more than doubled the mileage (157,000) and Ive tuned it up once, turned the rotors, replaced a radiator hose, and spent a minimal amount on the front end. (Ive four wheeled a little and got air a few times... probably my fault.) Just routine maintenance. I expect to have this car until it drops. I would recommend this car to anyone... just make sure its been maintained well. I use synthetic oil and Lucas additive.

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  Jeep - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By ESB - November 18 - 3:30 am

  Love this baby! Cant seem to want to trade it in. I have put 170,000 on it. Very minor problems such as water pump,starter, and oxygen sensor. Other than that, oil, gas and tires. It gets the gas mileage that it should get for a 4.0 engine. People who complain need a smaller car not a SUV! This baby is fast too.

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  great little truck - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By qsplimited - November 12 - 5:16 pm

  This is about the most practical and best built, simple and tough vehicle I have ever owned. It has been through a lot of tough torture at Lake Meade and handles the desert like a champ. On our second weekend at the lake we were unpleasantly stuck about 5 miles from a road and had to be towed up a cliff by cable to get out. After a short bath and a new ball joint she was beautiful as always. The look with the chrome wheel skins is great and they are quickly replaced if scratched or lost for only $25.00 The paint is very rich and the truck still looks brand new at 50,000 miles. I highly recommend to used buyers; remember though it is a truck based vehicle from the 80s. Dont expect a race car.

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  Couldnt be happier with our Trailhawk! - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By hsoto - October 19 - 3:57 am

  I went to the dealership with the idea of buying the grand Cherokee. Next to it was the new Jeep Cherokee trailhawk, and I instantly fell in love. My wife wanted a car with personality, character, luxury and lots of technology. It has all of that and more. Weve already taken in offering with my JK to the Southern California desert and it performs incredibly. This car has Fiats interior design touch, which makes it all the better. We took a gamble buying a new model, but we have faith in the Cherokee brand and expect this car to be around for a long, long time. Id recommend it.

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  Cherokees are not real Jeeps? - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Marco - October 15 - 12:16 am

  I loved my Cherokee of course it stunk on gas, but what did you expect? Its 4.0 w/ 8.25 rear axle, awd transmission, you know what that means? As close to flawless as Jeep or any other car company is going to get. It was perfect in size. The only real flaw was it had leaf springs. If you add a lift be prepared for a bad ride.

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  No confidence - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Toler - October 7 - 10:00 am

  This car left me stranded the day after I brought it home from the dealer...bad battery. Both the driver side and passenger side windows have broken. It rides like hell. The tires wear unevanlly. Mere puddle water saturates the engine compartment all the way to the valve cover. The brakes are horrible. The left front grabs when the rotors are cold. It has done this since the thing had 8000 on it. Bad re-sale.

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  Jeep Cherokee - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Waysco - September 21 - 3:23 pm

  This vehicle has been everything we could have imagined and more, and she still has a lot to offer. One of the best 4x4s we have ever owned. It would go through snow and ice like it was dry roadway. The Best.

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  Pure Jeep - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Matt The Hammer - September 21 - 7:00 am

  If the interior was too small, why did you buy it? Cherokees were a low cost SUV that were passed by the modern minivan/"SUV" that are being sold now. It was one of the last real SUVs. SUVs were not nice to ride - they were utility vehicles. That being said, my Cherokee does exactly what I need it to do. It rides nice, decent mileage, and can carry a few people. Jeeps are easy and cheap to maintain. Use aftermarket replacement parts (there are A LOT of them out there) and youll be happy with the Cherokee for quite some time. If you want a cushy, roomy, nice riding car: buy a minivan. If you want an SUV: buy a Jeep (except the Liberty).