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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  Nothing else like it - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Kyle V - September 11 - 11:46 am

  I bought my XJ almost a year ago. After selling my 88 F250(needed cash) and GMC 2500(horrible truck!). I have put 35,000+ on the truck in under a year I drive about 45 minutes to work everyday. I also take the truck off roading dozens of times a month for hours at a time. It has a 4.5 inch RC lift and handles better off road then my friends vehicles by far a wrangler, bronco and samurai. Ive put it through hell and back and never been stuck or had any maintenance issues. Im 19 years old and I plan to keep it forever. It turns my 31 inch tires with all the added weight from the new heavy duty leaf springs and coil I installed. LOVE IT

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  I normally buy Fords - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By modeladriver - September 3 - 1:44 am

  After test driving almost every Ford SUV my back was killing me. This car stopped the pain on the test drive. I have read about the programming problem on the early 2014s. Mine is August 2013 but have had not a bit of trouble. Sometimes the tranny thinks too much when deciding gears but most of the time it is smooth. A pure joy on a long trip and I can drive for hours. The interior is well crafted and the car looks more expensive than it was. I have the six cylinder and get a a hard 32 mpg on the highway with 27 around town. I will achieve 110 mph rather quickly. You never get to the ninth gear. I am glad I bought it.

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  Chrysler and Ferman Sucks - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By FermanBAD - September 2 - 2:00 am

  When I purchased the Jeep it had bad rust on the under carriage pitted metal on frame, muffler, steering arms, etc... cause by exposure to salt, on a brand NEW Vehicle! The Dealer and Chrysler refused to do anything about it, stating that it was an acceptable amount - Not for me or anyone I showed it to.

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  Great Car - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By tinad - August 31 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy driving my Jeep. It accelerates smoothly and feels like a car on the open highway. The handling and performance is very good and the Classic style is very nice.

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  Crash Tested!! - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Katelyn - August 28 - 11:50 pm

  I leased a 2016 Jeep Cherokee and recently got into a terrible accident with the car. I was shocked how the car reacted to the accident. It did what it was built to do, which was save me and the car itself fell apart. I got hit on the drivers side and then the force from that forced me to hit a telephone pole. I was told that if I had been driving my old car, which was a 2010 Volkswagen, the accident wouldve been much worse and my injuries wouldve been worse. I highly suggest this car to anyone that is looking at a Jeep. It is extremely reliable and has the best ride Ive ever driven in a car. Its great in the snow/rain as well. If youre looking into Jeeps, definitely look at this one! I also suggest the Jeep Grand Cherokee, as I have that one as well. Both of these vehicles are wonderful and their performance is top of the line.

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  The best vehicle ever built - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By FBHSswimmer2006 - August 28 - 3:43 am

  I love my Cherokee. I fell in love with it the second that I saw it on the dealership lot. I surf so its a lot fun to drive, especially on the beach. It can take anything that I throw at it and what I need it to do. It is the best vehicle that I have ever had. Im gonna keep it until it dies, even with todays gas prices. Chrysler needs to bring this Jeep back and sell it again.

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  go any where you need to or want - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By stew - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is ready right of the show room floor, and with just a few hundred dollers you can go any where you want no matter where it is. it is small enough to get threw the woods and big enough to go threw the deep water.

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  The Great Jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By TJL - August 26 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jeep, it is my third one in about 6 years, my wife and I have two right now and love them both. Reliablity is great, they have never let me down. Use the 4wd lots and you cant stop them in the snow. Would highly suggest them to anybody who needs a rugged SUV.

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  Great Jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Great Jeep - August 23 - 2:43 am

  Have had my Jeep for 10,000 miles so far. So far It has just needed routine oil changes, a battery, and some tires for the winter. Very reliable and dependable vehicle. Would recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable SUV. It gets decent fuel economy; probably get around 320 miles on a tank of gas.

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  Love this cherokee - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By vlowe945 - August 4 - 6:21 pm

  my wife & I wasnt fans of the front end design but all it took was a test drive to forget about that! it stickered $31,380 minus the rebate you CAN NOT go wrong it had the features we wanted & nothing we didnt. we traded our loaded challenger rallye sst and it beats that car in comfort and drivability alone! the dealership was 102 miles away we got 31 mpg, storage space is everywhere, the manual passenger seat is comfortable, the upgraded Uconnect 8.4a is user friendly not to mention the electronic dash, the gas gauge :( cant tell if its at 3/4 or 1/4 tank. BUT weve only had it 2 days and 3xs its had trouble starting not for sure why only got 165 miles on it. didnt like NO CD player.