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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Very Nice Older SUV - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
By Cherokee - August 3 - 10:00 amThis is a great vehicle! I have had it for about 4 months now and I love it. I have never had a SUV so this is my first and I love this compact SUV. It has quiet a bit of power for a SUV. When I bought it, it came with 31 x 10.50 tires. So the gas mileage is right at 17mpg. But I like the big tires when I am four wheelin. This SUV is truely a Jeep, it does go just about anywhere! It is a very capable four wheel drive vehicle!
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"Jack-of-all-trades" yet master of many - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
By Mr. Sam - July 27 - 10:00 amIve had my Cherokee for almost two years now and I still love it. Only problems Ive had have been the O2 senser and a R134a leak (which is still not solved). No major problems (knock on wood). Bullet proof off-road capiblity. One of the fastest SUVs out there. Buy one and join the family!
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Love the Jeep - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By orange_to_the_t - July 20 - 10:00 amI only have 39K miles on my Jeep but so far I have not had any problems. The 4.0 in line 6 is very powerful and with the 5 speed stick it is quite good on gas, 18/22MPG.
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tank - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
By goose1215 - July 18 - 4:03 pmIm 16 and got this car for my first. It has 137,000 on it an other than flushing all the fluids this thing is a tank and it just cant be stopped. Winter is coming up which should be fun to see how it handles.
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Awesome SUV - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
By Tony D. - July 15 - 4:16 pmThis was my first jeep purchase and i am very pleased with my 2016 Cherokee Trailhawk. I got a great deal and was quite suprised on the comfort and the overall performance. The first weekend I had it i went out of town and i got about 28 mpg on the highway. The scond trip was to the beach and went about 300 miles on a half of tank. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for an SUV.
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What a Jeep! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By mozbeach - July 5 - 9:26 pmBought this Jeep, my first Cherokee, used in 2000. Traded in my 93 Wrangler for it. Thought I would hate it without the rag top, but this car is great. Carries my kids and all my toys. Runs great in all weather/conditions. I now have 170,000 miles (68,000 when bought) and am just starting to replace original equipment. Only negatives are the gas mileage and my instrument gauges periodically fail. No mechanic has been able to find the cause. Despite that I will never buy another SUV other than a Jeep.
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Excellent Spare/Snow Vehicle - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By byron555 - July 5 - 2:43 pmAfter exchanging our Subaru Outback for a mini van we found our selves without 4x4 for the first time. And we proceed with the snowiest winter in recorded Wisconsin history. We bought this as a "spare" vehicle, I say spare but it is now being used more than our 07 Hyundai Entourage Limited mini van. The 4.0 with the 5 speed accelerates with force up to 65 mph. The snow capability and stability easily rivals our old Outback, and the off road ability absolutely crushes the Outback. It is also far cheaper than a used Outback. I really like Subarus and have owned 7 of them, but I like this Jeep better than the 2000 Outback we owned.
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Special Dealer Edition - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
By Mike Jensen - July 4 - 6:32 pmThe only complaint I have is that the headlights do not appear as bright as my other SUV vehicle (Mitsubishi Outlander XLS 2007) I plan to have some high intensity LED driving lights installed. Overall I love this vehicle. The V6 is fun and has plenty of tow power, in sport mode it gets up and goes! This was a special edition ordered by the dealership and it had not even been offloaded off the transport and I said I wanted it after test driving a similar model. This one had 12 miles on it. It has the blacked out package, V6, and 18 inch wheels which were not offered through the manufacture website in the combination I bought. Side note: its not the Overland V6 but the Sport with dealer options, V6 etc.
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MY RED BABY! - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
By jeepdate - June 27 - 1:56 amI love this JEEP. Have owned it for going on 5 years now. Bought it with 27k miles on it, and have never ONCE not ONCE had it in the shop. It is built to drive. It is built for hauling (hauled my bass boat with it), and it is built to last. We have to sell it soon to accommodate our growing family, and I am just bummed that Jeep has decided not to make the Cherokee Classic style anymore. If you get a chance to buy one - DO IT!
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Horrible in Wet Weather - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
By ShouldveBought4x4 - June 9 - 2:00 amI have the 2WD model and its UNSAFE on any kind of wet pavement - in snow, rain, or even if someons watering their lawn. If the road is wet, I have to be VERY careful about applying the brakes or making a turn. Its too light in the back and fishtails even at very low speeds. Forget about driving it in any kind of snow/ice. I wish Id bought the base 4x4 instead of the 2WD Limited, but living in Dallas I didnt think Id use 4x4. It also has an annoyingly LOUD humming / vibration when idling in cold weather, and its very noisy on the road.
