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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My Jeep - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
By Jeeper01 - June 3 - 11:13 pmI bought my jeep Cherokee Sport 3yrs. ago and never had any problems with so far and it has 140000 mi. on it.It is a great vehicle for off roading to get to my fav. fishin/campin/hunting spots here in PA..fuel economy is getting better with a Gibson Perf. exhaust and a K&N cold air intake and I just added a BBK 62 mm. throttle.There is so many mods. that you can add to this vehicle. that makes it so fun to own. Looks are great for town and off roading to.
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Starting to dim at 90K - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
By Bob V. - May 20 - 8:00 pmI have really been pleased with it. However, at 90K the rear differential has got noisy (an $1800. repair if you dont like noise). This Jeep eats brakes like french fries. Im on my 5th set. The AC controls are breaking down also. I was hoping for 125K, before retiring it, but Im wondering whats next. I paid 17K new. No absolute major repairs.
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Just plain great vehicle - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
By freebird - May 19 - 2:00 amThe only thing that comes to my is Great vehicle! Try it youll love them Enough said, no need to say more
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Two Whole Days Before Trouble - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
By Unhappy Sad Old Guy - May 17 - 4:42 pmBought car on Tuesday. Wife thrilled to get her desired suv Jeep, and Im thrilled to get her BMW, But wait!! Oh no!! Jeepy throws a "check engine" code on Friday, wife sad. Friendly dealer "fixes" errant code on Friday pm, wife somewhat revived. Oh no!! Code reappears on Sunday. Wife is in tears, wants her BMW back. How happy do you think I am right now?
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keep both hands on the wheel - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By Rocky Mountain - May 2 - 10:00 amPoor brakes,rear hatch rattles,hood release lever released in my hands. This vehicle is ideal for 4 wheel driving.
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Cherokee Sport - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
By C Barr - April 30 - 5:26 amIve had this jeep for a couple of years and I love driving it. It handles great in the rain and snow of Ohio, and feels very safe in adverse conditions. I havent had any major problems with it yet but my understanding is that it could be a problem later on. The biggest drawback to this vehicle is its overlack of comfort and interior amenities.
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Owner - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
By Earl Ashby - April 25 - 10:00 am1995 Jeep 4wd. Purchased used with 100,000 miles. Now have 132,000 miles. Have had to replace rotor cap button, spark plugs, oxygen and crank sensor at 128,000 miles. I have been very pleased with its performance and low maintenance. Previous owner ( next door neighbor ) also had low maintenance record. He had jeep approximatey 70,000 miles.
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its ok - not great - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
By g - April 21 - 5:20 amI bought this car brand new in 99. Had to replace transfer case ($2500), window regulator, speaker and wiring, front brake calipers and a few days ago the thermostat plus all kinds of other small stuff. Maybe other cars are worse, but until now it drove fine but in the last few months Ive had to spend a couple thousand dollars to keep it going. With 57,000 miles, Im worried about the next 40,000. Maybe its time to sell.
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Was sure, but now not so sure... - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
By bigskyguy1976 - April 21 - 2:00 amI fell in love with this vehicle years ago and thought I should buy one before the Liberty took them away. Test drove several (Limited only) and initialy loved it. I located one online and drove 400 miles to get it. Wish I hadnt now. Purchesed with 32,000 miles. Rotors have gone bad, engine is underpowered, 4x4 doesnt engage, electric defrosts died and there is a very un-nerving clunk in the rear upon deceleration/ braking. Oh, the leather interior is very cheap!
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Love my Jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
By Steve E - April 20 - 9:26 am128,000 miles and still kicking. I love my Jeep Cherokee. I hang on to it because there is nothing out there I want to replace it with. It is the perfect size, great motor, great 4WD system w/ part time/ full time and a simple vehicle. In deep mud and snow I still havent gotten stuck. I wish Jeep would bring this one back into production. Get back to basics!
