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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ONE TUFF JEEP - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
By ONE TUFF JEEP - June 8 - 6:36 pmIve owned my jeep for about 8 years. Ive had no major problems to deal with since. Ive got mine hooked-up for off-road(4" lift w/32s and some bolt-on engine mods) its literally a beast on wheels. I can get through anything I want. I pass 50k$ SUVs going up the slickest of roads on my ski trips. I highly recommend to any one looking for an affordable off road vehicle. Gas-mileage stinks--- 13mpg combined, but its been very good to me, plus its paid off...
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Bullit Proof - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
By Mike - May 20 - 8:46 amHas well over 100K miles and still running strong. Brakes have a slight pulsating problem.
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Really Crappy Wiring - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
By Rabbit - May 18 - 8:36 amAfter 10 years, nearly every wire in the Jeep is cracking and beginning to fail. Intermittent failures in the window operators, instruments, radio. Cruise control, horn and airbag are all out of commission. Car has never been crashed or bumped and has had only light 4wd use, but body panels are coming loose, trim strips and bumpers are falling off. Transmission is noisy. Death wobble is getting steadily worse even after new tires, shocks, dampener and alignment. The Jeep is the newest of my three cars and the only one that I seriously want to get rid of. VERY Disappointed.
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awesome - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
By JustinKN - May 14 - 10:00 amI love this vehicle. It is my 4th vehicle, and easily the best. Its not the most expensive but its the newest and has the best feature content and performance of all the rest. The only problems Ive had were an old worn radiator hose that had to be replaced ($8 big whoop), and a tire that fell apart. Not the Cherokees fault. Worn Uniroyal tires...It has brand new Michelins now. Big improvement.
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nice jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
By cwnaaa - April 11 - 2:00 amThis jeep is excellent for off road and climbing over 15inch rocks and then going down highway nice ride just the right automoble for living in New England. the anly thing is if you use reg. gas it get about 15 miles to a gallon if you put in super you get about 20 mpg. so I send a little more but get 30%better gas mileage
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Good hunting rig - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
By MNtrailhunter - March 17 - 3:06 pmMy XJ has been a good hunting vehicle. With a minor lift and larger tires, It can go through just about anything. It sucks the gas and isnt the best for larger people to be in but it has a lot of cargo area compared to the TJs.
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Jeeper for Life - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
By Love my Jeep - March 9 - 10:36 amWith my 91 Cherokee Limited having 258000 miles on it I decided to buy something a little newer. I have always loved jeeps. The boxiness is great. The L6 pulls my trailer and 2 atvs with no problems (sportsman 500,600). The fuel is decent for something like this. The auto trans is bullet proof. They should never have stopped building these. My only complaint is the power windows. The sport is the most expensive to replace as it is a dealer only item.
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I miss my Jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
By Johnny - February 28 - 11:36 pmToughest and most reliable vehicle I have ever owned, foreign or domestic. Had to sell it at 150,000 miles so I could get my wife a new vehicle, but it was still going strong. Tough, reliable and simple.
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Ill Miss Mine - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By mfern23 - February 25 - 10:00 pmMy Mom bought a 98 Cherokee Sport in October 1997 and she said this was the best car she ever owned. A little over six years later this became my car and it lasted another six years. Had some electrical issues (fuel gauge was useless) and one or two major repairs, but when it came down to it this was one reliable vehicle. Fuel economy was decent (16 city/21 hwy), ride was fairly comfortable, and the 4x4 was outstanding. Had to trade her in at 140,595 miles, loved her so much got another Jeep (06 Wrangler Sport, like this one too) but I will always miss her. Honestly, if they still made these Cherokees I wouldve gotten one.
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Good Little Jeep - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By boggse - February 21 - 10:00 amI have to say that my Cherokee has got to be the best vehicle I have ever owned. Not the most reliable or fun to drive, but simply thie best overall package. While it seems outdated compared to all of the newer small SUVs out there (including the Liberty), it has a charm that is timeless. The biggest problem Ive had has been the power window regulators. Highway fuel economy is great for a 30 year old I6 engine design, I get about 17/24 mpg.
