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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  Cherokee Limited V6 4 x 4 - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By jnlon98uc - April 17 - 6:23 am

  Purchased this vehicle in June of 2014, Two months later the front end started to shimmy/wobble when accelerating from a stop or taking a corner from a stop. Took it to the dealer and they confirmed the problem and said they will replace both front axles as recommended by Star Case S1421000022 (not sure what that is). Axles replaced and it still does the same thing. Will return to dealer when the 1000 mile break-in period for the new axles is up. Acceleration from a stop is not very responsive either.

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  ndiw - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Oumar - April 16 - 10:00 am

  didnt like it until I start driving it. Its very stable and powerful. Driving it gives me a lot of confidence, it feels like the strongest flexible car to drive

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  The Greatest American Car Ever Built!!!! - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By FM - April 13 - 10:56 pm

  The car has never been to the dealer just now 01/02/09 the motor over heated so its getting a complete engine rebuild the cylinder heads and walls do not have a single scratch and no sludge in the crank case was offered $5000 for the car will never sell priceless!

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  Good, Bad, Ugly - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Gerald Scott - April 7 - 12:11 pm

  I took my first long trip in my new 2016 Cherokee Sport. First the Good. Gas mileage as stated on the sticker was the gas mileage I got. The comfort was good, not great. Thats it. Nothing else good about this vehicle. Second: The Bad. Do they make shocks for this vehicle? I could feel every bump and crack in the road. On the highway you felt like you were constantly going over speed bumps. The radio was BAD. You couldnt hear the sound because of the thumping of the speaker against the dash. The air conditioner kept making noise. I could hear the engine when the vehicle was sitting at a light or when we were on the road. Now the UGLY: NOISE FATIGUE: Please stop the noise. It never stops. The radio makes ugly noise, the tires make noise, the air conditioner makes noise. Im tire of the noise. I can hear other vehicles passing by. I cant hear the radio with all the noise. Im giving this vehicle up as soon as I can. There, Im tired.

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  Rest in Peace - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By dtskiles - March 13 - 10:00 am

  At 75,000 miles the A/C died. Repairs were VERY costly. Gas mileage was stable from day one - at a dismal 17mpg. But the engine itself is amazing. That inline 6 is about the more reliable engine Ive ever owned and gives the car more power than it needs.

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  I dont know what Ive gotten myself into - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jasmine - March 11 - 6:05 pm

  I have been having issues with this care starting.. it sounds like it doesnt want to start. When I put the key in to start it up, it sounds like it isnt turning over. I had to push the gas pedal so that it would start up and I shouldnt have to, so I am worried about this, and I dont want to continue with this lease. I dont know if anyone else is having this issue but I am thinking about

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  Why did Jeep Discontinue the Cherokee? - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Shaun07 - March 7 - 2:40 am

  I bought my Jeep in 2003 as a used vehicle. It had 75,000 miles on it which is a lot for only being 3 years old. Since Ive had it nothing major has gone wrong with the exception of the right front brake caliper locking against the rotor. Everything that has gone wrong with it before that happened when it was still under warranty.

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  Works for me - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By sbmackie - February 19 - 3:33 pm

  Bought to fill light hunting/skiing duty in New Mexico. Gets 17 around town (light foot), and about 21 on the highway in hilly/mountainous country. I coast a lot down hill and keep the speed down to 70 max. Have three kids; a bit cramped in hip room in back seat. Front ample for me, rear leg room OK if I pull the front seats forward a bit. With rear seat down, dog, guns, gear, etc. fit nicely. Rides fine. Have put 10,000 miles on it since I bought it (total 56,000) with only the standard oil/filter/lube. Easy for this very non-mechanical person to work on. I would recommend for anyone who needs a good four person small SUV that has SUPERB off road capability and adequate in town manners.

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  absolutely indestructible - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By samnkiki - February 19 - 4:13 am

  Father drove it home brand new off the lot in 1998 from lous jeep eagle in Geneva illinois. Its in my garage as I write this next to the wifes Acura mdx. I cant put into words how amazing this vehicle is. I refuse to buy another car until she dies on me. 311,346 thousand miles and aside from tires batteries belts lights. .ya know wear items. ..shes been solid as titanium! Years ago when roads were impassable I was passing hummers and other "4wd" vehicles.

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  This Jeep is tough - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Great Jeep - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I have put this jeep through alot in the few months that ive owned it(car accident that almost totaled it) After that it came back better then before surprising to me. This vehicle has had new pads and the rotors turned once nothing to bad sinc i did it myself. Starts fine when the temp dips below 0. Very good vehicle.