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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  A Beast - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By balexander800 - February 8 - 1:13 pm

  My 1998 XJ was given to me by my father. Although it is rather old it still can open up and be just as powerful as the day my family bought it. So far it has over 210,000 miles on it and still runs and looks like a champ. There hasnt been a single time Ive been stuck somewhere or unable to get where I needed to go. Service on this Jeep is nearly never needed as long as the oil gets changed and the gas if full. The only issue Ive had is with the gas mileage. However, you can have gas mileage or you can have power and a strong, well- built car.

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  Still going and going - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By christopherM - February 2 - 2:23 pm

  This baby has never let me down. It even ran on little transmission fluid not once but twice. Two great stories. No major difficulties. I have kept the maintenance well and she has never let me down. Multiple trips from DC area to Buffalo in winter and no concerns. Great off road ability not like todays small SUVs (overgrown station wagons) A great reliable vehicle, Im glad I get to keep it and am upset I have to get a commuter car to save on gas. New brakes at 52000 miles, now have over 117k and no problems, still has original shocks, which do need replaced by now. otherwise, it keeps going. wish new jeeps were this reliable bring back the 4.0 or the equivalent diesel.

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  My Baby! - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Lindy26 - January 31 - 3:43 pm

  Owned it for several years now. Plain as they come. 4 cylinder. 5-speed. Manual windows (remember those?). Added factory AM-FM tape/CD and roof racks. 2.5" lift is nice. K&N filter helped too. Ive owned 5 other Jeeps with 4 cylinder and sticks; love em. No rock climber but 4WD low is all I need for off roading anyway.

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  Cherokee the 1 - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By bigdeacon - January 19 - 2:16 am

  This is a very reliable vehicle. Only complaint I have is a noisy exhaust because of vibration from hardened rubber rings in between pipes. It doesnt ride like a Caddy but if you really need to get there it will take you there though sunshine pouring in the moonroof or plowing though a foot of snow! No breakdown or problems yet as of 85,000 miles.

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  Rock Solid - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By XJTOM - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Cherokee from my Father with 50000mi I now have 106000mi and Shes still running strong! Great off road vehicle! only real problem was a leaking rear main seal,has never let me down! Wish they hadnt quit making them! I plan on keeping Her a long time

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  super car - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By tjm - December 23 - 10:00 pm

  This is my 3rd Cherokee and loved them all. Ive had this for 9 years and it runs fantastic. Nothing but oil, tires and brakes in all these years. Off road it totally kicks. It is nimble, quick, engineered very well for its purpose. It is just a very lively and capable JEEP. I expect it to last many more years.

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  Great Ride! - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By craig - December 21 - 9:26 pm

  Ive had my Cherokee for almost 2 years and have not had a problem with it. I bought mine used with 34K and now have almost 70K and it runs like a charm. Within a year I had to put new tires and shocks. Aside from that, I have not had any issues. Its fast, handles rather well, gets prety good gas milage and isj ust a workhorse.

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  Bulletproof 98 SE 4Dr, 4WD - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Ted - December 6 - 9:50 pm

  Bought it NEW in 98, now have 136K on it. Have the 4.0 L I-6 motor & 5 speed manual tranny -- super strong. 23 mpg highway is FAB for a boxy SUV this capable. Like the look, like the color (chili pepper red), like the performance, LOVE the durability. NO major repairs. Biggest repair item has been waterpump. HUGE value for the money. We have the cheap dash w/ idiot lights, and the gas gauge has had problems for years. My wifes vehicle, and it does all our "dirty work" hauling stuff, and ALL snow duty. Interior is plain, back seat best for kids, but tolerable for 1 - 2 hour trips for adults. I see these Cherokees ROUTINELY go 250-300K. 4WD is easy to use. ALL JEEP, ALL GOOD.

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  Undervalued, in my opinion. - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Austin - December 4 - 10:00 am

  First car. Had it for six years until it was rear ended. Literally drove it from coast to coast with no problems. Smooth response at lower speeds with just enough torque on the highway to get you around a semi in a hurry. Handling was great around town. Good turning radius. Bumpy ride. Passengers dont enjoy it much. Backseat kinda cramped. But from the drivers seat its not a problem. Front shocks went out along with water pump and compressor after a few years. Other than that, the engine never gave me any problems, even with my terrible upkeep. Engine was abused with stop and go driving in 100 degree heat with few oil changes the whole time I drove it. Held up great.

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  Great price on OK vehicle - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By justinkl - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Im an 18 year old high school student and have had this car almost a year. Bought it to replace my 94 accord. Paid $10,000 for it with ~42,000 miles! Has every option except leather. Gas milage sucks at 13mpg in the city, but then again, I am a lead footed teen. The car seems to like to break on me. Replaced transfer case 3 times, drive shaft twice and rear differential twice, all on Keffers tab! Only other money spent out of pocket has been a set of tires and rear brakes (oil changes and gas dont count!)