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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  Solid - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By leben - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my jeep 2 years ago after having a variety of cars with power everything that were nothing but trouble and expensive to replace. My jeep has power nothing, and I love it. Nothing breaks, nothing squeaks or rattles. Every time I turn the key it fires right up. It hasnt let me down in the snow, rain, mud, or rocks. My only repairs in 25000 miles of driving have been new front discs and new tires (expected). Simple enough to make repairs by myself.

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  Real SUV - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By appltech - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Cherokee with 42000 miles on it. except for few minor annoyances such as transfer case lever that vibrates now and again, an exaust system that vibrates a little on start up on cold days and a minor recall this vehicle has been very reliable. This is the real deal, not a car with 4WD so expect more of truck like experience. I wish jeep had up dated the cherokee in the same vein as the Grand Cherokee; by keeping the solid front axle etc.

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  good old jeep - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By christine - February 4 - 2:30 pm

  Me and my husband got this Jeep after I drove on of his buddys jeeps. I like his and wanted one. This Jeep has been good to us. Just the normal repairs. We bought it used with 43,000 miles. Good power, goes in snow and mud. I would like to get a brand new one if I could. We have 105,000 miles and it still is going strong.

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  LOVE My Baby Jeep!! - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Stacey - February 2 - 5:57 pm

  I just traded in my 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee for the 2016 Cherokee Latitude (v6) and OMG! Im in love. I didnt think I would like a smaller version of what I had but I was wrong. The comfort, the bells and whistles and the road handling. I feel like Im in a sporty type vehicle. It handles curves AWESOME! Im happy. The ONLY thing that can be a little annoying is the ceiling noise. I guess, with the panoramic moon roof, the glass doesnt shield road noises like a metal ceiling would. But it looks FABULOUS when the roof is exposed! I love it! Ill always have a Jeep in my life! Since I only had 11 miles when I got it (2 days ago), I cant speak to the gas mileage yet, but the car is wonderful! I LOVED My Grand Cherokee, but it had soooooooo many issues. It was hard to part with it because it was truly my Dream car, but this baby Jeep has me wondering what took me so long. Great look, great "toys", great handling and GREAT car! But wait! Forgot to mention the fact that with UConnect, I am able to start my car from ANYWHERE. From my computer at my desk(!!!), from the mobile app on my phone or from my keyfob.

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  The real thang - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Karpindur - January 29 - 9:56 am

  This vehicle is the best I have ever owned. Its a kick to drive, has a classic, handsome style that stands out more as new models of SUVs get weirder and weirder. I wish I had waited for a 4X4, but my wife had to have our gunmetal blue Cherokee. Backseat passengers tend to complain on long trips, but hey, its not about them is it? We put an awesome sound system in it, and use Mobil One synthetics in the oil, tranny and differential. We change oil every 3,000, and the boy runs like the day we drove it off the lot (now at 102,000). So far, it has been Uber Reliable. This weekend I fixed the problem with the oxidation of the exterior plastic trim. We plan to keep this one forever.

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  Jeep the only way to Drive - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Shadowwolf - January 29 - 1:10 am

  Well except for the dealership I bought the jeep from it has been a wonderful experience and I am not starting the slow process of building it up for really radical off-roading fun. This thing is truly the sports car of SUVs. I can take corners almost as well as a lot of the modern muscle cars and with a rolling start (30mph-40mph) I can keep up with some of the big boys until I hit 95 or so then I back off :) PLEASE REMEMBER This is a SUV and as such it has a HIGHER Center of gravity

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  Bring back the cherokee - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By truxton - January 25 - 7:00 pm

  My 2001 is my second Cherokee. I bought a new 1994 when Chrysler rumors came out that it would be discontinued. The 2001 was the last year, so i bought a 2001 Cherokee classic. My daughter has a 2000 and my son has a 1998. The Cherokee was a classic well built utilitarian vehicle. I love the visibility, 4x4 ability and the dependability.

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  Only Jeep Owners Understand... - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By nikana20895 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 1995 Jeep Cherokee in 1996 and have enjoyed every minute of it, from driving it, cleaning it, and admiring it while it is parked. I have only performed maintenance and due to a harsh winter this year, I had to replace the radiator. All other parts are still original.

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  The best vehicle ever built! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeep lover - January 16 - 11:13 am

  I have driven my Cherokee to hell and back, and it still keeps ticking. Yeah, I rides like a tank, leaks some, and does not get the greatest mpg, but it is the most reliable vehicle I will ever own. It has never left me stranded, stuck, or regretful. After 200000 miles, I still get the same mileage, and performance as I did when I bought it. Great project vehicle, and daily driver. I recommend anyone to buy it. Mobil, Lucas, K&N. Total cost of repair at 200,000+ miles--$2000, minus wear and tear (plugs, oil,tires, etc.).

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  Good - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By mnclark - January 7 - 4:23 am

  I bought this Jeep "on impulse" because I needed something to drive. The 4.0l engine is incredible at 285k miles and I havent put any work into it. Does great off road and I drive the hell out of it. Real steal and I look forward to driving it for a while!