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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  Jeepers--no creepers - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Littlebear - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Good value. Reliable. Excllent off- road. 4.0 liter is plenty of power, even if towing a camper. Heater is great--quick to heat up. Best 4X around for my money. Full size spare is a necessity if going off road. A great family car.

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  it wont Die - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By vtags - October 12 - 11:30 am

  267,000 miles...more worried about the rust possibilities than anything mechanical. It is a dependable tank. Not glamorous, just reliable

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  Jeep 6 month review - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By DMBstang21 - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Had a 94 Mustang and wanted an opposite vehicle to compare it with. This is it, exactly; with the exception of power being comprable (the jeep feels as fast as the v6 mustang) and them consuming about the same amount of gas (18-20MPG). I can help my friends move, tow small loads, pass on the grass, take all the short cuts I can find, not slow down to 1MPH everytime I see a bump, and park where ever I please. Try doing that in a 2door sports car with z-rated tires. This is not your typical SUV, this is not a living room on wheels. It is similar in size to an Escape or CRV and remains true to its herratage of off-road capable vehicles.

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  My Jeep Cherokee - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Calvin Bevard - August 6 - 10:00 am

  This jeep has alot of miles on it and the inline 6 engin is a good strong engin0

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  1998 Jeep Cherokee Classic - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Roger Smith - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Coming up on 5 years of ownership. This is the bright red (Flame Red) Jeep color. Paint has held up extremely well. Mechanically, this has been a very sound car. I have the 4.0 6 cyl. engine. "Bullet proof." This is the 3rd Jeep Cherokee that I have owned. Quite pleased and a safe car. Easy to maintain and very reliable. Ride is more "truck like" than a Grand Cherokee - I own one of those, too...Make no mistake - in the snow or in slick conditions the Cherokee out- performs the Grand Cherokee

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  Love this car - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Genevieve - June 26 - 2:00 pm

  I bought my jeep as a college sophomore back in 2005. Purchased in New York where Im from, and attending school in Savannah, GA, I knew I was in for some serious mileage. I did my research and found a great Cherokee. That car has been up and down the east coast at least 10 times, been in rough road in the swamps of the deep south, and it never died. There were a few minor electrical problems, along with no CD player, however it was perfect. I just sold it (and miss it so much!) due to another long trip across the country, but will probably buy a jeep again.

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  There is nothing better for the money! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By David S - June 24 - 7:50 pm

  What is not to like about this car? Its beautiful, fun to drive, RELIABLE, and has a spunky engine.

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  Great Car - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jill from LI - June 13 - 5:53 am

  This was my first car and was purchased from a family friend about two years ago. It is extremely low maintenance so far, with the exception of the gas! I get about 15 mpg but lately it seems much lower. However, despite the $3.50 gas prices and my very low income, I refuse to buy anything but a Jeep Cherokee and I wish that they didnt stop making them. This car is extremely fun to drive, very roomy, excellent trunk space. I have had no problems with this 11 year old car except to replace the rear brake line in the winter of 2004 because I had been driving over so many snow banks and created a leak in it. Besides that I plan to use this car for as long as I can. Im up to 112,000 miles and going strong!

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  Great vehicle - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By stevenwv17 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I havent had the vehicle long but it runs like a champ. Great vehicle. I love Chrysler products.

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  Solid - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Shawn - May 11 - 11:00 am

  My wife and I have put 30,000 miles on it since we got it with 50,000 miles on it. Since then we had to replace the front rotors, drivers side power window motor and tires. The 4WD light does not display in the instrument cluster and sometimes (after a lot of rain) the cluster will not work for a few minutes. All in all we like it. The ride is stiff but tolerable. It is an absolute blast off road. It is also very good in the snow. We typically average about 20mpg.