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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  Love / Hate Relationship - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Bill F - October 12 - 4:00 am

  I bought this Jeep used w/ 40K miles on it for my kids. 5 years later it has 70K miles. I have spent a fortune replacing parts on this. Both front and rear differentials, ball joints, radiator, water pump,and more. Check engine light is on again. Probably another $250 part needed. It is a solid feeling truck that is fun to drive. The seats need more support. I keep hoping the last repair will be it, and that it is good to go for many more miles and years. Ive got too much invested in it now to unload it. Maybe the prior owner abused it and I am paying the price. My luck has been nothing like those of the other reviewers.

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  OIIIIO thrills - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By OIIIIO driver - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I have a 93 indestructible Cherokee. I just bought this 97 Cherokee, with 245K miles on it. Paid $1500 for him. My 93 is a standard this 97 is an automatic. IF you can find one get one. I easily expect to get 300 K out of this Jeep. I have 2 new cars a 4runner and a Pontiac, but would rather drive my 97 Jeep any day than these due to the fact "he" is solid as a rock. If the powers that be ever read these blogs , they would re invent these Jeeps, and would have a new following, I love mine and dread the day (if ever) I get rid of it.

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  Owned many Jeeps...this is the best! - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeepcrz - September 24 - 8:14 am

  I love my new Jeep Cherokee 4x4 Limited. It is the 6 cylinder engine and has plenty of power. It seemed a little on the expensive side at the time of purchase but now I couldnt be happier. The fit and finish is great. The leather interior looks rich. I have the blue and brown leather. The transmission is very smooth, and although it took some getting used to, I really like the design of the exterior.

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  Strong and Steady - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Todd - September 20 - 10:56 am

  I owned my Cherokee for 4 1/2 years. It was a great vehicle. The V6 is capable and the 4 wheel drive is awesome. The truck got me through any type of condition with no problems. Overall reliability was great. The only items that I replaced (outside of normal maintenance items like brakes and tires) were a steering linkage piece and a power window part. Other than that, the vehicle was free of problems. If they still made them I would buy another. Since they dont I bought the new Patriot which is the most similar thing Jeep now makes.

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  I did all right and still got burned - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By TC - September 16 - 6:30 pm

  I enjoyed my Jeep thoroughly. I kept my Jeepster in pristine shape inside and out. You could literally eat off the floors and or hood. Within 8 years of ownership I had an oil leak where dropping the tranny became a necessary fix costing me $800 - and from there it mechanically went downhill FAST. The radiator, water pump and finally the rod bearings. The rod bearings would cost me a remanfacturered engine at a cost of $2000 + labor. The dealership here in Central Florida said $4300 and I said see ya. I had to figure if it was worth the time and money. The Jeep value being ONLY $3300. I loved my Jeep! Yet if I fix it what would the possibilities be of something else going wrong, like the A/C?

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  Jeep Cherokee Rocks! - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By jwilsonprice - September 9 - 10:00 am

  We bought this SUV when we moved into a neighborhood in New Hampshire where the roads were unpaved and the 1/2 mile of road to our new house rutty, muddy, and not maintained by our town. This Jeep has performed beautifully in the multiple ice and snowstorms we have had and has done nicely in getting me out of the driveway when a foot of snow was still on the ground. I absolutely love the style of the Cherokee and do love the way it handles. I am so sad they have discontinued it!

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  My second jeep cherokee - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By jasonc314 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought this jeep off some goofy dealer in Ohio who i honestly think he was slow. I won a auction on Ebay and snagged it for $5000. It had 98k miles when i got it, it now has 106000. I like the jeep because of the first one i bougt was an89 with 88k. I still have it but has turned into a body work project due to rust but it never broke down. Anyway, we get a lot of snow and this thing is insane in snow/mud. Havent had a chance to get new one in snow/mud. THE GAS MILEAGE SUCKS BADLY, but i love the power. I could burn off the tires in three street blocks.Easy to work on.Nickel and dime problems Lose the liberty, bring back CHEROKEE.

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  1500 mile winter road trip - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By lamalips - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Just completed a ski trip to Banff,Canada from Seattle, Washington. The Jeep is an awesome performer in the deep snow. Very comfortable ride. Great head light system and a very smooth V8 engine and transmission. We just sold our 1994 6cyl Larado which we liked very much ,but what a vast difference between cars. We love this vehicle.

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  I Love My Girl - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By jdcman - August 21 - 10:00 am

  This is easily the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Not only can it fit all my stuff and my friends, I can take them over the mountains of New Hampshire in a snowstorm. I spend most of my time in the city, and it is by far the easiest vehicle to parallel park (I used to drive a Neon and an Altima). The ride is solid, the pick up is there when you need it, and it sure does look great all cleaned up.

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  Too bad theyre gone - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By tinias - August 12 - 10:00 am

  A great ride. Very capable offroad, with good power and low end torque.