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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  cannot complain - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By dajeep - January 7 - 2:00 am

  .When I purchased my jeep, it had 7 miles. I now have 267,000 actual miles. This Cherokee has never needed any engine or transmission work. However, I have had to replace the following: rotors 60k, radiator/ water pump 230k(I did not flush it enough), front washer motor 150k, power steering pump 170k, alternator 180k, ignition/steering column problems 265k. Also, expect to have to replace the rubber mat that protects the underside of the engine. I think anyone would agree these numbers are impressive. I am very pleased that I chose a cherokee, it has been relatively inexpensive to maintain.

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  Uconnect and Jeep - 2015 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeepsucks100 - January 2 - 8:41 am

  Trailhawk doesnt let you turn off the radio can only is mute it and then you have to turn off the touch screen or else the station info keeps displaying. When start car next time its all back on. Tech at it worst. Do not buy if you dont like constant distraction!

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  I love Jeep! - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Christene DeRossitt - December 23 - 7:36 pm

  First of all this is my first brand new vehicle, and my first SUV. I shopped around ALOT, and I found that I kept coming back to the Jeep Cherokee Limited. I bought mine with just about every upgrade you could get. The inside is very nice. I love how comfortable the seats are, they will be great for long term driving, even the back seats are just as good. The exterior is equally as nice. I think chrome wheels would have looked better but these look good, and are probably more durable too. The Panoramic Sunroof is perfect I get plenty of light, and when its open I feel like Im in a convertible.The only bad thing I have to say is I wished I would have got the V6. There just isnt a lot of power to it. With that said I test drove the V6 too and there was not a big difference in power or take off. But my previous vehicle was a Pontiac with V6 which are know to have lots of power, so I guess I just have to get use to it. The only Vehicle I found that compared as well was the FORD Edge but it cost more too, other than that I LOVE my new JEEP.

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  Lot of Miles - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By RDS - December 23 - 5:30 am

  I bought my Jeep new and now have 178000 miles on it. I have done very little maintenance on it other than regular stuff like oil changes etc.. I get around 23 mpg with the 4.0 six/5 spd. I still have the original clutch in it. I wish they still made the Cherokee.

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  The end of an era - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Old Bear - December 9 - 11:20 am

  Rugged tough vehicle with plenty of power on tap. Well built and gives you plenty of street cred. Yes, it is rather juicy but what else would you expect from a four litre engine. What I loose in fuel bills I save in general repair costs. Why on earth did they stop making them?

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  Stil the best - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By chris h. - December 4 - 2:40 am

  bought this in 05 with 40K on it in showroom new shape , added air raid cold air induction & t/b spacer to up horsepower and save gas (when i could keep from gunning it..WOW) always wanted one and when i finally got it just couldnt get enough. Most people dont get the chance to put a daily driver 4wd to the test but I made sure i did and this vehicle took everything from 3 ft snow drifts to 2ft deep flooded areas like a champ. Make sure you keep up the maintenance and youll be perfect. Oh and you gotta love that Jeep finally changed the liberty for 08 to look like a modern Cherokee, guess they do listen ;o)

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  Rotors, Rotors, Rotors - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Rich F. - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I purchase my Jeep Cherokee Sport 4WD new back in July of 2001. I did enjoy driving it and it was my first Cherokee after owning 4 Grand Cherokees. I switched to the Cherokee after having numerous problems with the Grand Cherokees. In the end, the one problem that still persisted with the Cherokee was that the rotors warped approximately every 12,000-15,000 when they were just out of warranty. I have heard that the newer Jeep have a better brake design but I was not willing to try another one at this time. I just purchased a new 2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 and I am much more impressed with the build quality when compared to the Jeeps.

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  If you hadnt stopped making it....... - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By b81651 - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I leased my vehicle new in Jan, 2000. As like many others, its been in for (2) sets of front rotors and brakes. For those of you that keep loosing coolant "Guess what - its the cracked head!! that the dealers failed to notice all (6) times that I brought it back!" Its been a joy to own otherwise and wish they hadnt discontinued it for that hideous Liberty. Maybe if you bring it back with all of the improvements that you put on the Grand Cherokee, I just might buy another one!!

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  last of great line - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By E Wallis - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Im reaching 75000 miles and my Jeep is going strong. Only problem was the A/C blower motor went out which was $500 in parts labor. Other than that, its been normal upkeep and service. If you can find a 5spd manual Id highly suggest it. With my modified intake, K&N filter, 62mm throttle body and flowmaster exhaust I pull 22-23 mpg city, and 25mpg on the freeway. Its been a reliable vehicle and has never let me down. After a decade of the Cherokee, the 2001 by far is the best model. Chrysler did a good job of working out all the bugs and quirks from previous models. If you want your leather seats, 40mpg, 0db noise, and weak engine go with a Hybrid, otherwise get a Jeep.

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  Apparently no option for a V6 Trailhawk review... - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By bodhizuffa - November 25 - 2:38 pm

  So this is what I have. I love it so far but only have about 500 miles on it. Like I said, I love it, it drives great, love the uConnect system. Keep that in mind as I will only list my gripes so far here. The A Pillar is very big, so gauging traffic to the left and turning and/or pulling into traffic takes some getting used to. The throttle is really sensitive. Takes some time to get used to it. Also, the steering is very boosted at slow speeds; more weighted otherwise. I prefer a direct and consistent response, but thats my preference. I also wish the tilt/telescoping steering was a little more adjustable. It doesnt go low enough for me. But a great vehicle so far.