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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  The best Jeep ever - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Brandon - May 6 - 2:40 am

  My Dad bought my Mom this Jeep 11 years ago on Valentines Day. Its elegant red paint still shines with an ocasionnal wax. Only miner work done except for a radiator and a new A.C. It shakes at 45- 50 mpg but its still a prety good Jeep.

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  after 80 days stilll not very happy - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By vlowe945 - April 28 - 9:44 am

  bought w/ 2 miles on it, 2nd day wouldnt start, been in the shop 6 times & towed once, transmission malfunctioned the ck engine brake & esc light came on then rolled forward down the driveway in reverse, it said service transmission & needed computer updates. when started it idles high then acts like its gonna die & smooths out, taking off from stop it shimmys from side to side. on the interstate with cruise @ 70 mph rpms are 2200 but plus or minus 1 mile the rpms drop to 1850, I resorted to video recording every time I got in it as evidence of trouble, have a active case with Jeep but if there is a issue and it doesnt throw a code its not fixable! but I did get a 6/60k free maint.

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  Wifes car - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Nancys husband - April 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought for my wife, she loved it, I didnt. Reliable, solid little car. Not roomy enough for me (63"). No complaints on mechanical side but too small to travel in. I had a Suburban and she the Cherokee Country, sold the Suburban and gave the Jeep to my son and compromised on a Tahoe. The only thing she likes on the Tahoe is the heated seats. Looked at a used 2000 Classic for her this morning.

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  Still at the trailhead for the Trailhawk - 2017 Jeep Cherokee
  By Joe Sidlauskas - March 31 - 10:26 am

  Too early to tell with just 347 miles. So far its great. The 4 cyl tigershark is fine.

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  Great off road vehicle - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By tom - March 17 - 12:33 am

  I use the vehicle in extreme off road hunting situations. Only modification is a 3 inch lift and 6 additional lights. It goes anywhere. I am a professional guide & retired law man, & I go where a goat should not. The only thing I would like is better fuel mileage on the highway. It has the 4 ltr./auto trans. Great vehicle, for what it was made for. Have tried many others, including imports. They cannot stay close in the off road situations. Requires more than normal maintenance, but that is the price you pay

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  Great for the price - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By J. - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Bought this three years old but only 10K miles. Love the thing...very comfortable, good visibility and performance. Super in snow and ice. The Liberty is a dog by comparison. Jeep should have never dropped the Cherokee.

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  Amazing car - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By buttered - February 8 - 11:00 pm

  I bought this car from my uncle at 127,000 miles. This thing is a beast. iv driven it to 182,000 miles and iv only had 2 problems. i had to replace the water pump and the rear O2 sensor. both cheap to buy and relatively easy to repair you self. i have never had a starting problem, well when its -30 out side in the morning she doesnt want to start, but she always starts. and people who complain about the drivetrain i have never had a problem, probably because i changed both rear and front differential fluid along with the transfer case fluid at about 160,000 miles, AND, i regular grease the drive shafts. All of theses are very easy to do and can significantly increase the live of a jeep.

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  180000 miles great SUV until it was totalled - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By dgh53 - January 11 - 11:28 pm

  My Jeep Cherokee 2001 Sport 4 dr 4x4 was one dependable vehicle. It did need a radiator after like ten years and a new a/c compressor but other than those items it was just great. Really going to miss it. A driver went left of center and totalled it on my wife. The airbags went off, and she did not even get a scratch my wife, the Jeep not so lucky front left fender , bumper, grill, wheel,suspension all took the hit. I would buy a new one if they still made them. Door still opened on driver side after the crash.

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  Jeep Rollover - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By s47extreme - January 3 - 2:00 am

  The jeep sport has been by far the best vehicle I have personally owned. It was very reliable and for a SUV, gas milage was great. It was a little uncomfortable to drive long distances and road kinda rough on those long road trips, but again its an SUV. I rolled this vehicle 2.5 times off the road and into a ditch at 55 mph. The vehicle was turned back over, I started it up and drove away in it. I was suprised.

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  Hi-N-Low desert runner - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By steve citron - January 1 - 3:57 am

  While I love my car, mine does not have cruise control. Since I live so far away from a metropolitan area, I need to travel a good distance to shop, and to get other services like medical, dental, cleaners, and food. It sometimes is hard to keep my speed down, as it wants to travel at speed, and I do not always want to do that. The speed limit out here in the desert is 65, but sometimes I find the speed creeping up to over 75!! So, I guess you must be vigilant to watch your speed out in the highways. I have had my Jeep for 13 years, and have over 120,000 miles, not ONE major repair, and I am able to do simple service easily like oil change, filters, air and transmission filters, even spark plugs. so my car has been absolutely trouble free. I am on my 3rd set of tires, and just replaced them last summer at over 48,000 miles! My three dogs love riding in it too! I also own a 2006 Jeep Wrangler, and I wish it were as trouble free.