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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  keep jeepin - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By justin - October 17 - 2:53 pm

  i drive this hard had little problems only air compressor locked up,but for over the many years had not had to lay a finger on it

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  It was fun and real but not real fun - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By prodigy1 - October 10 - 1:25 am

  Bought a 2001 jeep cherokee classic 4x4 with 15k miles on it and was pleased with it but in a middle of the road way. It was very reliable and durable but it was a jeep. Every one had one at the time and you couldnt pick kit out in a parking lot. It was loud and rough riding (I know it wasnt made for comfort) but in an kidney bursting way. Dont get me wrong it was a great car that never gave me trouble and was fare offroad but being a car guy I could never really like it enough to the point I loved to drive it or wanted to keep it. When we sold it the family didnt even blink, when we sold the hummer h3 my son cried and kissed it on the fender and said we will miss you lol.

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  1998 Jeep is not too exciting - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By jshmanda - October 8 - 10:00 am

  The car has not been too bad. Bought it for the teenage kids and it survived five years. No engine problems, but the radio needed to be replaced, window regulator had to be replace, fog light switched was replaced, sometimes the dash board goes blank, and the A/C system has a leak.

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  Jeep Sucks - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By xxx - October 8 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is the worst Ive ever owned. It has been under two recalls, the foglamp switch was replaced twice in a two year period, it needs to be replaced again but Im not going to put the money into it. The drivers window mechanism went out in January of 2003, the vehicle wasnt even 4 years old yet. I have been extremely unhappy with this vehicle. My number one complaint is gas mileage.

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  Trailhawk V-6 - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By johnd - October 5 - 8:52 am

  Review of the V6 version, drop-down box does not include this version!! I could not be more pleased with this vehicle. It replaces a Wrangler and although it cant go everywhere the W does it is a great compromise. One of our problems with the Wrangler is at our age we just arent physically able to endure the beating one takes when driving it even on the easiest of trails. After several trips to the CA desert I find the Trailhawk to be capable and very comfortable off-road. With clearance being the only limitation so far. This vehicle gives up some off-road performance while providing huge improvements in comfort, mileage, performance, & technology.

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  I hate this car! - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By jenjane11 - October 2 - 1:14 pm

  I was so excited to get a new Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. I have been a Jeep owner for the past 14 years. I dislike the hard shifting in the lower gears. It has been in the dealer 3 times now with 4000 miles. The first time was due to a clunking noise when shifting - I was told there was nothing wrong. 2nd time for an oil leak. Now it has been in the garage for 2 days due to a transmission fluid leak. It was barely drivable- stuttering at every accererlation in low gears. Ridiculous!

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  95 Jeep Cherokee owner review - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jeff B. - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned it for a little over a year and love it.

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  Poor Quality & Customer Service - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Tom D. - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Jeep Cherokee primarily due to the interior and exterior styling and positive reviews on the vehicle. Unfortunately, ongoing mechanical problems have been a nightmare. I will never purchase a Chrysler product again, as the poor quality of the vehicle and the horrible customer service on behalf of Golling Chrysler have proven that quality and customer satisfaction is not important to Chrysler.

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  A true SUV icon. - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By stillgoing - September 29 - 1:00 pm

  Purchased in 1998 with 44,000 miles. Now approaching 230,000 virtually trouble-free miles. This solid vehicle has been a reliable constant in my life throughout several major life changes. Always starts easily, has great torque, strong 4WD, superb off- road capability, sure and confident handling. The I6 engine is the best Chrysler has made. Paint and body still looks new. Have needed to replace radiator, rotors, brake hardware, clutch, water pump, serp belt, and steering gear box but thats about it. Of course it has a bit of highway noise, interior and instrument materials are rather cheap, and it is a not as comfy as a new SUV. However, these are not what sets a Jeep apart from the rest.

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  Its a true jeep - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Neal Greeno - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Go anywhere do anything type rig. Four wheel drive is flawless, Hp and Torque right on the money. This tows my 4500 pound boat with no hesitation. Road noise is only complaint