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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  Go to another dealer for work - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By nurse - September 24 - 12:33 am

  I bought my Jeep Cherokee brand new and within a few days I had a problem of it stalling and turning off completely (not the added feature already on to save gas). Still does it after three trips to the shop and 10 months of frustration. Then it rained hard and the water came dribbling in the sunroof and now I wait because as soon as I used the elctronics to close it it sounded like it went off track...UGH....I should of stayed away...:(

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  Its a Jeep - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Skip - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Owned a 97 VW Jetta before this that was fun to drive. This Jeep is fun, but in a different way. For a vehicle with 15 in rims it goes over just about anything, is tough as nails, and I know that I can count on it to get me practically anywhere. Its not the most comfortable thing in the world, but thats just part of Jeeps purpose. My Cherokee actually has more horizontal room than a Liberty, and is definitely built more solid. Gas mileage is horrible (my vw got 26, this gets around 18), but its well worth it for the experience of driving a legendary SUV.

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  My Tow vehicle - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By dwight - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I originally purchased this vehicle as a tow vehicle behind my motorhome. During the past year I have towed it from Florida to California and back. Of course it does not ride like a big sedan, but it sure is handy for exploring the various areas when we are camping. Mine is a four cylinder model with a standard transmission. Have had no problems. It is very dependable and easy to drive and park.

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  Bring The Jeep back - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Moparfan - September 6 - 3:16 am

  I bought my Jeep with 13900 miles and have been working it. From road trips to upstate New York to towing car/trucks. It has never left me stranded no matter what breaks. I could not have asked for a more dependable vehicle. At 171000 miles and a beating that would tear most trucks in half its time to let her go.

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  Love my Cherokee - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By dylanc - August 13 - 1:51 am

  Absolutely love my Jeep Cherokee. It has 230k miles on it and no serious mechanical issues. The automatic transmission is fantastic (AW4). I used to hate Jeeps, but after having this thing I want to buy more and more. It isnt the most comfortable SUV, but if youre looking for a reliable, good looking Jeep then look no further. The 4.0L is notoriously reliable. I have a 2006 Commander with 100k miles and my 230k Cherokee gives me less problems. When things do go wrong, parts are cheap and with an afternoon pretty much anything can be fixed. If you can find one in the South you dont have to worry about rust. I will never get rid of my Cherokee, maybe just buy more. My favorite Jeep every made

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  New guy REALLY digs his Jeep - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Knucklehedd - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought this thing while I was home on leave from a deployment. I was only able to drive it for a week and a half while I was home, but, man alive! I drove the ever livin crud out of it. Now all I can do is sit around and daydream when me and my lady are reunited. Externally very understated, internally its a whole other world. I knew this immediately as I slid over the leather seats and perused the controls. The torque is breathtaking and the overall build and handling of this hunk of metal is much better than I had expected. I would never seek to modify this gem - much, but Ive already been toying with hanging parts on another older model.

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  My first and only Jeep...thus far...... - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jeepney - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 98 Jeep Cherokee Sport brand new -- right off the hauling truck. It originally had 0.3 miles when I drove it of the lot. I now have over 124K miles. So far, the only problem and so much to my suprise, the water pump went out at 42K miles and the factory front breaks at about the same time. The second front brakes wore out at around 85K miles. Im on third set of front break at over 124K miles and I suspect Ill be replacing it soon since its starting to vibrate again. The rear breaks wore out at around 114K miles. Thats all the problems Ive had in the 5 year Ive own my Jeep. I guess thats good enough. No engine problem so far.

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  Love it. Radio, electronics needs attention! - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By J Bartz - July 8 - 3:50 pm

  The button on the back of my steering wheel to navigate through pre-programmed stations has never worked. The dealer, Steve White in Hickory NC told me 3x they could find no problem. It skips stations, goes to stations never programmed, repeats several stations 2-3x. Havill in Jefferson WI saw the problem immediately. Despite their best efforts (replacing the button, updating the computer, new wiring harness) -its worse than ever. And now the tailgate opens on its own. Theyre contacting Chrysler but Im looking at trades. Ive had this since new, paid $40k, have the Trailhawk with 3.2 (which wasnt an option on this site), has only 15,000 miles.... Comfort, driving, etc is excellent. Very happy otherwise, but this is annoying enough to consider trade.

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  2000 Cherokee Classic in Chile - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Costabal Sebastian - July 1 - 9:03 am

  With my family we like to be able to leave the weekends, to be in contact with the nature, our Cherokee has occurred excellent experiences and we have been able to arrive with the practically to any place, it is comfortable, perhaps the consumption is high, but he has a very reliable and powerful motor. And we feel very sure in the one it is a solid vehicle.

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  95 - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Tony Montana - June 21 - 10:00 am

  140,000 miles and only a few problems. An engine mount broke. Easy to find parts and fun to soop up. 3 inch lift kit runs about $300. The back seats can be removed or folded down for additional room. Does good in mud and on snow.