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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  I love this Jeep - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By luvmyjeep513 - April 23 - 1:46 am

  The Jeep was originally my parents, and when I got my lisence 8 months ago it became mine. Since then, it has seen the trails almost more than it has seen the road. The performance off- road for this jeep stock is simply amazing, I could say Ive never gotten it stuck. The car takes me 30 miles to work each day, yet still proves amazing on the trails almost every sunday. Overall, it is extremely reliable and the h.o. 4.0L I6 gives tremendous acceleration and power for when I need it. Lifting and modifying this vehicle for the trails couldnt be easier, I have lifted the suspension 3.5" and put 31" mud- terrains on it. This Jeep will have to die before I get rid of it.

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  Love My Jeep! - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Love My Jeep - April 9 - 4:53 am

  I am the second owner of my jeep and I have loved putting every kilometer on it. It has been reliable and fun to drive. My friends and I love tailgating and off-roading in it; it will be a sad day when it bites the dust. I have pulled friends out of the strangest places and the jeep doesnt even flinch, an excellent workhorse. Besides fuel efficiency, long trips are comfortable. Weve towed 17 campers without a hitch. Cant go wrong with this one!

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  Jeepers creapers - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By cheri key - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Minimal upkeep w/ care over 6 years. No rust, original exhaust, replaced shocks at 35k, wheel bearings at 42k. No smoke or oil. Solid vehicle - shame Jeep dropped this model in 2002.

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  The Anti - Escalade - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Razerman - March 26 - 2:00 am

  The Cherokee is the purest SUV on the road, and is a perfect example of form following function. The Cherokees simple, clean lines make it a handsome standout amongst the gawdy road yachts of today. It accelerates and corners like a roadster, it can pull like a Mack Truck, and it can go through snow like a ski-doo. What a beautiful thing. No DVD players, no navigation systems, no dual climate zones. There is nothing about a Cherokee that distracts you from its purpose. This truck is built to be fun as all heck on the road, and rock steady off the road.

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  Unstoppable - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By 0wn - March 16 - 11:56 pm

  I bought my Cherokee from a salvage yard after it was hit on the front left wheel, ran into a pole or stoplight, and then flipped on its side. After that much abuse, I didnt expect it to start, much less be drivable. But amazingly, all it took was a new battery to get the Jeep started. I had a mechanic shop replace most of the steering system (the impact to the wheel bent a few parts), and then I replaced the panels that were damaged. Its quite amazing that I could pull the Jeeps exterior apart using simple hand tools and I was even able to salvage some the bent pieces. After repairing it, I never had any trouble. The engine will start in zero temperature and never causes problems.

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  Excellent Jeep. - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By relivnj - March 3 - 9:50 am

  Ive always loved Jeeps. I bought this Jeep from our local Toyota dealership back in 2003. I just couldnt resist this Jeep classic. Its been such a wonderful vehicle to own. Never had any problems with it. The engine is a bit loud, compared to other SUVs. But its not, really. Its the typical Jeep Cherokee sound. And the torque on this thing is tremendous! I got the Limited model. The interior has a nice, clean layout. The heated leather front seats are excellent during winter. Great sounding stereo. This is our weekend ride. We take it for nice, long leisurely drives, always confident that we can to anywhere and back in our Jeep.

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  GREAT SUV - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By MICHAEL NELSON SR - February 24 - 12:53 am

  I put this SUV through its paces and it just amazes me. Great look, reliability and performance for the Northeast. Too bad they discontinued this line and style. Im keeping this SUV until the sport Cherokee comes back.

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  EXCELLENT RIDE - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By topgun - February 18 - 2:00 am

  The only problem Ive had is the mount which holds the rearview mirror fell off. It was garage kept. 69,ooo miles. Maybe thats why the interior is imaculate and the exterior paint and body is good as new. I used to have a 95 dodge neon and the dash got a huge crack in it! There are no signs of any possible damage to the dash or anything else so far. The Jeep is very peppy and more importantly has excellent handling, which the combination of the two, makes it fun to drive! I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  96 XJ SE - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By pocoPAT - February 15 - 11:13 pm

  I got the Jeep in2001 with 120000 from my mom. Ive had it for 6 years and its been great. It was problem free until it got over 150,000 miles; it now has 207,000. In the last 50k miles Ive replaced, 2 water pumps, starter, rotors, alternator and all the normal parts. The headlight switch has gone bad twice, the doors dont latch well and the inside handle has broken off along with the rubber stripping. Its got a 3"skyjacker lift, Rancho shocks, JKS links, Flowmaster muffler, throttle body spacer, cold air intake. front tube bumper rear hitch. I got this vehicle when i was 19 and Ive driven it hard. Before it was mine I learned to drive on it, hard miles.

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  Disappointment - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By wedgeup - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I was really jazzed when I bought my jeep, but things have gone down since I have passed the 30k milage marker. I had to replace my rotors, I have an electrical problem that will not go away, and every oil change, it is time to balance the tires again. When the tires are out of balance, it sounds like a plane traveling down the street. Biggest disappointment is how fast the value of this 3 year old vehicle is dropping.