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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  2001 Jeep Cherokee -- and excellent SUV - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By thornton - February 14 - 9:20 pm

  Its classical style combines with top notch performance for an excellent style. Peforms perfectly in any condition, from the interstate to blazing its own trails across a mountain. The limited includes all the comforts you need for a classy vehicle, but retains all the capabilities that Jeep is renowned for. Ill be a Jeep owner for life!

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  Second one... - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By se - February 12 - 9:03 pm

  97 Cherokee with 154k. Rebuilt the cooling system last year at 145k, the first time it was touched. Virtually indestructible, its done everything asked of it. Its a Jeep..not quiet..not smooth..just good road manners & traction to spare. We always keep a Jeep around for deep snows and the 97 is far better than the 95 we had before. If you need a pack mule to pull or haul & get decent mileage, consider a Cherokee.

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  I LOVE MY JEEP!!!! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By abe2139 - February 12 - 2:00 am

  I have never owned or seen another vehicle that can get around in the snow and ice like my jeep can. I live in a very wintry weather area and have never once worried about getting stuck.

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  dont buy a jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By bonny - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Loud noisy engine. Uncomfortable rough bumpy ride. VERY VERY VERY bad brakes for all jeeps, ROTORS are all made inferior as per factory rep.

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  lovin it - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By John - February 2 - 11:23 am

  I bought my Jeep used. It had 80,000 miles on it. Was worried it would have problems but it has never broke down and only needed maintenance I have yet to have an issue with it. The gas mileage is fair, with gas prices I think every vehicle but hybrids are in the same boat. Its dependable and its been a great Jeep. Weve talked about upgrading to a newer one but this one is so wonderful I hate to give it up just yet. We do a lot of driving and I now have 159,000 miles on it and wouldnt hesitate to use it on our next cross country outing!

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  My Tank - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By ScootertheMan - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Jeep new because I was tired off getting stuck in the snow. The Jeep is like a tank and rides like one also. I take it hunting and drive it over plowed muddy fields without any worry of getting stuck. I have 65,000 mi on it and have had no major problems.

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  best bet in class - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Brian - January 25 - 10:20 am

  I drive my 97 Cherokee Country pretty hard. Never had any issues; gas mileage isnt great but I knew that when I decided to get an SUV. This thing accelerates great out of the gate, is comfortable on the highway and is unstoppable off-road. I challenge anyone to get this thing stuck.

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  170k and still going - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By bmv - January 25 - 1:56 am

  Bought this Jeep in 1999 with 63k miles. Ive put over 100k miles on it. Its been cross country twice, up and down the East coast and throughout the Southwest. It is very utilitarian, harsh over rough roads, but it handles better you would expect--very nimble. As it aged I replaced multiple water pumps, a radiator, wheel hubs, a starter--but overall it has been pretty resilient. Some creaks and rattles and the paint and some of the exterior bits are fading, but it always starts. Worst problems: oil leaks consistent and difficult to fix, driver door upper hinge broke off, lower engine mount broke around 90k miles.

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  Havent seen my Jeep in almost a month.. - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By RRAaron - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought a 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport 2W drive. AutoNation "certified" and under limited warranty. Had a nagging "clunk" when shifting from N to D, not all the time. Turns out I needed a differential & transfer case. Due to warranty process, car had to be inspected by an AutoNation adjuster - took over a week for dealership mechanic to make appt. then 3 day wait then 1 day eval and then had to get OK to proceed. Jeep dropped off on 1/25/03, still in the shop as of today, waiting for parts. Part of problem is the Jeep ran fine- apparently problem had been present for some time, but no one noticed. No official cause for the mechanical problem.

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  Love It! - 2015 Jeep Cherokee
  By mellman - January 20 - 11:05 am

  Im a few months into my lease with a 2015 Latitude V6 4WD, and I couldnt be happier with it. Its the smoothest, quietest, and most comfortable car Ive ever had. I took it on a 500 mile road trip with 4 adults and a fully packed trunk and averaged 26mpg according to the trip computer. Not bad for a V6 with almost 300hp. Ive read mixed reviews about the 9 speed transmission, and I dont know what all the complaints are about. Ive had zero issues with mine. Im really impressed with how quiet and smooth it drives. I feel like a lot of the bad reviews Ive read are unwarranted and people just dont know how to drive their car, or they dont understand its features.