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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Now its nice - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By Ramblin Gal - January 10 - 10:00 amWhen I first bought it, it was major trouble...I needed the water pump, the oil gauge and something else replaced the first 6 months and it was heating up alot. The battery went out 4 times- the rear cargo door wouldnt close all the way and ran down the battery....I thought I had a lemon. Almost filed, but the dealership fixed everything OK and it has been reliable since then, except it seemed like it needed new tires and brakes too often and I do a combo of city and expressway driving . It always goes through the water and snow- it does slip in very sloppy conditions.
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Solid, reliable and basic vehicle - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
By spinoza - December 27 - 2:00 amWe bought this Cherokee new in 1995 and have used it for basic transportation (our only car) since then. We live an active lifestyle, and its been great for camping, mtn. biking, carrying canoes and kayaks, etc. We have 2 German Shepherds, and they ride in the back with the seats folded down. The car has run like a Swiss watch, and weve had no mechanical problems at all. The 180 hp, low torque motor is a great hauler and handles like a work horse in adverse conditions (snow, off-road, etc.).
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Parting is sweet sorrow - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
By snookums - December 9 - 2:00 amI bought my Cherokee brand new back in 99 and have had very few problems with it. The few times Ive actually taken it off-road it has been a beast. Its never broken down or given me any real problems. It does have a tendency to spin the tires on wet pavement, though. Generally, it just does that when turning from a stop. The paint has held up pretty well. I dont have the painted fenders and the plastic has faded badly. The interior has held up well. Sadly, I will be trading the old girl in for something newer. I need something I can make frequent long trips in and the Jeep is getting to the mileage range where something will be going wrong on it.
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fun - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
By peter - December 7 - 2:00 amthe jeep I have is a great one. yes I have made several changes such as a chevy small block v-8 and a few fun off road things. but just as a jeep as it was it was great to go out and play around in the back country. I only find one problem with the jeep, the electrical wiring, I found, is a little out of the loop. wires often come loose and can cause you to kick and yell at the jeep. but other than that bot the 2.8L and the 4.0L motors are great.
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Great Little SUV - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
By bostonman1212 - December 4 - 8:03 am1999 Cherokee Sport with 4.0L I6. My 2nd Cherokee (had a 1990 5 spd) and I love both of them (familys had 4 Cherokees and they have all been great trucks). Tough little SUV that does everything you want it to. Never complains when I hit those huge New England pot holes and you can drive it in any weather you want. Taken it out in white-out snow storms in a foot of powder and it does excellent. Never crossed my mind that Id get stuck in any condition. Not the most comfy/efficient car but its a tough little SUV that rides stiff and never complains. Great for someone looking for a tough reliable truck that will take you anywhere and wont complain about a little tough drivin
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my kids WILL drive this car - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By I_liveinthewoods - December 3 - 2:00 ami enjoy driving this vehicle because its loud and fast and handles like an italian sports car(some modifications have been made). this is not a hugh suv, but the front seats are more comfy than my freinds 02 bmw, his heat up though.Ive invested a little money into a sound system so i can almost drowed out the open exhaust! this is the second jeep ive owned(first was a 97 tj) and they can not be beat for off road capability. you can drive up things that you cannot walk up with this vehicle. owning a jeep is something everyone should try at least once, and then youll understand- its a jeep thing-
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213,000 mi. and climbing - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
By Cherokee73 - November 24 - 3:13 pmMy 2000 Jeep Cherokee Classic has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have owned 17 vehicles and none of them even come close. The common problems associated with the Cherokees are present (front speakers quit working, A/C quit, hood latch rusted out), but other than that it has required almost no maintenance.
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You know youre getting there in a cherokee - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
By maxxoccupancy - November 20 - 6:04 pmI have had this vehicle for about 15,000 miles, and I have been very happy with it. It is as capable off road as off, and there are thousands of modifications for these vehicles. Whether you want to hit the trails or brave New England winters, these are some of the best vehicles for the money. The Cherokee is also one of the safest, toughest vehicles on the road.
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My Review - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By another name - November 20 - 2:00 amThis vehicle is great in the winter with 4WD, and handles nicely anyh other time. The fuel economy is bad with this vehicle. Having a straight-6 engine takes a lot of gas, but if you can afford it the towing capacity is worth it.
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Jeep still has it! - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
By Merlin315 - October 28 - 2:00 amFor one of the lower priced SUVs on the market, the Cherokee still performs. I only hope the Liberty shines as bright as the Cherokee has.
