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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  Transmission Issues - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By david_h_69 - October 29 - 6:59 pm

  In for my second transmission @ 12,000 miles on my new 2014 Jeep Cherokee Latitude V6. They have had my car for over a week now and still dont know when they will have a new transmission to install.

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  JEEP - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By AUBREY PHILLIPS - October 25 - 10:00 am

  IT RUN OK BUT I WILL NEVER EVER SEND ANYONE TO THAT DEALER SHIP.

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  Scared to drive - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jmklaers@gmail.com - October 19 - 9:59 am

  I just bought this car and its been in the shop 3 times already to no avail. Car cuts off in the middle of driving and leaving me with no power on a busy Interstate several times. Dealership cant find anything wrong with it although I barely got it there. Car States vehicle needs transmission repair service and brake service. Seems no one can help! Do not buy this car. Lemon warning.

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  Jeep Cherokee - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Shari - October 16 - 10:08 am

  Just bought this Jeep Cherokee five days ago. I wasnt really looking to buy a SUV. My husband talked me into taking it for a test drive. When I came back with it I really liked it. I havent gotten a new car in some time. Drove real smooth, and it didnt even feel like a 4 cycle. The in side is real nice. I cant believe I went to a two door car to a SUV, that is how much I liked it..There are a few things I would of liked it to have on it. A sun roof, tinted windows, and the sound of the radio I wish it was a little louder, the volume isnt that high. I planning on keeping this for some time..I never thought I would be driving a SUV, when all the kids are gone and its just me....

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  Jeep Cherokee Country - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By dknorpp - October 13 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been awsome. I have had no problems. Plenty of power. It has 78k miles and still going strong. I replaced the AC unit about 3 years ago, but other than that I have only done normal maintence to it. I hope my next vehicle is just as good.

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  First Vehicle - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Geoff - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Ok so I live in Alaska and this was my first vehicle. I bought it when I was 16 and it already had 80k miles on it. Now it has 136k and I didnt have a single problem until about 120k. My Jeep is a 2dr se with 4wd and it is a manual transmission. The transmission started to have shifting problems at 120k and I drove it until I absolutly had to fix it. It lasted 10k miles on a broken transmission and clutch. I changed the clutch flywheel and transmission at 130k then the front axel at 131k. Other than that all I have had to do was change the water pump once and the thermometer once. This Jeep is amazing and I am not getting rid of it unless the wheels fall. Love this Jeep!

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  If they still made these, I would BUY 1 - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By cringle - October 1 - 1:53 pm

  It is with great sadness that I have finally, after over a decade and some 185k miles, come to realize that my Country has finally reached the point of economic infeasibility. Bought gently used in 98 (only 28k mi in 3 yrs, car was spotless throughout, thank you 1st owner). Car was very reliable over the first 10 years of ownership. It is only now that it is beginning to fall apart. Engine, Tranny still original and still doing just fine, which is huge. Id say the cooling system was the only component that was less reliable than youd want. Everything else exceeded expectations.

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  Beauty with no brains - 2015 Jeep Cherokee
  By aryann - September 29 - 5:21 pm

  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR. There are trasnmission problems starting at 1k miles on my 2015 Jeep Cherokee Limited. The car is well built and looks great from exterior and interior. But the mechanics are a failure. My jeep stated hard shifting at 1k miles. I even had a time when I couldnt move the vehicle. I have been to the dealer several times and they havent been able to solve my issue. Seems that I am not the only one with this issue if you search over the internet for "hard-shifting" issues with Cherokees you will understand. I am very disappointed that I have to take my new car to the dealer every couple of weeks where I get no solution to the problem

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  The Smart Jeep cherokee trail hawk - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By SJT - September 29 - 3:14 pm

  We bought this at the year end when there were significant incentives.

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  JP 98 Jeep - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By JP34 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 1998 Cherokee Sport for just over a year, and really like it. With the baby and dog, we still have adequate room for my wife and I. I am 63" 240 lbs and have always been comfortable. Just took an 1800 mile trip and had no problems and good mileage for a 4 wheel drive.