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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  What A Jeep - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By raeann32 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  It is a blast to drive!!!

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  Very Happy With My Jeep! - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jonathan - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this used 1995 Cherokee Sport with 100,000 miles on it two years ago and now have 150,000 on it. I have not had to put any money into this vehicle other than oil changes. I bought the vehicle for its 4WD capabilites to traverse mountain roads, some paved and some unpaved for my line of work. I have nothing to say but good things, this truck has the High Output 6 Cyl. and has plenty of power to get me wherever I need to go and fast. I have owned many new vehicles over the years and this has become my all time favorite. Way to go Jeep!

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  Low Maintnance and durable - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Matt - September 12 - 12:53 pm

  Purchase my jeep used with 70k miles in 2004. It now has 122k miles and drives and runs no different than the day I bought it. Only maintenance I have done is change oil, change transmission fluid(once), replace rear shocks (once), and a brake job (once). Jeep has plenty of power and will easily do 100mph. It is durable and handles great in the snow. It can go offroad anywhere 98% of people would need / want to go. I wish it were a little quieter on the road and go better gas mileage (but you cant avoid the fact that it is a box on wheels and about as non-aerodynamical as a car could be).

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  Too bad they stopped making these... - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Pittsburgher - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 4D 4WD Cherokee Sport used with 50K miles on it in 1999. I now have 120K miles and it is still going strong. I have had no problems with it, other than routine maintenance (tires, brakes, battery). I tow a 2000 lb popup with this about 2000 miles per year with no problems. This is a superb all-around vehicle. I would recommend anyone looking for a good SUV this winter to go find a used Cherokee Sport and grab a high mileage one from a private owner for a bargain. Save the dealer markup and warranty money, because you can beat these things without any negligible affect. Buying from a private party should be low-risk.

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  Wrost car I have ever had in my life - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By janis.thompson@comcast.net - August 20 - 1:38 am

  Do not buy this car. It will not start, the door will come down on you head and knock you out, the tire pressure gauge alternates between okay and low, and the dealer will flash the computer about fifteen to twenty times and the car will still not work. I will never , never, never, buy another Jeep. Also I had the worst dealership. When I called about my car during the 6 weeks they kept the car during the first 3 months of ownership I was told that nobody in the shop know anything. I had to take off work to talk to the shop about the status of my car. they thought is was okay to sell me that loaner car at the same price of my Jeep which was about $10,000 less than my Jeep. Usually drive about 20,000 per year but I am afraid to drive this car! Plan to sell as soon as possible! Paid much more than it was worth.

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  bestjeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By texjeep - August 14 - 10:00 am

  What a great Jeep! More than I ever expected. I wish I could buy nather one just like it brand new. Never had it in the shop for a repair. Other than 4 wheel drive all the time, no complaints.

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  1999 classic - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By big shave - August 5 - 2:00 am

  let me sum it up Brakes went bad ,fuel pump twice ,transmission leaks ,wheel well fairings comming loose ,plus the recalls

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  Bring it back! - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jarmbru - August 1 - 7:06 am

  Bought this with 50K after riding through very rough terrain in a friends Cherokee that had 250K. Im now at 140K. I meet people all the time who tell me they are the best vehicle ever, and who have very high mileage. I use it on very, very bad "roads" in the hills of backwoods East Tennessee and also to commute and to haul electronic equipment. This Jeep does it all. Its true its not a pretty soccer moms car, so what, thats not what I want. Oh please bring it back! By the way, people around here love them and keep them forever.

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  Why Jeeps should be MORE expensive - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jeeps rock - July 31 - 2:00 am

  The Jeep Cherokee Sport 1998 edition. This Well crafted vehicle should be priced at a more extravagent price i bought my Jeep in 2001 at 19,000 now i cant even get 11,000 for it (not that i am selling)

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  Buyer BEWARE - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By daveandJan - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new in 2001. Vehicle has been back to dealer five (5) times for brake noise. Roters and Pads replaces at 11000 miles. Dealer said "Its normal for jeep", "Expect brakes and roters every 9 to 12k". Road noise is terrible, have to yell at passenger, there is no head room, and seat travel is minimal. Just traded it with 22K for Honda CR-V. Will never buy Jeep again!!