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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  Bring it back!!! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Chris - July 29 - 6:26 pm

  Bought it with 55K, put a clutch in it shortly after due to previous owner. Now has over 130K. Mechanically more reliable than anything on the road, but the body is rusting pretty bad. Only weak points are the saggy rear leaf springs, all you owners know what Im talking about! Relatively cheap aftermarket fix though :) Getting hard to get factory parts for due to Chrysler going haywire.

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  Phenomenal Job Chrysler - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By mario52 - July 26 - 12:10 pm

  There is no doubt that this Jeep is the most well Engineered Vehicle, well thought, built with perfection, designed with excellence, has great comfort and great performance. This Jeep will take you about anywhere you want to go. I truly believe that there is not and automobile on the market today from any automaker that has produced such an outstanding vehicle as the Jeep trailHawk. My TrailHawk gets excellent gas mileage, a very smooth ride, and the performance is great. It is my perception that this is the best vehicle of its kind on the road today.

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  By far the worst Jeep ever. - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Kendall Smith - July 22 - 3:19 am

  So we had to rent this car while our X5 was getting fixed. First I want to say that this car is not good looking at ALL. First i will start with the quality of the interior . The front seat comfort was OK, but the rear seat comfort was awful. Now the engine. I am blown away by how horrible this engine is. I tried to accelerate and I seriously had to wait a solid 2 seconds to go any farther . AND yes I know cars have lag , but this was a lack of a good engine. I hate this so called SUV.

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  Takes a licking and keeps on ticking - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By dave#1 - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Had her for 2 years. Picked it up used with 27K. Have only had 1 major repair bill for major 4WD repairs, something about induction. The car has pick-up on the highway (up to 85/90 mph). Took it up to Vermont all winter to hit the mountains, I only had trouble on ice/snow once or twice during a white out. I love it. Reliable to the bone.

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  Build the Old Way.... Bring It Back !!!! - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By anibal - June 27 - 10:00 am

  My uncle bought the car with cero miles on it in 1995 and was his car until recently when he sell it to me. I always wanted a old sport/utility. The original Isuzu Trooper was my other choice but MAN THIS WAGON IS FAST! You look at her and you cant imagine that a big powerfull engine is under there. The size is great (although a little cramped inside) and the looks are timeless. More than a few have asked me if I sell it and the awnser is NO. My only complain is with the ride quality, wich is awfull... somethimes irritating. I think Chrysler could have keep bulding the basic model, just like Chevy its building the Astro. When this one dies Im buying another

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  1998 Jeep Cherokee - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeeper - June 24 - 9:56 am

  Only repairs have been replacement of drivers window motor and window/door lock switch. Replaced tires and battery as a precaution since both were 7 years old.

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  Nothing else ever will compare - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By IMChad - June 23 - 4:10 pm

  I love this jeep. Im on my 4th year of owning it and cant say enough. Ive put around 80,000 miles on it and at 150,000 it still runs like brand new. During the winter, we had 24" of snow and it was below zero and it was nice being the only one in the neighborhood who didnt have to shovel the drive. When the plows came and buried the drives, I just climbed over it. Fuel mileage really does stink on this one though. I drive like an old lady mostly and I get 13 city and 17 highway/interstate. But, my wife gets 30 in her car and i still pay more a year keeping hers on the road. Ive not changed anything but a wheel hub, tires, UV joint and battery. Not bad for 4 years of heavy driving.

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  Awesome Rig! - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By JWyatt2 - June 13 - 10:00 am

  This rig is fun to drive with great torque and HP for its light weight. The body is classically styled. Its probably a better off roader than its big brother the Grand Cherokee. Compared to my Ford Explorer its a much better off roader with 10+ inches of ground clearance; much better acceleration; better engine and tranny.

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  Bye, Bye Jeep... - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By 2Mack - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven jeeps for the past 5 years and have been pretty happy overall. If jeep had continued to manufacture the Cherokee Limited I probably would have continued to drive it. However, I did experience a number of recurring issues on both my Cherokee and SE models that proved extremely annoying.

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  Cherokee Trailhawk 3.2L - The dream SUV - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Gene W. - June 4 - 11:53 pm

  I have owned Jeeps for 45 years....CJ-5, CJ-7s (1975-2008), JK Wranglers (2), etc, In Sep 2015 I bought a new 2016 Cherokee Latitude 3.2L for my wife but wound up driving it myself and selling my JK manual - were getting older now and needed a Jeep that is more comfortable - she opted to keep her little car.. But there was something vaguely not quite right with the Latitude. It had no tow points (had to hook a tow rope to the suspension to pull a car out of the snow)..it didnt seem like a Jeep; it sat a little lower (though it had 18" low profile tires). It was more a sports car with Jeep characteristics. I was afraid to take it onto the beach - wasnt sure of the tires and with no tow points I had my doubts. So after just 5,000 miles and 7 months I went back to Jeep and test drove another Wrangler, both the JK and JKU. Though Id had the equivalent since 1975, this time it just didnt work - I just didnt want to go back. So, I wound up buying a 2016 Cherokee Trailhawk 3.2L with every option available including tow package, full sun roof, leather with ventilated seats, sound group, etc. The tow package was key but the way the car sat, the ground clearance, the tires, everything was just balanced and perfect - a stunning Jeep; what a difference something as simple as 2" of ground clearance and 245 tires will make. This is the SUV Ive been looking for for the last 5 years ever since my wife of 36 years first complained about being jolted around in the JK Wrangler. It will do everything I want it to do including rock crawl (I installed Rock Rails just in case I go to Moab though theyre unlikely to be used). It rides, handles, stops, crawls, goes through snow, sand, mud, handles interstates beautifully. It has a beast of an 3.2 6 cal engine that makes it run like a mini-Porsche Carrera. This Jeep will be with me for many many years.