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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  This is our second one - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Louis Klipper - June 3 - 6:08 am

  We purchased our first Trailhawk when they were introduced in 2014. We traded in our Audi to purchase this Jeep, the first American car we have owned in the past 20 years. (We have been driving Mercedes, BMW and Audis) We needed a comfortable SUV that was capable of towing my 3,000 lbs enclosed motorcycle trailer from our home in New England to our home in Florida a few times a year. Most of the German built mid sized SUVs had a max tow rating of 3,000 lbs, not enough safety margin for the distance we were traveling. The Cherokee Trailhawk with the V6 and factory installed tow package was rated @ 4,500 lbs. The capability, comfort, technology and quality was all rolled into a unique package that really impressed me. I was not expecting to like this vehicle as much as I did. The Cherokee never gave us any problems, and service was limited to oil changes and tire rotations. We never had any issues with the 9 speed transmission. With the miles piling up on our 2014 Cherokee we decided to trade it in on a 2016. Before purchasing, we thought that we needed to test drive a Land Rover Discovery HSE and the new Mercedes GLC, to experience these two new models. After living with and driving the Jeep Trailhawk for 2 years I felt that the Mercedes and Land Rover were not worth the consideration over the Trailhawk. Now that Ive put a few thousand miles on our 2016 Trailhawk Ive noticed a few things different from our old 2014. The ride is more refined, and the 9 speed transmission is silky smooth. The technology keeps getting better, and the U Connect system is the most user friendly system I have used in any vehicle, no matter the price. The doors close with a solid sounding thunk, reminding me of some of Mercedes we have owned.

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  Shes one purity ride! - 2015 Jeep Cherokee
  By cherio1 - May 30 - 8:22 pm

  I have had my first Jeep for 2 weeks and she has 601 miles. My combined MPG right now is 23.8. The fit and finish of this car is top notch. I am 511" and hubs is 64" we are both very comfortable driving and riding in this SUV. I havent had any issues with the parking break. I do have the 4 cylinder, it does have a bit of "thrust" between 2nd and 3rd gears either at the downshift or up shift. I dont feel this is an issue, this a big car for the engine and transmission. That being said the actual ride itself is awesome! She floats down the road, you dont feel like youre going 75mph! IF the radio is off you do have some modest noise from the wind and road. Features are very nice!

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  95 Jeep SE 4D 4WD has been very reliable - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By JD Green - May 30 - 2:00 am

  170,000 miles. The only non-routine maintenance problem was a sheared engine mount bolt at about 120,000 miles. There have otherwise been no mechanical problems. Not even the clutch has failed.

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  Cherokee Country 4WD/ABS - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By weidem - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Convenience & vehicle utility are what this small to midsize family workhorse important. Whether you mean to go offroad or stay on, this vehicle serves an economical familys needs for safety, fun, and small truck type needs. It made me appreciate backroads, where I can get away from the stressful highways where the "Consumer Report BestBuys" clog the road. I tend to get where Im going in the same time or better anyway, but with a smile on my face. Our kids would much rather ride in this than a sedan, because even they can see the view better.

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  1998 Jeep Cherokee 4DR 4WD Sport - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Officer_ndogg - May 30 - 2:00 am

  If your looking for a late model sport utility with good offroad ability, at an affordable price, this is a good choice. The Cherokees 4.0L 6Cyl provides good acceleration and performance, but lousy fuel economy. The interior is made of mostly plastic and rattles and squeaks a lot. The interior is comfortable but definately not roomy, though, there is lots of cargo space. The ride is pretty bumpy on the road, but off road is where it shines. Handling is average. Overall, a good truck-like 4WD SUV with good off road performance at a cheap price.

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  Great Small SUV! - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Grant Stanley - May 25 - 6:06 pm

  I have a 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport. I bought it back in September of 04. I bought it with 55,000 miles on it, and it has 59,000 at the moment. I would suggest getting a high performance air filter and an inexpensive lift kit. I put a 2" lift on mine and it really makes a difference, not only on the outside, but the ride quality is much better. I would definitely recommend this car, especially because of the cost of gas these days. I get about 18 miles per gallon, and where I live, I pay about $40 to fill it up. Also, the 4.0L 6 cylinder engine has a lot of power, especially when you add the air filter. When i bought it, it had about 190hp, now its cranking out about 205hp.

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  good jeep ? - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By kelliott - May 24 - 10:00 am

  this is my second jeep cherokee sport that i have worn out. my 99 has 90000 miles on it and i can say that it has started and got me to where i wanted to go every time. for the price it is a good truck. i did have to replace both power window motors in the front at about 40000 miles. i had to replace my rotars at about 50000 miles also. get rid of the liberty and bring back the cherokee!!

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  Niche SUV--Large Interior/Smaller Body - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Rockinroller - May 22 - 7:02 am

  This is for the 2016 Limited 3.2 pkg. Shopped the market segment (Ford Escape, Dodge Journey) and ended with this as a 2-year lease as our daily driver. The Cherokee fits into a needed niche for SUV folks: small enough to park and maneuver easily, but large enough (inside) to not feel like a compact SUV (like the Escape). The leather interior feels like quality, as well as the dash and door surfaces. Heres a few complaints: (1) wheres the inside hatch release button? Please, FCA: tell me there is one (on a $36,000-MSRP vehicle); (2) the "auto stop" SUCKS! I didnt research this vehicle enough before selecting it and had I known about that "feature" it definitely would have deterred my interest in going this route. Imagine stopping for a few seconds, seeing your tach go to zero, then transitioning quickly between the brake and gas pedal and incurring a "clunk" as the Cherokee engages and moves ahead. And its not permanently defeatable, allowing only its disengaging manually each time you start up. To me, its utterly ridiculous--to force the shut down of the vehicle in a (vain) effort to increase the fleet MPG for FCA. Ill be curious to see how many trans issues Jeep will face in the future as the wear and tear related to that very noticeable bump between stop and take off shaves miles off the already precarious transmission in these vehicles. Otherwise, a well built vehicle, but based on the auto-stop I am glad I leased and didnt purchase.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Tom Jones - May 12 - 12:36 pm

  Absolutely the best car Ive ever owned. I-6 engine is bulletproof. Only thing its ever needed is oil change every 3K. Just ticked over 153K and still runs like it did the day I bought it. Replaced clutch throwout bearing at 130K. Replaced brake rotors at same time. Otherwise its needed nothing but oil, tires, plugs, and brake pads. Back seat is small for adults due to wheel wells. Off-road performance is absolutely great. Turn radius is very tight, making it easy to drive in town and park. Easy to work on, although its never needed it other than the clutch. My only regret is that Jeep doesnt make them anymore.

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  Love My Jeep - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Tyson - May 11 - 4:16 pm

  I bought this car car new. It has been reliable. 187000 miles now. Never had an issue with the transmission. Awesome offroad, and snow performance - never been stuck in mud or snow. Part time 4x4 is great. 17 mpg average. Got 21 mpg once on highway trip. Replaced normal things- alternator, belt, brakes, tires. Stuck with regular maintenance. Replaced several window motors, and has had several electrical glitches.Recently had head gasket replaced (approx. $800) due to oil leak - first leak Ive had. Now evaporator coil is cracked ($1300 repair, or no AC). It may be getting close to time to replace, but I really dont want to get rid of it. With new tires, its impossible to surpass off road