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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  165,000 Miles and Still Going Strong - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By M. Oberstaedt - May 8 - 12:53 pm

  Have owned the Jeep for 10 years and its still fun to drive and knock down a Mustang or 2 with its fantastic acceleration to 70MPH. (Speedo only goes up to 85MPH) Best engine that was ever put into a Jeep. Even my wife gets a kick out of it. Have only put in approx. $600 in repairs needed over the 10 years with the biggest expense being to replace the radiator with a new aluminum one with a lower pressure cap. This happened at 163,000 miles last month. Interior carrying room is also great and I remove the lower back seat and put the back down to get more room than that offered by the new SUV imitators. Wish they still made this one.

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  We really like it - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jim P - May 8 - 5:50 am

  This model was not listed in the review choices, so for the record, it is a 2016 Cherokee Latitude, 4x4, 3.2 V6 engine, tow package, cold weather pkg, safty pkg, comfort pkg, uconnect 8.4 with navigation. Manufactured 4/23/2016, purchased June 8th. Plenty of power, quiet, shifts perfect, and very comfortable. Just hit 1,100 miles, getting 30-31mpg on the highway. UPDATE -now at 3000 miles. Still perfect.

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  Latitude V6 - Very Nice - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By jrh0623 - May 6 - 3:06 am

  Purchased a 2014 Latitude V6 with the 8.4A screen, added the Nav upgrade and the 9 speaker/sub/amp option. Also splurged for the V6. This was purchased for my teenage daughter, so when shopping for a small/mid SUV, coolness was definitely at the top of the list. This was the only SUV that she liked and we looked at the Escape, CRV, Rogue, Rav4, CX-5. In her eyes, none of them matched the design or styling that appealed to my teenager. I was a little disappointed that the only way to get a rearview camera, garage door buttons and a n auto-dimming rearview mirror was to upgrade to a $2000 package. I remember when these were standard features on a mid-level trim vehicle.

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  Bring back the Jeep Cherokee - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By lheywood - April 29 - 9:46 am

  A great car for off road, and for me has been just fine on road. Has been pretty reliable for the first 13 years, then problems (see below).

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  Will take you anywhere in style. - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By gerico - April 25 - 10:00 am

  M More trucklike than car. Great field of vision all around the car.No blindspots. The engine is strong &quick. Rear seats pop out for extra room. ore truck than carlike ride.

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  The best toy ever. - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Flo Pacheco - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Really fun vehicle. Easy to work on. You can push it hard and gives you everything back. Great vehicle for loading with accessories. Grill guard, roof rack, lift, you name it and this vehicle can take it. It was a solid purchase.

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  Keeping for the kids - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Dad - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this jeep for 11 years and it is the most reliable car I have ever purchased. Jeep only has 70K, but has dents and scratches from trees, rocks, bikes. Always starts, never comfortable. Goes through snow, mud, sand with no problems. Powerful engine, you can hear the frame groan whenever you hit the gas. This is the perfect car for my two teenagers. Never in the shop for any reason, other than normal maintenance. I need a more comfortable SUV but I cant afford a new one. I like the Nitro, but heard many bad things about it- maybe a used Trailblazer?

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  Great find - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By JoeSmoe - April 15 - 2:06 am

  Bought mine from a friend for $2000. It had 113K on it and I was only planning to keep it a year. 40K miles later, Im still driving it to work every day with no problems. Only had to replace the water pump. Its been a great car.

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  First SUV - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Vetdoc - April 13 - 2:00 am

  This truck was my first car and I still have it 7 years later. I feel safe and comfortable in my Jeep. In hot and sunny AZ, it is as good as when I bought it. All I have had to do is the usuall tires, brake check and battery. I would definetly recommend Jeep to anyone, but the arent made anymore!

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  Pauls review - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Pmonee - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I leased this Jeep in Feb. 2000. I must say for the dollar it is a excellent choice. There are a few issues that I have with this vehicle: 1. Eats brakes and rotors on a reguler basis, has been back to jeep once a year for new rotors and pads. 2.Interior space is not on par with other SUVs out there. 3.Drivetrain noise is very high, but I have been told "It is a Jeep, not a Lexus." For the money, Chrysler did a competent job. But for the same money others are doing it better.