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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  Happy with 95 Cherokee - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By MIKE - March 20 - 10:16 pm

  In the years Ive owned this vehicle it has seen every type of terrain and weather. It has towed a 4000 lb boat everywhere. It holds kids pets and luggage with ease. It has yet to ever get stuck or have difficulty. The 4.0 engine is more than enough power. Its a shame they dont make vehicles like this anymore

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  My savior - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By 4dr jeep country - March 17 - 6:13 pm

  Thank God for my Jeep! I bought it with 77000 miles; it now has 91000, and I only got it 8 months ago. Its been very reliable; the only thing Ive had to replace so far is a power steering pump which is nothing. My Cherokee is great in the snow. It is very comfortable for a driver thats 63" and its fast. The gas mileage isnt the best, but what is these days.

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  I love this Jeep - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Rachel - February 20 - 5:50 am

  I have had this car for 7 years, it has been great. I have had to do some repairs and it leaks oil from somewhere we cant find, but I love it. Recently (at 170000 mi) I have had to replace the shocks, which were original. I have had to put on one set of tires, and replace most of gaskets/seals and it still leaks. It gets beans for gas mileage (usually 15- 17 mpg) but it still drives great. It has great power and reliablity. And I love how much stuff I can fit in it.

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  A little adds up to a lot - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Snow in DC - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive enjoyed our Jeep. Purchased at 68K and now at 109K weve had to replace the exhaust system, the heater core, the AC core, the water pump, the brakes, the left signal doesnt work, and the left speaker also doesnt work. With a ten year old in the back seat its too small. We also had to purchase a turtle for the top b/c the back is too small for a family of fours luggage. But all in all, weve enjoyed it and plan on keeping it for awhile. After all, weve had all of the work done! What more could go wrong??

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  1999 Cherokee Sport 4dr 4wd - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By B Hiner - February 10 - 2:00 am

  My Jeep is a company vehicle and I bought it off the lot new. My work causes me to travel on short notice at any hour and in any weather. I havent had a problem in 150,000. It has been very dependable and I have used the 4wd when needed. It has been maintained well but the only money spent other than maintenance was for brakes ( shoes and pads ) tires at and tuneup at 70,000. Have had the windshield replaced do to rock chips or cinders during bad weather. On long trips I would like to have more leg room but over all its been great. Maybe I got lucky but based on my experience I can recommend it.

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  Excellent value - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By luke wilson - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had a great experience - this is my third jeep, and Ill get another after this one.

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  Best auto I have ever owned! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By old_marine - February 2 - 4:54 pm

  We leased this car in 1997, drove it till the lease was up then purchased it in 2001. Without a doubt the most reliable car I ever owned. It now has 387,000 miles and running strong. The only things I have had to do to it was the AC compressor which died around 360K, and the muffler/plumbing. Crankcase sensor, had to replace it 3 times, but not for 3 years now. An idiot (last cc sensor failure) convinced me I needed a valve job, so OK, 270K, go ahead. He called me to come look at something. I went, he showed me the clyinders, and you could still see the original cross hatching, and no ridges! AMAZING, that 4.0! PLESE bring it back with the 4.0 and Ill buy till I die!

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  Jeep Cherokee Country - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Lightnin - January 31 - 10:00 am

  One of the best cars Ive owned. A little wind noise that I would prefer to not have. At 153,000 miles, its worth far more to me than the trade in value offered.

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  Love it, but hate it - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Esaked - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jeep, even though the gas mileage is not very good. Its great in snow and rain. Ive had few problems with it, but few too many to ignore. Radiator had to be replaced due to the seam splitting, gas tank sensor had to be replaced, and now my rear hazard signals go on when I put my left turn signal on. I can find a dealership that will can fix, and I called Jeep Customer service and they were no help. I failed inspection because of this and Im at a loss with what to do.

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  2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 2.4L 4 Cycle - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Cranestyle777 - January 27 - 9:18 am

  Bought this because I wanted the off road version, but was light in the wallet at the time of purchase. I suppose most people went with the V6 for the Trailhawk. I will say that if I met someone thinking about buying this car, I would say get the V6. You will be happier. That being said, the 2.4 4cyl tiger shark with the 9 speed transmission has kind of "learned" my driving habits, The transmission software issues from the 14 models are worked out and fixed. Sport mode is fun. I am happy I went with the "green" version. It is capable as hell, decent on gas,