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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Dream come true - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
By jepguy99 - January 20 - 2:40 amI bought this Jeep with 90k on it. I now have 125k just a year and a half later, I have had no mechanical problems whatsoever. I have put a 4 inch lift and 33 inch tires on this Jeep and I am still happy about the gas mileage. It takes me wherever I need to go. The engine is very powerful, I can spin the tires whenever I want. Ive wanted a Jeep since I could remember and I dont plan on ever selling it. If it gets totaled I plan on buying another one. I love it and recommend it to anyone.
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i love my jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
By sid1103 - January 18 - 2:00 amI love my jeep. Its great. I havent had any problems with it at all
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Jeep Cherokee Sport - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By Dan Jeep - January 11 - 10:00 amAll around this a more SUV for your buck. I have had zero problems with my Cherokee and plan to keep it for years to come. The inline 6 is going to run forever and is strong enough to pull my 5,000 pound camper.
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would buy it again - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
By RIjeep - January 2 - 10:00 amI purchased this jeep at its 7 month B-day, from a family friend, and have loved it ever since. It now has 88,000 miles and looked georgeous until my daughter has an accident. The repairs exceed the value but I am probably going to fix it because you cant beat the inline 6 engine.
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Its a Chrysler - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
By Weston - December 30 - 2:00 amIts cheap! But not cheap enough! I should have spent the extra 50$ a month and got a Blazer. Cool classic rugged styling, but, rough ride, BAD breaks, noisey,and below average overall quality. In and out for warranty work 7 times. Resale is very very bad,, cant find a dealership that wants another one sitting on their lot.
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its a jeep thing... - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
By robbo - December 30 - 2:00 amOverall, a great "little mule". Several little things (i.e. rattles in the door, dome light quit working, rear window washer broke, worthless cup holders, loose exhaust pipe) are making me not appreciate it as much as I could. The engine and transmission are trouble free at 91K miles. Off-road capability is unbeaten.
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True Sport Utility - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By Scooter - December 26 - 6:10 amThis is one rugged SUV. Utility is the key word here. I take this thing off road, on 3000 mile road trips, to the grocery store, lumber yard, skiing, hunting, fishing, tailgating. It has 120,000 miles and starts instantly. Goes off road like a warrior and has a classic look. I took two 6 footers, all our hunting gear for a week, with a roof and tongue rack. I tow the snowmobiles with this. All that and it parks easy, is good around town. I needed a reliable rugged vehicle. The rear defroster is out, the fog lights are short circuited, but she starts, clips in 4x4, and everything else works. If WWIII breaks out, this is the vehicle you want.
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A Great Car - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
By Jones555 - December 13 - 10:00 amIf you want a plush, smooth riding SUV, dont get a Cherokee. This is my 2nd Cherokee. They have been reliable, feel solid, (feels larger then it actually is) - well, compared to the newer and very big truck-like SUVs. Gas mileage: 17-19 in the suburbs,18-21 hwy. at about 65 too 70 mph. Feels smooth,and comfortable driving on good roads - you will feel bumps on poor roads - but considering Ive ruined tires and shocks with previous cars on pot-holes, etc... I dont have to worry about that anymore. Ac/heat work great, with floor ducts to the back seat. ...and its the classic Jeep look and feel that I want
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RETHINK YOUR PURCHASE - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
By DUKE - December 5 - 10:00 amHind-sight is always 20/20 and I really wish we would have listened to the advise of others. Our Jeep has been towed so many times to the dealer for various problems, its a shame we dont get frequent flyer miles! I could list a whole variety of problems, but if replacing a transmission at 31K miles doesnt tell you everything, please contact me and I would be very willing to sell my Jeep to you!
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Buy a Jeep!!! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By mcm - December 5 - 10:00 amLove this SUV! The 4x4 is fun, has plenty of power and looks great after a wash/wax. The gas mileage isnt so great but is a minor detail compared to the fun of driving this car. If youre looking for the original SUV (i.e. stiff suspension, rugged, reliable) then this one is for you!
