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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Wish they still made them - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
By bored - December 1 - 9:20 pmI love the look of this model. Very rugged and simple. Nowadays, SUVs have been designed for soccer moms and this thing actually looks like it was designed for a little more than picking up some milk. I bought my Cherokee used last year as a second vehicle for winter use and have invested some money into the suspension. It has 140,000 km on it and the engine/transmission and 4WD all run like a charm. The only problem I have is the computer acting up during the cold months of winter, but has no problems in summer. Gas mileage is not the best and rides a little rough overall. I know it wasnt meant to be a smooth riding gas sipper, but it is a little harsher than youd expect.
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V6+stick+low weight+4WD=great to drive - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By caesar91 - December 1 - 2:00 amOwned since new, now has ~50K, runs better than ever. Great to drive with V6, stick, and lower weight than most SUVs. Strongly recommend stick-like to downshift into turns to manage SUV-roll risk while keeping up power. And it helps with mileage (18-20MPG). Only maintenance has been oil chgs & tires once. No rust/exterior problems, though it has been garaged mostly. Would get 4DR - trick to get in/out of backseat. Still not sure 4DR that would make it a family SUV-ride is pretty bumpy for munchkins in car seats. Echo all comments about 4WD & snow; with locking 4WD (not AWD with differentials) you get great power & traction.
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Liberty is No Equal to the Cherokee! - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
By Trathen - December 1 - 2:00 amJeep should have never stopped making this wonderful 4x4. A true classic that can not be replaced by current models. Now will have to wait for the Jeep Rescue!
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Jeep Cherokee Sport Classic/1999 - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
By Rtmorey - November 25 - 10:00 amAn awesome vehicle! Reliable 4 wheel drive, great handling. Gas is a little ruff, but worth the price. I give the Jeep Cherokee a A+!
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Cherokee at 4000 miles - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
By rgoodspeed - November 17 - 9:41 pmFirst and foremost I have been a jeep guy for several decades so I do like the product. This is my 8th Jeep and my Trailhawk replaced my beloved 2006 Liberty CRD that was mint at 100,000 I must say! The Cherokee has exceeded my expectations in all ways...the car is fun to drive the V-6 has a ton of power the MPG are over 20 all the times. I have had zero issues over the first 4000 miles, I took it in for the lastest transmission flash but I was not having any issues or problems. The best vehicle in its class for sure, a little on the procey side when you get it loaded up and I do not like the 15.5 gallon gas tank that is filled from the right side. Great vehicle in all aspects.
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Tires, Battery, Belt, Shocks, Brakes - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
By Jeeper Since 79 - November 9 - 7:50 amI have 170,000 miles on the Cherokee - it had 32 when I bought it. I am on tire set 5, shocks set 3, belt 3, battery 4, brakes 5. Ive replaced the plugs three times, the valve cover gasket once, serviced the differentials twice each. Oil changes every 5 to 7000 miles, (in spite of what is recommended). One radiator. Bulbs and headlights and what-have- you: once or twice. The worst repair was the air, once, $1300, and how bad is that, really? I doubt Ive put more than $6000 into it over the many miles, about 1/6 th of which were off-roadish, it has carried me. If your Cherokee hasnt done the same, I dont think you put enough love into it. Jeep owners will understand this.
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Great Midsize SUV at an affordable price. - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
By Nick - November 1 - 9:25 pmExtremely comfortable drive, love the seats and all interior features. I am 64" 220 and feel very comfortable driving in it for long periods of time. We love taking it on road trips. If you dont need the V6 or 4X4 you can make a super economical purchase. If you do go with the 4X4, is the same 4 wheel drive system as a wrangler, and helps the resale value, and a lot better to take off road than most other mid size SUV 4X4. 4 other Jeeps have been in our family, we love them. If youre not into Kia, Hyundai, Honda, Mazda, etc. This is def an affordable option to explore.
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Still going strong - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By Connick - October 31 - 10:00 amGoing on 4 years old my 99 white ltd is still very reliable. The only issue I had was the replacement of the front wheel bearings. Other than that Its been pretty good. Never had any problems engine-wise.
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Switched out X3 for V6 Trailhawk and couldnt be happier! - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
By loisc - October 29 - 5:34 amI went for all the bells and whistles. The car is sharp on the outside and luxurious on the inside. It is solidly built, downright peppy with the V6, and full of high-end technology and safety features. On the third day of ownership, the crank shaft sensor failed and car was in the garage two days; however, it is working well since the repair.
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Still Running Strong - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By TNP - October 6 - 2:00 amI bought my jeep new in 98. I now have 104,000 miles on it, and the only problem I have has is a power window motor. I use it offroad on the beach quite a bit, and have yet to get it stuck. It has been the most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. I plan to buy another one for my son as soon as he gets his licence
