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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  The Jeep Thing - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jeep_Florida - October 1 - 5:36 pm

  I bought it in 2008 and has 112k miles and i`m tge 2nd owner,never used 4 off- road,4.0,4x4,5 speed(oh yeah i want to change gear when i want to),MPG- 19 city,24 highway at 70 mph,20 towing a u- haul tralier.Never had any major repairs i replaced the shocks,breaks,all fluids,wiper blades,installed a cd player and also new speakers with amp all on weekends...grab a beer and save money doing that 4 fun.Easy to work on,fun to drive,to park,lot of space inside,best suv for the money.If u want to save money on gas ride a bicycle...want a smooth ride buy a BMW,but the JEEP is the way to go everywhere.

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  Great car in the snow! - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Swooz - September 29 - 9:07 pm

  My car is 15 years old now, with a lot of miles on it, and has lost some of its power going up in the mountains...acceleration power is limited...

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  An off-road beast - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Billy Elliott - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I tend to drive my trucks hard with lots of off-road time, but the Cherokee has never failed me.

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  Not for tall people or car seats! - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Michael Nichols - September 5 - 3:42 pm

  I bought a Liberty brand new in 2005 and LOVE it to this day. It was time to replace my husbands car, so the Cherokee seemed like the closest to the Liberty we coukd find. It is not. A Jeep in name only, we discovered the backseat has far less head room- I am 61" and my head is mashed against the ceiling. We have a toddler, and there is only about 5" clearance from the carseat to the ceiling- getting him in and out is very difficult. This is not a vehicle for you if you need to use carseats!!! As much as I LOVE my Liberty, I am so disappointed in the Cherokee. After only 5 days I am asking OBrien to take it back. This is not an SUV, but a station wagon or "crossover" at best. MAJOR BUYERS REMORSE.

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  Amazing SUV - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By yzkurt - September 3 - 1:03 pm

  This vehicle is amazing. I have owned two Jeeps, a 1991 Jeep Wrangler and this one; both with the 4 litre I6. But also, im still 16 so there will be plenty more to come. This Jeep does everything. It drives great, looks great, and is super comfortable. The engine is truly bullet proof. I was happily surprised with the amount of power it puts out, great for an suv. This little thing will go anywhere and do anything. Living in the northwest and having these winters are nothing for it. I can haul plenty of people and plenty of gear. My friends and i love it.

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  Like it a lot! - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Spideyfan68 - August 31 - 9:56 am

  I bought mine used with 50,000 miles on it. I have since put another 50,000 on and still going strong. I have had no major repair the normal brakes tires etc. I do need to replace the clutch on the air conditioner compressor that is it. I was thinking about a new car but mine is in such nice shape I think I will keep it a year or two.

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  Still Kickin - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By josephmartins - August 28 - 11:06 am

  Bought it with 154k miles on the odometer. Fifth Jeep I have owned (incl a 90 and 2001 Cherokee, and a 97 and 98 Grand Cherokee). I never hesitate to buy a high mileage Jeep if it has been cared for by the previous owners. Immediately switched it to synthetic fluids/lubes for everything but the transmission. Just passed 232k miles and still going strong. Needed to replace the radiator at about 190k miles. While I had things apart I also replaced the coolant hoses, heater hoses, trans and power steering lines just to be safe. The last thing you want to do is tear it all apart again in 30k miles. Lazily neglected to replace the water pump. That came back to bite me about 20k miles later.

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  Computer hell - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Linrose - August 27 - 12:00 am

  I have replaced the computer in my 1998 Cherokee Sport 3 times. Luckily the last two were still under warranty. My mechanic tells me that the 98 model does this but the 97 and 99s dont. Tried junkyard dealers and was told they cant keep em in. Also the tach, speedometer, air bag lights fail intermittently. Probably different problems. Dont like the location of the "gear" indicator, causes me to look down, away from the road ahead. Otherwise I love it.

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  All around great vechicle - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jeeper4life - August 23 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive very reliable no serious mechanical problems i have over 65000 mile on it and it still runs as good as the day i bought it. I have no regerts lots of power w/I six cyl 4.0 liter engine fuel could be better but cant complain overall a well built vechicle

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  99 Jeep Cherokee - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Togdsp - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Not a bad vehicle for the price. No major repairs but had to replace driver side window. I noticed that the check engine light comes on if gas cap is not properly replaced. Approaching 50K miles. Vehicle has gotten alot louder within the past 5k miles, on the front end and with little squeaks here and there.