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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  Jeep is it! - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By STER - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle with 7 miles on it,I have serviced the vehicle according to manufacturers recommendations and have had no major problems(41800 miles).I own a tent trailer and use it for traveling all the time.I have also used if for off road adventures and have been overwhelmingly pleased.I have even been to Moab Utah a time or two and have even amazed a few of the avid four wheelers with what I was accomplishing in a stock vehicle.There is not a stock S-10 or Explorer that can keep up with this one.I drove the other two and gave them their fair shot.If you like to get out camp and do some off roading, Jeep is it!

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  I love this Jeep!!! - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By EJeep - October 14 - 10:00 am

  There is little to nothing i dont love about my Jeep Cherokee. The style is classic and it drives just like a Jeep should. There is no mistaking the fact that i am driving a Jeep. The pick up is unbelievable with the straight six engine. The cargo area is great for someone with a family or for a person who is just really active active. The only problem is the back seat is a little on the smaller side, but Ive been in a few SUVs and it seems to be that way in all of them.

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  Great, Reliable SUV - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By DrumFamily - October 5 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Jeep in 2002 with 85k miles on it. Weve since run it past 120k, and it is still going strong. Weve had to replace the water pump and serpentine belt, but that was it. It really is a solid vehicle, with great construction and is truly reliable. Would recommend to potential buyers.

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  patriot cherokee - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By clay jeep - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I have really enjoyed using my jeep for day to day driving as well as takeing trips.

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  Best vehicle I ever owned - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By ace - September 30 - 5:40 am

  Was one of two vehicles left on our lot before we closed the business and I was useing it myself during the winter months. Found it was a one owner vehicle and I decided to buy it as my personal vehicle. Loved how it handled poor weather conditions and felt very safe. Loved the style, power, and handling. Great vehicle for the price. Leaks oil from rear main, typical of the 4.0 Liter engine.140,000 miles and runs great! Hope to have this one for life!

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  115K and still going - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By KT2003 - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Have had this vehicle for 7 years and 115k miles. Ive been hit twice and it is still going strong. Never had any major mechanical problems.

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  Not carseat friendly! - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By msbuz - September 27 - 10:00 am

  It was great until I had a baby. The rear doors are just not large enough nor open wide enough to comfortably put the baby carrier in and out. Many average sized adults have difficulty getting in & out as well. Especially if the front seats are slid back. Not something I acn deal with. I will be looking for something different, especially when the 2nd child comes along. Dont know how I will fit 2 carseats!

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  great little jeep - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By sierragrl - September 8 - 8:53 am

  This is my 4th jeep cherokee, and I guess my last one since they quit making them. I love it. It powers up hills, flies past the slow moving vehicles on passing opportunities. When I had a toyota there was no passing allowed, it didnt have enough umhph. But cherokees, no problem. Its great off-road, its small dimensions are perfect for tight hairpin turns on narrow, steep dirt roads. And all my jeeps have been extremely reliable. nothing has gone wrong on them and I drove each one till 130,000 miles.

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  Stisfied - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By steverin - August 31 - 3:33 pm

  I simply wanted a 4wd that would be able to safely traverse logging roads, ice/snow and has lots of after-market support. I found all of this in the cherokee.

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  Good Vehicle - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By george - August 24 - 8:23 am

  Ive 237,000 plus miles on this vehicle. Major repairs include clutch replacement (twice), fuel pump, radiator, water pump, air conditioning (freezes up intermittently, still does), and Ive replaced the battery harness once. Despite these repairs, its been a great utility truck for driving on construction job sites. I love power of base inline 6 engine. Ive gotten consistently 23 mpg. average city/hwy. If Jeep makes this vehicle again, I would buy another one. Its a classic.