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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  Good Affordable SUV - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By judge09 - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had this cherokee sport for 3 years and have been very happy. The power is great, the ride is fine, its a solid truck. The only problem I have had is both front power windows crapped out. $400 they work fine. Overall great jeep.

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  1996 lifted cherokee country 4wd - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By kraig - June 16 - 2:00 am

  i have owned my jeep for elven years and it has been lifted for about 7 years, and have over 300,000 miles and running strong. the 4wd drive system is indestructible, as well as the 4.0 straight six, it wont ever give out and has never left me stranded other then a dead battery in minus 20 degree weather.

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  Seriously... my best friend in the world. - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By SnowBray - June 15 - 7:13 pm

  My Jeep is the first car I ever bought for over 2k. Ive had it since 2001, and it has been the greatest car ever. I never want to get rid of it -- its like family to me now. It has required little maintenance and has taken me all over the country. Its got about 82k on it, but drives and looks brand new.

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  Will be buried in it.... - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By g2001xj - June 8 - 4:37 pm

  At 45 I feel very COOL driving it. Was lucky to pick one up in 2009 with only 29K miles on it. It still looks and drives like new at 50K now. In bad weather I volunteer to run to the store as an excuse to drive it. I would really love to buy another one someday but as we know thats not going to happen.

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  Reliable - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By kozmikgene - June 8 - 1:28 am

  I just turned over 200,000 miles and I have only changed the oil about 15 times. My Cherokee Sport still runs strong and if I had been a bit better with maintenance I believe it would easily turn 300k. If you find one of these gems dont be afraid of it if it has some miles on it you will easily see 200k. My mechanic says these engines are bullet proof, and the only reason he has seen it is for the 3 radiators it has gone through. We have recently endured a terrible snow storm that downed many trees, my Jeep got me home safe with some of the nastiest four wheel off roading it has been through!

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  New Transmission at 2K miles! - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By reliablenc - May 31 - 1:31 pm

  Well, I had such high hopes. After an exhaustive search, I finally thought I had found the perfect vehicle for me in the new Jeep Cherokee. But just after I crossed 2,000 miles the transmission died. Yes, you read that right -- 2,000 miles. Ive now been without my Cherokee for a week and there is still no timeframe for when I will get it back (or even if they are going to fix it correctly). Apparently, they "lost" the new transmission somewhere between the factory and the dealership. Its really too bad, because there is a lot to like about the Cherokee. But I guess I will be use the NC Lemon Law refund and buy something else thats more reliable. Frustrating...

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  Champion - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By lhale - May 23 - 2:25 pm

  i bought my Jeep in July 2011 with 170k on the dash. The only thing Ive done to this car is give it 4 oil changes. Ive taken this car from Charleston SC to Winston Salem NC several times and also to and from Brooklyn NY from Charleston with no problems. I bought the car with low oil pressure but this has not slowed this beast down. Im a heavy driver and this jeep hangs in there with me. One of the bet buys of my life.

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  Dont buy a Cherokee - 2015 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeep547 - May 20 - 8:42 pm

  2015 models with v6 engine idle rough and have an automatic engine stop switch that shuts engine off at stop lights. Wear and tear on starter over the life of the car must be significant. Had ours at dealership for four days with 575 miles only to be told the rough idle is the nature of the vehicle and is normal operation. We drove at least four more Cherokees and all had the rough idle, some worse than ours. It is so bad that we traded back at a substantial loss just to get out of it. Beware, if you test drive a v6 Cherokee, make sure to drive it enough to get it to operating temperature and observe the automatic shut down and then put it in park and check the idle. Good luck after that!

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  The BEST Vehicle I have ever bought ! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jessica - May 16 - 12:53 am

  I bought mine back in 2005 it is 2WD and it had 90,000 on it. The price was right so I couldnt pass it up. I am so glad I bought that Jeep, this May will be 5 years that I have had it, and I have only a few repairs. I replace a water pump at 145,000, and a clutch at 180,000. Other than that it has been only your basic up keep. I now have 220,000 on it! Its still going strong, this vehicle has sat put year round in the MN cold and it has always started, not once has it not. Everything still works great in it except the air did go out at 183,000. I will never get rid of my Jeep its been awesome! It is sad to know that they did stop making them after 2000.

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  Great Jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By dio_19_80 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Great to drive and does every thing that we could ask for.