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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  No leg room in back - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Yingo - May 12 - 11:43 pm

  Adults will find their knees pressed against the back of the front seat, even shorties like me (53"). The front seat does not move back very far and my 6 brother felt cramped in it and his head brushed the headliner. The back seats are VERY difficult for an adult to get out of due to the very small door opening. Not the right car for anyone with any type of leg or knee restriction or injury.

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  Cherokee tops Honda CRV ..USA,USA, USA - 2017 Jeep Cherokee
  By Edgar - May 12 - 11:39 pm

  I just purchased a 2017 Cherokee Latitude a few weeks ago, and continue to be impressed. To put it in perspective, I also have a 2016 Honda CRV and can make a good comparison now. I had shopped both cars and negotiated rock bottom deals on both. The sticker price of the Jeep was $36K but with big rebates to be had the price of both cars ended up within $100 of each other, or $27.5K out the door going with their mid level trim; Latitude for the Jeep and EX for the CRV. But compare what I got in terms of value: Power: the 6 cylinder engine of the Jeep is is much more powerful and smooth than the 4 cylinder in the Honda..a 90 hp difference..advantage Jeep. Convenience: The Jeep has Power tailgate, Much better/larger LCD Infotainment System, Remote Start, More Adjustable and comfortable power front seats Auto Mirror, integrated 911 system etc not on the CRV. The CRV came with heated seats and the blind spot camera, both nice things but not of the value of the Jeep. Utility: The Jeep came with Roof Rails, Tow package (can tow 4500 lbs!), and full size spare. Honda did not include roof rails at that price point or tow hitch, and can tow only 1500 lbs if so configured. Advantage Jeep. Design: The Jeep has a unique outdoorsey presence about it, with off color stitching. The Honda is a good design, but more boring. The Jeep has a full panoramic sunroof, while the Honda just has a small standard one. 4WD: The Jeep has adjustable settings of the drive system, not to mention higher ground clearance and approach angles. While not a Trailhawk, the Jeep Latitude wins vs the CRV re offroad capabilities. Ride Quality: This is a big factor.:The Jeep is as smooth as can be; The Honda is great compared to other small SUVs and has an impressive CVT transmission but compared to the Jeep ride quality is not as good and does not feel as substantial. Especially on long highway trips, the Jeep with the V6 is just a better place to be and feels like a luxury car. In fairness the CRV scores some points with more cargo room, better mpg, and the blind spot camera. So in terms of Value, the Jeep is the clear winner and would even be worth the sticker price. In terms of reliability, I guess that is TBD, but the Jeep seems impressively solid and unstressed. If that is a big concern, Jeep offers an insane Lifetime/Unlimited Miles Warranty Upgrade for $2-3K. Being an import car buyer since 1982 ( my CRV was assembled in Canada), I am now changing my perception. Honda and CRV are always rated at the top of pack, and there are some outdated perceptions out there that imports are somehow better. Jeep Cherokee has one of the highest US contents of any vehicle. It is great to support fellow hard working Americans who make a product that is world class. USA, USA, USA!!

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  AWSOME TRAILHAWK V6 - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Malik - May 10 - 9:59 pm

  I bought the 2016 jeep cherokee trailhawk with the V6 engine fully loaded with every package available. Great performance overall. The v6 to me is just right for the SUV. When you need the power its able to put it down well. The interior feels high class. Like I said I bought the vehicle fully loaded including the panoramic sunroof. It has been a great year so far. Maybe the fuel economy can slightly improve but other than that Im not complaining. Really nice and refined suv for its class overall.

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  Classic - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Martino - May 7 - 2:00 am

  The is the second cherokee Ive owned and enjoy the 4wd in the snow and off road conditions. With the right tires you realy dont need to do much regarding a true off road vehicle. But after market options are bountiful.

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  Very nice vehicle - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By John M. - May 3 - 3:48 am

  We have had this 2016 Jeep Cherokee Sport 2-4L fwd for about a month now and have already put 1800 very pleasant miles on it, through a combination of mountain, freeway and city driving. In all conditions it handled very nicely. Going uphill was never an issue. Its power was more than enough to help us up the hills at a nice pace, and its handling made it unnecessary to use the brakes except on the sharpest turns. On the freeway, there was no trouble merging at the right speed. Acceleration was always just right. Very smooth ride, even at highway speeds, and also very quite. Interior is great.High quality materials made it feel almost luxurious. Very comfortable seating for 5. Plenty of leg and headroom. We really like the front grille and the daylight running lights too. I was really pleasantly surprised and would recommend it to everyone. If you dont need 4wd, the 2.4L is really great, and along with the 9 speed transmission it provides a smooth very quick way to arrive at your destination, relaxed and refreshed, no matter how long the journey.

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  The engine may outlast me! - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By oldg5 - May 1 - 9:13 pm

  This is the second Cherokee Ive owned. The first was an 87 that lasted 250k and wouldve gone longer had I not gotten water in the engine. For this reason, I decided to get a new one in 2000 (2001 model) and have not regretted it. The inline, cast iron, 6 cylinder engine will last a lifetime! Things to look for; The rear main oil seal will leak at some point (both of mine happened around 100k miles), its a gas guzzler, the valve cover will leak at some point (easy/cheap DIY), though my 2001 has yet to do this (140k), and the front rotors warp easily. I replaced my rotors with cross-drilled rotors that last longer, stop faster and cost less than OEM. very reliable vehicle!

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  A great friend - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Joe - April 22 - 2:10 pm

  I am retiring my 99 Jeep Cherokee Classic. I love this vehicle!! It still looks great after two wrecks and a 150,000 miles. I plan on having a little work done on it and then putting it in storage until my son turns 18 (18 years from now). It will be a hell of a gift for him - this is truly a classic vehicle and, in a way, I wish Jeep would bring the XJ style back but in another way I love the fact that I have one and they are not as easy to get anymore.

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  Work and Fun Mobile - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By dazimae - April 20 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Jeep in 96. Have had very little problems with it other than the standard battery etc. Would recommend this vehicle for anyone with a family or pets. Great for moving furniture and household items, transporting passengers. I have kept it for 8 years because of the low maintenance, and the many possibilies of its usuage. Have gone one vacation with it and have more than ample room to stretch out and keep the luggage in the back. It rides smooth. I would definately think positive about trading it in, in a few more years and buying a new one.

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  GREAT VALUE - Opt for the 3.2liter V6! - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Ricky Copeland - April 19 - 8:34 am

  Ive had my 2016 Latitude since December 2015 after having a 2005 Grand Cherokee for 11 virtual trouble-free years. I am amazed at all the bells and whistles this mid-price Cherokee has on it. My wife drives a Mercedes SL550 ($104,000 car) and the Cherokee has many of the features thats on the Mercedes, and in some cases, some the Benz doesnt have. We opted for the bigger engine upgrade (3.2-V6-25+mpg that I highly recommend), Comfort/Convenience package and the UConnet 8.4" screen upgrade. The incentives were great ($2K cash back + 0% for 60 months. I dont think I could have gotten more for the money anywhere else.

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  Goes the distance - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By jsb - April 17 - 2:00 am

  My Cherokee has 181,000 miles on it and has been one of the very best vehicles I have ever owned. Besides regular oil changes and tires it has had 3 front brake jobs, 1 rear brake job, replaced the airconditioning condensor and radiator, 2 exhaust systems, 1 set of front axel universal joints and a couple of batteries. You couldnt ask for better. It handles great, is just super in bad weather with the 4WD and has never let me down.