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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  99 classic - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Robert Bigs - January 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a classic and good looking vehicle. The gas milage is reasonable and the features are more than I need. I like the capability of using it on or off road. It is a great bang for your buck.

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  RIP - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By fek2 - January 15 - 10:48 pm

  I loved it. It was my first car and only had it for about one year but was amazing. I was driving on the highway when something hit the transmission case and cracked it. my insurance deemed it as total loss and towed it away. I will miss my jeep soo much. RIP baby. Unfortunately i will most likely not get a jeep as my second vehicle due to bad gas mileage

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  See ya Cherokee - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By velocerider - January 15 - 9:32 pm

  Took my Cherokee to the junkyard today. Bought it new in 1996. Its been in all environments, the coast, mountains, deserts and cities and performed like a champ. Replaced a water pump, brakes, tires and radio. The only thing that didnt work was the hydraulics on the rear hatch. Rescued stranded motorists, carried Christmas trees and was given to my son as his first car, after it had over 209K miles racked up on it. My inexperienced son ran into a F250 Ford dualie and tore the rear axle right off that truck. The Jeep suffered terrible front end damage. My son didnt have a scratch. I should be so lucky, as to go out as big a hero as that Jeep!

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  A rare right hand drive Cherokee - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By hot_burrito_1 - January 4 - 1:10 am

  I found my Cherokee on the side of the road for sale. It is a factory right hand drive. Aside from replacing nearly all of the original parts (previous owners were not proactive in taking care of the vehicle), it is a very durable vehicle. I use this vehicle daily to carry mail and it is stronger than the government owned vehicles. It has twice the power. The only downside to the 4.0 is the poor gas mileage. Overall, this is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. The best I have ever owned was a 1984 Honda Accord.

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  GREAT JEEP - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By GIJEEP - December 25 - 5:10 pm

  Ive had my Jeep a little over a year now and it has been an excellent vehicle. Its got great styling and great reliability. Ive only had to change the tires, oil and wiper blades since IÂ’ve had it. If youÂ’re looking for a reliable great looking SUV buy a Jeep Cherokee

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  Loved it up to the moment it got totaled - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Ron Carter - December 18 - 8:33 pm

  Love my Jeep. Bought 2 in a row and love the first one as well. Never a problem, you cant kill that 4.0 motor. Wish they would bring it back. Easy to drive on the long haul or around town. Towed my boat and camper across many states and loved every minute of it. The back seat legroom area was getting a little small for my 5-10 boys. Other than that, we love the ole jeep. It got totaled , I mean really totaled but, if it werent for the Jeep, I may not have walked away from the accident.

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  AWESOME SUV - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By JEEPSTER - December 17 - 12:06 pm

  These jeeps are great for everything and any road condition. Not too big and not to small. Just the right amount of storage and room. My Jeep drives great, and its fun. I would buy another one in a heartbeat. I wish they still made them.

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  Not that great..... - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeepsport99 - December 13 - 5:03 pm

  For a Jeep I expected more. This vehicle has been nothing but problems. Shocks every 30 thousand miles, $1500 for upper and lower ball joints, both front bearings/hubs replaced, passenger rear leaf spring replaced, both O2 sensors replaced, clunky drive line. Now at 107,000 miles, water pump may be going. I think the most annoying thing to me is how the rear end sags because the leaf springs wear by design. Luckily I had a extended warranty up to 75,000 miles otherwise I would have been really upset. One thing that is good is that during the summer months I can get 20 mpg from the 190 hp inline six. This is a poor product and Chrysler Jeep should be ashamed.

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  jcfromohs cherokee sport - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By JCfromoh - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Dependable vehicle, great pick up and low end torque. Easy to manuver in parking lots and off road. Back seat is only good for small children. My 64" son looks sandwiched in. Easily tows my bass boat without problems. I have the basic Sport without any extras. Added a K&N airfilter and jetchip and have increased performance. Also added Jeep brush guard with integrated fog lights. Looks good. Quality has been excellent to date, I have 49,000 miles on the vehicle and to date no problems.

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  Dependable and Trouble-free Jeep - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By mikeglenn - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I have found this vehicle to be one of the best vehicles I have owned for the money. In 4 years and 75,000 miles, the only problem has been a wheel bearing. It rides a little rough and is noisey, but I can live with it because it has been so trouble-free. I liked my Jeep so well, I leased one for my son a few months after purchasing myne. He drove his for 3 years with no problems either.