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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  Why did they quit maiking these? - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Pigman - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Best car (reliability) I have ever owned. The cast iron inline 6 cylinder is amazing. This is the best snow car I have ever driven. I can do 55 mph on 4-6 inches of snow without even a wobble. It is a true snow car. I do all tune up, oil changes, and all maintenance on this vehicle. It is as simple as a 1960s car. Biggest mistake Chrysler made was to stop building these in 2001. The jeep liberty (successor) does not even hold a candle to it. All SUVs started with this design. It is a true on or off road SUV.

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  Most Reliable Vehicle Ever Had - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By urban_ga_peach - November 14 - 1:45 pm

  My husband and I have had this Jeep for 4 years. Had 70k when we bought it, now it has 130k. Low miles for a 11 year old car. Weve had no major issues. Daytime running lights means you chance headlights often. Electrical sensor replaced under dash and a brake light sensor. Besides that just regualar maint. 4.0L is best engine Jeep ever made. My dad has a 96 like ours with 280k and still no issues. We expect to get 300k out of her too. Shes like a tank! Back seat a bit small for 6 footers but fine for short people/kids. Definately best buy for TMV.

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  Great Jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Relentless - November 6 - 1:26 pm

  I have a 2000 4dr 4x4 I bought used with 33,000 miles on it in 2003. This thing has been mechanically rock solid. Its getting older and my cruise control went out on me. But that is the only real problem Ive had and Im about ready to turn 90,000 miles of daily driver torture on this thing. Parts are super cheap and plentiful. Easy to work on. I still like driving this thing, and I look forward to snowy days. If I ever sell it I know I will miss it.

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  Great inexpensive truck - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By cherokee - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I always liked Jeeps and I think Cherokee is the best of the breed. It looks like a Jeep and drives like a Jeep and the pickup of I-6 is awesome. Very basic truck but does everything you need and you can buy it very cheap. If you are into outdoors and sports and dont want to spend a lot of $$ this is the best thing.

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  1997 - a Good Year - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Susan - November 3 - 9:06 pm

  I bought my 1997 Jeep Cherokee new in 1997. It has a straight six engine, manual transmission - no frills. What a workhorse - It has well over 200,000 miles and all it has ever needed were oil changes, tires and windshield wipers. It doesnt get any better than this. When the engine goes I may get it rebuilt since the straight six is easy to rebuild.

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  Excellent 4x4 - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Natedawg - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I love my cherokee! The 4 wheel drive system on the jeeps are some of the best around. One day I was being follwed fastly by a guy in an Explorer on a sandy dirt road, my cherokee ran smoothly through the sand, yet he was wiping out in the sand. Sometimes I can not tell if Im riding offroad or on the pavement. Lots of fun!

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  Love my Cherokee Sport! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By jon - October 15 - 1:40 am

  I have loved my jeep since the day i started driving it. I have the 5 speed manual transmission, this is the only way to go, i cant even imagine having a boring auto. The Jeep has 132000 miles now and is still running strong. Hardly ever done any work on it, only new shocks, u-joints, cat. converter, and muffler.The shocks were just something i did for no real reason, just thought it would be a good idea, but my u-joints did go bad. Love the 4x4, the front seats, love the ENGINE! Very reliable. Never lets me down, always starts right up in the cold too. It is a wonder to have in the winter. Michigan winters are pretty intense, and it is just unstoppable in the snow. Would buy one again now!

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  Beyond expectations - 2018 Jeep Cherokee
  By Matthew Thomas - October 6 - 9:03 pm

  I actual have the 3.2L V6 Limited 4X4 trim version with heated front leather seats and steering wheel, dual zone climate control, BSM, Rear cross-traffic alert, Back up sensors, back-up camera, and automatic start stop. It totally has went above and beyond my expectations, I was a bit hesitant at first with the 9 speed transmission cause I had rented a 200 when they first came out with 9 speed, but it’s great in the Cherokee. I love the styling mines white with the the black cladding, I blacked out all the Crome and dipped the rims black. Acceleration, comfort, driving aid and entertainment are all great, but one major thumbs down is there is still no apple car-play in an 18 come onnnn. Would totally buy it again next the overland though.

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  Fun on the road - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Greggg - September 29 - 10:00 am

  The Jeep Cherokee combines a very functional SUV with an attractive car. Its simple styling is timeless. Durability is outstanding with the truck suspension(not a fluff SUV wannabee). The ground clearance is great. So far, Ive had no problems with the Cherokee and use it for everyday driving and hauling an 18" pleasure boat.

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  Its a LEMON - Needs new transmission at 5000 miles - 2015 Jeep Cherokee
  By cttwin - September 22 - 3:03 pm

  Very disappointing experience! Leased the Jeep Cherokee 2015 without knowing there has been a history of transmission issues. Found that out after the car died on the highway. My Jeep had been skipping gears,running sluggish and hesitating but I never imagined it could be a problem with the transmission. I waited over 3 hours for the Chrysler Road Side Assistance to show up and tow me to the nearest dealer, it took 3 days to get an approved rental while they replace my transmission. My biggest regret is I still have 2 1/2 years on the lease.