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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  After 20 yrs youd think itd be perfect - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By fishooked - September 22 - 10:00 am

  but it certainly is not. Right now I have about 68K on my 1998. One of my biggest complaints is the tiny glove box, and poor layout for storage of other items such as maps, change, whatever. I can barely fit anything in my glove box except for my owners manual. There should be side pockets in the doors for loose stuff. The center console layout stinks. It makes a lot of rattling noises, and it has also leaked water in it as well. Ive had problems with my rotors getting warped and having to be replaced twice already. Not great gas mileage; over 120.00 a month easy for gas.

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  Jeep - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By MrFiero - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Multiple quality issues, bad paint, many odd things breaking, like pulleys and misc electrical components.

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  Better than anticipated - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By bjhhog - September 16 - 7:25 pm

  Cherokee Latitude. V6, all the bell and whistles except sunroof. I bought this right before winter, and thank god for that because it was the worst winter of all time. This car had the most confident foul weather ride, and before this I had a tech loaded A4 and a 12 Wrangler. I remember having to ride up a 30% grade for at least 800 feet, and I hardly felt a slip. The car is a beast in the snow. The technology they put into the traction system has to rival some of the best SUVs on the market. Very pleased do far.

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  98 Cherokee - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Phil S - September 13 - 11:16 pm

  This car started as a lease, ended up buying it. Price was too high due to the unexpected purchase, but it is still running with 227,700 miles and doesnt use oil yet. Highway mileage is 20 mpg. On a recent trip, driving about 50, I got 25. Much less in the city. Only problem that are chronic are with the cruise control (wont hold the speed) and the air conditioning (doesnt work even after being re-done).

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  What a truck! - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Cherokee Limited - September 13 - 10:00 pm

  This is the third Jeep I have owned aside from the old 86 Grand Wagoneer and the 93 Jeep Cherokee. Reliability has improved over the years, I bought the 99 Cherokee Limited with 72k. I have enjoyed driving this Jeep and probably will never own any other make of suv. There is not one bad word I can say about the Jeep Cherokee!

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  I love it - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By oregongirl - September 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had my jeep for 3 years and have driven it across the country twice - it has never let me down. It handles great in the snow and I feel safe on the freeway. At 70,000+ I have had no major problems - will probably have to replace rear brake pads soon, had to have a belt tightened, insignificant leak in the transfer case...etc. In all I have put less than $1000 into repairs. This is a great car if you are looking for something fun, sporty and dependable.

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  Get the V6 - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Matthew - September 11 - 9:26 pm

  The Limited has great looks inside and out. Spend the extra and get the V6. Great get up and go. My only complaint would be the navigation system. I thought it was broken right after buying car. Can not program an address if parked in a lot that is not recognized by the satellite. ( Happened even in the service department parking lot.) Must then program with voice while driving. Service department knows about the glitch, but no fix available at this time. The connect system and screen also seems somewhat temperamental. (Has a mind of its own at times.) All in all, its a great SUV. The safety features are a bonus and make one feel secure. Press the @ button on your dash if you dont want the engine to stop when the car is at a stop sign, ect. (This feature was designed to save on gas, but it causes the engine to feel jumpy when going back in gear.) I would give the car and 8 out of 10. If you plan on keeping the car for a long, long time, get the extended lifetime warranty. It is worth it for peace of mind.

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  jeep cherokee sport 4wd - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Fmart322 - August 28 - 1:03 pm

  Im 61", and wish it had more room inside the cockpit. I feel squeezed sometimes. Fuel consumption is not real good with this SUV, but then again, are any of them. Makes a great beach buggy for surf fishing. this is a great car for teens who are just getting started, low cost to maintain. Good vision all around.

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  Its a Jeep thing - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By T-Lo - August 24 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent small SUV. The 4.0 is bulletproof. It is the easiest to service 4WD vehicle I have ever seen. The spark plugs are easy to get to, the transfer case has a drain plug, the differentials are easily serviced, there are no CV boots (straight axle), etc. Step on the gas and it goes, along with your fuel mileage though. At 80,000 miles, the only unscheduled maintenance has been the brakes and a power window regulator. Back seat is good for kids but adults couldnt ride there for long. A lift on this SUV is cheap and simple and they are available from mild to wild.

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  Great Car - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Anonymous - August 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is extreamly reliable. I turned over 128,000 miles with minimal troubles. Nothing costly has gone wrong with it, still on origional engine and tranny. Leaks less than 1/2 a quart of oil a month in its older age,started around 115,000 miles but nothing too costly.