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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  I love my jeep! - 2015 Jeep Cherokee
  By sandbelle - June 20 - 7:33 am

  This is my first brand new car....i have always had a chevy, but once i test drove this Jeep- it was mine! im a convert for life! I LOVE my JEEP!

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  Jeep Cherokee - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Bill - June 16 - 12:40 pm

  I bought my Jeep in Dec, 08 it rides very good in bad weather conditions, but the previous owner must have went off roading with it, cause the ride was very rough, replace shocks and struts an that helped alot, it had 110,000 on it an now has 123,000 been having electrical issues as of late, this is a suv that I wouldnt hesitate to buy brand new, am looking to upgrade to a 2001 with less wear an tear! Gas mileage isnt a problem as has been reported by other buyers!

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  ONE TUFF JEEP - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By ONE TUFF JEEP - June 8 - 6:36 pm

  Ive owned my jeep for about 8 years. Ive had no major problems to deal with since. Ive got mine hooked-up for off-road(4" lift w/32s and some bolt-on engine mods) its literally a beast on wheels. I can get through anything I want. I pass 50k$ SUVs going up the slickest of roads on my ski trips. I highly recommend to any one looking for an affordable off road vehicle. Gas-mileage stinks--- 13mpg combined, but its been very good to me, plus its paid off...

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  A Great Friend - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By SANABU - June 4 - 6:10 am

  I have had my 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport since brand new. I am very impressed with its reliability. Always starts and it never fails. It is fun to drive but a bit painful as you feel the road. The quality of the workmanship on this SUV is excellent. Impressive. My Jeep has 170,000 miles and it still feels good to drive. I am ready for a new car and the Jeep goes to my 16 year old daughter. I trust this small truck enough that I am giving it to my daughter. No complaints from me.

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  Best SUV Ever!!! Very Happy with Purchase! - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By mojorisin36 - May 30 - 5:56 am

  I did a ton of research on SUVs - Ford, Toyota, Mazda, Acura, Honda etc...and I initially leased the Grand Cherokee as I couldnt decide between the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. The first night I drove the Grand Cherokee home I hated it. The dealership was awesome and let me switch to the Cherokee Limited V6 w/ Panoramic roof, loaded. It is the best driving, most comfortable car with the best technology I ever had. I am so happy with the purchase and love driving this fun car. Perfect if you have kids yet want to drive in poor conditions yet want to go out at night or drive on the highway. I completely recommend it.

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  Once you go Jeep, you never go steep. - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeph23 - May 28 - 9:20 pm

  Ive had my Jeep now for about a year and Ive put on about 20k miles on it. Bought it at 71k miles, its got 91k on it now. I had to replace the radiator and the TPS sensor. Radiator was cracked before I bought it evidently due to all of the stop leak in it when I took it out. Other than that, this thing has been a dream. The family loves it, its very roomy, reliable, and so comfortable to drive. For not being a full-size vehicle, you feel like you are in command of the road and plus you arent taken over by the thing either like a full-size. It laughs at any bad weather condition too. I will be keeping this Jeep for a very long time.

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  A Jeep is Not Just a Jeep! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By whyi - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Today,Jeeps are the most motivating and relaxing driving experience on the road. One of my sources of relaxation is taking a short or long drive in the city or on the open highway. Driving my Jeep exceeds the level of comfort and performance of my previous vehicles and helps me achieve relaxation. I LOVE MY JEEP!

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  my race truck - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Alex from NH - May 24 - 9:23 am

  This truck is possibly the greatest vehicle of all time. Its fast (took off the restrictor plate and got it doing 125 mph). Its small and handles beautifully if your idea of beauty is a roll over waiting to happen at every turn, mine is. The small size does not bother me because Im not a big guy but people in the backseat complain, they know where the door is. My Jeep has around 187,000 miles. And I drive this thing hard from offroading to the occasional street race. Guys with there little rice burner toyotas laugh at the start then I hit them with the incredible torque! The Jeep Cherokee should have been in diehard because it is unstoppable. Except for the a/c compressor it died at 100k miles

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  Bullit Proof - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Mike - May 20 - 8:46 am

  Has well over 100K miles and still running strong. Brakes have a slight pulsating problem.

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  Really Crappy Wiring - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Rabbit - May 18 - 8:36 am

  After 10 years, nearly every wire in the Jeep is cracking and beginning to fail. Intermittent failures in the window operators, instruments, radio. Cruise control, horn and airbag are all out of commission. Car has never been crashed or bumped and has had only light 4wd use, but body panels are coming loose, trim strips and bumpers are falling off. Transmission is noisy. Death wobble is getting steadily worse even after new tires, shocks, dampener and alignment. The Jeep is the newest of my three cars and the only one that I seriously want to get rid of. VERY Disappointed.