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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  awesome - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By JustinKN - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle. It is my 4th vehicle, and easily the best. Its not the most expensive but its the newest and has the best feature content and performance of all the rest. The only problems Ive had were an old worn radiator hose that had to be replaced ($8 big whoop), and a tire that fell apart. Not the Cherokees fault. Worn Uniroyal tires...It has brand new Michelins now. Big improvement.

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  couldnt of picked a better vehicle - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By DSINKA - May 5 - 11:30 am

  This vehicle could drive through a cow pasture and come out smelling like a rose in my book. Te most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. I have over 150,000 miles on it and changed a power steering pump on it; thats all. These Cherokees were made to last. I will continue to purchase this Jeep line forever.

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  Poor Quality and Reliability - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By starbort - May 3 - 1:37 pm

  My Jeep is now just over 3 months old (4k miles) and has visited the dealership with major problems twice. First, the transmission shifts in low gears are terrible; not what you would expect from a new vehicle. A software updated reduced, but did not fix the issue. Second, the electrical system in the car is suspect. It went haywire on me. The windshield wipers turned on and couldnt be stopped, the turn signals went out and the odometer was flashing non-stop. Of course, by the time I reached the dealership it was asymptomatic, so I was basically told, to bad, bring it back broken. Hopefully next time the electrical goes out nothing more serious occurs. Buyer beware on this vehicle.

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  Voted 4x4 of the year for a reason - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Chris - May 3 - 7:40 am

  My 1997 Cherokee has been the most fun to drive vehicle I have owned, it has 160,000 miles, runs perfectly and gets 20 MPG. I would recommend to anyone who isnt scared of a solid axle ride, and someone who doesnt care about useless interior gadgets to get a Cherokee, you wont be disappointed if you take care of it.

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  nice jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By cwnaaa - April 11 - 2:00 am

  This jeep is excellent for off road and climbing over 15inch rocks and then going down highway nice ride just the right automoble for living in New England. the anly thing is if you use reg. gas it get about 15 miles to a gallon if you put in super you get about 20 mpg. so I send a little more but get 30%better gas mileage

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  97 Cherokee - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Rich Jones - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I took care of it and its been great.

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  I love my jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeepin - April 9 - 1:53 pm

  I love this jeep, IÂ’ve had mine for almost 10 years now and itÂ’s the best vehicle IÂ’ve ever owned. It just a great all around little truck, it does it all from hauling 2X4Â’s to plowing through snow to a drive to the market. Besides regular maintenance and a bad sensor many years ago IÂ’ve never put a dime into her. Starts every morning, never broke down on me. IÂ’ve driven the grand Cherokee and the difference is unbelievable, my jeep feels so much studier and gripped to the road. I can go on and on, there is a reason they made this style jeep for almost 30 years, itÂ’s just that good.

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  2014 Jeep Cherokee Latitude V6 FWD - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By rmk2106 - April 4 - 6:16 pm

  I purchased this vehicle a couple weeks back and I already have near 2000 miles on the vehicle. This past week I drove it to West Virginia from Georgia. Three adults and a fully packed cab, I still managed to get around 30 to 31 mpg on the highway. Handled exceptionally well in snow and dry land. Jeep did a great job with the interior design not to mention the comfort. The stitching seems high quality as well as everything about the vehicle. I have the factory base sound system and it seems to sound just as good as the upgraded speakers. The center console display is very easy to manage and is well placed. I am very pleased with the overall performance of the vehicle. Highly recommend it.

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  DONT BUY!! - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Kenny - April 1 - 7:05 pm

  I bought the 2016 Cherokee Sport, it sounds like a diesel powered sewing machine, according to the dealer its normal.. yeah you heard it right.. A 2016 Jeep sounds like a 92 Chevy Cavalier only the Cavalier has more power and sounds better!! not to mention the headlights get a lot of moisture in them "dealer said thats normal too" < because you want a brand new car with rusted headlight connectors right?!?.. this vehicle is a joke!! You hit the gas and it takes a good 3 seconds to start moving. The MPG is around 13 to 14, not what the manufacturer says and thats driving like an old lady. Very Unhappy with it and will NOT buy another Jeep unless its a 90s model thats the only time they got it right!!

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  Great performance, crappy interior - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Golf09 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I am a high school kid who bought the jeep with 87000 miles on it. Got for a heck of a deal, $6800. It is an amazing car except when it comes to the interior. All the cheap plastic and other junk in there rattles or squeaks. The backseat is also a pain in the butt to get in and out of. Also the gas gauge seems to be getting a little weak. Just last weak i was on empty, put 6 bucks in and some how was still on empty.???