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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  "Just right" four wheel drive - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By amcjavelin74 - May 16 - 6:19 pm

  I purchased my Cherokee back in 2006 with 180k miles on it, and drove it everyday for a couple of years. Now it sees limited use (towing, going off road, and hauling stuff around... hard miles) with just under 220k miles. Burns no oil, always starts, and when something does go wrong, Ive always been able to fix it myself. While it was my daily driver, I added a 2 inch lift, and a year later got a 3.5" lift and added larger tires. Its quicker accelerating than a Hummer H3, as tested by some guy and myself (on a closed course) a while back.

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  Love our 2014 Trailhawk - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By gerald41 - May 15 - 2:53 am

  Bought our Trailhawk 1/2014 after we fell in love with its design. Well we currently have 9k on it and have had no issues with it at all. We took it in for the transmission updates but because we were asked to, we never really had any complaints with its shifting. Were in our late 50s so we had to learn how to drive this new ride. It does have a delay in acceleration and when you let off the gas, but nothing thats hard to adjust to. In all we love the truck, its very comfortable, has all we wanted and most of all to date has been very dependable. I will say it has never used the ninth gear , seems that 7th is the gear its in when driving at 65. Gas milage is averaging around 20.8.

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  FANTASTIC VEHICLE - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Xar77 - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Weve had the Cherokee for 2 months and already have put 6k miles on it. Fantastic ride both on the road and off. Handles the Denver traffic with ease, takes on the Rocky Mountains too!!!

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  Bullet proof basics. - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Bazoozoo - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Very basic but also very durable. This is one tough vehicle that can take a lot of abuse. If you are like me and just want to get in and drive then this is the ideal vehicle. Expensive European cars know to keep their distance in parking lots and on the highway. Couldnt have asked for anything else but power windows.

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  2016 Jeep Cherokee Latitude 75th Anniversary v6 - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By James Gardner - April 26 - 8:56 am

  I set up test drives for both the Jeep and a Mazda CX-5 for the same day. My fiance and I drove the Mazda and we both really liked it. We went into it with a Mazda bias, and were only testing the Jeep to say we compared the Mazda to something. We finished the test drive and absolutely fell in love with this car. Im 66" and am coming from a 2003 Kia Spectra, so this Jeep is a huge step up for me. The particular Cherokee we got is a 4x4 Limited 75th Anniversary Edition with the optional V6 engine and a moonroof. I wasnt sure the V6 was necessary, but Im so glad I got it, because it is an absolute blast to drive. The fuel economy isnt the greatest thing in the world, but we went in knowing that. Im also new to the area, so when we have a little extra money, were going to spring for the Navigation system. I have only owned this Jeep for about a month now, but I dont have a bad thing to say other than the gas mileage isnt that great. But considering thats because Im accelerating around people with a V6 all the time, I cant complain too much. Love this car!!!

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  Good Vehicle - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Pat DOnahoe - April 22 - 6:13 am

  Greatly prefer the Cherokee to the Blazer.

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  I like It. - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Patrick Donahoe - April 19 - 10:40 pm

  I have not had it very long, but I got all the bells and whistles. Great acceleration compared to the Chevy Blazer. I drive a Blazer at work and greatly prefer the Cherokee.

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  Theres no replacement for Cherokee - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By SL - April 16 - 3:00 am

  Bought this very basic 4x4 last summer with 125k on the clock, and just grow more enthusiastic every day. Its not a luxury car, but is very tractable on-road and there is NO vehicle still in production in 2008 that can come anywhere close to matching it for balancing on-road manners and sheer offroad capability. Its also built like a tank and is unbelievably reliable. Important stuff just does not fail on this car. Fuel econ. is quite good in commuting. Theyre so common that theyre almost forgotten- but just look around you in traffic some day and start counting, and note how many still look great. Then remember there hasnt been a new one built for 7 years. Take THAT, Toyota.

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  Happy so far - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By RMG - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Just turned 50,000 with no real problems. Had a power window problem and the rear washer pump quit, nothing with the drivetrain at all. I have the select-trac full time 4wd and have been very happy. We see lots of snow and my wife can drive it without having to worry about shifting to 2wd if she gets on a dry section of road. I just did a 1,000 mile trip, got 22.5 mpg. Average about 18 in town.

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  Best vehicle Ill ever own - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By gotta love the jeep - April 5 - 12:56 am

  I inherited this when my dad passed a couple of years ago, and between him, my mom, and myself, weve put 55,000 miles on this Cherokee. My mom and sister both have Grand Cherokees (98 and 99), but neither compare to the way this one performs on or off-road. The ride is a little bouncy at times, but thats to be expected for a truck-based SUV. Even then, it rides much better than many current car-based SUV wanna-bes and newer mid-sized truck-based SUVs with independent suspension, IMHO. Ill also tell you that this is one vehicle the designers and engineers got right, even with upgrades as the model years moved along.