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 What I Need - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By Bradley Mullins - August 22 - 6:26 pmThis is my first vehicle, and a great one at that. I drive a lot, and I usually get about 22 MPG with it. I can use it for hauling my friends or my "stuff" around. It was built tough; I rolled it last July, but had it repaired and it looks and drives like new again. A couple of things have been replaced, such as the tires, spark plugs, clock spring, and brakes. I bought it at 83,000 miles, and at 142,000 its still going strong. Great vehicle!
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Over 200,000 and still the best - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
By josh.w - August 16 - 7:23 pmI got this great suv in march of 2010 for my first vehicle. I love the style and ride with the 4.0 L 6 cylinder. Its easy to drive and great for a new driver. Mine has over 200,000 miles and still sounds great. I wish jeep still made these because they are the best.
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faithful classic cherokee - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
By liberty stinks - August 15 - 10:00 amI have not had one single major problem with my classic cherokee. When I compare this Jeep to other peoples driving experiences I feel very lucky because I have had far less problems with it than anyone I know. My cherokee has been more loyal to me than some friends of mine! I love my Cherokee, and I am saddened I wont be able to buy a new one when her time is up; but at the same time I am proud to know in a few years that my Jeep will be known as a real classic.
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Okay so far... - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
By boobear - July 27 - 10:00 am"Inherited" Cherokee Sport when my dad passed away with 32k miles - so far been very happy with it. Quite a change from a 4 cyl. Nissan Sentra (including the gas bill)! Great acceleration, 4WD worked very well in slushy mess on steep hills. Wish fuel economy was better and back seat had more leg room. Other than that, good "utilitarian" SUV.
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The Truth and nothing but... - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By GLamb - July 23 - 10:00 amI inherited a 96 Cherokee in 2001 with 260,000 miles. Made many repairs to worn out parts but no faulty parts and unecessary towing bills with this vehicle. I ran it until it had 330,000 miles and then sold the vehicle for a surprising amount with many offers. At that time I purchased a 98 Cherokee with only 98,000 miles. It has treated almost as well as my first Jeep, but they just dont build like they use to. Well actually they dont build them at all anymore, but I suppose thats because the Wrangler got all the attention.
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ok - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
By chelsie - July 15 - 1:10 amMy parents bought my 99 Cherokee sport in 2000, drove it for about 5 years, and then handed it down to me. It now has 140,0000 miles on it. I have no complaints about how it runs, never had any problems with that. However, the ac has stopped working, the front speakers blew out, the rear windshield wiper doesnt work, and the handle that pops that hood was so sticky, that mechanics changing the oil completely pulled it off and now the hood wont latch and I have to put a ratchet strap around it to keep it down. It gets me from place to place, but thats about it.
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Love my jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
By john c - June 27 - 1:03 pmThis is my 3rd one. I had a 1988 Comanche 4x4 then a 1996 Cherokee. Now a 2000 classic. I love them. Theyre very reliable and fun to drive.
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Great 4x4 - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
By Steve - May 25 - 5:56 amI bought this new in 99 and now have 116,000 mi on it and have not had anything go wrong, love the 4x4 goes anywhere and through anything, 3 snow drifts, no problem!
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Fun while it lasted - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
By Heidi - May 24 - 12:13 amI bought this car used right out of college with only 60,000 miles on it (have owned it three years). Was great fun to drive and I liked that it was a car with personality but unfortunatly it kept on breaking down. I sunk just as much money into repairs (door fell off, other door was falling off, leaked oil, cracked everything, yada yada). Finally it just broke down on me and I am forced to get a new car as this one just is not worth it. Was a good, fun cheap car while it lasted but I would not recommend buying it today to anyone.
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Great Vehicle - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By Jeep Fan - April 8 - 2:00 amMy only complaint is the gas mileage. I like everything about my Jeep. Next time I will pobably get more options. My husband loves it too! Ps. for mothers out there it is really nice not having to bend down to get your kids in the carseat, definate plus.
