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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  Good Little Jeep - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By boggse - February 21 - 10:00 am

  I have to say that my Cherokee has got to be the best vehicle I have ever owned. Not the most reliable or fun to drive, but simply thie best overall package. While it seems outdated compared to all of the newer small SUVs out there (including the Liberty), it has a charm that is timeless. The biggest problem Ive had has been the power window regulators. Highway fuel economy is great for a 30 year old I6 engine design, I get about 17/24 mpg.

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  Dont be fooled by its longevity - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Coleg5 - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in 2001. Front end shimmy & pulsating brakes from day one (never fixed). Taken to the shop 12 times over a 2 year period. Problems either came back again or were replaced by others. I tried repeatedly to get satisfaction from Chrysler with no success. I was even told by an employee at their complaint department that all Cherokees have that front end shimmy problem and there is nothing that can be done. I finally got rid of this lemon a few months ago. I had intended to buy a Dodge pickup after this vehicle, but due to this experience, I will NEVER buy another Chrysler product!!

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  A Beast - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By balexander800 - February 8 - 1:13 pm

  My 1998 XJ was given to me by my father. Although it is rather old it still can open up and be just as powerful as the day my family bought it. So far it has over 210,000 miles on it and still runs and looks like a champ. There hasnt been a single time Ive been stuck somewhere or unable to get where I needed to go. Service on this Jeep is nearly never needed as long as the oil gets changed and the gas if full. The only issue Ive had is with the gas mileage. However, you can have gas mileage or you can have power and a strong, well- built car.

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  Still going and going - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By christopherM - February 2 - 2:23 pm

  This baby has never let me down. It even ran on little transmission fluid not once but twice. Two great stories. No major difficulties. I have kept the maintenance well and she has never let me down. Multiple trips from DC area to Buffalo in winter and no concerns. Great off road ability not like todays small SUVs (overgrown station wagons) A great reliable vehicle, Im glad I get to keep it and am upset I have to get a commuter car to save on gas. New brakes at 52000 miles, now have over 117k and no problems, still has original shocks, which do need replaced by now. otherwise, it keeps going. wish new jeeps were this reliable bring back the 4.0 or the equivalent diesel.

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  The Best Car Ive Ever Purchased! - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Amber Hughes - February 1 - 5:49 am

  I had been seriously shopping around for this type of car for quite some time. I had about five dealerships calling me. When I first test drove my 2016 Jeep Cherokee, I was a bit worried. I live on insanely curvy roads and this car could have handled the curves poorly. It didnt! It handles the twists and turns of my rural road beautifully! I got a great price from my local dealership, had a trailer hitch installed on it for hauling bicycles around and it looks so great! I love all of my cars features, but I do have one complaint; no CD player. Its not the actual cars fault though because I guess basically no new cars have a CD player installed. One day, Ill probably look into getting a CD player installed, but my iPod works just fine for now. All in all, this is the best car Ive ever owned and I would highly recommend it for anyone that is looking for a quality vehicle.

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  My Baby! - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Lindy26 - January 31 - 3:43 pm

  Owned it for several years now. Plain as they come. 4 cylinder. 5-speed. Manual windows (remember those?). Added factory AM-FM tape/CD and roof racks. 2.5" lift is nice. K&N filter helped too. Ive owned 5 other Jeeps with 4 cylinder and sticks; love em. No rock climber but 4WD low is all I need for off roading anyway.

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  1999 Black Cherokee Sport - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jeepn101 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I am one of the few people that actually takes a Cherokee off-road. I found the Cherokee to be the perfect SUV for Northern Michigan. Not too bulky and not a "sport-cute" It is the ideal size for any family with two children or less. As of July 25,2003 I have 68,000 miles and the only problem I have had is a Fuel Pump that was covered under my 8/80 warrenty.

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  3rd Jeep Ive had and the best so far. - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Rescue515 - January 22 - 2:56 am

  I bought my Jeep when it only had 3 miles on it. I saw the truck driver when he was backing it off the delivery truck. It was Chili Pepper Red with Grey inside. I bought the extended warranty for 7 years or 100,000 miles. (DID NOT USE IT) The only problem that I have had is that the alternator went out at about 75,000 miles. I change the oil every 3500 mi and have a regular maintenance schedule. This Jeep looks as good as it drives.

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  Cherokee the 1 - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By bigdeacon - January 19 - 2:16 am

  This is a very reliable vehicle. Only complaint I have is a noisy exhaust because of vibration from hardened rubber rings in between pipes. It doesnt ride like a Caddy but if you really need to get there it will take you there though sunshine pouring in the moonroof or plowing though a foot of snow! No breakdown or problems yet as of 85,000 miles.

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  Watching our Cherokee mature - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Karpindur - January 13 - 6:53 am

  When we bought it, I had the OEM oil changed to Mobil One. Then I had the transmission and differential changed to Mobil One at 25,000 miles. As near as I can remember, it runs just like the day I drove it off the lot, which is a day I have not regretted so far. To date, the only "major" issue I have had was a failure of the crankshaft and camshaft sensors to the tune of $400. The mechanic seems to have taken me some, as the camshaft sensor was obviously broken but the chances of both failing at once are infinitesimal. Otherwise it has been good to us. Strong, quick, and reliable, it inspires confidence in any traffic, weather or road condition, and looks great doing it.