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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  Rock Solid - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By XJTOM - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Cherokee from my Father with 50000mi I now have 106000mi and Shes still running strong! Great off road vehicle! only real problem was a leaking rear main seal,has never let me down! Wish they hadnt quit making them! I plan on keeping Her a long time

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  Best SUV Jeep has ever made - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Ralph C. - January 4 - 11:30 am

  Purchased our jeep in 1998 for my wife to drive. At first glance she didnt like it, until she hopped in and took it for a spin. Havent been able to get her out of it since. Excellent vehicle. Some maintenance in past 10 years but nothing major. I hope to get her another vehicle and I will get the jeep. If jeep would make the Cherokee again i would by one in a heartbeat. 196,000 miles and still going strong.

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  My Cherokee the money pit - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By joey appleseed - January 3 - 10:00 am

  To begin with, when I bought my Jeep it was the dream 4wd vehicle that I wanted. But, since I left the lot I have had numerous problems with my Jeep. I bought my truck with 3 miles and at 5 miles my back rotor was falling off! Dealer replaced for some reason rather than putting the original correctly back on. Since then, I have gone to the dealer about 4 times about my antifreeze depleting every 100 miles I have to refill. Now I am having serious trouble with my oil pressure. 3 visits to the dealership has cost me about $1200 and still I do not have any oil pressure when a stop. Now I am trying to see if my situation was possibly a lemon.

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  Built like they used to - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By jbarada - January 1 - 6:36 pm

  Bought it 2 years old with 55K on it, and now have 125K. Ive had no major problems, but have also performed more than regular maintenance on it. Little problems include speaker wires in the joint of the front doors breaking, has happened numerous times, and the drivers window lockout switch going bad, keeps the other switches from working when they should be. Ive towed over 5K lbs a number of times, and have taken it off road several times as well and it keeps running strong!! Gas mileage is a little meak at 15 city and 20 highway, but Ive noticed that Royal Purple oil inceases it considerably.

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  Could not be better! - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Chris - December 31 - 3:50 pm

  Bought new in 00, this thing has needed NOTHING! I dont count wear items such as brakes, tires, batteries, etc. like many reviewers do. I decided to write a review because it just turned 200,000 miles today. No leaks, no burning oil, runs the same as new. The 4.0 is astounding. If you use a K&N air filter and Mobil 1 10w-30 synthetic oil, itll get about 28 MPG on the highway. Thats at 75 MPH with 3 people and luggage using 87 octane (regular) fuel! The ride is much improved with the Dunlop RVXT 235 75 15 tires instead of the horrible stock Goodyears. The last set of Dunlops went over 60K with even wear. I have ALL the power options and ALL work with no problems. Itll do about anything!

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  Go Anywhere, Do Anything! - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Ian A. Neether - December 26 - 9:50 pm

  I absolutely love these vehicles. They are so reliable. I can go back to my favorite fishing spot, put the seats down and load up the back with equipment, go camping in the back, drive inns are a blast, go anywhere my wrangler owning buds go, get better gas mileage that full size trucks, all power, all electric, tow my boat jet ski four Wheeler or car trailer. This is the most awesome vehicle ever made. My 4dr 4x4 sport has 246,000 miles and still going strong. I will repair it when it needs it and never part with it.

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  Dead within 2 months. - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By jm87 - December 25 - 4:56 am

  I was very excited to purchase my new Jeep. That changed! I havent even had my brand new car 3 months and it is already in the shop. It has been in there over a week. It has died on me five times already. The dealership cannot figure out what is wrong. Ive heard nothing but good things about Jeep, but I am thinking I should have kept my old car that I had NO problems with. Not a happy customer at all.

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  super car - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By tjm - December 23 - 10:00 pm

  This is my 3rd Cherokee and loved them all. Ive had this for 9 years and it runs fantastic. Nothing but oil, tires and brakes in all these years. Off road it totally kicks. It is nimble, quick, engineered very well for its purpose. It is just a very lively and capable JEEP. I expect it to last many more years.

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  Great Ride! - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By craig - December 21 - 9:26 pm

  Ive had my Cherokee for almost 2 years and have not had a problem with it. I bought mine used with 34K and now have almost 70K and it runs like a charm. Within a year I had to put new tires and shocks. Aside from that, I have not had any issues. Its fast, handles rather well, gets prety good gas milage and isj ust a workhorse.

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  not worth the money - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By krlw - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Lots of mechanical problems. gone through 7 sets of rotors with normal driving conditions. Fog lights dont work, heated seats dont work. cv joints replaced in front, now rear ones are out. manifold cracked, steering motor replaced, washer motor replaced, airbag module replaced after recall then replaced again, in and out of shop regularly in first year. not a good buy