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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  Bulletproof 98 SE 4Dr, 4WD - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Ted - December 6 - 9:50 pm

  Bought it NEW in 98, now have 136K on it. Have the 4.0 L I-6 motor & 5 speed manual tranny -- super strong. 23 mpg highway is FAB for a boxy SUV this capable. Like the look, like the color (chili pepper red), like the performance, LOVE the durability. NO major repairs. Biggest repair item has been waterpump. HUGE value for the money. We have the cheap dash w/ idiot lights, and the gas gauge has had problems for years. My wifes vehicle, and it does all our "dirty work" hauling stuff, and ALL snow duty. Interior is plain, back seat best for kids, but tolerable for 1 - 2 hour trips for adults. I see these Cherokees ROUTINELY go 250-300K. 4WD is easy to use. ALL JEEP, ALL GOOD.

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  Is this vehicle real? - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By SAMS JEEP - December 6 - 5:16 pm

  Back in High School my dad bought this jeep and brought it home as a work vehicle. Traveling to and from Chicago and back to the burbs. It was given to me last year, 10 years later and with 276 thousand miles!!! on her..she still runs and sounds the SAME as ten years ago! Though the fuel economy sucks, I have never had a vehicle be so wonderful in ways never thought possible. Its more reliable than any vehicle made on earth and handles better in harsh weather than cars that cost 3 times what she did.

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  Undervalued, in my opinion. - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Austin - December 4 - 10:00 am

  First car. Had it for six years until it was rear ended. Literally drove it from coast to coast with no problems. Smooth response at lower speeds with just enough torque on the highway to get you around a semi in a hurry. Handling was great around town. Good turning radius. Bumpy ride. Passengers dont enjoy it much. Backseat kinda cramped. But from the drivers seat its not a problem. Front shocks went out along with water pump and compressor after a few years. Other than that, the engine never gave me any problems, even with my terrible upkeep. Engine was abused with stop and go driving in 100 degree heat with few oil changes the whole time I drove it. Held up great.

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  Great price on OK vehicle - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By justinkl - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Im an 18 year old high school student and have had this car almost a year. Bought it to replace my 94 accord. Paid $10,000 for it with ~42,000 miles! Has every option except leather. Gas milage sucks at 13mpg in the city, but then again, I am a lead footed teen. The car seems to like to break on me. Replaced transfer case 3 times, drive shaft twice and rear differential twice, all on Keffers tab! Only other money spent out of pocket has been a set of tires and rear brakes (oil changes and gas dont count!)

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  Great first time buyers of a S.U.V - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Anderson - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Its a o.k. truck if you are looking for something cheap and fun to drive off-road but for comfort and room, try a Ford or Chevy. Good performing I-6 engine but can suck some gas. O.k. ride on roads but jiggy.

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  Mr. Reliable - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By W. Tarr - November 14 - 10:30 pm

  I bought my 96 Cherokee 2 Door Sport 10 years ago with 35,000 miles on it. The only work that I have had to do to it was replace the muffler and tailpipe, set of front brake pads and a starter. It now has 145,000 miles on it and uses no oil and gets around 22-23 mpg. It is the most efficient 4wd I have ever owned. I wish they still made them! My body is still in great shape despite the winters here in PA. The paint isnt the best but it has yet to rust out. The engine is a work horse and will take me anywhere I need to go!

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  Awesome Jeep - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jersey Girl - October 17 - 1:50 pm

  Very pleased with my 99 Jeep Cherokee Sport. Agree with other reviewers: brakes grab when cold or wet, but quickly get back to normal. A bit of a gas hog when in 4WD & with defrosters roaring, but all SUVs are. 6 cylinder straight 6 engine powerful and responsive. Average 17-21 mpg. No engine or drive train problems. Replaced brake fluid lines once (housings just wore out). Performed usual maintenance (tires, tune-ups, oil changes). 4WD easy to switch into and out of; good steering in 4WD, not like piloting a boat. Have taken on long trips and use for my daily commute -- I love my Jeep!

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  Jeepers--no creepers - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Littlebear - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Good value. Reliable. Excllent off- road. 4.0 liter is plenty of power, even if towing a camper. Heater is great--quick to heat up. Best 4X around for my money. Full size spare is a necessity if going off road. A great family car.

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  it wont Die - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By vtags - October 12 - 11:30 am

  267,000 miles...more worried about the rust possibilities than anything mechanical. It is a dependable tank. Not glamorous, just reliable

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  Jeep 6 month review - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By DMBstang21 - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Had a 94 Mustang and wanted an opposite vehicle to compare it with. This is it, exactly; with the exception of power being comprable (the jeep feels as fast as the v6 mustang) and them consuming about the same amount of gas (18-20MPG). I can help my friends move, tow small loads, pass on the grass, take all the short cuts I can find, not slow down to 1MPH everytime I see a bump, and park where ever I please. Try doing that in a 2door sports car with z-rated tires. This is not your typical SUV, this is not a living room on wheels. It is similar in size to an Escape or CRV and remains true to its herratage of off-road capable vehicles.