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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  Love Love - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By micki - September 22 - 11:36 am

  Have always admired the shape of this car since I was a kid. I love how long lasting they are and how when something needs maintenance, it is easy to do yourself and cheap!

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  Just finished 3,000 mile road trip - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By bendbob - September 13 - 12:26 am

  We got home yesterday from a road trip taking us a little over 3,000 miles of the western US. Very comfortable, well mannered under all conditions. We even did some mild off roading in Arizona and the car never felt anything but ready for more. In mountain driving it can seem to struggle a bit to find which of the 9 gears it really wants to be in at the moment. economy was what you would expect from highway speeds in the 80s (gotta love Arizona and Utah!) mountain roads and carrying 2 adults, one Spaniel-human and a load of gear. We came home from the trip more sold on the car than ever.

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  Repairs will come soon if you buy now - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Homer - September 7 - 8:23 pm

  My experience with American vehicles tells me that they will begin need major repairs at or about 70,000 miles. My Jeep Cherokee is no different. I have 69,500 miles and will pickup my vehicle and its repair tab of about $1000 tomorrow. No repairs were due to negligence -- they were due to normal wear and tear (power steering, power window and front end). My last American vehicle was from the 1980s and my next probably wont be until the 2080s! Additionally, electrical features stink. Ive have repetitive problems with a speaker wire crimping in the drivers side door and a repetitive yet intermittent problem with passenger side power window.

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  Trailhawk is Amazing - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By master_v2k - September 4 - 6:36 pm

  Bought one of the first Trailhawks that came to Southern California, after harassing the plethora of jeep dealerships on a daily basis and even insisting on a deposit which they couldnt do due to the many delays that plagued the cherokee in the beginning to middle of last year 2013, Shaver Jeep in Thousand Oaks came through in November. Its now March and couldnt be happier. I didnt want the pricier Tech option, but I couldnt wait anymore, so I got the top of the Line Fully loaded V6 with every option available, sticker was around 41,900. Own a cabin in the mountains also, so it does come in handy

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  the best ever - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By jasper - August 30 - 2:00 am

  this ride is the best i have ever had!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the jeep is so reliable. it is so much like a porsh i used to have! one time i wan is a test driving it and i went through a 2ft deep mud hole and it went throgh it like it was 2in deep!!!

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  Best midsize SUV bargain - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By - - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Overall, an awesome vehicle. Its made by Jeep and certainly lives up to its name being a very serious off roading vehicle. Low weight and a very powerful engine makes for great acceleration and power (extremely high power to weight ratio). Dated design, but I like it - Id prefer to call it rugged.

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  Southern Jeep - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Southern Jeep - August 16 - 2:26 am

  I bought my 98 Jeep used in 2000. Its the best money I ever spent!! This bad boy has NEVER seen the inside of a garage. Just minor repairs from wear and tear (and too much 4 wheelin!!). I have 187,000 miles and it purrs like a kitten. The only way to describe thos model Jeep is unbreakable!! I would not even consider selling it. Liberty, Commander, Compass, yeah righ. These models cannot begin to fill the shoes of a 4WD 98 Jeep Cherokee!! Bad move discontinuing this model Jeep.

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  My Jeep Cherokee - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Calvin Bevard - August 6 - 10:00 am

  This jeep has alot of miles on it and the inline 6 engin is a good strong engin0

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  1998 Jeep Cherokee Classic - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Roger Smith - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Coming up on 5 years of ownership. This is the bright red (Flame Red) Jeep color. Paint has held up extremely well. Mechanically, this has been a very sound car. I have the 4.0 6 cyl. engine. "Bullet proof." This is the 3rd Jeep Cherokee that I have owned. Quite pleased and a safe car. Easy to maintain and very reliable. Ride is more "truck like" than a Grand Cherokee - I own one of those, too...Make no mistake - in the snow or in slick conditions the Cherokee out- performs the Grand Cherokee

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  Dont buy this thing - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By nts550 - July 28 - 5:06 pm

  I drove this car/truck twice a week. I had only 62k on it and heres what went wrong: water pump, fuel pump (3 times), belt, alternator, radiator, oh and the engine (head gasket and bearings). Each of these problems happened with about a month of each other. Cons: When it didnt break down it rode very rough, like a truck. It was noisy and the gas mileage could be 20 mpg if you were going 55 and had no wind. If you drive normally (70mph), then gas mileage dips down to about 15mpg. Doesnt have a split rear seat. The engineering is horrible. Pros: Climbs hills pretty good. Is good in the snow, if you have good tires I hated this POS, you will too.