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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  Quite a SUV - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By sanio - July 12 - 12:23 pm

  As mechanical engineer I have always tested many cars prior to make a personal choice. My last car was an Infinity FX35 with a rate of satisfaction of 90% well over BMW and Mercedes ones. This Cherokee V6 - 4x4 is fully equipped, with a drive as soft as a limo and yet quite reliable in all weather conditions. I recommend nokian wrg3 tires, you will love the silence and control level in all weather conditions. My v6 Cherokee, in spite of an updated transmission program was hanging in 1st and second gear. A "flash" review was quickly completed by the dealer after 800 miles for a perfect result. I love this car, congrats to Fiat and Chrysler ! Choose the V6 over the 4 cylinders.

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  Jeeperz - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jeeperz - July 9 - 9:23 pm

  Best all around car. Fun on and off road. its one of three Jeeps we have. I got it with 80K miles and drive it hard. Easy to fix up with many upgrades I can go any where my son goes in his Rubicon

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  Soggy 2016 Jeep Cherokee lemon - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By IngridD - July 9 - 4:43 pm

  My 2016 Jeep Cherokee has under 3K miles on it and it is a lemon. It has a water leak that causes floorboards to be soaked. Vehicle has been at dealership four times for this issue (currently still there). Each time they return the car to me they say they have sealed this or that and water tested. Each time the leak has quickly returned. I opened a case (#29199176) with Jeep/Chrysler. I want my money back. I am concerned about corrosion and long-term reliability issues with the vehicle. I worry about mold affecting my familys health. I want my money back so that I may buy a different vehicle and Move on. I do not have time in my life for this drama. I am super busy with high stress job, kids and a frail mother suffering from dementia. The last thing I need is an unreliable car which is why I purchased a new vehicle. I felt the jeep would be easier for my mom to get in and out of but clearly I should have gone with another SUV. So far I am underwhelmed by the response I am getting from Jeep/Chrysler. What a pain!!!
  
  
  
  

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  Love this car - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Genevieve - June 26 - 2:00 pm

  I bought my jeep as a college sophomore back in 2005. Purchased in New York where Im from, and attending school in Savannah, GA, I knew I was in for some serious mileage. I did my research and found a great Cherokee. That car has been up and down the east coast at least 10 times, been in rough road in the swamps of the deep south, and it never died. There were a few minor electrical problems, along with no CD player, however it was perfect. I just sold it (and miss it so much!) due to another long trip across the country, but will probably buy a jeep again.

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  There is nothing better for the money! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By David S - June 24 - 7:50 pm

  What is not to like about this car? Its beautiful, fun to drive, RELIABLE, and has a spunky engine.

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  2016 Cherokee Laditude 4WD 6 cylinder - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jennifer - June 24 - 5:30 pm

  When selecting to write a review it only lets you choose 4 cylinder from the drop down list. I absolutely love my Jeep Cherokee. This is my second one Ive owned. Had a Chevy Tahoe after my first one, then a Ford Focus, and traded in a Hyundai Sonata on my new one. Rented a Jeep Cherokee twice last year while traveling out of state and decided to purchase a new one. It is the most comfortable vehicle Ive owned. I average 23 mph in town and 28 mph freeway. Love the UConnect, has some of the best features of most manufacturers available and user friendly. Insurance only increased $58 a year because of all the safety features it has.

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  badass jeep cherokee - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By AL - June 17 - 1:20 pm

  I got my Jeep Cherokee when I turned 16, and it was a former border patrol unit so it had a few modifications to its factory build. It came with skid plates and yaddi yadda... Idk when it was but I just started falling in love with cars and went all out... It now has a 4.7 stroker straight 6 engine which I just recently beefed up a 3 inch suspension lift and a 1 1/2 inch body lift with 33x12.5 inch tires locked front and rear differential new full magnaflow exhaust kit slip yoke eliminator cv driveshaft the list just goes on and on.... Anyway im approaching 17 now and ive realized that if it wasnt for this car.. I still wouldnt know what I wanna do later in life... Which is work on cars someway

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  Great Car - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jill from LI - June 13 - 5:53 am

  This was my first car and was purchased from a family friend about two years ago. It is extremely low maintenance so far, with the exception of the gas! I get about 15 mpg but lately it seems much lower. However, despite the $3.50 gas prices and my very low income, I refuse to buy anything but a Jeep Cherokee and I wish that they didnt stop making them. This car is extremely fun to drive, very roomy, excellent trunk space. I have had no problems with this 11 year old car except to replace the rear brake line in the winter of 2004 because I had been driving over so many snow banks and created a leak in it. Besides that I plan to use this car for as long as I can. Im up to 112,000 miles and going strong!

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  Great vehicle - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By stevenwv17 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I havent had the vehicle long but it runs like a champ. Great vehicle. I love Chrysler products.

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  best car - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By mmanos - May 12 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is excellent. It holds up well under adverse conditions and is a blast to drive. Its a great first car for anyone.