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:

• 

  Solid - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Shawn - May 11 - 11:00 am

  My wife and I have put 30,000 miles on it since we got it with 50,000 miles on it. Since then we had to replace the front rotors, drivers side power window motor and tires. The 4WD light does not display in the instrument cluster and sometimes (after a lot of rain) the cluster will not work for a few minutes. All in all we like it. The ride is stiff but tolerable. It is an absolute blast off road. It is also very good in the snow. We typically average about 20mpg.

• 

  The best Jeep ever - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Brandon - May 6 - 2:40 am

  My Dad bought my Mom this Jeep 11 years ago on Valentines Day. Its elegant red paint still shines with an ocasionnal wax. Only miner work done except for a radiator and a new A.C. It shakes at 45- 50 mpg but its still a prety good Jeep.

• 

  after 80 days stilll not very happy - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By vlowe945 - April 28 - 9:44 am

  bought w/ 2 miles on it, 2nd day wouldnt start, been in the shop 6 times & towed once, transmission malfunctioned the ck engine brake & esc light came on then rolled forward down the driveway in reverse, it said service transmission & needed computer updates. when started it idles high then acts like its gonna die & smooths out, taking off from stop it shimmys from side to side. on the interstate with cruise @ 70 mph rpms are 2200 but plus or minus 1 mile the rpms drop to 1850, I resorted to video recording every time I got in it as evidence of trouble, have a active case with Jeep but if there is a issue and it doesnt throw a code its not fixable! but I did get a 6/60k free maint.

• 

  Its been a great car for 9 years - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By kacy - April 22 - 8:03 pm

  I was 20 years old when I bought my Cherokee brand new. It has been a wonderful car. It has been all over California on all kinds of road trips. I am now 29 years old and it has 165,000 miles I am selling it, not because I am tired of it or have had any problems, but it is just time for a new car. I will probably get emotional when I see it go. My dad was worried when I bought it that it would not be dependable but he has loved it and doesnt want to see me let it go either. Thanks Jeep, its been wonderful!!!!

• 

  Amazing - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Dino - April 19 - 5:44 pm

  this is my first jeep and I am sold It took my interest because of three things 1. the towing capacity 2. the leg room in the rear seats 3. the optional V6 engine, I go camping a lot with my pop up camper and my previous car could hardly tow the pop up but this Cherokee tows like a dream you almost forget the trailer is there I also have a 9 year old son who loves the extra leg room in the back seat and the comfort of the seats the V6 engine Is amazing plenty of power and the Fuel efficiency is amazing I am impressed with the Cherokee it is well worth the money and its worth looking at

• 

  A little beast - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Mario - April 11 - 1:10 pm

  I bought the Jeep with 87,000 miles on it two years ago, now it has 97,000. All I have done on it is replace the AC unit that comes inside of the dashboard (which was broken when I bought it). That was $600. I keep it completely standard and I just love it! it has the tough SUV looks from the outside but once you get in, you have the leather, heated and powered seats, powered windows and locks, the wood trim dashboard and so on. The 4.0L six cylinder in line engine is awesome; sometimes, when standing on a red light if a little so called "fast car" pulls next to me, they dont expect the quick response of the Jeep and I leave them thinking I got "something extra" in it.

• 

  Definitely Wont be in The Market for Another Jeep - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By laneoc97 - April 9 - 9:08 pm

  This car was a hand me down from my aunt. She and my uncle take very good care of their cars, so dont give me the whole "you must not have taken care of it" thing. This car has been nothing but problems. Endless electrical problems is the first issue. In less than a year that Ive had this car, the automatic door locks, cruise control, trunk light, horn, airbag, and the windows have all stopped working. Ive had several mechanic friends check all of the fuses and everything and they are all completely fine. I havent taken it in yet cause I cant afford the huge costs. On top of all of that it has completely broken down twice AGAIN in just a year of having it. All in all just a huge pain.

• 

  Wifes car - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Nancys husband - April 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought for my wife, she loved it, I didnt. Reliable, solid little car. Not roomy enough for me (63"). No complaints on mechanical side but too small to travel in. I had a Suburban and she the Cherokee Country, sold the Suburban and gave the Jeep to my son and compromised on a Tahoe. The only thing she likes on the Tahoe is the heated seats. Looked at a used 2000 Classic for her this morning.

• 

  95 leep grand cherokee - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By bartolo - April 4 - 2:00 am

  this car runs and looks great well worth the money handles well never had a problem treat it well and it takes care of you

• 

  Still at the trailhead for the Trailhawk - 2017 Jeep Cherokee
  By Joe Sidlauskas - March 31 - 10:26 am

  Too early to tell with just 347 miles. So far its great. The 4 cyl tigershark is fine.