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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  Wish Jeep still made this vehicle - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Dyscrasy - March 26 - 4:26 am

  I sold my Jeep Wrangler because I got tired of messing with the tops, and bought my Cherokee used, in perfect shape. I take it camping annually. ItÂ’s great on back roads, or no roads. Ive taken him through streams, sand, on slick rock, over sagebrush and rocks, ditches and snow. It holds all my gear with room for me to sleep in it. Mine is a white Limited model, so it looks classy, but I bring it back covered in dust, mud and bugs. Great sound system, comfortable, powerful, great turning radius, great ground clearance. A perfect car for all purposes. The only thing I dont like is my back road and expressway combined trips average only 15mpg, not too good, but not bad enough to sell it!

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  1997 Cherokee Sport - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Aaron - March 20 - 6:06 am

  Very fun all around vehicle. In town its the perfect little grocery getter. Turns sharper than my Accord. Also great acceleration. Up in the high country it has been very good offroad in place most other suvs cant go. What I have replaced so far is the radiator and TPS sensor but that has just been in the last 5,000 or so miles and it is at 157,000 right now. It has been good to me for the last 10 years and I hope to keep it for another 10.

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  Perfect on all counts! - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By phiner913 - March 18 - 4:13 pm

  When I ran into this car on a lot with 140k on the counter, I had no hesitation. I know several people sitting at well over 300k still driving them daily, and they are not the most maintenance minded people in the world. I bought my jeep as a car to park at the airport every week when I travel for work, but have quickly found myself driving it more than my brand new silverado or my wifes Lexus. With the farmers almanac predictions for this winter on the east coast I absolutely cant wait to take this billy goat out playing in the snow on the way to go snowboarding. If you find one regardless of the miles buy it fast, it will last forever and is easy to fix on the rare chance it breaks.

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  Great off road vehicle - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By tom - March 17 - 12:33 am

  I use the vehicle in extreme off road hunting situations. Only modification is a 3 inch lift and 6 additional lights. It goes anywhere. I am a professional guide & retired law man, & I go where a goat should not. The only thing I would like is better fuel mileage on the highway. It has the 4 ltr./auto trans. Great vehicle, for what it was made for. Have tried many others, including imports. They cannot stay close in the off road situations. Requires more than normal maintenance, but that is the price you pay

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  new 2016 jeep cherokee V6 4x4 owner - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By joe shay - March 2 - 12:21 am

  I purchased the 2016 jeep cherokee V6 4x4 altitude package. i did not even test the 4 cylinder as I felt that would be underpowered. so far extremely happy with price performance.

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  Yes they can last! - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By long island resident - February 24 - 2:16 pm

  Im the third owner of my Jeep. I bought it at 191,000. Today, Im proud to say its at 298,000 and still running strong. Just know this, I recently entered my vin on carfax out of curiosity and found out the 96s have a recall for the catalytic converter. I had no idea. I actually paid a lot of money for a mechanic to fix this almost 2 years ago and its acting up again. Im bringing it into the dealer tomorrow. Know your car!

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  Great for the price - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By J. - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Bought this three years old but only 10K miles. Love the thing...very comfortable, good visibility and performance. Super in snow and ice. The Liberty is a dog by comparison. Jeep should have never dropped the Cherokee.

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  Amazing car - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By buttered - February 8 - 11:00 pm

  I bought this car from my uncle at 127,000 miles. This thing is a beast. iv driven it to 182,000 miles and iv only had 2 problems. i had to replace the water pump and the rear O2 sensor. both cheap to buy and relatively easy to repair you self. i have never had a starting problem, well when its -30 out side in the morning she doesnt want to start, but she always starts. and people who complain about the drivetrain i have never had a problem, probably because i changed both rear and front differential fluid along with the transfer case fluid at about 160,000 miles, AND, i regular grease the drive shafts. All of theses are very easy to do and can significantly increase the live of a jeep.

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  Awesome Vehicle! - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By claw96 - January 28 - 8:40 am

  This is one of those vehicles that you have to see in person. The pictures dont do it justice. It is a beautiful car and drives like a much more expensive vehicle. Fuel economy was one of the main reasons for considering it(as well as the looks). We are averaging 27.5-28.5mpg combined and on the interstate/highway we average 29.5mpg. We have never averaged less than 26mpg. It has handled great in the snow and ice even though its only FWD. It has one of the most comfortable rides that Ive experienced while test driving other crossovers. The 2014 Cherokee is an amazing vehicle and has an overall great personality. If youre looking for a new crossover, you should definitely check it out!

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  180000 miles great SUV until it was totalled - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By dgh53 - January 11 - 11:28 pm

  My Jeep Cherokee 2001 Sport 4 dr 4x4 was one dependable vehicle. It did need a radiator after like ten years and a new a/c compressor but other than those items it was just great. Really going to miss it. A driver went left of center and totalled it on my wife. The airbags went off, and she did not even get a scratch my wife, the Jeep not so lucky front left fender , bumper, grill, wheel,suspension all took the hit. I would buy a new one if they still made them. Door still opened on driver side after the crash.