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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  Jeep Rollover - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By s47extreme - January 3 - 2:00 am

  The jeep sport has been by far the best vehicle I have personally owned. It was very reliable and for a SUV, gas milage was great. It was a little uncomfortable to drive long distances and road kinda rough on those long road trips, but again its an SUV. I rolled this vehicle 2.5 times off the road and into a ditch at 55 mph. The vehicle was turned back over, I started it up and drove away in it. I was suprised.

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  Hi-N-Low desert runner - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By steve citron - January 1 - 3:57 am

  While I love my car, mine does not have cruise control. Since I live so far away from a metropolitan area, I need to travel a good distance to shop, and to get other services like medical, dental, cleaners, and food. It sometimes is hard to keep my speed down, as it wants to travel at speed, and I do not always want to do that. The speed limit out here in the desert is 65, but sometimes I find the speed creeping up to over 75!! So, I guess you must be vigilant to watch your speed out in the highways. I have had my Jeep for 13 years, and have over 120,000 miles, not ONE major repair, and I am able to do simple service easily like oil change, filters, air and transmission filters, even spark plugs. so my car has been absolutely trouble free. I am on my 3rd set of tires, and just replaced them last summer at over 48,000 miles! My three dogs love riding in it too! I also own a 2006 Jeep Wrangler, and I wish it were as trouble free.

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  98JeepCherokee Lmt - Strong & Reliable - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By 98JeepCherkLmt - December 29 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for almost 6 years. I have not had one problem with it. It is strong and reliable. Suprisingly good handling. Jeeps are great vehicles that are fun to drive in every condition (except windy conditions). This truck combines the rough and rugged with a taste of luxury with its leather seats and steering wheel and 10 cd disc changer. I give it two thumbs up.

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  I adore my jeep. I want to marry it. - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By MegCram - December 29 - 10:00 am

  I really love this car. It was my dads until two years ago when he gave it to me for my sixteenth birthday. Its fun to drive -lots of power, and its never had to go into the shop for anything major. In almost 3 years Ive put about 70,000 miles on it because I travel a ways to school, but the only problem is that sometimes- in very cold weather- it doesnt want to start immediately...and thats not too much of an inconvienence. And the gas milage isnt terrible for an SUV-I get about 23 mpg. It still runs great and I could drive it forever. I love my jeep, I really do.

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  First-time SUV - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By M.F. - December 26 - 7:05 am

  The first thing I want to take the time to review is the buying experience. I went to the Auto Nation in Pembroke Pines, FL. My sales guy was Michael Lewis. I saw him the day before I actually purchased the vehicle and knew that he would be the one to take me through the process. I came in the next day, told him what I was looking for and he made the process as stress-free as possible (also to mention I am 8 months pregnant). This is my first SUV, so the rating I am giving is purely off of first impression. I have the limited, which has a lot of bells and whistles that are impressive. The leather interior was a must have for me, which only comes with all limited vehicles. The larger screen and technology is not only a great feature, but also good for safety. The car comes equipped with 10 airbags. I am having a baby really soon and the safety features was a big deal for me, as well as having the larger space. So far, I have had a smooth ride, but I am still in the brand new stage of the vehicle. I am comfortable and very happy with this purchase. I was also concerned with the heavy engine, which is not an issue. My overall experience with this purchase was really great. My salesman had my hard tag the next day and made sure anything that I was missing was ordered. I recommend purchasing this vehicle and recommend purchasing from that dealership.

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  Awesome - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Ringwold1@gmail.com - December 25 - 4:39 am

  Did a lot of looking around before I bought my trail hawk... On a scale of 1-10 its a 9.9.. The auto start stop feature can get annoying at times but just click the button and it will stop, and the fuel tank has me desiring a few more gallons. Ive put 3000 miles on my baby so far with not an issue.. Very tight on the road and all around has made me a true jeep fan.. Thanks for fixing that transmission issues on last years model, that was the only thing that I was worried about.

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  my cherokee sport - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By gspanet - December 17 - 2:00 am

  a great all around vehicle for hauling groceries, pets, kids, etc. Could be larger for interior comfort.

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  Jeep is Great! - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Matt - December 16 - 10:00 am

  I was throughly impressed with the Jeep Cherokee. I drive it all the time and it rides so well. I recommend getting the upgraded suspension cause it makes a difference in the ride. It has plenty of power and room. I am glad i got this and not the Jeep Liberty. Liberty was way too small, seems like they are making all cars smaller.

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  luv my jeep - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By vega - December 11 - 2:00 am

  bought it w/30k miles, its got 130k HARD miles on it now & its still kicking (not w/o some little quirks.... nothing serious, just gives it character! This little SUV kicks butt..... its unstoppable! Let it snow! & rain!? Ha! I rescued people in BIG SUVs during a recent flash flood. PLUS it tows my horse trailer.... not bad for a 6 cylinder! I love this baby and wish they still made em!

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  hope it comes back - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By djb - December 9 - 10:00 am

  My jeep is used for pulling heavy loads, hunting, fishing, scuba diving, trapping, and fun. My friends always comment on how jeep should use me in their commercials. I find that it is extremely nimble off road, and has great power and handling on the highway (even when pulling a load). Bottom line is that it`s reliable and practical. It carries a large canoe well with it`s sqaure racks and it`s size is just right. I went on a 10,000 km trip across canada and it was loaded to the max. It drove like a charm, both on and off the road. From anyone I know with a jeep, mine has many years left. Hopefully the jeep will be brought back by the time I need to replace this one.