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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  Gotta love this truck! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By HunterR - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I just got my third Jeep Cherokee! So far I have had nothing but luck! The first Cherokee I got is a 1987 Cherokee, manual trans., 4wd which now has over 230,000 miles on it and still runs fine! My second Jeep is a 1998 Red Cherokee, manual trans. with over 100,000 miles on it and it also runs like new! My newest Cherokee is also a 1998, auto trans, 4wd with 43,000 which also runs like new! I still have all three of them and probably will never sell any of them. The only problem with Jeep that I can think of is that they stopped production of the Cherokee. Personally I think Jeep made a huge mistake when they did it.

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  Mediocre at Best - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By jc - December 4 - 7:16 am

  I had to have the transmission replaced after 6 years. Of course, I could be dealing with a dishonest repair shop. Chronic problem with number 3 misfire, rattling, drive train seems to clunk in rear and under shifter. I am not rough on the car, I do not off road, but I do use the car off road occasionally for hunting, fishing, or snowy conditions.

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  One sweet SUV !! - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By lakiemom - December 3 - 5:33 pm

  I have owned and absolutely cherished my Cherokee Limited 4WD. It is the best suv I have owned in my lifetime. Its performance has been top notch. There were two recalls for heat shields that came and went without a hitch. I knew that the jeep tranny was clunky when I bought it. The 4wd engage is also clunky but after 7 years I have gotten used to it. I dont off-road but I have been in some raging winter weather in the New Mexico mountains and it has sailed through like the champ it is. My first set of tires lasted 80,000 miles and I have 27,000 on my second set with no issues to date. The bun warming seats are terrific. Cant beat a Cherokee. Cant imagine why they stopped producing them.

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  327,000k and still going! - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Stillgoing - November 27 - 3:20 am

  My 96 Jeep Cherokee Country was handed down to me with 280,000 miles on it and me being the 4th driver! It came from Texas and driven all over the eastern coast. Very reliable! The motor has been rebuilt, new transmission, but other than that, just typical wear and tear maintenance. It has been a great vehicle for our family and we plan on buying another Jeep soon.

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  Scotts - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Scott Phillips - November 27 - 2:00 am

  We love our Jeep

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  This thing is a tank - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By tlrthnu - November 23 - 1:46 pm

  This thing is a tank. Parents bought it new in 99, never had a major problem with it. The engine is rock solid. 190K miles on it and going strong as when it was new. Never had any leaks or any problems at all. Have replaced some parts outside of wear parts (rear springs, U-joints, front stabilizer shock), but this thing is tougher than nails. With new shocks and rear springs, rides better than my sports car. Even ran into a tree two years ago, had it fixed, and you could never tell anything ever happened to it. We expect to keep this Jeep at least another 100K miles. We live off three miles of rough dirt road and it takes the punishment and asks for more. Best vehicle weve ever owned.

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  . - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By LGH - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Overall, were pretty happy with our Jeep. Here are a few items which needed to be improved on the model: (1) there was a piece of trim over the right rear windows which came off in a car wash; (2) there are no rear headrests for kids too big for baby/toddler seats; (3) the vehicle isnt as manueverable in tight spots as our 89 Bronco II (oddly enough).

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  This is my first car, and I NEVER will get rid of it! - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By xrebelx2010 - November 18 - 7:26 am

  I own a two door 1996 jeep cherokee sport (I know it shows 4dr 5 speed) but this thing is AMAZING! My cherokee is so much fun to drive and even though it has street tires and no lift at the moment, it can go straight through mud. I am currently building it up right now. I have a k&n cold air intake in it, brand new tune up kit, and a redone exhaust system. Its rugid, reliable, and can take a beating. I love my Jeep.

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  Yellow wont die - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Steph D - November 9 - 11:10 am

  2Dr/4WD Cherokee, commutes 200km daily and goes trail riding on weekends. Does a long paper route once a week and takes three dogs out and about. 4.0L engine just keeps on ticking and she just turned 310,500km on odo, I figure shes good till 500,000km.

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  I love my Cherokee! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By nickii - November 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this Jeep for about 9 months and LOVE it! I had no problems with it yet. The ride is a bit bumpier than normal vehicles when you hit some railroad tracks or a pothole, but its otherwise ok. The gas milage isnt great, but it could be worse :) The cargo space irks me just a little, just a few more inches and a few snowboards or mountain bikes would fit perfectly without having to jam them in. Overall, i think the Cherokee is a great vehicle in style and performance, and i would recommend it to anyone.