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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  Love it. Radio, electronics needs attention! - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By J Bartz - July 8 - 3:50 pm

  The button on the back of my steering wheel to navigate through pre-programmed stations has never worked. The dealer, Steve White in Hickory NC told me 3x they could find no problem. It skips stations, goes to stations never programmed, repeats several stations 2-3x. Havill in Jefferson WI saw the problem immediately. Despite their best efforts (replacing the button, updating the computer, new wiring harness) -its worse than ever. And now the tailgate opens on its own. Theyre contacting Chrysler but Im looking at trades. Ive had this since new, paid $40k, have the Trailhawk with 3.2 (which wasnt an option on this site), has only 15,000 miles.... Comfort, driving, etc is excellent. Very happy otherwise, but this is annoying enough to consider trade.

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  2000 Cherokee Classic in Chile - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Costabal Sebastian - July 1 - 9:03 am

  With my family we like to be able to leave the weekends, to be in contact with the nature, our Cherokee has occurred excellent experiences and we have been able to arrive with the practically to any place, it is comfortable, perhaps the consumption is high, but he has a very reliable and powerful motor. And we feel very sure in the one it is a solid vehicle.

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  95 - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Tony Montana - June 21 - 10:00 am

  140,000 miles and only a few problems. An engine mount broke. Easy to find parts and fun to soop up. 3 inch lift kit runs about $300. The back seats can be removed or folded down for additional room. Does good in mud and on snow.

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  Excellent all weather vehicle - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By aphartman - June 18 - 8:46 am

  This is my second Cherokee (the first was a 96), and Ive really enjoyed the restyle (done in 97). I get good fuel economy with the 5-speed manual, and the 4wd works well in the snow. Never breaks, but when it does its inexpensive to repair and easy to do-it-yourself. An excellent all around SUV. It isnt the newest design or the most stylish, but I think its the best. Jeep never should have killed it for the Liberty.

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  What a mess - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By lordmetalz28 - June 13 - 11:49 pm

  Worst vehicle ive ever owned. bought it with 72k for 10k in 2005 110k now. no kidding i have never had this truck 100 percent since the day i drove it off the lot. its always been something. hood cable 5X window regulators 10x valve cover gasket, oil adapter gasket. evap coil 2x. wheel bearing 3x. leaks water from every gasket. oil from every gasket. electrical system is falling apart. Not to mention its terrible on gas. have to be in 4x4 to make it thru a 1/4 inch of snow. 4wd indicator switch 8x and the new one just broke. this jeep is so piss poor i bought a 2006 mazda because i didnt trust the jeep and the mazda is no good!! yet another bad dicision the jeep forced me to make.

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  I Miss it! - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By golfrgirl - June 13 - 4:56 am

  Bought it used w/141k miles - all original parts! YIKES - replaced just about everything - clutch, brakes, muffler, starter, cylinders... you get the idea! However, they were ALL factory original! Loved it! Sitting at a stop light last fall got hit by 2 other cars - head on & drivers side - total loss - but I walked away. Looking for same car 5-speed 4WD. Wish they still made them - my mechanic said they were one of the best cars EVER made & easy to work on too! Even cheaper to repair!

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  NEVER - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By yz250r - June 8 - 2:14 pm

  I AM NOT SATISFIDE! This jeep was good for about 4 months mialige 118,000 to curently 123,000 miles. Resently I`v had some major scairs. The engine on and off shakes the car. I can tell because normaly it would be a smoother feeling. At about 20 to 40 mph the car will leack forwars vilontly and will not produce power for 10 to 25 seconds. DO NOT GET THIS CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Wont die unless YOU kill it - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By heartwine - May 31 - 12:53 pm

  My Jeep has an engine and transmission that just wont quit. Despite years of being driven by a mechanically-deficient person, it always seems to start and get us down the road. As far as creature comforts go, forget about it! The a/c was the first to go, followed by the control panel (speedometer, gauges etc) which often requires fiddling with the trip reset button to get the gauges to work again. Then, alas the heater has started to fade. Couldnt ask for a better SUV for living in the snowy north, but the lack of amenities in this old mule is a definite relationship-ender.

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  Jeep Trifecta - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By MissBailey - May 29 - 8:40 pm

  Bought this new in 99 and we love it. This was to replace my car and after test drives of others kept coming back to the Cherokee, we had bought a used 90 Cherokee in 91 that my husband used for work. When we decided to replace the 90 my husband went looking for another and we now have a 2000 Sport Cherokee. These are all going strong and shouldnt need to replace for years. The 99 gets the most mileage now as I have to travel for my job but at 130K it should last until retirement. The 90 still gets lots of use at the beach, when the kids need there cars fixed, still going strong. Bring them back Jeep, there is nothing quite like this SUV.

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  Champ - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Aaron - May 26 - 1:03 am

  I bought the jeep smashed up in the front for a great price. Bought some new and used parts and painted it in my garage. Has been great ever since. Yearly maintenance is $100-$200 on average and I pile the miles on it. More reliable and durable than anything on the road. Everyone says in these reviews that they wish they still built them, the truth is that they do in China. AMC/Renault put a plant there in the 80s and they still build them today. Maybe they will offer them for sale here, I would buy one.