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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  A Hunk of Junk !!!!! DEFINITELY a lemon! - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Ben Fink / Anthony Gordon - February 16 - 7:04 am

  Wow , What a huge dissapointment, was really excited and bought a 2016 trail hawk with the 6 cycl engine Heres how owning one has gone (FYI i only have had it 3 weeks ) Week 1, computer froze with rear camera stuck on and blaring latin oompah music ,,,,,,,brought it back to the dealer for repair ,,,,they said dust got in the computer? Week 2 , brought it in for a computer update ....... Week 3 ,,,,transmission froze up while driving into neutral , couldnt get it out of neutral , had it towed to the dealers ( Santa Monica ) and its been sitting there for 3 days and nobody has even looked at it yet What can I tell you ,,,its a huge disappointment , jeep dosent seem to care.... its been in the shop more than Ive actually driven it ,,,,,wish I would have bought something elese and the dealer is NO help whats ever !!!!!!!!!!!! #jeep #trailhawk #jeeptrailhawk #lemon

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  Still Kicking! - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By TheNotoriousBLA - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 2 years now and I absolutely love it! I dont ever want to sell this Jeep. Its so dependable, yes it has some drawbacks, few options and not that comfrotable but you never have to worry about it tearing up.

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  love my Jeep - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Stretch - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I have nothing but good to say about my XJ. It is easy to maintain, fun to drive and unstoppable offroad. I only get about 15mpg city but I am also a leadfoot.

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  Now its nice - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Ramblin Gal - January 10 - 10:00 am

  When I first bought it, it was major trouble...I needed the water pump, the oil gauge and something else replaced the first 6 months and it was heating up alot. The battery went out 4 times- the rear cargo door wouldnt close all the way and ran down the battery....I thought I had a lemon. Almost filed, but the dealership fixed everything OK and it has been reliable since then, except it seemed like it needed new tires and brakes too often and I do a combo of city and expressway driving . It always goes through the water and snow- it does slip in very sloppy conditions.

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  Gonna Miss My Cherokee Sport - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jo - January 2 - 5:33 am

  This is the best car Ive ever had. I bought it 5 yrs ago with 55,000 miles. It was hit 3 times in the front & passenger area. It survived 2 fender benders and finally was struck by a deer a few days ago. The deer killed it. Insurance adjuster said the only reason its totaled is the high mileage, 169,000, made it less in value. Only repair was the oxygen sensor 3 yrs ago. I loved my Jeep, May it rest in peace. I truly will miss you. P.S. Im shopping for another Jeep =0)

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  Solid Jeep - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Mark - December 31 - 5:50 am

  This SUV is an amazing vehicle. The only way Im going to get rid of this thing is if I total it, which I dont plan on doing. This is a great drive, extremely capable, especially in snow, and is great to take offroad, and can make the transition back to pavement beautifully.

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  Fun and dependable - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Pavil - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle. It is fun to drive and gets decent gas mileage for an SUV (19 mpg avg). It needed new brakes and rotors at about 60,000 miles but has been very dependable otherwise. It doesnt have all of the bells and whistles of the other SUVs, but its price reflects that. And when all is said and done, a dependable vehicle able to meet any driving situation is what Jeep owners are looking for.

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  Solid, reliable and basic vehicle - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By spinoza - December 27 - 2:00 am

  We bought this Cherokee new in 1995 and have used it for basic transportation (our only car) since then. We live an active lifestyle, and its been great for camping, mtn. biking, carrying canoes and kayaks, etc. We have 2 German Shepherds, and they ride in the back with the seats folded down. The car has run like a Swiss watch, and weve had no mechanical problems at all. The 180 hp, low torque motor is a great hauler and handles like a work horse in adverse conditions (snow, off-road, etc.).

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  Parting is sweet sorrow - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By snookums - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Cherokee brand new back in 99 and have had very few problems with it. The few times Ive actually taken it off-road it has been a beast. Its never broken down or given me any real problems. It does have a tendency to spin the tires on wet pavement, though. Generally, it just does that when turning from a stop. The paint has held up pretty well. I dont have the painted fenders and the plastic has faded badly. The interior has held up well. Sadly, I will be trading the old girl in for something newer. I need something I can make frequent long trips in and the Jeep is getting to the mileage range where something will be going wrong on it.

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  2018 Cherokee Overland - Im in Love - 2018 Jeep Cherokee
  By Deb Mielke - December 7 - 7:52 pm

  Had a 2015 Cherokee Limited, and liked it, but the 18 Overland is a real winner. Quieter, smoother, better seats. And I love the safety tech and the way the 4x4 sits up on the road. Happy, happy owner.