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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  dont buy a cherokee - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By dynamite44 - August 10 - 10:00 am

  i have a 2000 jeep cherokee sport. it had been a "demo car". In the first 30,000 miles, i had it towed twice, had the drive shaft fall out at a stoplight, had all the power windows and locks go at the same time, all the gauges replaced, the entire fuel system replaced (except 4 fuel injectors, the gas tank itself, and the fuel rail), front axle replaced, transfer case rebuilt twice, transfer case linkage replaced 3 times, and the rear axle rebuilt...

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  1996 Jeep Sport Classic 4DR 2WD - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By mariobox - August 10 - 10:00 am

  After seven years the only problem Ive had is a couple of oxigen sensors that needed replacement ($350). Other than that, this Jeep has earned its keep and then some. Strong and reliable as can be.

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  Mixed bag - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By spikester - August 8 - 7:53 pm

  This is the second Jeep 4.0 motor vehicle that I have owned. This version is the high output version (approximately 190 hp). I bought this used and specifically wanted the "sport" version for its increased off-road ability. These small Cherokees are very reliable. A bit snug inside - the rear seat isnt made for adult Americans. Gas mileage is about 16 combined which isnt bad for a 4x4 with a/c and auto trans. Rides too stiff for the wife. The price you pay for the "sport" suspension. No cruise control either.

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  Wonderful. - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Brad Pullins - June 26 - 9:23 pm

  I have the 4Dr 2WD speed. I bought it when I turned 16 and it has been the best vehicle as far as reliability Ive ever seen. I bought it with 128k in 02 and now, in 05, I have 172k on it. Oil leaks a little, but that is expected for a 10 year old car.

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  Love This Vehicle, But I Have So Many Issues - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jarett H. - June 21 - 3:24 am

  CHECK EVERYTHING! Run the A/C full blast while letting the vehicle idle and watch the temperature and oil pressure, as well as idle RPM. Check the AUX cooling fan to be sure it works, it doesnt come on until the engine reaches 218 degrees F. Check the valve cover, oil pan, and other gaskets and seals. Check for corrosion on any part inside of the engine compartment as this could very well be a sign of potentially serious damage that will lead to expensive repairs. I paid $2500 for my Jeep in 2014, it is now worth about $1300 if I tried to resell it and I have put nearly $1500 into it in repairs with another $1000 for parts and labour just on the engine alone. Not to mention the horrible condition of the suspension, brakes, missing hardware, and quite a few other issues. But I do love the car enough to actually not mind all too much putting money into it because when I am done with all these repairs it will be one hell of a vehicle and last another 200000 miles.

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  Issues, Issues, Issues - 2015 Jeep Cherokee
  By towsonres - June 12 - 12:35 pm

  I want to start by saying that I love the comfort and styling of this car. I have the 6 cylinder, but that was not in the drop down menu. Jeep may have a serious problem with the Cherokee. Bought my first jeep on a Monday and started to have parking break issues. No fix after three trips back to the dealer to rectify the issue, so the dealer swapped out for another. I drove the new one for 300 miles and had a transmission code, which forced me to limp it back to the dealership. They swapped out the transmission module and they think that this may fix the problem. I sure hope so. I do feel that if you buy a vehicle in excess of $30,000 there should not be trouble the first week.

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  I love my Jeep - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Chris Jeep - May 22 - 2:00 am

  The Jeep has been dependable, reliable and a great fun to drive. I have enjoyed my Jeep and very sad to let it go. I wish these vehicles were still in production. If so, I would have bought another just like it. The engine light came off and on, but you learn this was just a malfuction and nothing mechanically wrong. My wife never like the ride, but she just could not appreciate it.

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  Great Jeep - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By drwhkm - April 28 - 3:16 pm

  Bought this 2001 Cherokee Sport with 82K, and it was a great vehicle to own. Drove great through snow and mud, but also had a smooth highway ride. Engine provided plenty of power, however was also very thirsty. A very well-built, reliable Jeep.

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  No Problems - Only Fun - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By scottyindenver - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Since I bought my Jeep Ive not had any problems other than having to replace the windshield because of the rocks and crap on the roads in Colorado during the winter months. I have had to do brake maintenance more often than most do but I also drive 40 miles one way to work from Denver up into the Rockies 5000 feet (coming down that hill every night takes a toll on the brakes). It has been a lot of fun to own - definately glad I replaced my Chevy S- 10 Blazer with the Jeep.

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  LOVE THIS RIG - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Yakamom - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car with 19,000 miles on it and now it has 58,000 it runs better than ANY car I have ever had.