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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  95 Jeep Country - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By pweimar - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Great fun vehicle for on or off road. Great pulling power for size

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  Great little offroader/suv - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Bacchus_mn - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had good luck with my Cherokee. No problems other than routine maitenance. If you are into the outdoors this is a great vehicle. I have gone through things I wouldnt dare with other vehicles. And the Cherokee is just the perfect size; youre able to haul stuff with the back seat taken out but can also manuever around downtown easily unlike some enormous SUVs.

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  Trailhawk 6cyl loaded - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By angrybird1 - March 2 - 12:07 am

  I traded my Subaru 3.6R wagon after it blew a head gasket after 60,000mi. I decided to try the new Cherokee and I was not disapointed. I can say Ive had Chevys, Subarus, Hondas and Nissans and this is the first vehicle I can honestly say I cant find anything I dont like about it. The performance and comfort are amazing and I love the front to back sunroof. Off road handling is Jeep Trail Rated and does not disapoint. Love my Hawk!

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  the perfect vehicle with one exception - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By trailhawk owner - February 19 - 7:20 pm

  2016 trailhawk 3.2v6. The one exception, infotainment. uconnect 8.5 un is a nice big screen with good layout and easy to use. However, the voice is horrible. robotics, old, very poorly executed. It cant even do the most basic thing right. Texting will test your ability to not punch the screen. After say a very BRIEF and usually wrongly translated text your present by a female giving you options, like, add to message, redo message, bla bla bla, finally it gets to where it beeps and you can say send. Why wont they give us an option to shut the system up and just automatically send the message when done talking. Its mostly translated wrong text anyway no use trying to correct it. Instead, you have to wait FOREVER to send the dang text. After replying to two or three texts your ready to rip out the system and through it out the window!! MOST ANNOYING is the AUTO ac system. it simply doesnt work!!! If its 100 deg F in the car and you set temp to 60 you still cant even hear the fan running. the system is SO reserved in how it utilizes the ac that its worthless. To sum it up, a perfect vehicle ruined by what could be two simple software fixes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Making jeeps great again - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By roy case - February 18 - 12:53 am

  The Cherokee is not for everyone but if you want real off road capability and towing (4500#)capacity this is the only choice, albeit an expensive one.

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  A true SUV - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Lara - February 10 - 3:46 am

  I purchased my Jeep Cherokee sport a year ago and I love it. Despite getting bad gas mileage (16 mpg city), I realize that this is an SUV, so its understandable. The only complaint I have is that the engine is extremely loud and roaring. Otherwise, its a very sturdy car. It accelerates well, has great steering, has comfortable front seats, and pretty good road traction. The real fun begins when you go off road, though. This is not an SUV for someone who really needs a station wagon (aka Ford Explorers, Expeditions). The ride on rocky ground with bumps is surprisingly smooth. This is a classic, REAL SUV that will remain a favorite of mine. And, whats cooler than having a JEEP?

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  New Ride - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By stewaz - January 28 - 3:19 am

  Just upgraded from a 2007 Cherokee and this blows it away. Love everything about this vehicle.

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  Old Faithful - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By ScottR - January 26 - 4:23 am

  I got my Cherokee brand new in 2000, and upgraded to a Wrangler in 2008, 120K miles later. I still have the old Jeep and use it for Home Depot runs and driving in the snow when my wife is using the Wrangler. I beat the heck out of it in the first few years, and honestly didnt maintain it too well. But its a workhorse; except for brakes, tires, fluids and filters, it still has 100% original parts, has never left me stranded and to this day the engine starts right up on the hottest and coldest days, and the drive train still performs like new. Those I-6 engines have to be the best-built engines around -- I wish they still put them in the Wranglers.

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  Die hard Jeep fan - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By keljo1976 - January 14 - 7:43 pm

  Absolutely love my Jeep, I bought it from the construction co that I work for when it was 3 years old & the lease was up. Had 60K miles on it then. Has 185,000 now, March 09. rarely had problems with it. Its been all over the beaches of NC & VA & thru the snow in PA. handled well in every situation. Other than changing belts when they get worn, and changing the oil faithfully, I dont normally put any money in it. I have had to replace a window motor & brakes once, but thats really about it. My daughter will be 16 in a year & I plan on handing this reliable car down to her. & she cant wait!! I wish there was another Jeep I liked as much as this one that I could replace it with.

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  Limited V6 - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By tjones4581 - January 14 - 3:20 am

  I recently purchased a Limited V6 with the Tow Package, Technology Group, & the Luxury Group. My wife and I love this vehicle. It is very comfortable and has plenty of power. The 9-speed transmission is smooth, but does take a little getting used to because the shifts happen at smaller intervals than what you expect for a 5 or 6 speed transmission. The ventilated seats are slightly more comfortable than the standard seats - they feel a little like the Grand Cherokees seats. The vehicle is quiet & well built. The tecnology group works well. On the highway it averages 28.5 mpg & in mixed driving is averages 22.5 mpg. The cockpit is similar to a 2014 Grand Cherokee, but smaller overall.