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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  fun - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By peter - December 7 - 2:00 am

  the jeep I have is a great one. yes I have made several changes such as a chevy small block v-8 and a few fun off road things. but just as a jeep as it was it was great to go out and play around in the back country. I only find one problem with the jeep, the electrical wiring, I found, is a little out of the loop. wires often come loose and can cause you to kick and yell at the jeep. but other than that bot the 2.8L and the 4.0L motors are great.

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  Great Little SUV - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By bostonman1212 - December 4 - 8:03 am

  1999 Cherokee Sport with 4.0L I6. My 2nd Cherokee (had a 1990 5 spd) and I love both of them (familys had 4 Cherokees and they have all been great trucks). Tough little SUV that does everything you want it to. Never complains when I hit those huge New England pot holes and you can drive it in any weather you want. Taken it out in white-out snow storms in a foot of powder and it does excellent. Never crossed my mind that Id get stuck in any condition. Not the most comfy/efficient car but its a tough little SUV that rides stiff and never complains. Great for someone looking for a tough reliable truck that will take you anywhere and wont complain about a little tough drivin

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  my kids WILL drive this car - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By I_liveinthewoods - December 3 - 2:00 am

  i enjoy driving this vehicle because its loud and fast and handles like an italian sports car(some modifications have been made). this is not a hugh suv, but the front seats are more comfy than my freinds 02 bmw, his heat up though.Ive invested a little money into a sound system so i can almost drowed out the open exhaust! this is the second jeep ive owned(first was a 97 tj) and they can not be beat for off road capability. you can drive up things that you cannot walk up with this vehicle. owning a jeep is something everyone should try at least once, and then youll understand- its a jeep thing-

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  Best Jeep Ever - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Sevilleized - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This is our second car, the other being a Grand Cherokee. When the announced the last of the classic Cherokees, we headed out and bought a fully loaded Limited version to keep long term. This is our third Cherokee and we love this vehicle. It is powerful, fun to drive, rugged good looks, comfortable and it was the most vehicle for the money I have ever seen. It has never let us down and has had not one problem with anything. I have a few issues but overall, this last of the Cherokees was the best of them all. If you dont have to drive the most refined vehicle around, this Jeeps for you.

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  Cherokee guy - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By tony joe - November 29 - 5:30 am

  Storage only fair, need more space get a larger SUV. Shifts are smooth, I do feel pain for those that have experienced transmission problems. If a issue arises later I will edit my review. The V6 is powerful and merging into traffic is no problem. I did test drive the Jeep Cherokee twice and I urge everyone thinking about buying any SUV to do there homework. Bottom line I love my Cherokee.

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  Great Little Jeep - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jerome Fryson - November 27 - 3:53 am

  As a previous owner of a 2003 Jeep Liberty Renegade and current owner of a 2008 Jeep Liberty, I am partial towards Jeep products. I had been researching the new Cherokee since its introduction but wanted to wait to buy one until all the kinks had been corrected. I fell in love with the Trailhawk and finally bought a 2016 Trailhawk in February of 2016. I am extremely happy with this vehicle. My Trailhawk came equipped with the 2.4 liter four cylinder and nine speed transmission. When city driving just put it in " sport mode" and the four banger performs well with higher revs. When highway driving put it in automatic mode and I am getting 31 mpg on the highway(awesome). I have gone off road and this is where the Trailhawk really shines.The Trailhawk is exceptional on dirt and sand and on hills (ascending/descending). I am really impressed by how stable the Trailhawk feels when off road. By the way, I get many compliments on how great the Trailhawk looks. Most people dont recognize it as a Cherokee until they take a close look. It seems Jeep has made the perfect SUV for me and my family. I handed down the 2008 Jeep Liberty to my 18 year old son and he is happy with it. I look forward to the day when I can hand down this Trailhawk to my younger 11 year old son. Keep up the good work. "GO JEEP"

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  213,000 mi. and climbing - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Cherokee73 - November 24 - 3:13 pm

  My 2000 Jeep Cherokee Classic has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have owned 17 vehicles and none of them even come close. The common problems associated with the Cherokees are present (front speakers quit working, A/C quit, hood latch rusted out), but other than that it has required almost no maintenance.

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  You know youre getting there in a cherokee - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By maxxoccupancy - November 20 - 6:04 pm

  I have had this vehicle for about 15,000 miles, and I have been very happy with it. It is as capable off road as off, and there are thousands of modifications for these vehicles. Whether you want to hit the trails or brave New England winters, these are some of the best vehicles for the money. The Cherokee is also one of the safest, toughest vehicles on the road.

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  My Review - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By another name - November 20 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is great in the winter with 4WD, and handles nicely anyh other time. The fuel economy is bad with this vehicle. Having a straight-6 engine takes a lot of gas, but if you can afford it the towing capacity is worth it.

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  Stay away - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Tyler - November 16 - 8:10 pm

  I bought my Trailhawk with 12 miles on it. It is now around 4,000 miles and I am experiencing issues. When I turn the car on, it says that 4WD is unavailable and that power steering needs to be serviced. I took it to the dealer and they "fixed" it. Sure enough, two days after the service was completed (reset PCM), the same warning came on.