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 THIS VEHICLE! - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
By Linda HORRELL - December 20 - 3:30 pmI LOVE my 1996 Jeep SE Cherokee! I bought it new in 1996, been driving it ever since. Just today (10 years and 87,000 miles later) had to bring it to the dealer with a problem (no heat, but overheating). Its a nice compact 4-wheel drive that has given me no real problems for the past 10 years. Good for snow and good for city driving and parking. Pulled a boat 2,000 miles to and from Florida, hauled dogs and dry cleaning. I love it! I even love its 96 boxy design. Downside: back seat is small & the cup holders worthless, occasionally overheats a bit in the summer if Im sitting in rush hour traffic.
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Best Vehicle EVER!!! - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
By avhowe - December 20 - 5:39 amI bought my 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport 7 years ago and loved it! It took me everywhere and could do about anything. Ride was a bit rough, but thats a Jeep. Last month I was hit in the rear by an Expedition doing 60 mph. I made it through the accident with only a mild concussion, unfortunately, my Jeep did not make it. It was still going strong with 161,000 miles on it. I miss driving it everyday. I am now out looking for a new Jeep, but only go with used because I want the 4.0L I6 motor!!
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The Best SUV Ever - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
By jmtrumpet - December 13 - 7:12 amThe original SUV was, and is the best. Its reasonably economical, quick and agile, and combines the ruggedness of a true truck frame with agility (the agility is helped by the aftermarket, stiffer shocks I installed along with slightly wider high-performance tires). And it can go pretty much anywhere. My 1998 Jeep Cherokee Classic 4.0 has more than 180,000 miles on it - yet when I change the oil after 4000 miles, the dipstick still shows full! Ive never had an engine with this level of longevity. With its NP242 Selec-Trac transfer case, in addition to 2WD and 4WD Hi & Lo it also has Full Time All-Wheel Drive - in this mode on wet pavement its like having an Audi Quattro or BMW X-Drive.
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I love reading the Jeep reviews - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
By Awesome truck - December 11 - 4:40 amFour Cherokees....Id buy four more. 84 ( black beauty } 93 ( black beauty II } 98 { green hornet )01 { Brutis ). Brutis pulled a new Kia SUV with a tow package and a 2300 lb sterndrive boat hat was coupled to it out of our lake and up the ramp. And I didnt have to bother with low range! Enough said.
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Best all around car ever built - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
By Phoebe - November 14 - 5:16 am108,000 miles, Classic package, AC/AT/CC/4.0/4WD, (even push-up sunroof). Beautiful, practical, dependable, lovable car! Just big enough, classic lines, most indestructible drivetrain ever built, nimble, responsive, turns on a dime, excellent reliability & safety record, excellent parts availability, easy to work on. Still looks beautiful inside & out, even the cigar lighter still works, feels so secure on NEs winter roads with the fantastic on-the-fly 4WD, not a rattle or squeak. Ive added a CD changer, a good double cupholder I bought on eBay, and a firm foam wedge cushion for more drivers seat support. Take good care of a Cherokee and it will take care of you for a long time
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Ryans Jeep Review - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By RyanJeep - November 5 - 11:56 amVery reliable. Kept regular maintenance schedule ... minimal down-time for mechanical repairs over the life of the vehicle. In family since new.
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My 2 wheel drive jeep - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By alex8277 - November 1 - 9:20 amSo its two wheel drive. My friend has a Blazer I can get everywhere he can just as fast. With out the 4 wheel drive. So it doesnt get stuck I love her.
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jeeps rule - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
By grabo - October 23 - 10:00 ameveryone should own one
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OIIIIO thrills - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
By OIIIIO driver - October 7 - 2:00 amI have a 93 indestructible Cherokee. I just bought this 97 Cherokee, with 245K miles on it. Paid $1500 for him. My 93 is a standard this 97 is an automatic. IF you can find one get one. I easily expect to get 300 K out of this Jeep. I have 2 new cars a 4runner and a Pontiac, but would rather drive my 97 Jeep any day than these due to the fact "he" is solid as a rock. If the powers that be ever read these blogs , they would re invent these Jeeps, and would have a new following, I love mine and dread the day (if ever) I get rid of it.
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Owned many Jeeps...this is the best! - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
By jeepcrz - September 24 - 8:14 amI love my new Jeep Cherokee 4x4 Limited. It is the 6 cylinder engine and has plenty of power. It seemed a little on the expensive side at the time of purchase but now I couldnt be happier. The fit and finish is great. The leather interior looks rich. I have the blue and brown leather. The transmission is very smooth, and although it took some getting used to, I really like the design of the exterior.
