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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  Great SUV - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By dmb499 - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I got this jeep recently and i love it. i got it in the winter and it snowed the next day so i loved it. didnt slip once while i was in 4wd. its my first 4wd vehicle and i will never get a non 4wd car again. this thing rocks!

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  good until 100K - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By sugarplum - December 20 - 2:20 pm

  I purchased my Jeep Cherokee 6 years ago with 73,000 miles on it. I loved the way I could go anywhere on/off road. I had no problems until she hit 100,000 miles. My A/C stopped working after many trips to the auto shop I gave up on having A/C. Then my heater quit working! I have gone through 2 rad.s in 2 years, blew a head once and still to this day have no heat and A/C. I dont think my problems have anything to do with the build I, think whoever had her before me didnt take care of her.

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  Sometimes okay, most of the time not! - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By chipsahui2 - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Its been 4 years since new, it had some good times, had alot of bad. At about 20k mile, driveshaft fell off resulting in two weeks in the shop. At about 50k miles, speedometer gained a mine of its own, spent 3 days in the shop and $300 for a new computer. Currently and for the third time, oil pressure gauge is not functioning correctly. Will be visiting the dealership for the 7th time in 6 months. Jeep gets about 14 mpg, very poor. Currently, the Jeep is at 57k miles. The 4.0L does the job well. Command- Trac 4WD is poor on the streets but great off-roading and deep snow. Trak- lok differential offers excellent traction in 2WD.

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  Average SUV - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By spartan24 - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This Jeep is what I consider an average SUV. It is definitely not carlike. It is great off-road and in the snow. Its not so great for stop and go traffic or higher freeway speeds. The ride tends to be rough around town, but its pretty smooth on a good highway. The engine has great power but sucks way too much gas for its size. The styling is better than most SUVs out there. The interior is smaller than it would seem by looking at it from the outside. There are rattles here and there, especially from the transfer case shifter, and the exhaust can be a little loud at times. Overall, this jeep has some good features and some bad. Its average.

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  Rotors, A/C and Noises - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By R.W.L. - July 6 - 10:00 am

  The rotor/pads for the front disk breaks suck! My first replacements were at 23k! I had to call Daimler/Chrysler in Detroit to get them replaced "under warranty". Though I finally had them replaced at 23k; theyd been bad since 16.5k! Did I mention that the brakes were shot again at 42k? The A/C compressor has also gone out twice and, lets not forget all of the "cold interior" noises that Ive been living with. I cannot recommend it as an "every day commuter/family vehicle.

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  Peppy performer - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By MPcuse1 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Does a variety of things well,off-road lousy weather, haul stuff. Appreciate the get up and go. Have had some repair work done, breaks(constantly), radiator and various sensors. Overall satisfied considering how hard I abuse it sometimes.

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  LOUD ENGINE - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By David - May 20 - 8:08 am

  For the first 50 miles you will enjoy a quiet ride. After that expect a loud knocking from the engine. Imagine you are driving a1970 ford with the valves out of adjustment and about to throw a rod. Yes, thats what driving this car is like. Dealer says its normal. Purchased at Moore Jeep Peoria AZ. Steer clear of this car until they get some competent engineers.

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  LOVE the exterior but unreliable - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Michelle from CT - March 4 - 12:06 pm

  I bought my car new in 2001 (Jeep Cherokee Sport). I still LOVE the look of the exterior and its great in the snow. I thought I would keep it forever for that reason. However, it is 4 years old now and we have had to bring it in 4 times in the past 9 months to get it fixed, totaling over $2500. The AC compressor blew out and had to be replaced. The brakes have already had to be replaced several times and the engine light seems like its always on regardless of how many times weve brought it in. Im really disappointed but I think we have to sell it now because we simply cant afford it anymore. If you take into account our repair bills over the past year, our monthly payment has been >$600/month ...ugh!

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  my 1st.4x4 - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By yank - February 25 - 10:00 am

  I like my jeep cherokee for its low maintainence costs and reliability,however, its a very tireing vehicle on long trips.It handles very well in adverse weather conditions.I now have 126000 mi. and still going strong. It has been serviced as specified in the owners manual.This is only my second set of tires.Never had a front end problem or any major repairs. Back seats hard to manage for older people,also not a smooth riding vehicle Never did any off road driving with this car..

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  Ho-hum... probably my last Jeep. - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By mono - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Cherokee with 37k miles on it and it now has about 52k miles. Since purchasing it, Ive had to replace: cracked exhaust manifold, rear hatch, exhaust hanger, window controls on the passenger side, serpentine belt, the fuel filler, the transfer case, and the injectors were overly covered in carbon (so said the dealer). I also have a vibration in the front end between 65-75 MPH that two different Jeep dealers have not been able to figure out. Other than the consistant problems and low low low gas mileage, I dig my Jeep. I wouldnt suggest a Cherokee to anyone, but I wouldnt turn you away from one either. Buyer beware I guess.