Overall Rating |  |
Cherokee was an old design when launched here; its boxy stance looks dated now. It's quite compact, reducing its family appeal. But it's rugged and quite nice to drive.
For
- Tough engines and running gear
- 4.0 is surprisingly quick
- Most models have generous equipment
Against
- Petrol engines have US-style thirsts
- Maintenance and insurance are costlier than some rivals
- Some neglected or abused cars about now
Road Test
Cherokee was the embodiment of the American dream: a car tough enough to take on the wilderness. In Britain, its brief moment of gas-guzzling fame in the mid-Nineties was fuelled by suburban middle class dreams (country folk generally being too thrifty to drive a car that returns about 20mpg...)
Although it's past its sell-by date and there are many more efficient modern family 4x4s to choose from, Cherokee will endure. It's solidly built, despite the slightly cheesy (though comfortable) interiors. And the big, unstressed 4.0 engine just goes on and on. Reliability is better than average, though maintenance is expensive (and some less affluent owners neglect it).
If you can live with the running costs and the fairly snug interior, Cherokee is enjoyable. Its small size contributes to agile handling, even the smaller of the petrol engines is quite lively, and the 4.0 is fast and fun.
Need To Know
NCAP: not tested
Best Models: 2.5 TD; Limited SE or Orvis specs
Worst Models: Basic 2.5 (petrol) Sport
Replacement: by current generation Cherokee in Oct 2001
Alternatives
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Star Ratings
Handling Comfort Quality & Reliability Performance  Roominess Running Costs  Value for Money Stereo/Sat Nav |
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