Jeep Cherokee (1993 – 2001) Review
Jeep Cherokee (1993 – 2001) At A Glance
The sound of its 4.0-litre straight six. Well equipped for the time.
Small boot. Long track record of poor reliability.
When it comes to vehicles that can go anywhere and do anything, the Jeep Cherokee is one of the greats. Some feared the second generation (or XJ) had gone a little soft with its lightweight integrated body and frame, but they really didn’t need to worry.
In fact, as well as creating a hugely capable car, Jeep also gave us something that predates the modern trend for the sports utility vehicle. The missing link in the evolution of the 4x4? Probably.
After 13 years, the SJ was getting long in the tooth and so Jeep decided to give it a refresh. And what a refresh it was. Gone was the rear-mounted spare wheel and glassfibre tailgate, while the front and rear was extensively restyled – including an attempt to make the car slightly more aerodynamic (it wasn’t, even by 1997 standards).
Engine line-up included 2.5- and 4.0-litre petrols and even a 2.5-litre diesel – although none were particularly economical or exciting. It didn’t matter. Jeep is an American icon the slightly more compact Cherokee appealed to British buyers who wanted to be a part of that.
