Jeep Cherokee

Jeep Cherokee Models

The Jeep Cherokee model lineup: Two-door and four-door bodies are available, either with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. Two-doors come in only one trim level, called Sport, with two-wheel and four-wheel drive. Four-doors are offered in Sport or the more up-market Limited trim. There is also a four-door, four-wheel-drive Limited.

Sport models are fairly basic, with power steering, power brakes, full carpeting, four-speaker AM/FM/cassette stereo, a clock and tachometer, variable intermittent wipers and a five-speed manual transmission. Limiteds technically add only a luggage rack, power mirrors, upgraded seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear wiper, four-speed automatic transmission and an upgrade from 15-inch steel to 16-inch aluminum wheels.

But a "quick-order package" adds the automatic transmission, plus air conditioning; tilt-wheel; time-delayed headlights; remote keyless entry; power locks, windows and mirrors; luggage rack and other niceties to the Cherokee Sport. An almost identical package is required on Limited, but due to manufacturer-to-dealer discounts it is currently listed as a no-cost option as well as a mandatory one.

Automatic transmission and air conditioning can also be ordered as stand-alone options. Leather upholstery is available, a seriously off-road "Up-Country" suspension, and a Trailer Tow Group. You can order just about anything you want on your Cherokee, but you'll probably have to order it a la carte.

Driving the Jeep Cherokee

With its tight interior and stiff freeway ride, the Jeep Cherokee might not be everyone's choice for a long cruise. In fact, we suspect some people would dismiss the Cherokee as choppy on this score, and that would be true. This is not an Explorer, a sport-utility vehicle designed for people who see this breed as trendy station wagons. This is a Jeep, which means an implicit promise of off-road superiority.

Our Jeep Cherokee was equipped with the stiffer Up-Country suspension package and Selec-Trac four-wheel drive, making it even firmer than two-wheel drive versions.

Cherokee pogos a bit on uneven pavement -- certain stretches of I-80 in Pennsylvania, for example, the sections that inspire big-rig drivers to cruise in the left lane for slightly smoother going.

But on rutted dirt roads in the Pennsylvania outback, the Cherokee showed its true colors. Its combination of good ground clearance, short wheelbase and a favorable power-to-weight ratio make this boxy little veteran a tiger in the woods. The Selec-Trac four-wheel drive system, which can be used full-time, came in handy during a mini-blizzard that choked part of central Pennsylvania during this particular excursion.

Thanks to its relatively low curb weight, the Cherokee is something of an athlete among its peers. The Cherokee will smoke almost any other compact sport-utility on a slalom course, and it's handier than most when it's time to dodge traffic and potholes. Its on-center steering feel leaves much to be desired, however.

Cherokee's optional four-speed automatic is a smooth operator, and there's enough torque in the venerable inline six-cylinder engine to generate excellent stoplight getaway, automatic or not. As always, we'd prefer a manual transmission.

Power notwithstanding, the Cherokee's inline-6 feels a little primitive compared to most of the V6 engines offered by Jeep's competitors. An inline-6 is supposed to be an ideal design for smooth operation, but Jeep's version generates noticeable vibration through most of its operating range.