Few motoring brands are more iconic than Jeep, which has offered go-anywhere 4x4s for decades. However, while the Jeep's off-road abilities are beyond question, its on-road prowess isn't always so good; that's the case here, as the Cherokee is poor dynamically, unrefined and costly to run. However, it's reasonably spacious and tough, if prone to reliability niggles. If you need a workhorse or towing vehicle, it could be jus the ticket - otherwise, tread carefully.
Key Dates
10/01: The second-generation Jeep Cherokee arrives, with 2.4 or 3.7-litre petrol engines, plus a 2.5-litre turbodiesel unit.
9/02: A 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine is now available.
3/04: A Cherokee commercial debuts, named the Pioneer and based on the 2.5CRD.
1/05: The Cherokee is facelifted, with an upgraded 2.8-litre engine now the sole turbodiesel option, including for the Pioneer. The grille, dashboard and seats are also revised.
3/05: A special edition Renegade arrives, with 2.8CRD power only.
1/06: The special edition Predator appears.
8/08: An all-new third-generation Cherokee debuts.
Jeep Cherokee (2001-2008) Checklist
- Fuel and road tax costs are high, even for the diesels; make sure you can afford to run one of these cars.
- Don't pay extra for an integrated sat-nav; it's not a great system and you're better off with a TomTom.
- Automatic gearboxes can be weak; watch for jumping out of gear.
- Alarms can be erratic; front door sensors are often the culprit.
- The front propshaft gaiter can split; check it's intact.
We Like
- Interior space
- Off-road capabilities
We Don't Like
- High running costs
- Cabin materials
- Lack of refinement
- Bouncy ride