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Since its creation, Jeep has been synonymous with overlanding and off-roading. The story of how Jeep built this reputation from its influence in World War II to its domination of the utilitarian automotive market afterward is well-documented.
While it was mostly the Wrangler that shaped the name "Jeep" into what it is today, the Cherokee models were just as influential on the world of off-roading. The start of the Cherokee goes back to a two-door reiteration of the Jeep Wagoneer. However, it was the Cherokee XJ introduced in 1984 that changed everything.
Unlike its predecessor, the SJ, which was a body-on-frame, the 1984 XJ featured a unibody lightweight design. Although at first it might seem a bit insignificant, this was the revolutionary redesign that resulted in the creation of SUVs. Yet, the pioneer status of the Cherokee XJ is not the only reason for its outstanding success and popularity.
The Cherokee XJ Has Respectable Power And Performance
A few years into the XJ's production, Jeep made the inline-six 4.0-liter AMC available for it, and calling this engine anything less than legendary would be an understatement. While the 190 HP and 225 lb-ft of torque might not sound like a lot, it's more than enough. Still, It's not the power of this engine that gives it its character but the absolute ruggedness and reliability.
Over the years, the 4.0-liter has received praise since it basically refuses to die. It might have a couple of hundred thousand miles on it, leak oil, run on five cylinders, and still accompany you through the harsh terrain to get you back home.
The Jeep Cherokee XJ is also easy to drive on the road. Thanks to the small unibody design, it's relatively quick, maneuverable, and sturdy. The four-wheel-drive system is also strong enough to handle a lot of abuse. The XJ is almost indestructible, which rings true to the utilitarian spirit.
The Boxy Overlander: A Timeless Design
Being in a good-looking vehicle is one of the last things an off-road enthusiast cares about when on the trail, and this mentality is well-represented in the Cherokee XJ, as every single piece of it exists with a purpose. It is all put in a package that looks as simple and seamless as possible. And ironically, this makes us love the looks of it even more.
An interesting factor that makes the XJ popular is the size and weight.
The interior design is also straightforward, and it gives you all you need and nothing more. The placement of windows allows you to see pretty much everywhere around you. A fascinating theme noticeable all across the classic SUV is that the comfort and the driving experience do not suffer because of the simplicity.
The XJ Is Really Cheap For What It Is
A considerable advantage of having a Jeep XJ as an overlander is the price. You rarely see anyone take a costly SUV on the trails since it'll be prone to damage and a pain to repair. But on the other hand, cheaping out on your off-roader means that you won't have a machine good enough to traverse the terrain. An XJ is a sweet spot between affordability, performance, and reliability.
Jeep Cherokee XJs are on the market for typically between $5,000 to $20,000. Low-mileage ones in perfect condition do not usually exceed $25,000. Yet, you can easily find XJs for under $10,000 that are in good condition and are capable of going almost anywhere.
Better yet, spare parts and modifications for these beloved SUVs are affordable and plenty. The simplicity (which is undoubtedly a keyword in describing the Cherokee) and hence, its popularity, turns it into one of the best platforms out there for modifications and customization.
Ultimately, the Jeep XJ is nowhere near flawless. Many options on the market are either more comfortable, more powerful, and off-road capable, or more affordable, but they will rarely be all of those. What makes the 1990s Cherokee so admired by enthusiasts isn't a single characteristic; it's the mixture of all the qualities ideal for an off-roader to take to the trail. A mighty yet cheap utilitarian that can take a beating and keep going is a blessing to all those who aim to go out and explore.