The Jeep Cherokee gives rise to mixed-feelings from buyers and consumers alike. For some, it's one of the coolest Jeeps to ever have come to the fore. For others, it’s a Jeep that seems to have escaped quality control. Either way, it has been in existence for five generations now, first launched as the trim of the Jeep Wagoneer before turning into a full-fledged nameplate, alive since 1974.
The name pays homage to the native American tribe of Cherokee, and at its launch in 1974, it was a two-door variant of the Wagoneer and came riding rather high. At the time, it replaced the waning Jeepster Commando and targeted the younger and sportier generation, who did not much care for the family-oriented size of the Wagoneer.
If you too are a fan of Cherokee and are thinking of saving some money by going for a used-car variant of the same, we’d be happy to tell you which of the Cherokees will give you the most value for your buck.
And we'd let you in on another key bit of information, which Jeep Cherokee should never be bought as well. So here’s the best used Jeep Cherokee money can buy and the worst you should avoid...
The Classic Jeep Cherokee
Undoubtedly, the very first generation of the Jeep Cherokee, the one that existed as two-door trim of the Jeep Wagoneer was a stunner in looks. And because it’s a classic, and a highly vaunted one at that, and isn’t likely to come cheap. It created all the right waves at launch and for anyone who wanted a sporty Jeep that came with a bit of comfort as well, this was the model to go for.
The first generation lasted all the way till 1984, post which the Cherokee became a standalone nameplate. Most of the 1974-1984 Jeep Cherokees will be auction vehicles and even if you do get one, straight up, prices are likely to be $30,000 and above for Concours vehicles.
If you want a vehicle that may require a ton of work, man-hours, and money, and basically be a restoration project, then Hagerty puts the average value of one at about $10,000. Keep in mind that sellers do not always listen to Hagerty and that prices of this have been on the rise for a while. If you are getting one of these cheap, get them, but do remember, they are classic cars and may not be the best fit if you are looking for a daily driver.
The Problems & Years To Avoid
If you take any model pre-2000, safety is likely to be lax, and let’s not even talk about technology. It's in the 2000s that SUVs and trucks began to come to the fore as vehicles of choice and things began to look up for this segment.
Obviously, when the focus shifted, the SUVs and trucks began to get better. Fuel economy improved and safety ratings became all-important considering most of these are either workhorses put to the test or family carriers.
The fourth generation of the Cherokee is usually okay, although some model years do come with a whole host of transmission problems coming to haunt the owners, akin to demonic possession, or at least, a poltergeist.
CarComplaints lists the 2014 Jeep Cherokee as the very worst of the lot, with consumers having the maximum complaints about the transmission. Repair costs for this model are also stated to be high and the fuel economy is best described as dismal. Another issue was the rough shifting, meaning this Jeep Cherokee isn't likely to give you the most for your money.
2015 also seemed another bad year, with both it and 2015 bearing 650-plus complaints. Cease-and-desist from buying this one, unless spending your time and money at the mechanic is your favorite thing to.
So, Which Jeep Cherokee Do You Buy?
Overall, despite the bad press it has accumulated over the years, the Jeep Cherokee is a good SUV, capable of good off-roading and towing a decent load. Of course, the off-roading prowess of the Cherokee is nowhere near the Wrangler, and the twain should not be compared considering they answer different questions and needs.
If you are looking for a used Jeep Cherokee, it’s the 2018 model that is judged to be the best. Although a Cherokee rarely scores more than 50% on reliability scores, the 2018 model is the last one before the 2019 design, and this makes it an affordable buy in the used-car market.
The V6 engine can tow more but the inline-four engine options can be had cheaper. Most used 2018 Jeep Cherokees can be yours for under $20,000, some going even for less than $15,000. Considering the almost $35,000 price tag of a brand new Jeep Cherokee, that’s some good money-saving right there.
As long as you do not expect too much out of a Cherokee just because it’s a Jeep, it makes for a decent daily driver even on less-than-stellar roads. It can also tow a decent load, and look good while it does it, replete with all the creature comforts and safety considerations of today’s times.
Sources: Hagerty, CarComplaints, Cars, USNews