Take a look on your streets today, and chances are you will cross paths with an XJ Jeep Cherokee. A vehicle that was first introduced over thirty-eight years ago, yet still seen on the roads. From 1984 to 2001, the Cherokee hadn't changed much. More importantly, it's what has remained that makes the XJ so special.

This Jeep was a pioneer among compact SUVs and was way ahead of its time. The iconic Cherokee was mass-produced, so rarity is certainly not a contributor to its increase in value. So why is the Jeep Cherokee XJ beginning to go up in value like never before?

Updated March 2023: With a reliable engine and a monocoque chassis, the 80s Jeep Cherokee XJ was a peek at the future of crossovers. We have updated this article with more intriguing information on what made the XJ Cherokee so cool and why people are head-over-heels for this 80s crossover today.

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Jeep Cherokee XJ SUV Was The First Of Its Kind

1998 Jeep Cherokee in black front third quarter view
Jeep

Back in the early 1980s, you may be hard-pressed to find an SUV at your local dealer. The term Sport Utility Vehicle did not exist yet. Instead, the new Cherokee was marketed as a 'Sportwagon'. The underrated AMC Eagle was also angled at this but was even quirkier by being a jacked-up station wagon. As for proper SUVs, there were very few manufacturers, like General Motors.

The 70s Chevy Blazer and GMC Jimmy were initially only offered in two-door models. The SUV of the eighties was essentially a pickup truck with a camper shell on top. The XJ Cherokee changed all that. It was introduced in both two and four-door models constructed with a lightweight unibody frame. And that's why the XJ in Jeep Cherokee XJ rightfully stands for "eXperimental Jeep".

Jeep Cherokee XJ in red hd wallpaper
Via: Jeep

Rather than the common body-on-frame design that all trucks were built with back then, the Cherokee opted for a monocoque design. While remaining rigid and sturdy, the frame was lighter and allowed the Cherokee to be more fuel efficient than its competitors.

The XJ Cherokee was shorter, narrower, and over a thousand pounds lighter than its SJ Cherokee predecessor. However, it managed to maintain the majority of its interior volume. With better approach, departure, and break-over angles, the XJ Cherokee was the first unibody 4x4 built for on and off-road use.

The 4x4 versions were equipped with a two-speed transfer case with low range. The XJ's design was revolutionary and pioneered a movement that resulted in the modern crossover we see today.

Jeep XJ Packed A Reliable AMC 4.0 Straight Six

1992 Jeep Cherokee Laredo engine bay view
Bring a Trailer

In 1987, the XJ Cherokee was the first to be optioned with AMC's fuel-injected 4.0 inline-six engine. The famous 242 cu-in 4.0 was in the Cherokee before it ever made its way into the Jeep Wrangler. In 1991, the 4.0 High Output engine increased its horsepower from 173 to 190. The 235 lb-ft of torque was a huge figure for such a lightweight frame.

The long crankshaft in the straight-six helps create a large amount of torque, which is necessary when you're out on the trails. The 4.0 is a major reason why you still see so many XJ Cherokees on the roads today. With a reliable powertrain, the XJ was now complete, solidifying it as one of the most durable and capable SUVs ever built.

Why Are Used Jeep XJ Cherokees Getting So Desirable?

Jeep Cherokee XJ looks desirable in red
Via: Jeep

While the XJ Cherokee was unique for having a unibody frame, it did maintain solid front and rear axles. Along with leaf springs in the rear and coils in the front, the XJ was equipped with the perfect setup for any off-road enthusiast. When optioned with the tow package, certain models between 1987-1991 came with Dana 44 rear axles, increasing tow capacity up to 5,000 lbs.

The lightweight chassis and short wheelbase paired with its solid drivetrain are what make the XJ Cherokee so special. The build quality is reminiscent of the Jeep CJs that came before it. With its roots derived from 4x4 automotive royalty, the XJ represented the birth of a new era. It was a vehicle that can comfortably take you to the grocery store one day and then cross the Rubicon trail the next.

Related: This Is The Best Used Jeep Cherokee Year You Can Buy

How Much Is A Jeep Cherokee XJ Worth Today?

Jeep Cherokee XJ interior view
Via: Jeep

Classic rugged off-road SUVs are going through a renaissance. With more people retreating to the great outdoors post-pandemic, the capable off-road SUV has become as desirable as a modern crossover. Now that the values of impressive family-hauling off-roaders have become unattainable, many enthusiasts have begun looking at the classic SUV market.

When new, the 1980s Jeep Cherokee XJ sold for an MSRP ranging from $10,000-15,000. Nowadays, you can't find a clean 4x4 with the 4.0 for less than $11,000. The average price of a used Cherokee XJ is over $12,500, and as per Classic.com, pristine XJs can even breach the $40,000 mark.

2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ Sport SUV
Via: Bring aTrailer

It was only a matter of time before enthusiasts caught on to the Cherokee. The XJ encompasses everything that the Jeep brand represents and more. Besides its capability, the Cherokee is also special due to its lightweight chassis. With its narrow frame, short wheelbase, and torquey powertrain, the XJ was designed to tackle any trail.

Today, there's no vehicle available on the market like the 80s XJ Cherokee. With unibody construction, leaf spring, and coil suspension on solid axles, the XJ is truly a relic of the past. Combine its capability with its dependable build quality, and it's no wonder why you still see so many of them on our roads today.

Sources: Jeep, Classic Cars, Bring a Trailer