1990-1996 Jeep Cherokee Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Jeep Cherokee. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Jeep Cherokee.

1990-1996 Jeep Cherokee Review

Launched in 1984, Cherokee was the first compact sport-utility vehicle to offer a 5-door body style. Powered at first by anemic 4-cylinder and V6 engines, Cherokees got a big boost in 1987 with the optional 4.0-liter inline six. Cherokees came with rear-wheel drive, part-time Command-Trac 4-wheel drive, or Selec-Trac full-time 4WD. Four-wheel antilock braking had become an option in 1989 on vehicles with a 6-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, and Selec-Trac. ABS worked in both 2WD and 4WD. For 1990, Cherokees came in base and plush Limited trim.

Year to Year Changes

1991 Jeep Cherokee: A 4-door Sport Cherokee joined the 2-door Sport, and a new Briarwood replaced the Wagoneer Limited, retaining woodgrain bodyside graphics. Four-cylinder horsepower rose from 121 to 130. All but the base model came with the 6-cylinder engine, which gained 13 horsepower.

1992 Jeep Cherokee: Cherokees showed little change.

1993 Jeep Cherokee: A new upscale Grand Cherokee arrived for 1993, dropping this regular Cherokee line down a notch. Jeep dropped its top-line Cherokees to highlight the difference.

1994 Jeep Cherokee: New safety features included side door-guard beams and a center high-mounted stoplamp.

1995 Jeep Cherokee: A driver-side airbag arrived in 1995, and the base SE model gained reclining front bucket seats. Three models went on sale: SE, Sport, and Country (the latter 4-door only). Four-cylinder Cherokees became available later in the season with a 3-speed automatic transmission.

1996 Jeep Cherokee: The 4-cylinder dropped five horsepower, to 125, and was no longer available with the 3-speed automatic transmission. Cherokee would be redesigned for 1997.

1990-1996 Jeep Cherokee Road Test

Pros	Cons

Wet-weather traction (4WD)	Fuel economy

Acceleration (6-cylinder)	Acceleration (4-cylinder)

Passenger and cargo room	Noise

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

The base 4-cylinder Cherokee's engine is adequate with manual shift, weak under a heavy load, and downright feeble and unresponsive if hooked to an automatic transmission. With either transmission, the robust 6-cylinder engine lets you sprint away from stoplights and quickly pass other vehicles. Expect about 17 mpg with a manual-shift six, or 15 mpg with automatic. All models have higher-than-average wind, road, and engine noise. These vehicles are spacious inside for their modest exterior dimensions--though not quite comparable to the Grand Cherokee or a Ford Explorer. Four sit in comfort. Head room is generous all around, and with a little squeezing, back seats accommodate three adults. Folding that rear seatback produces great luggage space, with a long and flat floor, and volume is acceptable with the seatback up. The long steering column puts the wheel too close to the driver's chest.

Value for the Money
Cherokees offer a lot of temptations, serving as an excellent alternative for those who cannot afford a Grand Cherokee or Explorer. Next to something like the latest Chevrolet Blazer, though, they do seem a step behind in civility.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Jeep Cherokee Sport 4-door 6-cylinder	Rating

Performance	4

Fuel Economy	2

Ride Quality	3

Steering/Handling/Braking	3

Quietness	3

Controls/Materials	3

Interior Room	4

Room/Comfort (rear)	3

Cargo Capacity	7

Value within Class	7

Total:	39

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1990-1996 Jeep Cherokee Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Air conditioner: If the air conditioner gradually stops cooling, the computer (PCM) may not be sending a signal to the compressor-clutch relay to cycle off, which causes the A/C evaporator to freeze up. (1991-95)

Automatic transmission: If the transmission will not engage when first started, chances are the torque converter is draining down. A check valve in the fluid line leading to the transmission cooler should fix the problem. (1993) If the transmission won't upshift for about the first quarter mile in cool weather, it is probably due to defective cast-iron seal rings in the governor drive. (1993-94)

Oil leak: The rear main seals on 2.5- and 4.0-liter engines are prone to leakage if the vehicle is operated in dirty conditions. (1991-96)

Suspension problems: Front end shimmy may continue long after hitting a bump or pothole requiring revised lower control arms be installed. (1999-01)

Transmission leak: Automatic-transmission fluid leaks from the speed sensor in the transmission. (1993-94)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$390

Alternator	$355

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$680

Brakes	$265

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$495

Exhaust System	$270

Radiator	$380

Shocks and/or Struts	$190

Timing Chain or Belt	$185

Universal Joints	$145

NHTSA Recall History

1990 w/4.0-liter engine and automatic: Could have intermittent high idle speed.

1990 w/ABS: Hydraulic fluid may be contaminated.

1990-91 w/ABS: Hydraulic control unit for antilock braking system can experience excessive brake-actuator piston-seal wear, which could lead to loss of antilock function and reduced power assist.

1990-91 w/ABS: Improper insertion/crimping of hose fittings can result in loss of ABS function.

1990-96 in 15 states and Washington, D.C.: Front-disc brake rotors can experience severe corrosion if operated for extensive period in "salt belt"; can eventually compromise structural integrity, allowing wear surface to separate from hub.

1991 w/ABS: Brake-fluid tube may contact steering shaft and result in leakage.

1991: Jounce bumper could contact and collapse left rear brake tube.

1993: Retainer clip that secures master-cylinder rod to brake pedal was not installed properly.

1993-96: High steering loads can cause steering-gear bolts to break or frame to crack.

1994: Rear-seatbelt bolts may not support passengers in sudden stop.

1995: Certain airbags might not deploy in an accident.

1995: Parking-brake handle-release button can separate, so parking brake may not hold and vehicle could roll inadvertently.

1996: Fasteners that secure alternator fuse could have improper clamp load; arcing could cause fire in engine compartment.

1990-1996 Jeep Cherokee Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1990
Cherokee 2WD	$1,000-1,300	$600-800	$100
Cherokee 4WD	$1,400-1,700	$900-1,100	$200

1991
Cherokee 2WD	$1,000-1,400	$600-800	$100
Cherokee 4WD	$1,400-1,800	$900-1,200	$200

1992
Cherokee 2WD	$1,100-1,500	$700-900	$100-200
Cherokee 4WD	$1,600-2,200	$1,100-1,500	$200-300

1993
Cherokee 2WD	$1,200-1,900	$700-1,200	$100-200
Cherokee 4WD	$1,700-2,400	$1,100-1,600	$300-400

1994
Cherokee 2WD	$1,300-2,100	$800-1,300	$200-300
Cherokee 4WD	$1,800-2,700	$1,200-1,800	$300-400

1995
Cherokee 2WD	$1,400-2,500	$900-1,600	$200-300
Cherokee 4WD	$2,000-3,100	$1,400-2,200	$300-500

1996
Cherokee 2WD	$1,600-2,800	$1,100-1,800	$200-400
Cherokee 4WD	$2,200-3,400	$1,600-2,400	$400-600

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1990-1996 Jeep Cherokee Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door wagon	4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	101.4	101.4

Overall Length, in.	166.9	166.9

Overall Width, in.	67.7	67.7

Overall Height, in.	63.8	63.8

Curb Weight, lbs.	2905	2955

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	71.8	71.8

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	20.2	20.2

Seating Capacity	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.3	38.3

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.4	41.4

Rear Head Room, in.	38.5	38.5

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	34.9	34.9

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Cherokees may have either a 4-cylinder engine or a 4.0-liter inline 6-cylinder, the latter developing 177 horsepower in 1990. Both engines gained power in 1991, growing to 130 and 190 horsepower, respectively. For 1996, the 4-cylinder lost five horses and sixes reached peak horsepower and torque at lower rpm than before. Command-Trac 4WD is a part-time system with shift-on-the-fly capability. Selec-Trac is a full-time system that can be used on smooth, dry pavement.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohv I4	2.5 / 151	121-130	141-150	5-speed manual: 19/22	5-speed manual: --

ohv I6	4.0 / 242	177-190	224-225	5-speed manual: 17/22 4-speed automatic: 15/19	5-speed manual: 17 4-speed automatic: 15

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1996 Cherokee	1996 Cherokee

Front Impact, Driver	4	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

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Also in the 1990-1996 Jeep Cherokee Review:

Jeep Cherokee

Jeep Cherokee Road Test

Jeep Cherokee Reliability

Jeep Cherokee Prices

Jeep Cherokee Specs & Safety

Jeep Cherokee Photos

Jeep Cherokee Full Review