1997-2001 Jeep Cherokee: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1997-2001 Jeep Cherokee and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Optional antilock brakes
- Acceleration (6-cylinder)
- Cargo room
- Passenger room
Cons
- Acceleration (4-cylinder)
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
Subtle styling revisions for the 1997 version of the Cherokee wagon did not disturb the popular model's well-established character. Though substantial, the design alterations enhanced but did not alter the overall slab-sided look. Up front, the grille and front fascia were new, as was the bumper. Bodyside moldings were revised, and wheel arches now flowed into the front and rear bumpers. A new stamped-steel liftgate had hidden hinges, a new outside handle, and an inside pull strap. Inside, a revamped interior now included a passenger airbag, as well as one for the driver. Sound insulation was increased. A new central panel housed climate controls and the radio. New lighted power mirrors and power-window switches were installed. A new overhead console contained a storage compartment. Also new were a 5-function trip computer, and a center console with cupholders. The Cherokee was available in base SE form with a 4-cylinder engine, as the midlevel Sport, or in top-of-the-line Country guise (the latter offered only as a 4 door model). Powertrains were unchanged. The 4-cylinder engine came only with manual shift. Standard in the Sport, the 4.0-liter inline six could have either the standard 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Country wagon had the 4.0-liter engine and automatic only. Antilock braking was optional with the 6-cylinder engine. Cherokees came with rear-wheel drive or a choice of 4-wheel-drive systems. Command-Trac was a part-time system for use only on slippery surfaces. Available only with an automatic transmission, SelecTrac 4-wheel drive was a full-time system that could also be used on dry pavements.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Jeep Cherokee Sport Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 3 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 38 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1997-2001 Jeep Cherokee. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1997-2001 Jeep Cherokee.
Year to Year Changes
1998 Jeep Cherokee:
A new model and two new badges arrived for '98. Model choices now included the SE, Sport, and a new Classic (positioned above the Sport in price and features). The Cherokee Limited (replacing the Country) was now a Classic option group, not a separate model. Only the SE and Sport came in 2-door form. The 4-cylinder engine could team with a 3-speed automatic transmission. as an option instead of the usual manual gearbox. Engineering changes included a quieter steering gear and aluminum radiator.
1999 Jeep Cherokee:
Minor appearance revisions to the Sport model were among the few changes for 1999. Sport models got body-colored exterior trim (sand-colored models got matching alloy wheels). New options included heated front seats for Classic models, and Chrysler's Sentry Key theft-deterrent system for Sport and Classic.
2000 Jeep Cherokee:
Now considered a separate model rather than an option package, the Cherokee Limited got fancier this season. Special features included a chrome grille and headlight surrounds, and a chrome rear license-plate brow. The 6-cylinder engine was revised for quieter running and reduced exhaust emissions, while the automatic transmission was modified to yield smoother shifts. New standard features included brighter headlights (also said to be longer-lasting), a cassette player, and rear child-seat anchors. Newly styled 16-inch wheels went on the Classic and Limited. Now in its 17th year on the market, Cherokee would see only one more season before giving way to a new Liberty model, arriving for 2002.
2001 Jeep Cherokee:
Cherokee dropped its 4-cylinder engine and base SE and uplevel Classic models for 2001. Both remaining models gained rear child-seat anchors.
Our road test for the 1997-2001 Jeep Cherokee includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1997-2001 Jeep Cherokee and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1997-2001 Jeep Cherokee is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Chrysler Corporation (now DaimlerChrysler) has done an admirable job of keeping a basically solid design fresh enough for today's tougher market. Most models that date back to 1984, as the Cherokee does, would have faded away long before. Cherokee's 4-cylinder engine provides only adequate acceleration with the 5-speed manual transmission, and is overmatched with automatic in anything other than gentle cruising. Of course, most Cherokees on the market are 6-cylinder. That engine is strong throughout the speed range, and delivers fuel economy typical of a midsize SUV: about 15 mpg with automatic and 17 mpg with manual shift. Cherokee suffers powertrain and road resonances that are absent in most competitive sport-utility vehicles. Wind noise at speed is prominent, too. Good balance and tidy dimensions make the Cherokee quite maneuverable in most situations. The firm base suspension provides a solid ride that absorbs all but the worst bumps, without jarring. An "Up Country" option, if installed, makes for a rough ride. Optional antilock braking feels strong and natural. A Cherokee really shows its age in interior accommodations. Less roomy than a Grand Cherokee or a Ford Explorer, it does carry four adults in comfort. However, the low-roof passenger compartment has no surplus of front shoulder room, a shortage of rear knee clearance, and fairly lofty step-in. Rear entry/exit is tight, too, thanks to narrow lower doorways. On the plus side, the dashboard is modern and convenient. Outward vision is good, though larger door mirrors would help when lane changing. Mounting the spare tire inside eats up cargo room, but there's still decent space with the rear seat in use, and a long load floor with that seat folded. An outside spare was available at Jeep dealerships, so look for one of that kind if cargo space is a major concern. Some Cherokees we tested when new had occasional interior rattles, as well as wider-than-usual panel gaps around the hood and tailgate.
Value for the Money
Convenient 4-wheel-drive systems, commendable off-road capability, and civilized on road manners--for less than a Grand Cherokee or an Explorer--make the Cherokee an above average value. Despite an aging design and strong competition, Cherokees sold well in the late '90s and are not too expensive today unless you go for a fully equipped model. Still, Cherokee is behind the times in room, ride, and refinement.
Convenient 4-wheel-drive systems, commendable off-road capability, and civilized on road manners--for less than a Grand Cherokee or an Explorer--make the Cherokee an above average value. Despite an aging design and strong competition, Cherokees sold well in the late '90s and are not too expensive today unless you go for a fully equipped model. Still, Cherokee is behind the times in room, ride, and refinement.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Jeep Cherokee Sport Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 3 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 38 |
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.
Our reliability study for this generation Jeep Cherokee includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Jeep Cherokee .
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:
The air conditioner gradually stops blowing cool air because the evaporator ices up. Replacing the low-pressure cycling switch usually fixes it. (1997-99)
Brake noise:
Grinding and scraping noises under hard braking are caused by the driveshaft hitting the floor pan and is fixed by replacing the front lower control arm. (1997)
Brakes:
The brake friction material transfers to the rotors (especially in warm, moist climates) causing brake-pedal pulsation when stopping. New pads should correct it. (1997-99)
Fuel gauge:
The fuel gauge may show 1/8 to 1/4 full but the vehicle will run out of gas because of a defective sending unit that must be replaced. (1997)
Vehicle shake:
Vibration at speeds over 60 mph may be due to a misaligned or defective driveshaft. (1997-98)
Windshield washer:
Because of a bad check valve, windshield washer fluid drips from the nozzle for the rear window and can cause paint staining. (1997)
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 | $470 |
| Alternator | $350 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,215 |
| Brakes | $375 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $380 |
| Exhaust System | $395 |
| Radiator | $350 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $410 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $240 |
| Universal Joints | $270 |
Our price chart for this generation Jeep Cherokee details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2001 | |||
| Cherokee 2WD | $3,300-5,700 | $2,600-4,500 | $800-1,400 |
| Cherokee 4WD | $4,000-6,500 | $3,300-5,300 | $1,300-2,100 |
| 2000 | |||
| Cherokee 2WD | $2,800-5,000 | $2,100-3,800 | $600-1,100 |
| Cherokee 4WD | $3,400-5,700 | $2,700-4,500 | $900-1,500 |
| 1999 | |||
| Cherokee 2WD | $2,400-4,300 | $1,700-3,100 | $500-900 |
| Cherokee 4WD | $2,900-4,800 | $2,200-3,600 | $700-1,100 |
| 1998 | |||
| Cherokee 2WD | $2,100-3,600 | $1,500-2,500 | $400-600 |
| Cherokee 4WD | $2,500-4,000 | $1,800-2,900 | $500-800 |
| 1997 | |||
| Cherokee 2WD | $1,800-3,000 | $1,200-2,000 | $300-500 |
| Cherokee 4WD | $2,300-3,300 | $1,700-2,400 | $400-600 |
|
|
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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.
Specs for this generation Jeep Cherokee include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door wagon | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 101.4 | 101.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 167.5 | 167.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.4 | 69.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 63.9 | 64 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3180 | 3224 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 69 | 69 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 20 | 20 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.8 | 37.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.4 | 41.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38 | 38 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35 | 35 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Two engines have been offered: a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder for the base SE, and a 4.0 liter inline 6-cylinder for other Cherokee models. Initially, the 4-cylinder model came only with a 5-speed manual gearbox, but a 3-speed automatic transmission has been available since 1998. Six-cylinder models could have a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv I4 | 2.5 / 150 | 125 | 150 | 5-speed manual: 21/25 3-speed automatic: 19/22 |
5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv I6 | 4.0 / 242 | 190 | 225 | 5-speed manual: 18/22 4-speed automatic: 16/21 |
5-speed manual: 17 4-speed automatic: 15 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Jeep Cherokee include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Cherokee |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
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%. Sideimpact 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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1997-2001 Jeep Cherokee directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1997:
Accuracy of fuel-tank-mounted fuel-level sending unit can degrade over time, indicating significantly more fuel in reserve than is actually present.
1997-99 sold or registered in 15 states or Washington, D.C.:
Front-disc brake rotors can experience severe corrosion if operated for extensive period in the "salt belt."
1997-99:
Water and/or road salt in proximity of airbag-control module could lead to corrosion and possible inadvertent deployment.
1998:
Due to improperly hardened front-seatbelt shoulder turning-loop anchors, front-seat occupant might not be properly restrained in a crash.
1998:
Power-brake booster-vacuum reservoir diaphragm can split or tear, causing increase in engine-idle speed and loss of power assist during brake application.
2000 w/4.0-liter engine:
Debris can accumulate in the intake and exhaust manifolds, increasing the risk of fire.
2001:
Some of the owner's manuals for these vehicles are missing instructions for properly attaching a child restraint system's tether strap to the tether anchorage.
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