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.