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2000 Jeep Cherokee Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2000 Jeep Cherokee Review:
2000 Jeep Cherokee Review
Fancier duds for the top-line Limited model marks the big Cherokee change for 2000. SE and Sport models come as 2- and 4-door wagons, Classic and Limited are 4-door only. The Limited gets promoted from an option package to a separate model.
SEs have a standard 4-cylinder engine with manual transmission or optional 3-speed automatic. Optional for SEs and standard on other Cherokees is an inline 6-cylinder engine with revisions designed to make it quieter and reduce exhaust emissions. Its standard manual transmission gets modifications aimed at smoother shifts. A 4-speed automatic is optional with the six. Cherokee offers rear-wheel drive and two 4WD systems: part-time Command-Trac and full-time Selec-Trac. Selec-Trac does not require that 4WD be disengaged on dry pavement and is available only on 6-cylinder models, as are antilock brakes.
Limited's new look includes a chrome grille and headlight surrounds, bright silver alloy wheels, and a chrome rear license-plate brow. New standard features on all models include headlights Jeep says are brighter and longer-lasting, a cassette player, and rear child-seat anchors. Classic also gets a new 16-inch cast wheel design.
SEs have a standard 4-cylinder engine with manual transmission or optional 3-speed automatic. Optional for SEs and standard on other Cherokees is an inline 6-cylinder engine with revisions designed to make it quieter and reduce exhaust emissions. Its standard manual transmission gets modifications aimed at smoother shifts. A 4-speed automatic is optional with the six. Cherokee offers rear-wheel drive and two 4WD systems: part-time Command-Trac and full-time Selec-Trac. Selec-Trac does not require that 4WD be disengaged on dry pavement and is available only on 6-cylinder models, as are antilock brakes.
Limited's new look includes a chrome grille and headlight surrounds, bright silver alloy wheels, and a chrome rear license-plate brow. New standard features on all models include headlights Jeep says are brighter and longer-lasting, a cassette player, and rear child-seat anchors. Classic also gets a new 16-inch cast wheel design.
Competition
This is by far the hottest market segment right now. Crowded with more than 20 vehicles, midsize SUVs vary in size and type but nearly all seat five adults and offer V6 or V8 engines. Our Best Buys include the Ford Explorer, the Lexus RX 300, and Mercedes-Benz M-Class. Explorer and M-Class are more traditional SUVs with full off-road capability and V6 and V8 engines. RX 300 is a car-based SUV that lacks a low range in 4WD mode, but is the most carlike to drive.
Our Recommended choices are all traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the slightly more expensive Explorer clone Mercury Mountaineer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined but expensive Toyota 4Runner.
If you are on a Budget take a look at the old standby Jeep Cherokee. It is cruder than the rest but offers go-anywhere ability, utility, and a low price.
Our Recommended choices are all traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the slightly more expensive Explorer clone Mercury Mountaineer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined but expensive Toyota 4Runner.
If you are on a Budget take a look at the old standby Jeep Cherokee. It is cruder than the rest but offers go-anywhere ability, utility, and a low price.
News
Despite basic engineering that dates from the Reagan Adminstration, Cherokee has shown remarkable sales strength of late. Indeed, demand for this old-soldier SUV actually rose in calendar 1999 vs. '98 (to over 160,000 units), and year-2000 deliveries through April were ahead of that pace.
But nothing lasts forever, and Jeep will finally retire the current boxy Cherokee in favor of an all-new design that enters production next January. Likely to be designated a 2001 model, the new Cherokee is about the same size as the old one except for a reported 10-inch gain in overall height. Spy photos of partly disguised prototypes suggest little-changed ground clearance, so the height gain comes almost entirely from the new-design body, which should mean enough head room for a 10-gallon hat--well, maybe. Styling is definitely more rounded and contemporary, rather like that Honda's popular CR-V, in fact. Insiders tip that existing engines, both 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and 4.0-liter straight six, will carry over, but look for a more sophisticated 4-wheel-drive system to be offered at extra cost.
Not content with redesigning the Cherokee, Jeep has also built a new plant to manufacture it, located just down the road from the ancient factory that has built Cherokees from day one--and a lot of other Jeeps before and since. This implies that workmanship, never a Cherokee strong point, will be improved. We'll know more once we get a look at full production models.
But nothing lasts forever, and Jeep will finally retire the current boxy Cherokee in favor of an all-new design that enters production next January. Likely to be designated a 2001 model, the new Cherokee is about the same size as the old one except for a reported 10-inch gain in overall height. Spy photos of partly disguised prototypes suggest little-changed ground clearance, so the height gain comes almost entirely from the new-design body, which should mean enough head room for a 10-gallon hat--well, maybe. Styling is definitely more rounded and contemporary, rather like that Honda's popular CR-V, in fact. Insiders tip that existing engines, both 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and 4.0-liter straight six, will carry over, but look for a more sophisticated 4-wheel-drive system to be offered at extra cost.
Not content with redesigning the Cherokee, Jeep has also built a new plant to manufacture it, located just down the road from the ancient factory that has built Cherokees from day one--and a lot of other Jeeps before and since. This implies that workmanship, never a Cherokee strong point, will be improved. We'll know more once we get a look at full production models.
2000 Jeep Cherokee Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (6-cylinder) | Fuel economy |
| Cargo room | Acceleration (4-cylinder) |
| Ride | |
| Rear-seat entry/exit (2-door) | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Cherokee's 4-cylinder provides adequate acceleration with manual transmission, but is overmatched with automatic. Better to choose the six, which is strong throughout the speed range.
| Sport wgn 2WD, auto. | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
Cherokee's 4-cylinder provides adequate acceleration with manual transmission, but is overmatched with automatic. Better to choose the six, which is strong throughout the speed range.
Fuel Economy
Typical for a midsize SUV, fuel economy has averaged about 15 mpg with automatic, 17 with manual in our tests.
| Sport wgn 2WD, auto. | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.6 |
Typical for a midsize SUV, fuel economy has averaged about 15 mpg with automatic, 17 with manual in our tests.
Ride Quality
While the base suspension absorbs all but the worst bumps without undue jarring, the Up Country option makes for a rock-and-roll ride.
| Sport wgn 2WD, auto. | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3.7 |
While the base suspension absorbs all but the worst bumps without undue jarring, the Up Country option makes for a rock-and-roll ride.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Light steering and a tight turning circle make Cherokee highly maneuverable in most situations, but body lean is evident in turns and directional stability on the highway is subpar.
| Sport wgn 2WD, auto. | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.6 |
Light steering and a tight turning circle make Cherokee highly maneuverable in most situations, but body lean is evident in turns and directional stability on the highway is subpar.
Quietness
Cherokee has gained sound insulation over the years, but still suffers powertrain and road resonances absent in most rivals. Wind noise at speed is also high against more modern midsize SUVs.
| Sport wgn 2WD, auto. | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3.6 |
Cherokee has gained sound insulation over the years, but still suffers powertrain and road resonances absent in most rivals. Wind noise at speed is also high against more modern midsize SUVs.
Controls
Radio and climate controls are clearly marked and generally easy to reach, though some minor switches placed far right of the control panel are a stretch.
| Sport wgn 2WD, auto. | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 6 |
Radio and climate controls are clearly marked and generally easy to reach, though some minor switches placed far right of the control panel are a stretch.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Cherokee shows its age in a low-roof passenger compartment with no surplus of front shoulder room and fairly lofty step-in. Heated front seats are optional only on the Limited.
| Sport wgn 2WD, auto. | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 5.9 |
Cherokee shows its age in a low-roof passenger compartment with no surplus of front shoulder room and fairly lofty step-in. Heated front seats are optional only on the Limited.
Room/Comfort (rear)
There's a shortage of knee clearance, and the seat is hard, the backrest too upright. Other offenders are a high step-in and tight rear entry/exit thanks to narrow lower doorways.
| Sport wgn 2WD, auto. | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 4.3 |
There's a shortage of knee clearance, and the seat is hard, the backrest too upright. Other offenders are a high step-in and tight rear entry/exit thanks to narrow lower doorways.
Cargo Room
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 it folded. An outside spare is available from dealers.
| Sport wgn 2WD, auto. | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7.5 |
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 it folded. An outside spare is available from dealers.
Value within Class
Cherokee is capable on-road and off, and not too expensive, provided you go easy on options. Still, being way behind the times in room, ride, and refinement, this is the "blue light special" of midsize SUVs.
| Sport wgn 2WD, auto. | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 3.8 |
Cherokee is capable on-road and off, and not too expensive, provided you go easy on options. Still, being way behind the times in room, ride, and refinement, this is the "blue light special" of midsize SUVs.
Total Score
| Sport wgn 2WD, auto. | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
| 40 | 39 | 46.4 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 37 | |
| Average Score | 46 | |
| High Score | 61 |
2000 Jeep Cherokee Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/02/2000
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| SE 2-door wagon 2WD | $16,775 | $15,755 | $560 |
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| SE 2-door wagon 4WD | $18,290 | $17,154 | $560 |
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| SE 4-door wagon 2WD | $17,815 | $16,722 | $560 |
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| SE 4-door wagon 4WD | $19,325 | $18,116 | $560 |
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| Sport 2-door wagon 2WD | $19,120 | $17,316 | $560 |
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| Sport 2-door wagon 4WD | $20,630 | $18,664 | $560 |
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| Sport 4-door wagon 2WD | $20,155 | $18,246 | $560 |
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| Sport 4-door wagon 4WD | $21,655 | $19,595 | $560 |
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| Classic 4-door wagon 2WD | $21,620 | $19,536 | $560 |
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| Classic 4-door wagon 4WD | $23,135 | $20,889 | $560 |
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| Limited 4-door wagon 2WD | $23,340 | $21,049 | $560 |
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| Limited 4-door wagon 4WD | $25,460 | $23,935 | $560 |
Price note: Sport, Classic, Limited require a quick order pkg.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
SE
Powertrain
2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power steering, vinyl upholstery, front bucket seats, folding rear seat, floor console, cupholders, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, intermittent wipers, rear defogger.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Remote outside mirrors.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
215/75R15 tires, 4WD models add: Command-Trac part-time 4-wheel drive.
Sport adds to SE:
Powertrain
4.0-liter 6-cylinder engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cloth/vinyl upholstery, tachometer, cargo-area light.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Spare-tire cover, 225/75R15 white-letter all-terrain tires, 4WD models add: Command-Trac part-time 4-wheel drive.
Classic adds to Sport:
Comfort and Convenience Features
4-speed automatic transmission, cloth upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power mirrors, intermittent rear wiper/washer, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
225/70R16 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: Command-Trac part-time 4-wheel drive.
Limited adds to Classic:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, overhead console, compass, trip computer, cargo cover.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deep-tinted glass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD adds: Selec-Trac full-time 4-wheel drive, full-size spare tire.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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SE Value Group
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SE
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$1,415
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$1,203
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Air conditioning, cloth high-back bucket seats, power mirrors, intermittent rear wiper/washer, engine oil cooler, roof rack.
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Sport Value Group
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Sport 4-door
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$2,345
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$1,993
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Sport 2-door
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$2,170
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$1,845
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Air conditioning, Light Group (automatic-off headlights, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, underhood light), power mirrors, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, intermittent rear wiper/washer, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, floormats, roof rack.
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Classic Value Group
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Classic
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$1,825
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$1,551
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Air conditioning, Light Group (On Time Delay headlights, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, underhood light), power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, tilt steering wheel.
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Limited Value Group
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Limited
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$2,060
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$1,751
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Leather upholstery, 6-way power driver seat, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, Light Group (automatic-off headlights, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, underhood light).
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Convenience Group
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SE
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$440
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$374
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Tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control. Requires quick order pkg.
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Up Country Suspension Group
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Sport 4WD w/alloy wheels, automatic
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$845
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$718
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Sport 4WD w/alloy wheels, manual
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$805
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$684
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Sport 4WD w/automatic
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$780
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$663
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Sport 4WD w/manual
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$740
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$629
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Trac-Lok rear differential, maximum engine cooling, off-road suspension, tow hooks, Skid Plate Group, rear stabilizer bar delete, 225/75R15 white-letter all-terrain tires, full-size spare tire.
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Trailer Tow Group
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Classic, Limited, SE, Sport
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$365
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$310
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4WD w/Up Country Suspension Group
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$245
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$208
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Equalizer hitch, 7-wire receptacle, 4-wire trailer adapter, maximum engine cooling. SE and Sport require automatic transmission and full-size spare tire. Classic requires full-size spare tire.
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Powertrain |
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4.0-liter 6-cylinder engine
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SE
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$995
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$846
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3-speed automatic transmission
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SE 2WD
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$625
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$531
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Requires 2.5-liter engine.
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4-speed automatic transmission
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SE, Sport
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$945
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$803
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SE requires 4.0-liter 6-cylinder engine.
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Selec-Trac full-time 4WD
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Sport 4WD w/automatic, Classic
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$540
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$459
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Limited-slip rear differential
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SE, 4WD Sport, 4WD Classic, 4WD Limited
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$285
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$242
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Requires full-size spare tire.
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Safety |
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Antilock brakes
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Classic, Limited, SE, Sport
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$600
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$510
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SE requires 4.0-liter 6-cylinder engine.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Air conditioning
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SE
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$850
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$723
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6-way power driver seat
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Classic
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$300
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$255
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Heated front seats
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Limited
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$550
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$468
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Overhead console
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Classic
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$235
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$200
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Outside temperature indicator, trip computer, sunglasses/garage door opener holder.
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Cruise control
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Sport, Classic
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$250
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$213
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Heated power mirrors
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Sport, Classic, Limited
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$45
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$38
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AM/FM/cassette/CD player
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Sport, Classic, Limited
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$410
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$349
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Infinity sound system
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Classic, Limited
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$350
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$298
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Requires AM/FM/cassette/CD player.
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Cargo cover
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Sport, Classic
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$75
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$64
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Floormats
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SE, Sport
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$50
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$43
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Smokers Group
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Classic, Limited, SE, Sport
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$20
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$17
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Ash tray, lighter.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Theft-deterrent system
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Classic, Limited, SE, Sport
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$75
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$64
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SE requires quick order pkg.
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Deep-tinted glass
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Sport 2-door
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$375
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$319
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Sport 4-door, Classic
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$270
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$230
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Fog lights
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Sport, Classic, Limited
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$110
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$94
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Spare-tire cover
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SE
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$50
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$43
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Requires quick order pkg.
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Roof rack
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SE, Sport
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$140
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$119
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SE requires quick order pkg.
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Engine-block heater
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Classic, Limited, SE, Sport
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$40
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$34
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Wheel Plus Group
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SE
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$875
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$744
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Full-size spare, 225/75R15 all-terrain white-letter tires, alloy wheels. Requires quick order pkg.
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Alloy wheels
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Sport
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$245
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$208
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Full-size spare tire
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SE w/std. 215/75R15 tires
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$75
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$64
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SE w/225/75R16 tires
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$120
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$102
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Sport w/Up Country and Select-Trac
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$145
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$123
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Sport w/alloy wheels, Classic, Limited
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$210
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$179
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Includes spare wheel.
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2000 Jeep Cherokee Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Jeep Cherokee 2-door wagon | Jeep Cherokee 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. | 64.0 | 64.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3181 | 3226 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 66.0 | 66.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 20.0 | 20.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.7 | 37.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.4 | 41.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.0 | 38.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.0 | 35.0 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| ohv I4 | ohv I6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.5 /150 | 4.0 /242 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 125 @ 5400 | 190 @ 4600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 150 @ 3250 | 225 @ 3000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 21/25 | 18/24 |
| 3-speed automatic | 18/22 | --/-- |
| 4-speed automatic | --/-- | 16/22 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Jeep Cherokee 2-door wagon | Jeep Cherokee 4-door wagon |
| Collision | 3 | 3 |
| Collision (HLDI) | 82 | 85 |
| Front Impact, Driver | NA | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | NA | 3 |
| Injury | 5 | 4 |
| Injury (HLDI) | 66 | 79 |
| Side Impact, Driver | NA | 3 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | NA | 5 |
| Theft | 3 | 3 |
| Theft (HLDI) | 89 | 126 |
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2000 Jeep Cherokee Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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