Jeep Cherokee (1993 - 2001)

Models Covered: First generation Cherokee - 1993-1997: (Five-door four-wheel drive Estate: 2.5 [Sport] / 4.0 [Classic, Limited, Limited SE, Grand Limited] / 2.5 turbo diesel [Sport, Limited, Limited SE]) Second generation Cherokee - 1997-to 2001: (Five-door four-wheel drive Estate: 2.5 [Sport] / 4.0 [Sport, Limited,Classic, Orvis] / 2.5 turbo diesel [Sport, Limited, Orvis])

BY JONATHAN CROUCH

Build
Comfort
Depreciation
Economy
Equipment
Handling
Insurance
Performance
Styling
Value

If you don't want what importers Chrysler describe as a Jeep Imitation, then look here first. The implication is clear; there are cheaper used luxury four-wheel drives (though not many) but none that can match the genuine article. Devotees of wimpy Japanese mud-pluggers should look elsewhere; the Jeep Cherokee is as American as Budweiser and as tough as Lee Marvin. And that's fine with British buyers. In its first few years on the UK market, the car took the 4x4 sector by storm. New model interest has waned however, in recent years and as a result, there are now a fair number of high quality used Cherokees on the market.

A vehicle that's loaded with equipment and ability (both on and off-road). Most people find the styling attractive too, if a bit angular. The roof is a bit low for back-seat passengers and the boot a little on the small size, but Jeep would steer you in the direction of the bigger Grand Cherokee if these were major annoyances for you.

The least that you'll find a Cherokee for will be about £2,500, which buys you an early 1993 2.5-litre Sport. Pay more and you can get a considerable better vehicle with a 98R 2.5 Sport fetching £4,400.

The 4.0-litre models are thirsty but you can now get one for only a fraction more than the 2.5-litre cars. Pay £4,700 for a 98R Sport or £6,500 for one of the last Classic Models on a Y-plate.

The turbo diesels start at £4,000 for the first of the 1995 M-plate Sport models. A more typical Limited version with leather trim will be priced from around £4,900 for a 1997 P plated car.

The turbo diesels need their oil changed far more regularly than the petrol models so check the vehicle's service records to make sure the former owners have done so. The petrol-powered cars have no known problem areas, but like the diesels, a service history is essential in any vehicle that may have had even occasional off-roading. The interiors are, in the main, well assembled, but check that all the 'convenience' features (electric windows, etc) live up to that name. Check the sunroof, door-locks and mirrors for trouble-free operation.

(Based on an M-reg Cherokee 2.5-litre approx excl VAT) A replacement clutch assembly will be about £140 and the release bearing is an extra £45. Front dampers are about £30 a pair and rears roughly £65. A set of front brakepads will be around £40, a new alternator just under £330 and a starter motor close to £350.

A replacement door mirror is about £150 and a radiator £250. a major service is about £400 and a minor one near £150.

On the road, the Cherokee isn't really at its best. Like most 4X4s, it's a compromised vehicle which must be equally at home on tarmac as chassis-deep in mud. As such, it does a good job of handling motorway driving, city crawls and backroad bends but the ride is on the bouncy side and body lean typical of most off-roaders. Performance is brisk with the 4.0-litre engine, but a little leisurely with the four-cylinder petrol or diesel motors.

As an all-rounder, the Cherokee makes a good effort at what is a difficult task - driving like a car yet having the ability to tackle forest trails and muddy hills should the owner's mood take them. It's usefully smaller than a Land Rover Discovery, yet off-road, ultimately less able. That won't matter too much to most of us, so if you like your all-road vehicles American-style, the Cherokee could be for you.