A Lowkey Baddie: The Jeep Cherokee XJ
Hannah DeWitt
· 4 min read
When you think of
Jeep
, the first vehicle that comes to your mind is probably the rough-ready Wrangler. While all of Jeep's vehicles have some degree of off-roading prowess
, the modern Wrangler definitely looks the part. Still, it might surprise you to know that the Jeep Cherokee didn't always have the curvy, conventional SUV shape that it sports today.It actually had some of the same design cues as the modern Wrangler, and it was released first! According to
Gear Patrol
, almost 3 million XJ Jeep Cherokees were sold during its lifetime. What makes the XJ Jeep Cherokee such a classic?
How much power does a Jeep Cherokee XJ have?
The Jeep Cherokee XJ had five engines in its lifetime, but the AMC engine was the most powerful. Depending on the trim, it could make up to 190 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. Even though it was barely updated over the years, many drivers say that it can last for at least 200,000 miles.
The car was available in either FWD or 4WD, though it was clear that off-roading was where the Cherokee XJ shined brightest. It had a high-functioning solid axle suspension, allowing it to tackle any kind of terrain without hesitation. It also had a lighter unibody design instead of the traditional body-on-frame construction of its predecessor.
This, combined with its ample amount of torque, made it fast enough to be called "the sportwagon" in official marketing. It also has a smaller wheelbase, making it easy to maneuver and subsequently more fun to drive on narrow trails.
The best features of the Cherokee XJ
From its debut year to 1990, the Cherokee XJ was available with a
Wagoneer
trim. Some of its features like air conditioning, a cassette player, and AM/FM radio were considered upscale at the time. It also had exterior faux wood trim that appealed to many drivers, especially station wagon fans.The Sport trim was also a popular model, offered from 1988-2001. It had the same luxuries as the Wagoneer, with the addition of some stylish exterior components like steel wheels.
The Classic model, which was offered in the late '90s, even came with an overhead console and keyless entry. The Cherokee XJ got a few minor revisions during this time, like a sturdier steel liftgate and a more aerodynamic front end. The frame itself was also stiffened and the vehicle was given more insulation to reduce the amount of road noise.
Even with the modifications, it still retained the boxy shape that made it so lovable to fans. Another thing that never changed about the Jeep Cherokee XJ was its relative affordability.
Today, you can get a pristine Cherokee XJ for less than $25,000. Even models with a lot of miles can still take a good beating, making them great reliable cars for off-roading newbies.
Why was it discontinued?
While Cherokee XJ fans appreciated that the vehicle stayed the same over the years, some Chrysler executives had different opinions. The XJ was considered too bland and eventually got replaced with the Liberty SUV.
The Jeep Liberty was a poor replacement for the XJ, widely considered unreliable and just an average off-roader. Unfortunately, even the modern
Jeep Cherokee fails to compare
with its ancestor. You'd be better off buying a used Cherokee XJ, which is both an excellent car and a timeless piece of Jeep history.Can I still get good auto insurance for a discontinued car?
Of course! It's usually much cheaper to take out an insurance policy for an older vehicle, especially if you sign up with
Jerry
. Jerry is the easiest and most effective way to find a car insurance policy that is customized for you.After providing you with a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, Jerry will handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you don’t have to. They even help cancel your old policy! So why do all that extra work when Jerry can do it better?
