Jeep Cherokee (XJ)

The XJ series Jeep Cherokee was a compact unibody SUV. It shared the name of the original fullsize SJ model, but set the stage for the modern SUV, being a cross between a station wagon and truck with little pickup truck heritage. It was built in the United States and Beijing, China.

1984-1996

The XJ Cherokee was introduced in 1984 as the first unibody Jeep. It was to be replaced by the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee in 1993, but the continuing popularity of the original Cherokee caused the company to rethink this decision.

Designs of the XJ Cherokee date back to 1978 when a team of AMC and Renault engineers drew several sketches; a few clay models were based on the existing SJ Cherokee. Early sketches of the XJ Cherokee had a European influence, where most of the styling cues were done by AMC engineers (the ongoing debate suggests that Renault sketch artists were involved right after the 1979 partnership with AMC). A former Renault engineer would come on board and design what is known to XJ Cherokee enthusiasts as the Quadra-Link suspension.

An upscale trim line on the Cherokee from 1984 through 1990 was the Jeep Wagoneer. It was sold as a separate model, and had vinyl woodgrain trim on the outside.

Available engines:

• 1984-1996 2.5L AMC I4, 121hp-125hp
• 1984-1986 2.8L GM 60° LR2 V6
• 1985-1987 2.1L Renault turbodiesel I4 (sold until 1993 in Europe)
• 1987-1990 4.0L AMC I6, 177hp
• 1991-1996 4.0L AMC "High Output" I6, 190hp
• 1994-1996 2.5 L VM Motori turbodiesel I4 (sold in Europe)

1997-2001

The Cherokee was slightly redesigned in 1997. Both 4 and 6-cylinder engines were offered up to the last year, when only the six was available. The Cherokee was eventually replaced in 2002 by the Jeep Liberty (KJ), though that vehicle is called the Cherokee in most foreign markets.

Available engines:

• 1997-2000 2.5L AMC I4, 125hp
• 1997-2001 2.5 L VM Motori turbodiesel I4 (sold in Europe only)
• 1997-1999 4.0L Power Tech I6, 190hp
• 2000-2001 4.0L Power Tech I6, 190hp