2001 Jeep Cherokee - The Everlasting SUV

The Grand Cherokee was supposed to replace the Cherokee, but due to the demand for this solid, inexpensive SUV, they kept making them.  Then Jeep came out with smaller, more stylish SUVs such as the Liberty, and again they were supposed to replace the Cherokee. But people kept buying them. Finally, though, the 2001 model brought to an end a long lasting run of one of Jeep's most popular models.  Today, nearly a decade since the Cherokee went out of production, seeing them on the road is a relative frequency. Cherokee received major interior and mechanical refinements for 1997, but there is no hiding the age of this venerable SUV. The interior is cramped compared to newer rivals, and the ride quality and noise levels are behind the times. Nevertheless, it serves well as a basic, reasonably priced SUV with convenient 4WD systems and enough utility for a small family.  The four-cylinder Cherokee is already gone, which partially explains this year's significantly higher base price. All 2001 Cherokees will be powered by a 4.0-liter, overhead-valve inline-6. This is the same engine that was re-designed last year for 50-state LEV (low-emissions vehicle) certification.  Introduced in 1984, Cherokee helped launch America into its amazing romance with sport-utility vehicles. Jeep sold more than 140,000 Cherokees in 2000. Cherokee is still tough as nails, reasonably inexpensive and, in four-wheel-drive guise, thoroughly capable off-road.   Furthermore, its flat-planed, square-edged styling resonates with all the richness of Jeep history.

Cherokee Trim Levels and Options

The Cherokee model lineup has been simplified for 2001. Yet, even without the four-cylinder and a couple of trim levels, Cherokee still offers buyers some choices. Two-door and four-door bodies are available, either with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. Two-doors come in only one trim level, called Sport.  Four-doors are offered in Sport or more up-market Limited trim.

 Sport models are fairly basic, with power steering, power brakes, full carpeting, four-speaker AM/FM/cassette stereo, a clock and tachometer, variable intermittent wipers and a five-speed manual transmission. Limiteds technically add only a luggage rack, power mirrors, upgraded seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear wiper, four-speed automatic transmission and an upgrade from 15-inch steel to 16-inch aluminum wheels.

Power for Jeep Cherokee

The 2.5-liter four-cylinder that had been the base engine is gone. A 4.0-liter inline-six-cylinder with 190 horsepower is now the only choice. Cherokee comes with two-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive (for slippery surfaces only) or full-time 4WD that can be used on smooth, dry pavement.  Power notwithstanding, the Cherokee's inline-6 feels a little primitive compared to most of the V6 engines offered by Jeep's competitors. An inline-6 is supposed to be an ideal design for smooth operation, but Jeep's version generates noticeable vibration through most of its operating range.  Cherokee's optional four-speed automatic is a smooth operator, and there's enough torque in the venerable inline six-cylinder engine to generate excellent stoplight getaway, automatic or not.

Driving the 2001 Cherokee

The Cherokee was the first unit-body sport-utility vehicle, as distinct from the traditional body-on-frame approach. The advantages are much higher rigidity and much lower weight, which contribute to the Cherokee's hot-rod performance and good handling.  Although the Cherokee is available in a rear-drive version, it wouldn't really be a Jeep without four-wheel drive. Cherokee offers two levels of 4WD: part-time Command-Trac and full-time Selec-Trac. Both include a 2.72:1 low range, but Selec-Trac has a center planetary differential with a 48/52 torque split for free running on dry pavement.  With its tight interior and stiff freeway ride, Cherokee might not be everyone's choice for a long cruise. Our Cherokee was equipped with the stiffer Up-Country suspension package and Selec-Trac four-wheel drive, making it even firmer than two-wheel drive versions.  Thanks to its relatively low curb weight, the Cherokee is something of an athlete among its peers while off road.
 

Jeep Cherokee Design

Cherokee continues in two- and four-door styling, and the latter is far more popular. The two-door comes in a Sport price level, and the four-door comes in Sport and Limited price levels. Both body styles are 167 inches long, 14 inches shorter than the Grand Cherokee. the Cherokee continues to be a boxy design with very poor aerodynamics. But just about anyone will recognize the easily distinguishable Cherokee, as it has not changed it appearance in any major way in many years.

2001 Cabin Features

Cherokee's interior shows its age and comes up a little short in the comfort department. When the Cherokee was introduced, it was hailed as an SUV that combined mid-size handiness with the convenience of four doors. Times have changed, however SUVs have become luxurious station wagons. Cherokee holds five people, though the rear seat is cramped compared to some rivals', and the narrow rear doors can be tight for adults to negotiate. The spare tire is mounted upright in the cargo area, eating up some storage space. An outside tire carrier is available from Jeep dealers.  Without a major redesign, the Cherokee hasn't kept up with that trend. Newer entries place a high priority on comfort.  The Cherokee measures as rather small inside compared to other models, particularly in the rear seat.  It's possible to load the Cherokee with comfort and convenience features, including a good sound system with cassette and CD players, air conditioning, power driver's seat, an overhead digital info center and two digital clocks.



Summary

The oldest SUV on the market refuses to die. The current Cherokee dates to the 1984 model year, when it was downsized and introduced as the first modern compact sport utility vehicle.  Jeep Cherokee continues to fall behind its competitors in terms of comfort and convenience. But if you value acceleration performance, the Cherokee still delivers. Lack of caution in the option-shopping process can escalate its price beyond reason.  And at its low price, even with its limitations, the Jeep Cherokee still stacks up as a good buy.  The 2001 Cherokee gets an estimated fuel mileage of 15 - 17 mpg in the city and 20 - 23 mpg on the highway. For further research, read another Jeep Cherokee review.