Question: Why was the Jeep Cherokee a winner for first the American Motors Corporation (AMC)
and then the Chrysler Corporation?
Answer: It had a simple style with a touch of elegance, and was quite tame with a lot of Jeep toughness built in!
The best combinations, in my opinion, for a true Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).
1975 AMC Cherokee Jeep
The Cherokee name was first attached to Jeep's in 1974 when AMC introduced a sportier 2-door version of the Wagoneer.
Aimed at the younger buyer the early (big) Cherokees were a bit less expensive than the Wagoneers.
They were produced until 1983.
Then in 1984 AMC unveiled the new downsized Cherokee XJ. Engines offered for the new Cherokees included the
updated 2.5 Four Cylinder; the GM V-6 (not highly regarded by most); and from 1985 to 1987 an 85-horsepower
Renault Diesel engine was also available. The durable 4.0 liter did not debut until 1987 throughout the Jeep
line-up.
The Jeep Cherokee XJ was available in 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It came in 4-door and 2-door (sport) models. The 2-door sport model was predicted to outsell
the 4-door models, however that was not the case. The 4-door model filled an almost missing
niche for the old "station-wagon" utility functions and set the stage for the SUV craze.
The Cherokee's basic body style continued with few relative changes until 2001.
By that time the simple Cherokee name alone was being supplanted by the "Grand Cherokee" moniker.
1994 Grand Cherokee
The upscaled Grand Cherokee was introduced by Chrysler in 1993. The Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ
series was built from 1993 through 1998, followed by the Grand Cherokee WJ from 1999 through 2004.
The Grand Cherokee WK was introduced in 2005.
All in all Chrysler/Jeep has had a successful run with the Cherokee which continues until today.
Prices, however have gone through the roof making new (or newer) car purchases impossible for many, especially
the average wage earner.
Older used Jeep Cherokees are a good and relatively inexpensive investment for most, especially
if you want to have a tough SUV with street civility and... I think... pretty good classic looks.