A History of the Jeep® Cherokee XJ (1984-01)
Posted on Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at 10:00 am by Jeep in Heritage, Models
This week we’re taking a look back at the Jeep® Cherokee XJ. It launched in 1984 and was produced through 2001 selling over 2.1 million units. This vehicle was a big seller in the Jeep lineup during that time frame.
Introduced in 1984 and riding on an all-new unibody platform, the Cherokee XJ was an instant hit and was immediately crowned “4X4 of the Year” by three separate publications. AMC (the parent company at the time) was largely responsible for this success because of their strong belief in the future of SUVs, and their large investment into the development of the XJ. The end result was simultaneously more manageable, refined and advanced than anything we had produced to date. It was significantly smaller and lighter than the previous SJ Wagoneer, and offered door configuration and engine options. In fact, the famous 4.0L Jeep six-cylinder was introduced on this model for several years after its introduction. Other unique features offered were the new Command-Trac® four-wheel-drive system and Quadra-Link® suspension.
The Cherokee XJ is definitely one of the most well-known models you’ll find in our ongoing blog series spotlighting 70 years of great Jeep® 4×4 vehicles. We’re not playing favorites here, just going by the numbers.
19 Responses to “A History of the Jeep® Cherokee XJ (1984-01)”
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Craig
23. Aug, 2011
It’s about time the XJ got featured on this site! Hard to believe it’s been 10 years since the last one was made. I have an ’01, and despite the electrical gremlins and the blistering roof paint, I couldn’t be more happy with the utilitarian nature of this vehicle. Respectable power and fuel mileage, manageable size, timeless looks, and unmatched durability, reliability, and longevity. I can’t say I’m on the “Bring back the XJ” bandwagon, but there is definitely something intangible about these rigs that just isn’t there with the ones coming out today…
Steven
07. Sep, 2011
I have a 97 cherokee. My parents got me started on the Jeep craze with a 90 cherokee 2 door sport. We had so much fun with that Jeep. I use my current cherokee as a family hauler. I would love for Jeep to bring the Cherokee back with solid axles front and rear. maybe a 110 in wheelbase to keep the large amount of cargo room but to mainly increase rear leg room. by going to 110 inch wheel bases break-over angle will not increase dramatically and it will make it more family friendly. If chrysler were smart they would look at the 4.0 and see what they can do to meet emission standards as well as increasing mileage. The Cherokee is such an awesome vehicle with a few tweaks it will easily lead Jeep into the next decade helping to establish the Jeep name as environmentally friendly and rugged
j
11. Nov, 2011
Awesome! Have two of these! Need to make them again. Whey did you guys stop making the best selling SUV in history????
:S
BrowncoatKal
28. Dec, 2011
The first time I saw a Cherokee, I fell in love with it. I wasn’t a Jeep fan at that point, I just really loved the look of the Cherokee and wanted one. Well, years later that dream became a reality and I bought myself a used 1997 Cherokee. I’ve had it now going on 11 years and love it. I have also now become a Jeep nut and plan on my next vehicle being one.
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27. Mar, 2012
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Ian
15. May, 2012
The XJ was an absolutely FANTASTIC vehicle…I personally have owned 3 and I work on my parents when necessary. the 4.0L is possibly the most venerable and capable straight six out there. I am quite sad that I will have to watch as my XJ dies before me from the cancerous body rot that they are all prone to, however I take great pride in the fact that I KNOW it will not die in vein because these vehicles are workhorses, mine is no exception. Please with all that you have done to ruin the Jeep name and brand leave the XJ alone….let us remember and keep her as she is, don’t create one, molest its very nature, and then market it as some savior SUV. Chrysler and the Jeep team have successfully destroyed what it means to be a Jeep as it is today…let the old warriors stay as they are and let them die with valor! (unless of course you want to pick up where you left off in 2001 and just bring the factory back as it was in Toledo. That would be cool, I would go purchase one immediately if that were the case! you know with the old AW4 auto, 4.0L, and the NP231)