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See also Jeep Cherokee for other models using this name

Jeep Cherokee (XJ)
Manufacturer	American Motors (AMC) Chrysler Corporation DaimlerChrysler
Production	1984—2001 (USA) 1984—present (China)
Assembly	Toledo, Ohio Beijing, China
Successor	Jeep Liberty
Class	Compact SUV
Body style(s)	2-door SUV 4-door SUV
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive
Engine(s)	2.5 L AMC I4 2.8 L GM 60° LR2 V6 2.1 L Renault diesel I4 4.0 L AMC I6 4.0 L AMC H.O. I6 4.0 L Power Tech I6 2.5 L VM Motori diesel I4
Transmission(s)	4-speed Aisin AX-4 manual 4-speed Borg-Warner T-4 manual 5-speed Aisin AX-5 manual 5-speed Aisin AX-15 manual 5-speed Borg-Warner T-5 manual 5-speed NVG NV3550 manual 5-speed Peugeot BA-10/5 manual 3-speed Chrysler A904 automatic 3-speed 30RH automatic 4-speed Aisin AW-4 automatic
Wheelbase	101.4 in (2576 mm)
Length	1987-1990: 165.3 in (4199 mm) 1991-93: 168.8 in (4288 mm) 1994-96: 166.9 in (4239 mm) 1997-2001: 167.5 in (4255 mm)
Width	1987-1993: 70.5 in (1791 mm) 1994-96: 67.7 in (1720 mm) 1997-99: 67.9 in (1725 mm) 2000-01: 69.4 in (1763 mm)
Height	1987-88 2WD: 63.4 in (1610 mm) 1987-1993: 63.3 in (1608 mm) 1994-99 2WD: 63.9 in (1623 mm) 1994-2001 4WD: 64.0 in (1626 mm) 2000-01 2WD: 63.8 in (1621 mm)
Curb weight	3057 lb (1386.6 kg)

The Jeep Cherokee (XJ) was a monocoque (unibody) compact SUV. It shared the name of the original full-size SJ model, but having no true pickup truck heritage, it actually set the stage for the modern SUV. It was built in Toledo, Ohio in the United States and is still being produced in Beijing, China. The XJ platform provided the mechanical basis for the MJ-series Jeep Comanche pick-up, and is often considered a masterpiece of automotive design - evidenced by its long production run with increasing sales, despite the few changes made.^[1]

Contents 1 1984-1996 1.1 Engines 2 1997-2001 2.1 Engines 2.2 Trim levels 3 Available driveline components 3.1 Manual transmissions 3.2 Automatic transmissions 3.3 Transfer cases 3.4 Axles 3.4.1 Front Axle 3.4.2 Rear Axle 3.4.3 Axle Gear Ratios 3.5 Suspension 3.5.1 Front Suspension 3.5.2 Rear Suspension 4 XJ in Europe 5 XJ in China 6 Footnotes 7 External links

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 American Motors (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 an European influence, and 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 as the Quadra-Link suspension.

Both two- and four-door versions of the XJ Cherokee were offered throughout its lifetime, each having exactly the same track and wheelbase measurements as the other. Two-door models, however, received both longer doors and front seats that could fold forwards to assist in rear passenger entry and exit. This was in addition to extended-length rear windows that did not open, although an optional rear vent window was available on some models. Its appearance has led some to mistakenly believe that the two-door models are a short wheelbase version of the four-door. Also note the two different models that were available: The Cherokee Sport and the Cherokee Laredo(Not to be confused with the later Grande Cherokee Laredo). The Cherokee Laredo XJ had an upgraded trim or cosmetics package that included front fog lights and a nicer looking chrome package that included Crome bumpers, front grill, mirrors and door handles.

A variation on the Cherokee from 1984 through 1990 was the Jeep Wagoneer. It was sold in two trim levels: the Wagoneer and the Wagoneer Limited. Both Wagoneers were distinguished from the Cherokee by the four headlights. The Wagoneer Limited came with vinyl wood trim on the sides.

This version was the first to be sold in Europe; it was launched in 1992 in some markets, 1993 for the United Kingdom. Early versions had the 4.0 L six-cylinder engine only: the 2.5 L engine did not arrive in Europe until 1995.

The Jeep XJ has remained a popular choice by off-roading enthusiasts due to its potent off-roading capability in stock form. Its popularity has resulted in strong ongoing aftermarket support in the form of a wide variety of products and upgrade availability. Used XJs are inexpensively available throughout North America and serve as a solid basis for a capable off-road vehicle.

• 1984-1996 2.5 L AMC I4, 105 hp-130 hp
• 1984-1986 2.8 L GM 60° LR2 V6, 110 hp
• 1985-1987 2.1 L Renault turbodiesel I4 (initially sold in US and until 1993 in Europe)
• 1987-1990 4.0 L AMC I6, 173 hp, with Renix fuel injection system
• 1991-1996 4.0 L AMC "High Output" I6, 190 hp, with Chrysler fuel injection system
• 1994-1996 2.5 L VM Motori turbodiesel I4 (sold in Europe and South America)

After 13 years of production, 1997 saw the Cherokee receive updated exterior and interior styling. Both the two- and four-door bodies remained in production, receiving a steel tailgate (replacing the fiberglass one used previously), slightly more rounded edges, and a new taillight design; the interior was similarly updated with an all-new design and instruments, and a stiffer bodyshell brought improvements to Noise, Vibration, and Harshness measurements. Both the 4- and 6-cylinder engines were offered through the 2000 model year, though only the straight-six was available in 2001. For the 2000 and 2001 model years, all six-cylinder XJs received a distributorless ignition system using coil-on-plug ignition replacing the 'traditional' system previously used; coupled with better exhaust and intake porting, this gave a minor increase in power over the previous models. Transmission, axle, and transfer case choices were carried over from the previous models. The (XJ) Cherokee line was eventually replaced in 2002 by the Jeep Liberty (KJ), although the Liberty is called the Cherokee in most foreign markets.

• 1997-2000 2.5 L AMC I4, 130 hp
• 1997-2001 2.5 L VM Motori turbodiesel I4 (sold in Europe and South America)
• 1997-1999 4.0 L Power Tech I6, 190 hp
• 2000-2001 4.0 L Power Tech I6, 193 hp

• Base - 1984-1993
• SE - 1994-2000
• Wagoneer - 1984-1990
• Briarwood - 1991-1992
• Pioneer - 1984-1990
• Pioneer Olympic Edition - 1988
• Chief - 1984-1990
• Sport - 1988-2001
• Country - 1993-1997
• Classic - 1996, 1998-2000
• Limited - 1987-1992, 1998-2001
• Laredo - 1985-1992
• Freedom - 2000
• 60th Anniversary - 2001

• 1984 – 1987 : Aisin-Warner AX4 4-speed manual, used with 2.5 L I4 only.
• 1984-only : Borg-Warner T-4 4-speed manual, used with 2.5 L I4 only.
• 1984-only : Borg-Warner T-5 5-speed manual, used with 2.5 L I4 and 2.8 L V6.
• 1987 – Mid-1989 : Peugeot BA-10/5 5-speed manual used with 4.0 L I6.
• 1984 – 2000 : Aisin-Warner AX5 5-speed manual, used with 2.5 L I4 and 2.8 L V6.
• Late-1989 – 1999 : Aisin-Warner AX15 5-speed manual, used with 4.0 L I6.
• 2000 – 2001 : New Venture Gear NV3550 5-speed manual, used with 4.0 L I6.

• 1984 – 1986 : Chrysler A904 3-speed automatic, used with 2.5 L I4 and 2.8 L V6.
• 1994 – 2000 : Chrysler 30RH 3-speed automatic, used with 2.5 L I4.
• 1987 – 2001 : Aisin-Warner AW-4 4-speed automatic used with 2.5 L I4 and 4.0 L I6.

All the transfer cases used on the Cherokee were chain driven with aluminum housings. Command-Trac was standard on XJ models built with 4WD.

• 1984 – 1987 : New Process NP207 "Command-Trac", part-time only, 2.61:1 ratio with low range
• 1987 – 2001 : New Process NP231 "Command-Trac", part-time only, 2.72:1 ratio with low range
• 1987 – 2001 : New Process NP242 "Selec-Trac", full-time/part-time, 2.72:1 ratio with low range

The Jeep XJ utilizes front and rear solid (live) axles as opposed to independent front and/or rear axles. This configuration allows the XJ to have superior off-road capability and performance at the expense of some on-road comfort and drivability.

• 1984 – 1996 : Dana 30, High Pinion, Reverse Cut, 27-spline axleshafts (1989 – 1995 : with ABS used 5-297x universal joints, non-ABS had 5-260x universal joints. Note: Certain XJ models were produced with constant-velocity joints instead of universal joints.)
• 1996 – 1999 : Dana 30, High Pinion, Reverse Cut, 297x/760 universal Joint, 27-spline axleshafts.
• 2000 – 2001 : Dana 30, Low Pinion, Standard Cut, 297x/760 universal Joint, 27-spline axleshafts.

• 1984 – 1989 : Dana 35, non c-clip, with anti-lock braking system (ABS) or non-ABS.
• 1990 – 1996 : Dana 35, c-clip, ABS or non-ABS.
• 1997 – 2001 : Dana 35, c-clip, ABS.
• 1991 – 1996 : Chrysler 8.25", c-clip, non-ABS, 27-spline axleshafts.
• 1996 – 2001 : Chrysler 8.25", c-clip, non-ABS, 29-spline axleshafts.
• 1987 – 1990 : Dana 44, non-abs, 30-spline axleshafts.

Jeep XJs came in several standard gearing ratios:

• 3.07:1, manual transmission, I6 engine.
• 3.54:1, automatic transmission, I6 engine with Dana 44 rear differential.
• 3.55:1, automatic transmission, I6, V6 engines; manual transmission, I4 engine.
• 3.73:1, automatic transmission, I6, Tow Package, UpCountry Package.
• 4.10:1, manual transmission, automatic transmission, I4 engine.
• 4.56:1, automatic transmission, I4, offroad or tow package.

Note: Dana 44 rear ends came with manual transmissions with the towing packages in 1987.

The Jeep XJ utilizes a coil spring front suspension with a leaf spring rear suspension.

The Jeep XJ utilizes the Quadra-Link front suspension. This suspension design locates the axle with four control arms to control up and down movement, two above the axle and two below it. A panhard rod, also referred to as a track bar, is used to locate the axle central to the vehicle. Two coil springs are seated on top of the axle housing as well as two gas-charged shock absorbers. A sway bar is utilized to reduce body roll in turns.

The XJ uses a leaf spring rear suspension. Each leaf pack contains four leaf springs with a fixed eye at the front of the spring and a shackle at the rear of the spring. Two gas-charged shock absorbers are also used, along with a mild anti-sway/anti-roll bar. The suspension used on vehicles with the stock UpCountry Package did not employ the rear anti-sway/anti-roll bar and provided one inch of lift over the standard suspension.

A van version of the XJ was offered in addition to the standard vehicles in some European markets. Available in both right- and left-hand-drive models, they were designed to comply with relaxed motor tax regulations in some EU member states governing vehicles intended for primarily commercial use. Both two- and four-door versions are known to have been sold, with the main differences from the standard models being metal panels in place of the rear side windows, no rear seats, and a completely flat cargo area. Two- and four-wheel-drive variants were available, powered by the VM Motori 2.5-litre diesel engine mated to the Aisin AX-5 manual transmission. Photographs of this model can be found here.

American Motors established the first automobile manufacturing joint venture in the People's Republic of China to assemble the four-door Cherokee^[2]. Production continued after Chrysler's buyout of AMC. The current model is known as the Jeep 2500 (Link to Jeep in China). It is AMC's original Cherokee design with an updated grille and new headlights, as well as other upgrades. The Cherokee continues to sell virtually unchanged after over twenty years.

1. ^ Robert Cumberford, "20 greatest cars" Automobile Magazine "Great designs never grow old, a truth no better confirmed than by designer Dick Teague's masterpiece, the Jeep Cherokee. Possibly the best SUV shape of all time, it is the paradigmatic model to which other designers have since aspired." Retrieved on: July 25, 2007.
2. ^ Mann, Jim. (1997). Beijing Jeep: A Case Study of Western Business in China. Westview Press. ISBN 0-8133-3327-X.

• North American XJ Association
• MADXJ
• discover and help build the auto repair wikibook
• Jeep Cherokee repair wikibook

A subsidiary of Chrysler LLC																Jeep road vehicle timeline, 1945-present  v • d • e
Type	1940s					1950s										1960s										1970s										1980s										1990s										2000s
	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Traditional	CJ-2A				CJ-3A					CJ-3B																						CJ-7/8											Wrangler YJ										Wrangler TJ										Wrangler JK
											CJ-5/6
																																					CJ-10																							LJ
Dispatcher											DJ-3A										DJ-5/6
Crossover																	FJ-3/3A																																														Compass MK
																																																															Patriot MK
Compact SUV				VJ																		C101						C104												Cherokee/Wagoneer XJ																		Liberty KJ						Liberty KK
SUV																			Wagoneer/Cherokee SJ																					G Wagoneer									G Cherokee ZJ						G Cherokee WJ						G Cherokee WK
		Willys Jeep Wagon																																																												Commander XK
Pickup			Willys Jeep Truck																																							Comanche MJ
																			Gladiator								Honcho/J10-20 Series
Truck												Forward Control