Jeep Cherokee (XJ)

The Jeep Cherokee (XJ) is a unibody (monocoque) compact SUV. It shared the name of the original full-size SJ model, but without a body-on-frame chassis, it set the stage for the modern SUV. Its innovative appearance and sales popularity spawned important imitators as other automakers began to notice that this model began replacing regular cars. It was built in Toledo, Ohio, in Beijing, China, in Ferreyra, Argentina and Valencia, Venezuela. The XJ platform provided the mechanical basis for the MJ-series Jeep Comanche pickup.

The XJ was selected by Robert Cumberford of Automobile magazine as one of the 20 greatest cars of all time, calling it "possibly the best SUV shape of all time, it is the paradigmatic model to which other designers have since aspired".

Jeep Cherokee

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 a European influence, and most of the styling cues were done by AMC engineers under the direction of Richard Teague. The ongoing debate suggests that Renault sketch artists were involved right after the 1979 partnership with AMC. Noticing that General Motors was developing a new two-door S-10-based Blazer, AMC decided to design an entirely new four-door model, but worried about rollovers, Gerald C. Meyers hired one of Ford's best engineers, Roy Lunn to design what is known as the Quadra-Link suspension. François Castaing developed the drivetrain using a much smaller engine than normally found in 4WD vehicles and reduced the weight of the new model.

The XJ Cherokee introduced in 1984 was the first Jeep with a ladder-boxed chassis integrated into a single monocoque unit rather than the traditional separate body-on-frame construction.

Both two- and four-door versions of the XJ Cherokee were offered throughout its lifetime, each having exactly the same track and wheelbase measurements. Two-door models, however, received longer doors and front seats that could fold forward 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.

Jeep Cherokee Sport 2001

A variation on the Cherokee from 1984 through 1990 was the Jeep Wagoneer. These were unrelated to the similarly named full-sized Grand Wagoneer models that had carried the Wagoneer name before this point. The compact XJ Wagoneer was available in two trim levels: the "Wagoneer" and the "Wagoneer Limited". Both Wagoneers were distinguished from the Cherokee models by their two vertically arranged headlights on both sides. The Wagoneer Limited came with vinyl wood trim on the sides and leather seats embossed with "Limited."

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 (242 CID) six-cylinder engine only; the 2.5 L (150 CID) engine did not arrive in Europe until 1995.

In mid-1985, a two-wheel-drive version of the Cherokee was added to the lineup. This marked the first time any Jeep product was offered with two-wheel drive since 1967, and was done in the hopes of attracting a few more buyers who didn't need (or want to pay for) four-wheel drive. When the XJ Cherokee-based Comanche (MJ) truck was introduced, it was also available in two- and four-wheel drive. The new two-wheel-drive models shared the front suspension with four-wheel-drive models. Jeep simply used a single axle tube from hub to hub with no differential between, resulting in a low added cost front suspension.

1993-1996 Jeep Cherokee XJ (Japan)

American Motors's compact XJ Cherokee was to be replaced by a new and larger model known as the ZJ (later named the Jeep Grand Cherokee when introduced in 1993) that was under development by AMC. However, the smaller model's continuing popularity caused Chrysler executives to rethink this decision, and while the ZJ models were introduced in 1993, the XJ models were retained until 2001. 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.

Jeep Cherokee 2

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 liftgate (replacing the fiberglass one used previously),a new taillight design, additional plastic molding along the doors, as well as a new front header panel that featured more aerodynamic styling.

The interior was similarly updated with an all-new design and instruments, and a stiffer unibody frame brought improvements to Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) measurements. Also contributing to NVH improvements were new door seals that reduced wind noise at higher speeds.

In the middle of the 1999 model year, vehicles with the 4.0 liter (242 CID) engine received a much improved intake manifold. This was done to help counteract smaller exhaust porting on the latest casting of cylinder heads, which was done to meet more stringent emissions control laws. 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 porting and the newer intake manifolds, this gave a minor increase in power over the previous models. Transmission, axle, and transfer case choices were carried over from the previous models.

However, major changes were underway with a new executive, Wolfgang Bernhard, who was known as a "cost-slasher" nicknamed "whirlwind", came from Mercedes-Benz to turn around Chrysler. "One of the first moves Bernhard made when he came to Chrysler in 2000 was to help kill the Jeep Cherokee, an aging, somewhat bland SUV." Thus, the (XJ) Cherokee line was replaced in 2002 by the Jeep Liberty (KJ) , although it is called the "Cherokee" in most foreign markets.

When (XJ) Cherokee production ended in mid 2001, the portion of the Toledo South Assembly Plant devoted to its production was slowly torn down.

Old Jeep Cherokee

Trim levels:

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

Jeep Cherokee

Manual transmissions

• 1984-only : Borg-Warner T-4 4-speed manual, used with 2.5 L I4 only, 21 spline output.
• 1984 – 1987 : Aisin-Warner AX4 4-speed manual, used with 2.5 L I4 only, 21 spline output.
• 1984-only : Borg-Warner T-5 5-speed manual, used with 2.5 L I4 and 2.8 L V6, 21 spline output.
• 1984 – 2000 : Aisin-Warner AX5 5-speed manual, used with 2.5 L I4, 2.1 L I4 diesel, and 2.8 L V6, 21 spline output.
• 1987 – Mid-1989 : Peugeot BA-10/5 5-speed manual used with 4.0 L I6, 21 spline output.
• Late-1989 – 1999 : Aisin-Warner AX15 5-speed manual, used with 2.5 L I4 diesel, 4.0 L I6, 23 spline output.
• 2000 – 2001 : New Venture Gear NV3550 5-speed manual, used with 2.5 L I4 diesel, 4.0 L I6, 23 spline output.

Automatic transmissions

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

Lifted Jeep Cherokees

Suspension

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

Front suspension

The Quadra-Link front 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. The suspension used on vehicles with the optional UpCountry Package provided one inch of lift over the standard suspension. A sway bar is utilized to reduce body roll in turns.

Rear suspension

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 compression-style 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 optional UpCountry Package did not employ the rear anti-sway/anti-roll bar and provided one inch of lift over the standard suspension.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

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.
The XJ was sold in Europe from 1985 until 2001 (1993–2001 for some markets).

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

American Motors established the first automobile manufacturing joint venture in the People's Republic of China to assemble the four-door Cherokee. Production continued after Chrysler's buyout of AMC. Chrysler executives were concerned over licit and illicit technology transfers when knock-offs of the Cherokee began appearing in the Chinese market. The Chinese market BJ 7250 and BJ 2021 (rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive respectively) had a raised roof in the rear, as they were often meant to be chauffeur driven. Production under Mercedes-Benz continued in the partnership that was renamed Beijing-Benz DaimlerChrysler Automotive. The most recent model with an updated grille, headlights, and other upgrades was known as the "Jeep 2500" and was produced until 2005. It is notable that AMC's original Cherokee design continued to sell virtually unchanged after over twenty years.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Manufacturer    American Motors (AMC)
Chrysler
Also called    Beijing-Jeep BJ 2021 (4WD)
Beijing-Jeep BJ 7250 (2WD)
Production    1984–2001 (USA)
1984–2005 (China)
1987–2001 (Venezuela)
Assembly    Toledo, Ohio, United States
Beijing, China,
Chrysler Venezuela, Valencia
Ferreyra, Argentina (1996-2000)
Successor    Jeep Liberty
Class    Compact SUV
Body style    2-door SUV
4-door SUV
Layout    Front-engine, rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive
Engine    2.5 L (150 CID) AMC 150 I4
2.8 L GM 60° LR2 V6
2.1 L Renault diesel I4
4.0 L (242 CID) AMC 242 I6
4.0 L (242 CID) AMC 242 H.O. I6
4.0 L (242 CID) 242 Power Tech I6
2.5 L VM Motori diesel I4
Transmission   
4-speed Aisin AX-4 manual
5-speed Aisin AX-5 manual
5-speed Peugeot BA-10/5
manual
5-speed Aisin AX-15 manual
5-speed NVG NV3550 manual
3-speed Chrysler A904 automatic
3-speed 30RH automatic
4-speed Aisin AW-4 automatic
Wheelbase    101.4 in (2,576 mm)
Length    1987-1990: 165.3 in (4,199 mm)
1991-93: 168.8 in (4,288 mm)
1994-96: 166.9 in (4,239 mm)
1997-2001: 167.5 in (4,255 mm)
Width    1987-1993: 70.5 in (1,791 mm)
1994-96: 67.7 in (1,720 mm)
1997-99: 67.9 in (1,725 mm)
2000-01: 69.4 in (1,763 mm)
Height    1987-88 2WD: 63.4 in (1,610 mm)
1987–1993: 63.3 in (1,608 mm)
1994–99 2WD: 63.9 in (1,623 mm)
1994-2001 4WD: 64.0 in (1,626 mm)
2000–01 2WD: 63.8 in (1,621 mm)
Curb weight    3,357 lb (1,523 kg) (approx.)
Related    Jeep 2500 / BAW Qishi

Cherokee SRT8 Jeep