Jeep SUVs: The Classic Jeep Cherokee XJ

Very few brands offer the same nostalgia and can pull on your heartstrings like Jeep. With its versatile and rugged lineup of SUVs that have defined generations past, every Jeep has a story. That is no different when it comes to one of the best Jeep SUVs of all-time: The Classic Jeep Cherokee XJ. The iconic, boxy look and feel of the Cherokee XJ makes it hard to forget. And as we are about to see, the Cherokee XJ was an innovative offering and a pioneer in the sport utility vehicle market. It was also wildly popular, especially in and around the Detroit area. In a sense, the Cherokee XJ was the car carmakers drove. To fully appreciate just how incredible the Jeep Cherokee XJ, here is a profile of one of the most influential vehicles ever from us here at Orange Coast CDJR, located in Costa Mesa, CA.

The Reign of the Cherokee XJ

Legend has it that the XJ stands for “eXciting Jeep,” and for 18 years, there were millions of people who could agree with that assessment. Taking over for the much bulkier Cherokee SJ, the XJ began its reign in 1984 and lasted until 2001. Over that period, the two companies that owned it (at first American Motors, which was later bought by Chrysler) sold almost 3 million Cherokee XJ’s.

What is even more impressive is that there was only one generation. While there were definitely some tweaks and changes over the years, the Cherokee XJ was never completely overhauled and redone. That is almost unthinkable in a day when even the most popular cars, trucks, and SUVs get a makeover every few years. But for the XJ, it worked.

Legendary Engine

The 4.0L engine of the Cherokee XJ of the early nineties offered massive power for the day. It could generate up to 190 hp, which only added to the mystique of the XJ as a high-performing, powerful “sportswagon.” While the engine got a few touch-ups along the way, it lasted an extremely long time. In fact, this engine outlasted the XJ entirely. After the XJ was retired in 2001, the 4.0L engine lived on in the Wrangler until 2006.

Innovative Body and Design

What really made the Cherokee XJ a true pioneer was its unibody design. Unlike other comparable vehicles of the time that had the heavy body of a truck, Jeep utilized unibody construction for the Cherokee XJ, which made it much lighter and gave it improved handling and astounding agility. It also did nothing to diminish the XJ’s ample passenger and cargo room. The unibody design also added to the XJ’s fantastic off-roading capabilities. The design was so successful that it has become the defacto way SUVs are built today.

Classic Look, the “Sportswagon”

At the time, two-door SUVs were still quite common, and the XJ was no exception. In addition to its four-door version, the XJ did come as an available two-door variant, which had a different feel on the inside and out.

When combined with the powerful engine and lighter body design with the classic look, we can see that the days of the station wagon were numbered at the XJ’s entrance. While it might not be solely because of the XJ (which was marketed as a “sportswagon” at the time), the popular Cherokee model certainly played at least a part in the death of the station wagon and the birth of its ubiquitous replacement, the sport utility vehicle. Cars today, and the look of our nation’s roads, would not be the same if not for the Cherokee XJ.

Off-Roading Champion

In addition to being a highly practical vehicle, the Cherokee XJ was and still is also very fun to drive and could go almost anywhere. Because of its high-functioning suspension, it could handle all variety of terrain and allowed millions to explore the road less traveled. The XJ was a successful forerunner of the Jeeps available today that can manage off-road terrain like no other brand on the market.

Changes and Trims Over the Years

While there was no second-generation Cherokee XJ, there were plenty of changes over the years. So here are some of the different versions and trims of the XJ throughout its 18-year reign.

1984-1985 Cherokee XJ

When it comes to engines, the Cherokee XJ didn’t always have the 4.0L 190 hp machine that people loved. In the very early years, the XJ had a 2.5L engine that could only muster 105 hp. That made hauling anything or moving quickly a real trick. As we know, though, things got bigger, better, and faster over time. By 1987, there was already a 4.0L engine available that could generate up to 173 hp, much closer to the 190 hp engine of the early nineties. But there were other things that varied, beyond the power of the early years.

The 1984-1990 Wagoneer Trim

The early Wagoneer trim was very popular and came with a variety of features that, while we might laugh or even scoff at them today, as we will see, were somewhat advanced at the time. The fake wood exterior of the Wagoneer, for example, was a selling point for many. The Wagoneer also had a cassette player and radio that offered both AM and FM capabilities (the base model only had AM for well into the nineties, though). To hear the radio, the Wagoneer offered four speakers (as opposed to the two that came on the base model) and had air conditioning and a few other very nice features on the inside.

The Classic Trim

We shouldn’t mock the XJ for only having four speakers or coming with AM radio on the base model just yet, though. As early as 1996 and again from 1998-2001, the Classic trim came with keyless entry and an overhead console, two features that are more in step with modernity and came relatively early on in the technology revolution. This Classic trim was a true introduction to the modern age of vehicles.

The Sport Trim

For most of the XJ’s life, the Sport trim was a compelling option and came with a number of great exterior features. One of those included the choice between full-faced steel or alloy wheels. On top of that, the upholstery on the interior of the Sport was high quality, and it also had air conditioning and an AM/FM radio. There were many other changes and trims throughout the years of the XJ, but this wraps up those that were significant.

The Classic Jeep Cherokee XJ

As we conclude our look book at the classic Jeep Cherokee XJ, it is hard to believe what a magnificent machine it really is. Very few SUVs or vehicles of any kind experience the same kind of longevity the XJ does. Not only is it an iconic vehicle, but it was a pioneer and a testament to Jeep’s innovative approach to crafting great vehicles. Its unibody construction, boxy look, and off-roading capabilities defined a generation and have led to the amazing Jeeps we know and love today.

While there might be a few features and capabilities that can’t really compare with what is on the market today, they are still very compelling and fun vehicles, indeed. In all, the Cherokee XJ is a truly “eXciting Jeep” to own. Contact us to learn more or check out this Jeep at Orange Coast CDJR today!