2001 Jeep Cherokee
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The Jeep Cherokee dates to the 1984 model year, when it was downsized and introduced as the first modern compact sport utility vehicle. The 2001 Jeep Cherokee was the last model year for its production. The Cherokee is still tough as nails, reasonably inexpensive and, in four-wheel-drive guise, thoroughly capable when the pavement ends. More than that, its flat-planed, square-edged styling resonates with all the richness of Jeep history. The Jeep Cherokee was popular from the day it was rolled out in 1984, right up to this 2001 model. The Cherokee is a nice and simple all around compared to most vehicles from this year. It holds lots of gear for a small SUV, it has go-anywhere capability, excellent reliability, and impressive four wheel drive. The Cherokee of 2001 has the hands down best and most capable system for any condition from this model year and segment. The only major changes for 2001 were the addition of child seat tether anchors, a change in powertrain options, and Steel Blue replaced Desert Sand on the color chart.
Cherokee Power
For 2001, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder that had been the base engine was eliminated. A 4.0-liter inline-six-cylinder with 190 horsepower is now the only choice. Cherokee comes with two-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive or full-time 4WD that can be used on smooth, dry pavement
Jeep Cherokee Design
When the Cherokee finally got a redesign in 1997, its looks remained similar, but it did get a more cohesive appearance was achieved via softened corners at the nose and tail and with wheelwell flares that blended into the bumper ends. The front vent windows were dropped for a cleaner look and lessened wind noise, and larger side-view mirrors, new bodyside moldings, new wheels, optional deep-tint glass and a center high-mounted stop lamp completed the changes outside. The four door version of the Cherokee is the most popular, but there is also a two door available. The two-door comes in a Sport trim, and the four-door comes in Sport and Limited. The Cherokee is 167 inches long, 14 inches shorter than the Grand Cherokee. With its classic Jeep styling, the Cherokee is a familiar face, and is easily recognizable with its upright angles and square corners. The Cherokee was the first unit-body sport-utility vehicle, as distinct from the traditional body-on-frame approach. The advantages are much higher rigidity and much lower weight, which contribute to the Cherokee's hot-rod performance and good handling.
Driving a Cherokee
Cherokee offers two levels of 4WD: part-time Command-Trac and full-time Selec-Trac. Both include a 2.72:1 low range, but Selec-Trac has a center planetary differential with a 48/52 torque split for free running on dry pavement. Cherokee waver a bit on uneven pavement at highway speeds. The Cherokee shows its true colors off-road. Its combination of good ground clearance, short wheelbase and a favorable power-to-weight ratio make this vehicle take control in the woods. The Selec-Trac four-wheel drive system, which can be used full-time, comes in handy. Thanks to its relatively low curb weight, the Cherokee is something of an athlete among its peers. Its on-center steering feel leaves much to be desired, however. Cherokee's optional four-speed automatic is a smooth operator, and there's enough torque in the venerable inline six-cylinder engine to generate excellent stoplight getaway, automatic or not.
Inside the Jeep
Inside the Cherokee, changes from the 1997 redesign is apparent, as the more modern cabin featured several key improvements in ergonomics, safety and style. A new dash (with a passenger airbag), revised gauges and a new center stack with easier to use controls for the stereo (now available with both cassette and CD players) and climate control system sported a cleaner design with fewer pieces, which decreased the likelihood of squeaks and rattles. Other interior refinements included new door panels, lighted power mirror and window switches, a trip computer for the overhead console and a new center console that boasted integrated cupholders. The Jeep Cherokee is a bit uncomfortable for the driver as it is difficult to adjust the seat. Although the Cherokee is still rectilinear and blocky, the dashboard has shed the cheap appearance of earlier models. The Cherokee is available with comfort and convenience features, including a good sound system with cassette and CD players, air conditioning, power driver's seat, an overhead digital info center and two digital clocks. Cherokee holds five people, though the rear seat is cramped compared to some rivals’, and the narrow rear doors can be tight to negotiate. The spare tire is mounted upright in the cargo area, using up valuable storage space. Still, consumer do not drive the Cherokee for its comfort and convenience, they are more interested in its overall reliability and rugged abilities not found elsewhere.
Cherokee Lineup 2001
Sport models are fairly basic, with power steering, power brakes, full carpeting, four-speaker AM/FM/cassette stereo, a clock and tachometer, variable intermittent wipers and a five-speed manual transmission. Limiteds technically add only a luggage rack, power mirrors, upgraded seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear wiper, four-speed automatic transmission and an upgrade from 15-inch steel to 16-inch aluminum wheels.
Summary
The Jeep Cherokee, introduced in the 1984 model year when Jeep was part of American Motors Corporation (AMC), was the first compact 4-door sport utility. Over the years it has developed a loyal following, not only among the public but also among business and government agencies. AMC's original plans called for the model now known as the Grand Cherokee to replace this vehicle, but after Chrysler and AMC merged Chrysler continued the Cherokee line as a value-priced sport-utility alternative. When the Cherokee was redesigned for the first time in 1997 it received a new front and rear appearance, a new liftgate, a new instrument panel and a new instrument cluster, but it didn't stray far from the successful original Cherokee look. In 1999 the exterior appearance of the Cherokee Sport was upgraded to include body-color bumpers, wheel flares, grille and headlight bezels. The interior of the Cherokee may be cramped compared to newer rivals, and the ride quality and noise levels are behind the times. Nevertheless, it serves well as a basic, reasonably priced SUV with convenient 4WD systems and enough utility for a small family. The Jeep Cherokee was expected to be axed years before the 2001 model, yet customers kept buying them. As Jeep was eager to introduce newer, more modern, more aerodynamic products, such as the Liberty, the 2001 Cherokee was finally replaced after 2001.
