| Jeep Cherokee XJ History |
| In 1962 , Jeep produced a 4-door truck based wagon with 4-wheel drive called the Wagoneer. In 1974 , Jeep introduced the Cherokee badge to the Wagoneer . It was a sportier 2-door model of the Wagoneer . A year later the Cherokee Chief model was introduced that had a wider track axles to give better off-road performance. |
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| Cherokee Wagoneer |
| In 1983 Jeep introduced the all new Jeep Cherokee XJ . The new model year (1984) had evolved from the Cherokee Wagoneer into a smaller , lighter , more agile wagon . The only thing the new Cherokee had in common with its predecessor is the name . The new Cherokee was based on unibody construction(no frame) , coil-sprung front suspension supporting a solid front axle (Quadra-Link) . The rear suspension is a more traditional leaf spring setup with a solid axle . The interior seats 5 and has a rear cargo area . |
| The original power plants came in two flavors , AMC's own carburated 2.5 Liter four cylinder engine that produced 105hp and was mated to a four speed manual tranny . The other engine was a General Motors 2bbl 2.8 Liter V6 that produced 115hp and was mated to either a four speed manual , a optional five speed manual or a three speed automatic tranny . Jeep offered two 4wheel drive systems, the "Command Trac" part time shift on the fly system, or the "Selec-Trac" system that allowed full time AWD operation . |
| The Cherokee came in three levels of trim , the Base package , the Chief (Sporty) , and the Pioneer (Luxury) . The Cherokee won 4x4 of the year in 1984 . |
| Upgrades 1985 Option os a Renault 4-Cyl. Turbodiesal engine . The Loredo Trim level offered (Upgrade to the Pioneer) . 1986 New 2.5 Liter 4-Cyl. engine with fuel injection rated at 117hp . 1987 New Inline 6-Cyl. 4.0 Liter fuel injected (TBI) engine that produced 177 hp . A new 4 speed auto tranny and a new 5 speed manual tranny were introduced . The 4-Cyl. engine was worked on to produce 121hp . The Limited trim level introduced (Top trim level with all the bells and whistles) . 1988 The turbodiesal engine was discontinued A 2-door Sport model is added . 1989 ABS was introduced to Cherokees with the 4.0L engine mated to the automatic tranny with "Selec-Trac" . The 13.5 gallon gas tank is upgraded to a 20 gallon tank . 1991 New MPFI added to the 4-Cyl engine , creating 130hp . The MPFI is added to the 4.0L(HO) engine , producing 190hp . The Pioneer trim level is dropped . The Briarwood trim is introduced ( Woody) . A 4-door Sport model is added . 1993 Trim levels are simplified to the Base , Sport(s) , and the Country (New version of the Limited) . Stainless steel exhaust are added to all Cherokees . 1994 Safety upgrades , side-impact beams , the roof was reinforced . The AC units are added with non CFC units . 1995 Drivers side airbags are added . 1996 Heavier duty batteries and altenators are added . The engines are upgraded with stiffer blocks and aluminum pistons . 1997 A major overhaul of the Cherokee family , reworked sheet metal gives the old boxy styling a updated look with softer lines from rear to front and new body moldings .The cabin is updated with a new dash with revised guage cluster and climate controls . The new interior also boasts a new center consol sporting drink holders . The electrical system was updated with new connectors and a decrased amount of wiring . 1998 The Limited returns as the top trim level, replacing the Country . The Classic trim level is introduced . 1999 Engine efficiency is improved with new electronics and catalytic converter. 2000 A revamped I6 4.0 is used from the previouse years Grand Cherokee . The new engine meets LEV (Low Emission Vehicle) standards . A new 5-speed manual is introduced . 2001 The last year of production for the Cherokee . The 2.5L 4-Cyl. is no longer offered . |
| Source Edmunds.com |
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| 1997 Jeep Cherokee |
| 1985 Cherokee Loredo |