Jeep Cherokee (XJ)

The Jeep Cherokee (XJ) is a compact sport utility vehicle that was manufactured and marketed by Jeep from 1983 to 2001. Sharing the name of the original full-size SJ model, but without a traditional body-on-frame chassis, the XJ instead featured a light-weight unibody design, The models were originally marketed as Sportwagons and became the precursor to the modern sport utility vehicle (SUV) as that term was not yet in use.

The XJ spawned competitors as other automakers began to notice that this Jeep design began replacing regular cars. It also began to supplant the role of the station wagon and "transformed from truck to limousine in the eyes of countless suburban owners." The XJ is a "significant link in the evolution of the 4x4."

Built in Toledo, Ohio, USA; Beijing, China; Ferreyra, Argentina; Cairo, Egypt; and in Valencia, Venezuela, the XJ provided the mechanical basis for the MJ-series Jeep Comanche pickup truck.

Automotive journalist Robert Cumberford, writing for Automobile, called the Jeep XJ one of the 20 greatest cars of all time &mdash; for its design, and "possibly the best SUV shape of all time, it is the paradigmatic model to which other designers have since aspired". The XJ was also selected in 2011 as one of "10 cars that refuse to die" by Kiplinger.

Background
Designs of the compact-size XJ Cherokee date back to 1978 when a team of American Motors (AMC) and Renault engineers drew several sketches. Clay models were based on the then current full-size 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 A. Teague, vice president of design.

Noticing that General Motors was developing a new two-door S-10-based Blazer, AMC decided to develop an entirely new four-door model in addition to a two-door version. American Motors' vice president of engineering, Roy Lunn, designed what is known as the "Quadra-Link" suspension, that limited rollovers. Renault's François Castaing developed the drivetrain using a much smaller engine than normally found in 4WD vehicles and reduced the weight of the new model. It "is noteworthy as the first nonmilitary 4x4 with unibody construction." The unconventional design enhanced XJ's durability and off-road capability that eventually won over most critics, even those models with the early underpowered GM engines. The XJ is described "as the first small crossover SUV in the U.S.," with "plenty of the Jeep toughness (and a straight-six engine) built in." The design and market positioning of the XJ, along with the AMC Eagle essentially "foreshadowed the car-based crossover utility-vehicle fad."

Although the XJ models had just been introduced, AMC quickly began development of its successor. To compete against its much larger rivals, the smallest U.S. automaker created a business process that is now known as "product lifecycle management" (PLM) to speed up its product development process. By 1985, development and engineering was based on computer-aided design (CAD) software systems while new systems stored all drawings and documents in a central database. The pioneering PLM was so effective that after Chrysler purchased AMC in 1987, it expanded the system throughout its own enterprise.

British TV presenter and motoring expert Quentin Willson described the XJ Jeep as "a real 4x4 icon" and one of the "few truly great cars... which, despite being left behind by newer models, still offer fresh and urgent possibilities. Cars which become more relevant the older they get."

1984–1996


The XJ Cherokee introduced for the 1984 model year was the first Jeep with a ladder-boxed chassis integrated into a single monocoque unit rather than the traditional separate body-on-frame construction. The design was rigid and sturdy with approximately 3200 welds in a completed body, "yet wonderfully lightweight, [the] Uniframe permitted outstanding performance even with AMC's new 2.5-liter/150-cubic-inch four-cylinder engine."

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.

A variation on the Cherokee from 1983 to 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 from 1983 to 1985 by a slightly different grille and a smaller "Jeep" emblem offset to the driver's side. Starting in 1985, they changed to two vertically stacked low and high beam headights (a.k.a. "spider eyes") with front turn signals moved behind the grille. 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-liter/242-cubic-inch inline six-cylinder engine only; the 2.5-liter (150 CID) engine did not arrive in Europe until 1995. The XJ firewall was notched to accommodate the longer 4.0 L engine.

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 did not 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 (from the track bar, control arms, ball joints) with four-wheel-drive models. Jeep simply used a single axle tube from hub to hub with no differential between, resulting in an inexpensive front suspension.

For 1996, partially to comply with new U.S. OBD-II exhaust and evaporative emissions regulations, the engine management system was upgraded to Chrysler's then-new "JTEC" PCM. This added the side benefits of improving reliability and easing diagnostics.

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.

Fleet markets
In the early- to mid-1990s, the Jeep Cherokee started becoming popular for government and police use. The Cherokee AHB police package was introduced during the 1992 model year. In response, for 1996, Jeep released a special version of the XJ Cherokee SE for police and fleet use. It featured no interior rear door handles and a revised 190 hp high output version of the 4.0 L "Power-Tech" inline six-cylinder engine. The new HO engine replaced the older 177 hp version of the 4.0 L engine in all installations.

The Cherokee was also made in right hand drive format initially for the United States Postal Service, the side effect of this was it allowed Jeep in later years to enter right hand drive markets — the Cherokee went on sale in both the United Kingdom and Ireland in 1993. It was also sold in Japan, and due to that country's strict shaken laws, many used Japanese-market Cherokees have found their way back to the United States for use by rural mail carriers.

1997–2001


After 13 years of production, (December 1996 production) February 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), restyled taillights, additional plastic molding along the doors, as well as a new front header panel that featured more aerodynamic styling. The spare tire was moved from a rear exterior bumper mount to an interior location due to de-contenting the rear bumper. A new, unique spare tire carrier was invented by Peter Gruich while working for Jeep Special Programs that utilized the trailer hitch bar and a unique pivot bracket and although it was the only external spare tire carrier to pass the full Jeep durability test, it was not offered for sale.

The interior was similarly updated with an all-new design and instrument panel featuring the first blow molded symmetrical instrument panel retainer structure. This instrument panel featured a unique cluster/airbag bracket invented by Peter Gruich that allowed the interchange of the two components in order for the vehicle to be sold in the right hand and left hand drive markets with both driver and passenger airbags. 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 L engine received a revised 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 four- and six-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", who 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 retained the "Cherokee" nameplate in most foreign markets.

The Cherokee (XJ) remains a popular vehicle among off-roading enthusiasts. Its design has been noted as one of the greatest of all time. Popular Mechanics listed the XJ as one of "the 25 greatest boxy cars of all time".

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

Fleet markets
By 1997, the XJ Cherokee was still popular in police and government fleets. As expected, production of the Cherokee Special Service Package continued for the 1997 model year into the 2001 model year. It still had the same features as the 1996 Cherokee Special Service Package, but the engine now produced 195 hp. In 2001, when the XJ Cherokee ceased production and was replaced by the Jeep Liberty, the Cherokee Special Service Package was discontinued. The Jeep Liberty never featured a special service package, however, police, and government agencies used the Liberty in their fleets.

Trim levels



 * Base - 1984–1993 / SE - 1994-2001 included: vinyl or cloth upholstery, full-faced steel wheels, and AM radio with two speakers. Base replaced by the SE in 1994.
 * Wagoneer - 1984–1990 included: ribbed cloth upholstery with leather trim, faux maple-wood interior accents with wood laminate exterior decals, alloy wheels, AM/FM radio with cassette player and four speakers, infrared (single-button) remote keyless entry for 1990 model year, overhead console for 1990 model year, dual power seats, and air conditioning.
 * Briarwood - 1991–1992 (succeeded Wagoneer) included: leather-and-vinyl upholstery, faux maple-wood interior accents with wood laminate exterior decals, lace-spoke wheels, AM/FM radio with cassette player and six Jensen AccuSound speakers, infrared (single-button) remote keyless entry, overhead console, dual power seats, and an air conditioner.
 * Pioneer - 1984–1990 included: cloth plaid-pattern upholstery, steel wheels and AM radio with two speakers.
 * Pioneer Olympic Edition - 1988 included: cloth upholstery, AM/FM radio with two speakers, and air conditioning.
 * Chief - 1984–1990 included: cloth plaid-pattern upholstery, and AM/FM radio with two speakers.
 * Sport - 1988–2001 included: cloth-and-vinyl upholstery, AM/FM radio with four speakers, full-faced steel or optional alloy wheels, optional infrared (single-button) (1988-1996) or radio frequency (dual-button) (1997-2001) keyless entry (if equipped with power locks), and air conditioning.
 * Country - 1993–1997 included: two-tone paint similar to "Laredo" with upgraded color-keyed pinstripe and the option for "champagne" gold along with silver as accent options, the replacement of several interior, formerly chrome accents with flat black (Base and Sport models, as well, starting in 1993 model year), cloth-and-vinyl ("luggage fabric") upholstery with the option for leather (excluding 1993 model year), faux mahogany-wood interior accents, lace-spoke wheels, AM/FM radio with cassette player and four speakers with the option for six Jensen AccuSound speakers, optional overhead console (excluding 1993 model year), infrared (dual-button) (1993-1996) or radio frequency (dual-button) (1997) remote keyless entry (if equipped with power locks), optional dual power seats, and air conditioning. Replaced by the Classic and Limited in 1998.
 * Classic - 1996, 1998–2001 included: monotone paint color, cloth upholstery, alloy wheels, AM/FM radio with cassette player and four speakers, infrared (dual-button) remote keyless entry, overhead console, and air conditioning. Briefly replaced by the Limited in 1997, and rejoined the lineup below the Limited in 1998.
 * Limited - 1987-1992, 1998–2001 included: monotone paint, leather-and-vinyl upholstery, sun roof, color-keyed lace-spoke wheels, AM/FM radio with cassette player and six Jensen AccuSound speakers, infrared (single-button) remote keyless entry, overhead console, dual power seats, and air conditioning. Rejoined the lineup in 1998 to replace the Country.
 * Laredo - 1985–1992 included: chrome accenting, cloth plaid-pattern (1985-1987) or "luggage fabric" (1988-1992) upholstery with the option of "Briarwood" style leather-and-vinyl seats for the 1992 model year only, five-spoke alloy wheels, AM/FM radio with four speakers and the option for six Jensen AccuSound speakers, infrared (single-button) remote keyless entry (if equipped with power locks) optional overhead console, optional dual power seats, and air conditioning. Replaced by the Country in 1993.
 * Freedom - 2000 included: special badging, SE appearance group on sport body, 16" Ultrastar alloy wheels (the same as the 1998 5.9L ZJ), AM/FM radio with cassette, radio frequency remote keyless entry and air conditioning. Based on the Sport trim level. Available in 2wd or 4wd.
 * 60th Anniversary - 2001 included: special badges, special floor mats, monotone paint color, 16" alloy wheels, AM/FM radio with cassette, radio frequency remote keyless entry and air conditioning. Based on the Sport trim level. 2001-only model.
 * Orvis - Limited-production model only available in the United Kingdom 1999-2000 included: Special Orvis badgning, special Orvis floor mats (with enamel logos stitched into them), 16" 'Icon' alloy wheels with a two-tone color scheme, false hood vents, tailgate spoiler with integrated LED brake light, ruffled leather seats with 6-way electric adjustment, leather door-panels, leather spare wheel cover. Orivs logo embossed into each headrest, golden Orvis logo on top of the ashtray lid. AM/FM radio with cassette, remote keyless entry, cruise control, passenger side heated mirror and air conditioning. Available with the 4.0-liter AMC 242 inline-six with the Aisin AW-4 4-speed automatic. Also available was the VM Motori 2.5-liter Turbo Diesel four-cylinder engine with either the automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission.

Manual transmissions

 * 1984: Borg-Warner T-4 four-speed manual, used with 2.5 L I4 only, 21 spline output
 * 1984–1987: Aisin-Warner AX4 four-speed manual, used with 2.5 L I4 only, 21 spline output
 * 1984: Borg-Warner T-5 five-speed manual, used with 2.5 L I4 and 2.8 L V6, 21 spline output
 * 1984–2000: Aisin-Warner AX5 five-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 five-speed manual used with 4.0 L I6, 21 spline output
 * Late 1989–1999: Aisin-Warner AX15 five-speed manual, used with 2.5 L I4 diesel, 4.0 L I6, 23 spline output
 * 2000–2001: New Venture Gear NV3550 five-speed manual, used with 2.5 L I4 diesel, 4.0 L I6, 23 spline output

Automatic transmissions

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

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

NP228/229 has a vacuum switch for 2WD-4WD selection on the fly and a separate manual lever for low range NP231 has the following settings: 2HI, 4HI, N, 4LO NP242 has the following settings: 2HI, 4 full-time, 4 part-time, N, 4LO
 * MY 1984–1987: New Process NP207 Command-Trac, part-time only, 2.61:1 ratio with low range
 * 1984–1986: New Process NP228/229 Selec-Trac, full- or part-time, 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 or part-time, 2.72:1 ratio with low range

Axles
The Jeep XJ utilizes front and rear solid (live) axles as opposed to independent front and rear axles. This configuration allows the XJ to have superior off-road capability and performance at the expense of some on-road comfort and driveability. Mid-1985 and later two-wheel drive models used the same basic suspension with a single tube connecting axle ends with no differential.

Front axle

 * MY 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. NP228/229 "Selec-Trac" equipped XJ models were also 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
 * 1985–2001: straight non-driven front axle for two-wheel drive only

Rear axle

 * MY 1984–1989: Dana 35, non c-clip, with anti-lock braking system (ABS) or non-ABS; dana 44 on some models
 * 1987–1991: Dana 44, models w/tow package only, 30-spline axleshafts, 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
 * Late 1996–2001: Chrysler 8.25", c-clip, non-ABS, 29-spline axleshafts

Axle gear ratios
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
 * 3.54:1, manual transmission, I4 engine with Dana 35 rear differential
 * 3.55:1, automatic transmission, I6, inline 6 engines; manual transmission, I4 engine
 * 3.73:1, automatic transmission, I6, tow package, UpCountry package, 2.5 VM diesel manual
 * 4.10:1, 2.5L I4 engine, GM V6 engine manual transmission
 * 4.56:1, automatic transmission, I4, offroad or tow package

Suspension
The Jeep XJ utilizes a coil spring with a separate shock absorber front suspension and a leaf spring with a separate shock absorber rear suspension.

Front suspension
The Quadra-Link front suspension design locates the axle with four leading control arms to control longitudinal movement and rotation about the lateral axis (drive and braking reaction), two above the axle and two below it. A panhard rod, also referred to as a track bar, is used to locate the axle laterally. 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.

XJ in Europe


The XJ was introduced to left-hand drive European markets in 1985, one year after its American debut. However, right-hand drive European markets only began to officially receive them (in RHD form) in 1993, although a small number of personal imports had been reaching the UK in left-hand drive form for a number of years before that. Models were offered in both markets until the XJ's discontinuation in 2001, at which point it was replaced by the Jeep Cherokee (KJ) which retained the Cherokee name for sale in Europe despite sharing little mechanical heritage with its predecessor.

A van version of the XJ was offered in addition to the standard passenger 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 L diesel engine mated to the Aisin AX-15 manual transmission. Photographs of this model can be found here.

XJ in China
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 be built and sold after being virtually unchanged for over twenty years.

The design of the Chinese market Jeeps was similar to that of the U.S.-market Jeeps, with the exception of a new front grille and headlamps, as well as new tail lamps. The interior also got a new steering wheel and center console.

The four-cylinder model was named the BJ2500, signifying Beijing Jeep with the 2.5 L AMC straight-4 engine, while the six-cylinder model was named the BJ4000, signifying it had the 4.0 L AMC Straight-6 engine.

After 2009 Beijing Auto Works continued the production of the Chinese-market XJ Cherokee as the BAW Qishi. The Qishi uses a 122 hp 2.0L I4 or a 141 hp 2.4L I4, both old Nissan units, and a 5-slot grille, along with 6 lug wheels. Production ended in 2014.

Cherokee name revival in the U.S.

 * See also Jeep Cherokee (KL)

On February 22, 2013, Chrysler released press photos of the new replacement for the Liberty, and also announced that the new model would bring back the Cherokee name. The new Cherokee is built on the compact U.S. wide platform, and features a nine-speed automatic, a choice of a 2.4 L Tigershark I4 with Fiat's electro-hydraulic MultiAir 2 variable valve timing and variable valve lift or a 3.2 L V6 based on the Pentastar 3.6 L V6, and front and four-wheel drive (the latter courtesy of Jeep's Selec-Terrain system). The Jeep Liberty was sold outside of North America as the Jeep Cherokee (KK), allowing the new Cherokee to be easily marketed globally. Jeep also believes the Cherokee name will attract previous Jeep owners, because of the name's heritage. The new Cherokee is built in Toledo, Ohio.