Jeep Cherokee 1997-2001 Specifications

The 1997-2001 Jeep Cherokee was offered with three engine options: the 2.5L inline-4 (121 hp, 139 lb-ft), the 4.0L inline-6 (190 hp, 225 lb-ft), and the 2.5L turbo diesel (115 hp, 221 lb-ft). The 4.0L inline-6 provides the best balance of power and torque, making it ideal for off-road and towing applications, while the 2.5L engines are more fuel-efficient but less powerful.

The Jeep Cherokee came with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The manual transmission was standard on base models, while the automatic was optional or standard on higher trims. The automatic transmission was particularly popular for its smooth shifting and reliability.

Standard safety features included dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS) on certain trims, and a reinforced unibody construction for crash protection. Optional features included rear-wheel ABS, skid plates, and a limited-slip differential for improved traction.

The 1997-2001 Jeep Cherokee achieved 17-20 mpg in the city and 21-25 mpg on the highway, depending on the engine and transmission. This was competitive with other compact SUVs of the era, such as the Ford Explorer and Toyota 4Runner, which had similar fuel efficiency ratings.

Recommended maintenance includes oil changes every 3,000-5,000 miles, tire rotations every 6,000 miles, and fluid checks every 12,000 miles. The timing belt should be replaced every 60,000 miles for the 2.5L engines, while the 4.0L uses a timing chain that generally does not require replacement.

Notable features included available power windows and locks, air conditioning, a premium sound system, and optional four-wheel drive. Higher trims offered leather seats, a sunroof, and upgraded suspension systems for improved off-road capability.

The Jeep Cherokee offered 33.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 69 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This was competitive with the Ford Explorer (35.9-77.7 cubic feet) and Toyota 4Runner (36.3-75.9 cubic feet), though the Cherokee's compact design made it more maneuverable in tight spaces.

The 1997-2001 Jeep Cherokee had a towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped with the 4.0L engine and trailer towing package. The payload capacity was approximately 1,150 lbs, making it suitable for light to medium-duty hauling tasks.