Cherokee remains true to its origins - 18/10/97
Chrysler Jeep's designers have always been constrained in any face-lifting by the need to retain the grille that has been its signature since World War II - it must always look like a Jeep.

For 1997/98 they tidied up Cherokee's front bumper and made the grille slightly larger, gave the rear end a softer, rounded look, then got stuck into one bugbear of previous models -- squeaks and groans from body panels.

Particular attention was paid to the doors, while stiffness around the tailgate was increased, and the new model's body is claimed to be up to 43 per cent stiffer than before.

There is now the option of a 2.5 litre turbodiesel (we'll look at that in the near future), but our test Cherokee Sport was powered by the 4.0 litre straight six petrol engine that remains standard.

Also new is a fourth generation electronic anti-lock braking system, a hydraulic clutch and a fuel tank moulded from high-density polyethylene: capacity remains at 76 litres, though.

Internal changes include a new modular instrument panel with simple white-on-black dial faces and orange needles, a new design tilt steering column, and a new ventilation system with airflow capacity 30 per cent up on the preceding model.

Cherokee's seats are nicely shaped for comfort and support, with armrests either side thanks to the height of the console (that works rather well) and height adjustable belts.

The steering wheel is a pleasing `minimalist' design, with no thumb pads, but as well as tilt it could do with reach adjustment as well, as it sits a trifle close for comfort.

Now maybe this is unique to American 4WDS; similar to Ford's Explorer, Cherokee's left footrest pushes your knee uncomfortably high (Explorer's footrest has been deleted for `98 "in the interests of driver comfort" - perhaps Jeep should follow suit)

Appointments in Cherokee include illuminated vanity mirrors both sides and double drink holders that accommodate a range of container sizes securely. There are, however, warning beepers for door open/lights on/key in - an infuriating chorus crying out for disconnection.
Okay so it's new - but it still looks like a Jeep.


Instrument layout is vastly improved over the previous model.


Aging gracefully ? Cherokee's OHV 4.0 litre six is still punchy.


Softened rear-end styling hides just as much space as before.
First observation is that NVH levels have definitely been improved (those intrusive little groans in the body have been eliminated), and particularly in relation to the engine - you still know that great lump of metal is under the hood, but it is far less intrusive than before.

The 4.0 litre engine's design is definitely aging, but it still packs an undeniable wallop and Cherokee can really get up and boogie if pedalled with enthusiasm. Just as importantly, it is well geared for open road cruising, turning a comfortable 2300rpm at 110kmh - nicely relaxed, and returning an average fuel consumption on test of 11.7 L/100km (25mpg) .

And the single-mode auto transmission has a smooth action on upshifts, yet is also fairly snappy on downshifting (though the engine's healthy grunt would probably cope well even if it refused to change down.)

Jeep's Command-Trac transfer case, which allows drive selections on the move, offers a choice of two-wheel-drive and dual range four-wheel-drive; in part-time mode it will happily decide for itself when 4WD is needed, or you can lock it in yourself.

For those who actually take their 4WD off the bitumen, Cherokee is unlikely to disappoint.

Perhaps more than any other, Cherokee proves that unitary body construction can hold its own against `full chassis' 4WDs in all but the most extreme conditions. And anyone who has trouble selecting the right gear in soft stuff will find the auto makes it easy (but with a light foot - all that grunt from the engine could still spin the wheels into a bog with ease.)

Jeep's designers trod a fine line with Cherokee for `98, making changes that were certainly warranted to its noise and refinement levels, resulting in a 4WD wagon that can still offer the best of two worlds in one vehicle.

But they remembered the most important thing - Cherokee still looks unmistakably like a Jeep.

Nuts-N-Bolts
Engine: In-line 6 cylinder, 4.0 litre (3959cc), pushrod OHV with sequential multi-point injection
Power-Torque: 131 kW @ 4400rpm - 301 Nm @ 3000rpm
Transmission: 4-speed electronically controlled automatic, with overdrive
Suspension: Front - coil springs, stabiliser bar, gas shocks. Rear - leaf springs, gas shocks.
Steering: Power assisted recirculating ball.
Brakes: Front ventilated discs, rear self-adjusting drums.
Wheels-Tyres: Steel 15 x 7 inch - Goodyear RT/S Wrangler 225/75R15
Warranty: 2 years/50,000kms (Jeep Assist 24 hour roadside service)
Recommended Retail (plus onroads): $41,990

 

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