Jeep Cherokee (01-07) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 12 February 2009
The 2001 Cherokee was a departure from the endearingly boxy design of its predecessor - so much that the company had to give it a different name, Jeep Liberty, in North America. The rounded styling at the front gives the Cherokee a less rugged look than before, but it's certainly as capable an off-road tool as ever. Marketed as a rival to top-end first-generation Land Rover Freelanders and Toyota RAV4s, the Cherokee feels a rather less sophisticated performer, being noisy, thirsty and feeling top heavy. It also lacks the interior space of cars like the Honda CR-V and Nissan X-Trail while few of the engines manage to return acceptable economy.
2.5 out of 5

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2.5 out of 5

Comfort

Interior comfort is adequate, although rear seat passengers might be forgiven for expecting a little more room, and air conditioning and electric windows are standard. However, the engines are loud, and the Cherokee's relatively bluff profile contributes to wind noise at speed.

3.5 out of 5

Practicality

The Cherokee has far more luggage space than its predecessor, partly as a result of the spare wheel being moved outside to hang on the tailgate, and the rear seat splits as well as folds. The rear window can be opened independently of the tailgate which is useful in tight multi-storey car parks, plus the glove compartment is a decent size and cup holders are standard.

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How does the boot space compare?

Jeep Cherokee (01-07)
821 litres
473 litres
150 litres
115 litres
2.5 out of 5

Behind the wheel

The Cherokee's interior is not lacking in an element of rugged charm, but it appears a generation or two behind its rivals. The steering wheel adjusts only for height and while the hard-plastics seem in-keeping with the Jeep's no-nonsense image, the market was already evolving by the time this Cherokee arrived in 2001.