1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ Buyer's Guide (Common Problems, Engines, Specs)

The history of the XJ starts in around 1980 with market research being performed by AMC. Their research led them to believe that the future lay in compact SUVs or Sportwagons. With this information, AMC funded the development of the XJ by infusing $250 million into the design and production of the then-new XJ Cherokee and Wagoneer sports wagons.

Preliminary design sketches of the XJ date back to 1978. A team of AMC and Renault engineers drew sketches and made clay models that were based on the then-current SJ Cherokee. Development commenced with the introduction of the then all-new XJ series in 1984. Immediately after being introduced, it won “4X4 of the Year" awards by three primary off-road magazines. Built with an unconventional for the time unibody frame, the XJ was 21 inches shorter, 6-inches narrower, 4 inches lower, and 1,000 pounds lighter than the full-size Wagoneer SJ. The XJ has a European feel due to the collaboration AMC engineers had with Renault - a French carmaker, in the development of the SUV.

The Jeep Cherokee was the definition of functional design. The look was of the XJ was very utilitarian and purposeful, but it all served a function and was made this way intentionally. With huge planes of glass Driver’s had a clear view of what was in front of them and the forward, side, and rear visibility was superb. The familiar grille, squared-off wheel arches, and bulldog stance were very nice touches. You weren’t going to mistake this SUV for anything other than a Jeep.

The XJ was offered in two-door and four-door versions throughout its lifetime, with both having the same track and wheelbase measurements. Differences for the Two-door models included longer doors and seats in the front that you could fold forward to aid rear passenger entry and exit. Additionally, the 2dr had longer rear windows that did not open, with some 2dr models featuring an optional rear vent window.

The look was updated for the 1997 model year to enhance the strengths of the XJ. The front grille, front fascia, and bumpers were newly updated and revised. Bodyside moldings were made to have a more fluid look while the wheel arches flares now flowed into the front and rear bumpers. A new stamped-steel liftgate had hidden hinges, a new outside handle, and an inside pull strap. The taillights were new with a more rounded look. Front doors had a single plane of glass and enlarged mirrors. Alloy wheels were also revised.

Interior:
Even though it was much smaller than the previous SJ generation, the interior still boasted 90% of the space found in the SJ. The interior was well designed and was competitive when compared to its rivals. The overall look of the 86-96 dash was decent with a large, but easy use center dash area. The climate and radio controls were within easy reach. All of the gauges and buttons were well marked and easy to operate. The seats were comfortable, but larger or taller passengers may find them a little tight. Some of my favorite features include the 3-spoke steering wheel and the comprehensive set of gauges that were available with some models. Starting with the 1997 model, the interior received a facelift. Included now was a passenger and driver’s airbag. Sound insulation was increased to reduce the noise level. A new central dashboard panel housed climate controls and the radio. New lighted power mirrors and power-window switches were installed. A new overhead console contained a storage compartment. Also new were a 5-function trip computer and a revised center console with cupholders.

Engines:
Early Cherokees could be optioned with the 85-hp Renault 2.1-liter turbo-diesel four in 86-87 Model years. Though it didn’t make much power, it was fuel miser’s choice as it had the best MPG.

The base engine was AMC’s new 2.5L OHV four that was based on the existing AMC six architecture but heavily revised. The subsequent 4.0-liter Jeep six was a modified version 2.5 four with two more cylinders added. It started life with 105 hp and a carb; later developments had fuel-injection and various improvements, all the way to 130 hp.

The optional early engine was the Chevy 60-degree 2.8 V6, rated at 115 hp. This was a suitable engine for the Cherokee’s since its engine compartment was designed for compact, short engines only, and not the big inline-six. The Chevy V6 ran smoother than the somewhat rough 2.5 four. But the early 2.8s were inconsistently built and quality suffered.

Fitting the 4.0L straight-six required modifying the XJ to accommodate it. This included modifying the whole front radiator support structure and notching out space for the engine. It was essentially a heavily-reworked AMC 258 six, now with 4.0 liters (244 CID).

Frame:
The XJ uses a uniframe design that went against the grain. Most of the XJs competitors were based on a body-on-frame design. The XJ was able to use a uniframe deisgn to lower its weight, but it still proved a formidable machine off-road.

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[ProjectXJ]

Its one of the best vehicles of all time! it was a sad day when the XJ went out of production. You can't argue with almost 3 million sold.

[keithlucas]

Paid $600 for my 98 XJ 4-door with 215 thousand miles and a bad fuel the tank and had it back and running in an hour.
Best vehicle ever.

[johnbarker]

I have a 89 Cherokee 4x4 I got from a lady in Arkansas for free. It set for 9 years in the dirt. She told me if I could get in running I could have it. I put a battery in it and new plugs and points and replaced a short peace of gas line. And it fired up with no problems. I dug it up out of the dirt cause the front wheels was buried half way up the rims. And back wheels was flat. Put some air in the tires and drove it 327mile home. And didn't have any problems with it. I've had it for about 2 1/2 years and still have no problems. Just had to replace the tires and the harmonic balancer. But it runs like a champ. Love this car.

[Aztom]

Bought my 96 XJ new and have driven it on many off road trips in Death Valley, Moab, Canyon Lands and all over mostly the West. Has 223, 000 driven miles and another 150, 000+ towed by my RV. Original engine and drive train. Love this car!

[MrSnowford]

Great review and spot on. My 99 is the best vehicle I've ever owned, with proper care they last FOREVER and destroy expensive modern SUV's in bad weather/off road.

[xxheartbrokexx]

Just bought a 2000 4x4 that was preventatively maintained by a pilot since it was bought it looks showroom new with 1, 100 miles on it has never had an issue and is pretty amazing.

[harrisonmorse]

I’ve owned 2, amazing vehicles. My ‘96 has 208k with no rust!! Not only are they great offroad, but super fun zippy cars to drive around town in.

[papablista]

I bought a completely rust free Black Limited all options 2000 XJ for $1000, the guy I bought it from had just replaced the cracked head with a $600 TUPI head, but he never checked anything else , He couldn't get it to run smooth, so I brought it home took out the engine it had a worn cam lobe so new cam & lifters and cam bearings, since I had it out I put in a timing chain and gears, rear main seal, oil pump etc. the lower end looked nearly new cleaned up and painted running like new a few thousand miles later now. Can't beat an XJ, Well you can but they just keep going. 😁

[bobquattrini]

My 99 Xj has almost 400, 000 Miles and it's still just like new.... Best vehicle ever built

[haydenlogston]

I have had 4 XJs, all had the bullet proof 4.0. Currently own a 2001 4x4 with 136, 000 on it and 2 Comanches. My buddy ran up 450, 000 on his 1993. It finally kicked the bucket and wouldn’t pass smog here in Cali. These cars are golden.

[Craig-inun]

I can confirm the seat bracket issue in the 97-01 XJ's. He clearly did his research because you can replace the seats with ZJ seats, which is definitely the way to go. They are much more comfortable, I got mine at a junk yard for $40. I don't remember the exact years of ZJ's that you can pull the seats from for a direct swap, but a simple google search of XJ forums will give you all the info you need.

[Deadbuck]

Had an 86... her name was Julie... I miss her... I now have a 99... unnamed as of now... I hope to never miss it...

[danieljohnson]

Paid 300$ for my first xj when I was 15. Needed a water pump, then ran great for the next year. Had to sell it because couldn't afford gas as a teenager. In 2012, I bought my 1997 and have had it ever since. It had always been my dream car, now it is my daily and truly part of the family

[Evan-L]

My first XJ was an 87 4.0 auto that was just a beat up toy but I recently bought a 98 4.0 auto that’s my new daily in great shape and I couldn’t be happier with it

[GetFitNick]

Just got an 1989 XJ Wagoneer limited. Beige with wood paneling. A real throwback. Love it so far!

[wyattandwill]

I was glad to see that you like it. While there are definitely some issues, a lot of them are relatively cheap to fix for people doing their own work and looking at the bad sometimes can make us forget the good to be able to weigh the balance.

[Dennis-qije]

I have a 1996 just turned over 300, 000. It's still my daily driver

[kayakfishingcountry]

I've owned 4 XJs, and currently have a few Grands (98 ZJ & 04 WJ) - all with 4.0L engines. So far, I've corrected the "overheating" issue by adding a high flow waterpump (FlowKooler Waterpumps). Everything operates at normal temps even while sitting in traffic for an hour plus.

[CommieGIR]

Yes, it was the best of the modern Jeeps. No thrills, simple, reliable.