The Jeep Cherokees of the 1980s and 1990s were true pioneers. They set the stage for the runaway success of sport-utility models (and now, crossovers) in the decades that followed. The Cherokee boasted advanced design for its time, including a compact, lightweight unibody that delivered ruggedness and off-road capability.
The Pick of the Day is a low-mileage 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in North Royalton, Ohio. (Click the link to view the listing)
“This low-mileage, well-optioned, unmolested XJ looks good and drives great,” the listing begins. “No rattles, clunks or vibrations. Straight body and excellent panel gaps.”
The Jeep “XJ” platform had a lengthy lifespan – first launching over 40 years ago in 1984 when Jeep was part of American Motors. Later, Chrysler Corporation took the production reins in 1987, and then in 1998, the Cherokee was manufactured by DaimlerChrysler until 2001. The vehicle could come in two-door or four-door variants and with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. When new, the XJ was marketed as a Sportwagon – the term “sport utility vehicle” hadn’t yet made its way into mainstream vocabulary quite yet.
Finished in red with a charcoal patterned interior, this XJ benefits from some of the subtle cosmetic enhancements that Daimler Chrysler applied toward the end of its model run. It features color-keyed trim for the bumpers, grille, and headlight bezels, five-spoke wheels, roof racks and tinted windows. On the interior, the set of WeatherTech all-weather floor mats are a nice upgrade since the vehicle is likely to see some adverse terrain and conditions. Despite its rugged intentions, the vehicle boasts some conveniences like power windows, remote keyless entry, a power moonroof and satellite radio.
Power comes from a 4.0-liter inline-six mated to a four-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Jeep rated the powertrain at 190 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque when new – respectable numbers for the era. The odometer shows just 91,227 miles, and the seller says the engine was rebuilt when the vehicle had 61,000.
Thanks to its nearly-two-decade lifespan and widespread popularity when new, it is no wonder the XJ still has a strong enthusiast following today. One of many groups dedicated to the restoration, preservation, and modification of Cherokees is a Facebook group called Club XJ (it has 84,000 members and counting).
If you’re thinking of joining the family, your opportunity is painted bright red and it just pulled up outside your front door – or at least, on your computer screen.
The asking price is $14,500 or best offer.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, wheel on over to Pick of the Day.
