Item: Used Jeep Cherokee 4x4 2001 - 2008
Author: Steve Huntingford

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Jeep only makes SUVs, but it has plenty of them for you to choose from. So, whether you want something rugged enough to ford streams and climb mountains, or a more luxurious and family-friendly car, it has something to suit you.

Despite its all-American image, Jeep is actually owned by Fiat, meaning Jeeps often share parts with cars from the Italian giant; the entry-level Renegade, for example, has plenty in common with Fiat’s 500X.

However, perhaps the most widely recognised Jeep is the Wrangler, a model that has a dedicated fan base and which closely resembles the original Jeep which saw service in World War 2.

The brand’s future plans include new small and large SUVs, plus the introduction of fully electric models.

JEEP

CHEROKEE

It's a great off-road workhorse, but it's also unrefined and uneconomical

Used Jeep Cherokee 4x4 2001 - 2008

Servicing at main dealers won't be cheap - a Nissan X-Trail, Land Rover Freelander and Honda CR-V are all likely to cost less. However, data from Warranty Direct suggests you could cut the labour bill by more than half by going to a reputable independent instead.

If the Cherokee does go wrong, it isn't cheap to fix, either, and it's likely to be off the road for a few days.

Fuel costs will eat into your wallet, too. The 3.7 V6 returns an official average of just below 22mpg and will give significantly less in town or if you work it hard. The 2.4 petrol should nudge that up to 27mpg, but the diesels are slightly better - 28-29mpg for the 2.8 CRD and 31-32mpg for the 2.5 CRD.

Insurance will also take its toll - it's group 15 for all but the V6, which is 16.

It's a great off-road workhorse, but it's also unrefined and uneconomical

While the 3.7 is better than the 4.0 six-cylinder engine of the previous Cherokee, it's no ball of fire. You have to work it hard to make reasonable progress, so it often sounds strained. It's also very thirsty. The four-cylinder 2.4 guzzles slightly less, but it isn't the most refined or the strongest performer.

So, one of the diesels is the default option, and the 2.5 and 2.8 engines both churn out a hefty amount of pull, which is ideal for towing, off-roading and easy-going everyday response. They are far easier on fuel than the petrols, but they still get noisy when revved.

All Cherokees are well equipped even in Sport spec, the entry-level trim, with twin front airbags, anti-lock brakes, air-con and electric windows. Limited trim brings alloy wheels, sat-nav, cruise control and body-coloured bumpers.

Jeep dealers tend to keep hold of the best used ones, but 4x4 specialists turn up some choice examples, too.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of space for all passengers</li> <li>Large boot with lots of clever storage solutions</li> <li>Good fuel economy and running costs</li> <li>All-round comfort</li> <li>High-quality interior finish</li></ul>

We define a large SUV as anything longer than 4.5 metres. These cars aren’t usually particularly cheap to buy or lease, so in return we expect a roomy cabin, a lengthy list of standard equipment and excellent cruising refinement. A few models in this class are two-wheel drive, but the vast majority have four-wheel drive for at least a modicum of off-road ability.

The Mazda CX-5 is firmly road-focused, but its 2.0-litre petrol engine is a strong, refined performer, making it looks good value for less than&nbsp;£25k. If you can stretch the budget a fair bit, the Audi Q5 provides a combination of comfort, driving prowess, quality and space that's hard to beat. Unlike some rivals, it can't be had with seven seats, though.

A more affordable, yet well-equipped alternative is the Peugeot 5008. It’s more than capable of coping with family life&nbsp;– and all versions have seven seats as standard.&nbsp;

Large SUV

Owners have criticised mechanical reliability, but generally the Cherokee is a robust piece of kit.

The suspension and axles are the weakest area, and that can hit your wallet hard. If you come across an automatic gearbox on a diesel model that jumps out of gear, walk away unless you want to risk a big repair bill. There're plenty of others that work just fine.

The cabin trim on a small number of Cherokees can be a bit rattly when it's very young, but Jeep dealers are pretty hot at sorting this out under the three-year, 60,000-mile warranty.

There was also a suspension-related recall in June 2004 - on some vehicles, water could enter the front suspension ball joints, posibly causing them to corrode and separate. There have been a few precautionary brake-related recalls, too, so ensure any Cherokee that catches your eye is up to date on its recalls.

This Cherokee is far better than the one it replaced. However, it still carries on the tradition of go-anywhere Jeep motoring, both good and bad.

First, the good news. It is a superbly capable tow car and workhorse, and it will keep going long after most rivals get stuck off-road. There's plenty of space for four inside its well-equipped cabin, and fitting five isn't too much of a push.

It's practical, as well. The driving position and large front seats are still comfortable after several hours behind the wheel, and there's a clear view all round, so it's easy to park. The boot's a useful size, too, the rear bench folds easily and the split tailgate has an independently opening glass upper half.

The bad? The Cherokee feels coarse and crude on the road, with a jiggly and unsettled ride, It's also noisy at speed and less agile than many competitors. Of the four available engines, none is really a first choice.

Used Jeep Cherokee 4x4 2001 - 2008 review

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