Jeep Cherokee (XJ)

Jeep Cherokee (XJ)
1984– 1996 Jeep Cherokee 2-door
Overview
Manufacturer	Jeep (American Motors Corporation, later Chrysler)
Also called	Jeep Wagoneer (1984-1990) Beijing-Jeep BJ 2021 (4WD) Beijing-Jeep BJ 7250 (2WD)
Production	1984–2001 (USA) 1984–2009 (China) 1987–2001 (Venezuela) 1996–2000 (Argentina) 1992–2001 (Egypt) 1992-2000 (Southeast Asia)
Assembly	United States: Toledo, Ohio (Toledo Complex) China: Beijing (Beijing Benz) Venezuela: Valencia Argentina: Ferreyra, Córdoba Egypt: Cairo (Arab American Vehicles)
Body and chassis
Class	Compact SUV
Body style	2-door SUV 4-door SUV
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive
Related	Jeep Comanche Jeep 2500 BAW Qishi
Powertrain
Engine	2.1 L (126 cu in) Renault J8S I4 (turbocharged diesel) 2.5 L (150 cu in) AMC I4 (gasoline) 2.5 L (153 cu in) VM Motori 425 OHV I4 (turbocharged diesel) 2.8 L (173 cu in) GM LR2 V6 (gasoline) 4.0 L (242 cu in) AMC I6 (gasoline) 4.0 L (242 cu in) AMC H.O. I6 (gasoline) 4.0 L (242 cu in) PowerTech I6 (gasoline)
Transmission	4-speed Aisin AX-4 manual 5-speed Aisin AX-5 manual 5-speed Peugeot BA-10/5 manual 5-speed Aisin AX-15 manual 5-speed NVG NV3550 manual 3-speed Chrysler A904 automatic 3-speed 30RH automatic 4-speed Aisin AW-4 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	101.4 in (2,576 mm)
Length	1987-1990: 165.3 in (4,199 mm) 1991-93: 168.8 in (4,288 mm) 1994-96: 166.9 in (4,239 mm) 1997-2001: 167.5 in (4,254 mm)
Width	1987-1993: 70.5 in (1,791 mm) 1994-96: 67.7 in (1,720 mm) 1997-99: 67.9 in (1,725 mm) 2000-01: 69.4 in (1,763 mm)
Height	1987-88 2WD: 63.4 in (1,610 mm) 1987–1993: 63.3 in (1,608 mm) 1994–99 2WD: 63.9 in (1,623 mm) 1994-2001 4WD: 64.0 in (1,626 mm) 2000–01 2WD: 63.8 in (1,621 mm)
Curb weight	3,357 lb (1,523 kg) (approx.)
Chronology
Predecessor	Jeep Cherokee (SJ)
Successor	Jeep Liberty (KJ)

The Jeep Cherokee (XJ) is a compact SUV that was manufactured and marketed by Jeep from 1984 to 2001. Sharing the name of the original full-size SJ model, but without a traditional body-on-frame chassis, the XJ instead featured a light-weight unibody design, precursor to the modern sport utility vehicle (SUV).

The XJ spawned competitors as other automakers began to notice that this Jeep design began replacing regular cars. It also began to supplant the role of the station wagon and "transformed from truck to limousine in the eyes of countless suburban owners." The XJ is a "significant link in the evolution of the 4x4."

Built in Toledo, Ohio, USA; Beijing, China; Ferreyra, Argentina; Cairo, Egypt; and in Valencia, Venezuela, the XJ provided the mechanical basis for the MJ-series Jeep Comanche pickup truck.

Automotive journalist Robert Cumberford, writing for Automobile, called the Jeep XJ one of the 20 greatest cars of all time — for its design, and "possibly the best SUV shape of all time, it is the paradigmatic model to which other designers have since aspired". The XJ was also selected in 2011 as one of "10 cars that refuse to die" by Kiplinger.

Designs of the compact-size XJ Cherokee date back to 1978 when a team of American Motors (AMC) and Renault engineers drew several sketches. Clay models were based on the then current full-size SJ Cherokee. Early sketches of the XJ Cherokee had a European influence, and most of the styling cues were done by AMC engineers under the direction of Richard A. Teague, vice president of design.