The Complete History of the Jeep Cherokee XJ (1984–2001)

The Birth of the XJ (1984)

When the Cherokee XJ hit the market in 1984, it was a revolution. Before then, SUVs were mostly big, body-on-frame trucks with bulky dimensions and rough ride quality. The XJ broke the mold with its unibody construction — instead of a separate body and frame, the XJ used a single integrated structure. This made it lighter, stiffer, and more car-like on the road while still being incredibly strong off-road.

Jeep designed the XJ to replace the full-size SJ Cherokee, but they didn’t just shrink it down. They built something entirely new. The XJ was narrower, shorter, and about 1,200 pounds lighter than the SJ, yet it still offered solid axle suspension front and rear — a hallmark of Jeep toughness.

Styling and Size

The XJ’s boxy, squared-off styling came from AMC’s in-house design team with input from Renault (which had a stake in AMC at the time). The sharp lines, flat panels, and upright profile gave it a rugged look that’s now iconic. The design wasn’t just for looks — the squared roofline allowed more headroom, and the flat sides made it easy to maneuver on tight trails.

It was offered as both a two-door and four-door, with the four-door quickly becoming the more popular choice for families and daily drivers.

Engines and Drivetrains

Over its long production run, the Cherokee XJ saw a variety of engine options:

• 2.5L AMC 4-cylinder – Reliable but underpowered.
• 2.8L GM V6 (early models) – Notorious for being weak and troublesome.
• 4.0L AMC inline-six (introduced in 1987) – The crown jewel. Known for its torque, durability, and ability to run forever, the 4.0L became the heart of the Cherokee and is one of Jeep’s most legendary engines.
• Diesel options – VM Motori and Renault diesels were offered in some markets outside North America.

Transmission choices included a mix of manual and automatic gearboxes, with the Aisin AW4 4-speed automatic standing out as one of the most bulletproof options.

For 4WD, Jeep offered several systems:

• Command-Trac (part-time) for pure off-road strength.
• Selec-Trac (full-time + part-time) for added flexibility.

Both systems worked with Jeep’s rugged axles (commonly Dana 30 front and Dana 35 or Chrysler 8.25 rear depending on year and trim).

Trim Levels and Variants

The Cherokee XJ came in a wide range of trims over the years, catering to everyone from budget buyers to luxury SUV shoppers:

• Base / Pioneer – Simple, no-frills models.
• Chief, Laredo, Limited – Mid- to high-level trims with more comfort and style.
• Briarwood / Country – Woodgrain accents and upscale interiors in the early ’90s.
• Sport – Clean, rugged trim popular with off-roaders.
• Classic – Special run-out editions in the late ’90s.

Early models like the Wagoneer Limited positioned Jeep as an early luxury-SUV maker, offering leather, woodgrain, and digital gauges in some configurations.

The XJ Goes Off-Road

From the start, the Cherokee XJ earned a reputation for punching above its weight off-road. Its relatively short wheelbase, solid axles, and light weight made it incredibly capable on the trail. The 4.0L engine added plenty of torque, and the unibody design held up to serious abuse.

It wasn’t long before the aftermarket exploded with support — lift kits, armor, bumpers, lockers, and everything else you could want to transform an XJ into a rock crawler, mud truck, or overland rig. Even today, it remains one of the most affordable and capable platforms for off-road builds.

Updates Through the Years

Global Success

The XJ wasn’t just popular in the U.S. — it was built and sold worldwide. Production continued in China and other markets well after U.S. production ended. In many countries, the Cherokee XJ was the first "compact" SUV people had ever seen, and it became a staple for government, police, and military fleets.

The End of the Line (2001 in North America)

By the early 2000s, the Cherokee XJ was showing its age. Competition from newer, more refined SUVs (and Jeep’s own Grand Cherokee) made it harder for the boxy XJ to compete in the showroom. Jeep replaced it with the Liberty (KJ) in 2002, a move that disappointed many die-hard Jeep fans.

Still, the Cherokee XJ’s influence never faded. Its unibody construction set the stage for nearly every modern SUV, and its simple, rugged design has stood the test of time.

The Legacy

Even 20+ years after the last one rolled off the line, the Cherokee XJ has a cult following. Enthusiasts love it for its:

• Legendary 4.0L inline-six
• Lightweight yet tough unibody + solid axle combo
• Endless aftermarket support
• Timeless, boxy styling

For off-roaders, overlanders, and daily drivers alike, the XJ remains one of the best bang-for-your-buck Jeeps ever built. Whether stock or built to the hilt, the Cherokee XJ is proof that Jeep got it right the first time.

Final Thoughts

The 1984–2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ wasn’t just a vehicle — it was a movement. It bridged the gap between rugged off-road rigs and the everyday SUV, setting a template the whole auto industry would follow. While Jeep has moved on with newer models, the XJ still rules the trails, junkyards, and garages of enthusiasts worldwide.

For many, it’s more than just a Jeep — it’s the ultimate Jeep.