Here’s how the Jeep Cherokee XJ was an off-road unibody marvel 

The XJ Cherokee are one of those vehicles that will run badly longer than many other cars will run at all. It's hard to argue with the basic mechanical simplicity of the design, and it's success in sticking around forever.

How could you not feature The Goonies intro scene where the bad gang’s XJ beats those old full sizes along the beach?

The XJ is such a legendary vehicle that I will always love! My family bought one new in 1997 and has been daily driven almost every day for 25 years and has 264k on it now. Nobody ever really babied it, I even drive it hard, just went 105mph in it on the interstate no problem. Original engine, transmission and nearly every suspension component is still original. Only left us stranded twice, a crank position sensor at 37k miles and a distributor at 248k miles. There will never be a Jeep like an XJ with the 4.0 I’d love to see any of their current models do what the XJ has done for us! I turned down ridiculous cash offers, I will never let my XJ go!

The Cherokee name has an interesting history in my home country, Russia. The collapse of the USSR saw a major rise in the organized crime, which had been almost unheard of before. Many Mafia members used a 90s era Grand Cherokee, which was colloquially known as “the Wide Jeep”. The thing is, that, in the Russian language, the word “Jeep” used to (and sometimes still does) stand for any SUV, regardless of the make. Also, the word “Cherokee” sounds somewhat similar to the Russian word for “wide”, which is «широкий» (shee-roh-key). So, many Mafia members, unfamiliar with the English language, “Russified” the name to the point in which it may sound familiar. Also, the car was bigger and more intimidating-looking than most of the traffic of the time, so the word “wide” had a lot more to do with the car’s looks than with its actual size. Not to say that almost all of the Grand Cherokees were black Even almost 30 years later, the new Grand Cherokees are commonly referred to as “the Wide Jeeps” or simply “the Wides”, even though their connection to Russian Mafia and the 1990s is all but lost

I've had three. Currently daily driving a 2001 Limited with 255,000 miles on the odometer. My sister delivers mail in a 1996 Japan spec factory right hand drive. Its a Jeep thing.

The XJ was the best vehicle that Chrysler was involved in, in my opinion. Simple, tough as nails, easy to work on. The 4.0 I6 is basically bullet proof. It's a shame the Cherokee is now a car with Jeep badges. (Same with the new Bronco Sport, Blazer)

I had a 97 XJ 2wd 5M for 7 years. When I sold it, it had 359k miles and ran like a sewing machine. I still miss it sometimes. Kind of looking for a low mileage 2 door manual transmission to add to the garage again. Buy with confidence, random RU-vid folks!

My grandmother had a few Cherokees but my buddy in high school had a Jeep Comanche love to see an episode on that brings back memories

The XJ took this part of the southern California desert by storm. At the time, I was working as a mechanic at the Ford dealer in my home town. We were a small dealership compared to Lancaster Ford about 30 miles soith of us. In 1985, Lancaster Ford had grown large enough to build a bigger dealership on the west side of Lancaster and renamed itself Antelope Valley Ford. The old Lancaster Ford building was bought be a former employee of AV Ford and opened as Lancaster AMC Jeep Renault. I don't think anyone anticipated the success of a Jeep dealership in this part of the desert. Sales of the XJ alone likely paid for the dealership. The service department was busy enough that they leased bays from a used car dealer up the street. I remember they were recruiting mechanics from all over the valley to help keep up with the work. Lancaster Jeep moved into the auto mall a few years later. I don't know if they maintained their initial success. But they saturated the desert with XJs in the mid 1980s

The funny thing is, I see more 1st Gen Cherokees on the road than Liberty's.

I had two 2 doors, loved them both. Too bad so many were needlessly lost to the ridiculous "cash for clunkers" boondoggle.

I own a 95 xj in New Zealand and she’s no show car but the best thing about owning it is it being half the price, faster and being better offroad than the Japanese stuff my friends own with just a 2” lift and a set of 31” M/Ts! Even being as reliable as them, at least for now…

I was fortunate enough to have driven the high output 4.0 six cylinder police version of the Cherokee a few times. Crazy amount of torque. So much fun to drive. You just wanted to beat on it.

I had two XJ’s, a 89 and a 95; one of the best vehicles I’ve ever owned. I currently have an older Xterra, probably the closest thing when it comes to ruggedness & simplicity 👍🏼

You couldn't go 30 seconds without seeing one of these back in my high school years. Always liked these...but preferred the slightly more posh 'Country' model.

Great episode! The XJ was the first significant American import into Ireland when I was growing up as it was probably the first available as a RHD. I think this was made possible by its conversion to RHD for the US postal service. They were fitted with an Italian built VM 2.5 turbo diesel, as used in the European Ford granada and range rover TD. They were marketed as the cherokee sport here, and most were 2 seat commercials with no rear window to avoid our punitive engine capacity related taxes. They sold in huge numbers to developers are the building boom of the mid 90s took hold. Keep the videos coming!

Cool, my Dad had a 1987 Jeep Cherokee Pioneer, 4wd, 5 spd mamual, Great memories 😀4.0 striaight 6

Oh I saw my old comment at 1:06. It’s really interesting to me how legendary the XJ has become. I recall wishing I had a civic coupe that was better on gas when driving it around in high school. The XJ was actually a great first car. Unstoppable in snow, rugged, durable - though it did have its gremlins. Great for all the times I moved. It’s still in my family after 16 years.

I CANNOT read the title "Its hip to be square" without singing it like Huey Lewis did. Lol

I didn't realize the XJ Cherokee ever had any other engine besides the 4.0L I-6. I've known several people who have owned these, and in every case the vehicle fell apart as it aged except the engine. Maybe if Stellantis shared some of the profits with the Cherokee Nation they wouldn't mind the name being used; or just give the chief a free Wagoneer 😁

In Europe, the XJ had two different diesel engines. First, the 2.1 litre 4 cilinder 88hp turbo diesel from Renault, during their commercial association. And later, after the AMC group died, it had an italian VM 2.5 litre 4 cilinder 115hp turbo diesel engine. This engine was obviously a lot more powerful but had a weakness. It had 4 independent cilinder heads along with 4 independent head gaskets. Wich were prone to fail.

This screams of mid 1980's to me. Ahhhh, in today's lunacy it's always nice to go down memory lane on MY OLD CAR.

The XJ is a true American Legend. I remember being 17 hearing storys of Jeeps reailibilty I decided to look for one. I seen a beautiful White and black 1995 XJ for sale at the Napa Auto parts store. Had like 200k miles but you'd never know. One test drive and I had to have it. You could feel the quality that was put into it. The owner took amazing care of it. The owner worked for Napa and wanted $3000 for it. I remember only having 1100 at the time and he I explained my situation I was in school and worked and asked him if hed do payments. Tax season was coming up and I knew I'd have the money then but didn't think the jeep would last. Guy was awesome and must have seen something in me. We agreed on $2700. I picked up so much overtime at McDonald's and worked my tail off for it at $5.15 an hr. Definitely my favorite "car" I've ever owned. Many good times in that Jeep. I miss it dearly.

I have a 97 with the 4.0 still going strong at 230,000 miles I love my Cherokee and will always own one for the rest of my life.

I had very used Comanche in the early 2000s. My wife likes to say I had the first hybrid because I had to put it on a trickle charger every night to get it to start in the morning. The steering linkage was so worn I could turn the steering wheel nearly 90° before it affected the direction of travel. It was fun and easy to work on. The gas gauge was unpredictable, ran out of gas, hit the green light just right to drift into a parking lot a cross the street to add a couple gallons of gas. Gas can in the back and ready for use. I know these were better than my hooptie was but oh the memories.

I owned a '92 Cherokee with a HO 4.0 inline 6 that the dealership installed when the original motor threw a rod. That new engine was beautiful and I wouldn't be surprised if it's still out there somewhere running strong.

I really wanted one of those when I was a teenager (mid 90's). Still like the XJ design today.

I had a ‘91 with the HO and a 5 speed that had 330,000 miles when I traded it for a commuter car. Thing could blow the doors off of a 10 year newer Ranger with 150,000 fewer miles and go anywhere I wanted it to.

Buddy had one in highschool and It was awesome. Simple but good looking all at once with tons of functionality.

My grandfather bought one brand new in 89, I remember the day he picked it up. Was handed down to me with 230k in 99, i sold it with 318k on it and it saved the kids life in a damn near head on with a semi in Arkansas. Love the original box Cherokee , started working for jeep dodge Chrysler in 02’ been out of it professionally sinc 09 … i hate what the cherokee has become now

I still drive an 88 wagoneer limited. It still starts and runs 30+ years later though the gas milage is more like 7/13 mpg. But for a 4 wheeler with a highway tag, you cant beat it off road But drives like a brick on the raod

I know this is a break your rule but I'll love to see a video on the 2 door blazer/Tahoe/Yukon !!

Great episode. Love my 2001 Cherokee XJ. Still running strong with almost 255k miles.....

Always loved that model ❤️

My Dad had a 1993 XJ 2-Door in Red. ....and right-hand drive. He was a USPS rural mail carrier so the RHD configuration worked out great. He's been retired for years but his old XJ is still being used as a backup vehicle to other RHD XJ's in everyday mail delivery. :-)

I can remember back in either the late 1980's and or early 1990's my uncle Angelo and aunt Angela driving one of these here in Hamilton Ontario Canada and me being young and just over 5'9" tall I thought that being in the back seat was kind of crampy, it needed more leg and head room. LoL

I currently onw 4 XJ's, one with 400,000 miles on it. I've been a fan since I worked on a brand new XJ in 1984

Another great video, Patrick!

Very cool, didn't know it was unibody!

I had an 84 jeep Cherokee, four-cylinder underpowered problems with the crack manifold, always in the shop.. The car otherwise was comfortable and relentless in bad weather, tough exterior built like a mini tank..At the same time I had a 1980 grand Wagoneer fantastic car.. Always love the jeep Cherokee design it just needed reliability & power..Traded it in for 1993 Toyota Tacoma(know as a only pickup in 93)

I personally think that if the 2dr cherokee XJ was still in production, with simple modern tech upgrades, it would of sold well.

Your videos are so well done, don't worry about altering your "rules".

My dad bought one in 86. As I got older I really appreciated it

My 1st new vehicle, 96 Classic. I only had it for about a year, it was nothing but trouble from the start. The dealer almost bought it back from me due to so many mechanical problems. Loved the V-10 dually I traded it for

I use to make part for this vehicle. It was a quality product! Thanks for the great work Sir

The XJ is truly legendary. One of the few vehicles that is incredibly off road capable in its stock configuration. Paired with the I6 and they're practically bulletproof. The body will rot away before anything else goes. It's a real workhorse and it's relatively comfortable. I had a 95 grand Cherokee larado with the I6. I regret getting rid of it to this day.

My folks bought a new 1988 Jeep Cherokee with the 4.0 in-line six cylinder. What a sweet motor.

I had a 1987 Jeep Comanche Its a MJ . Good video . Thank You

I bought a new '85 Cherokee Chief 4-door Command Trac 4WD, light blue metallic with the black decal striping/lettering. LOVED that truck....it will always be my favorite vehicle of all time. At the time we ordered it (and waited for it), our saleman steered us away from the Chevy 2.8 Litre in favor of the 2.5 AMC 4 banger, thank God. Even with the 5-Speed stick the four was leisurely with not much punch (but geared tall and a quiet highway cruiser)...and100% bomb-proof...the Chevy-sourced engine was famous for oil leaks according to our salesman...he was right: everyone we knew who owned the Chevy six had that problem and much more. GIven that American Motors was on the financial ropes at the time, I was blown away at the build quality and lack of defects. It never developed squeaks or rattles, and we stuffed 235 tires on the rims. It looked awesome. We ordered it loaded, with one exception: no power windows...got power door locks but not windows to minimize issues later. Put over 200K miles on it and never had a problem with the drive line. I miss it to this day and regret selling it.

I once owned a 2000 XJ. One of the best cars I've ever owned. I put 260K on it.

One of, if not the greatest wagon style SUV's ever made. Maybe make a video on the Jeep CJ? Especially focusing on the 1976 - 1986 ere, the golden standard for off road SUV's!!

Camping out of my 1994 two door 4.0L right now in Tahoe. Bought mine as a gold prospecting rig and it's well used and loved.

The cherokee chief xj and Wagoneer xj legend of suv, Thanks for the documental ☝️, Grand Wagoneer SJ 1963-1991 history please next episode 🙏

Love love love this episode! My dad has a 1989 Cherokee Laredo that i used to get picked up from school in all the time as a kid. I always said i wanted it one day. Unfortunately that did not happen, but it made me source my own all original 1989 Cherokee Limited which is the favorite in my fleet. The XJ platform is very near and dear to me, and i love anything AMC but that's another story. Once again I love the episode. Long overdue.

I miss my 84 Pontiac fiero 2m4. Mid-engine, RWD, light plastic everywhere. It would make a good episode

Another great episode. I look forward to your new releases every Saturday. Keep up the good work.

Good info and thanks for sharing. Truly miss my old 1989 2 dr Cherokee. Highlight of owner ship, was taking it to an all Jeep, Jeep Jamboree weekend. Amazing off-road capability, despite having no modifications whatsoever. Was a jeep mechanic, in rural Cleveland from 96-late 2000. Really loved the later iteration of the XJ. Wish I could get one now, but the ole' Volvo 740 still going strong. JT: Orlando, FLA

Love my 2000 XJ . Them 4.0l 's are somethin else 👌👌

Your's is the only channel where I Like the video before watching. Always quality and thoughtful stuff. Thank you.

Another great episode!! Well done!!!

How cool! He shows one of my comments at the opening!

My first and fourth vehicles were XJs and i had so many fond memories in them. Definitely want to have another one again soon.

Love the XJ, please bring it back.

The 1997+ design will looks fresh to me..I loved these little beasts.

XJs are hard to find these days, but I'd love to have one.

Another classic thank you M.O.C

Very well done video! Thanks for sharing.

Thank you for another interesting video. Once again good information and great footage. I do recall all the Cherokees Jeep produced. It is interesting how something from the 1960's evolved to what it is now. Good work!

Thanks for the great Cherokee vid! Good things are worth waiting for. Fun fact- I never owned one! But I always did like them, their iconic 80s design, amc and renault start, long production life, starting the suv craze, and lets face it...since its intro its set the design standard for the jeep brand, not the wrangler/cj... it all makes for a great automotive story. Thanks again!

Great video! And that S10 @ 3:38 is just such a handsome little rig, brings back memories of the s10's various relatives drove 30 years ago

Great video as usual ! These Jeeps XJ were very popular back in the day . These XJ Jeeps were unique compared to the Ford and GM suv's and were unibody compared to the Ford and GM's .

Great pick. Now, for a video in the not so distant future, the Dodge Dakota.

That 4.0 in line 6 was one of the hardest to kill engines. I know it was old but I was sorry to see it go when they replaced it

I just got an 87 Cherokee daily drivable. It’s the chief edition with burgundy plaid interior and burgundy paint outside with the chrome trim 🔥

Hi, love the videos! Been excited for this one

I've had nearly every year cherokee except a few early ones. After working on them for so many years I've picked some model years I've decided to focus on but theres no huge differences. My favorites are the first few chrysler years like 91-92-93 especially 91-92 but I like to mix and match certain options i like from all year cherokees like some renix era interior stuff or limited model stuff. we currently have 4 cherokees, we have a couple we'll never get rid of. They've been going up in value lately and getting harder to find in wrecking yards and. I've been collecting cherokee parts and cherokee stuff for years and buying and fixing them up to nice stock condition or heavily modifying them and everything in between. Cherokees are lots of fun. Now that I can't find as many nice parts in the wrecking yards to replenish my stash I've been purchasing parts vehicles and hanging onto them. Typically I go for cherokees with mechanical or interior issues with nice bodies to fix up we don't really have much rust around here other than rusted floors in some from your normal cherokee issues and you always find a certain amount of rust if you tear one down and strip out the factory seam sealer no matter how nice it is.

Love ❤️ it. Great video

Aren't all SUVs taller station wagons?

my dad has a 94 cherokee in country trim. I looooved that thing. I still try finding one every once in a while. no luck. the memories of how cool it was remains though

I had a 1997 Sport 4-door. Loved that thing. Never got stuck in our New England winters. Got rear ended while parked in a ‘hit-and-run’ and the insurance totaled it.

The old school Cherokee reminded me, please do an episode on the IH Scout and/or Scout II!!

My dad had 2 bought them back to back. First was an ‘84 Chief. Second was the 89 limited Gave me the second one when I was 17 back in 93. Learnt to drive in it. Looking back I really miss the original XJs.

I've owned 3... An 85 2 door pioneer, a 90 4 door pioneer, and currently a 94 2 door 5 speed. They are ruggedly simple. Quite refreshing compared to the modern rolling computers.

The 84 had the beastly Select Trac system that was something

I never liked them for some reason 20 years ago when they were plentiful and now I appreciate them for what they were

Still got mine 195k miles . Love it

Probably the best Jeep product. Had a 92 XJ and loved it..

Im Cherokee and i love to have a jeep Cherokee. I was never bothered by it and my grandfather wasn't either.

I am pretty old now. The first vehicle I remember my parents own was a Jeep Wagoneer, circa 1973. Both of my folks had fond memories of the Jeep, and frustrations. The most recent Wagoneer is now so big and a gas guzzler like my parents. Just like they were back in '73. Not sure how the brand will fair under Stellantis. Thanks for the video! Great work.

Ooooh a chevy celebrity video coming?! That would rock!

I've owned one amd my son has 2. One of which is a wagoneer model. Best vehicle ever built!!

One of the best vehicles ever made!

Back in Highschool my Buddy had one, we put it thru Hell and back and it keep on trucking, we drove thru fields, we over heated it (by accident) countless drag races (4.0 was torquey) but it finalled died when my buddy got hit by a big truck

Awesome vehicles. Legendary engine.

Drove a police edition for a few years in the early/mid 90s. Was snug n slow but in crappy weather it went like hell.

I love my XJ . 1999 sport model that's slowly creeping up on 300,000 miles.

I’d love to see a video on the Mitsubishi Diamante

Oh my gosh yes! The trilogy is here!

This may be hard to believe but this is my list of XJs 1. 1995 Cherokee 4.0 200k 4x4 Purchased at age 17 (2006)paid $1700 Totalled in car accident 2007 2. 1993 Cherokee 4x4 130k purchased in 2007 for $1000 salvage title traded in for 1999 jeep 3.1999 Black Jeep 4.0 140k H.O. 4x4 with 2-3inch lift $4500 sold in 2009 4.1998 101k 4.0 dark red paid $500 previous owner claimed it overheated. Took apart engine got to block cylinder 1 in block cracked. 5. 1994 Jeep red 4x4 Rusty but trusty 4.0 160k My favorite will always be my first jeep. I feel like the 1995/1996 models had some of the best 4x4 systems. I remember using it high-school for sound competitions won many. The 1999 was beautiful also. The 2-3 inch lift and murder tires gave it a beautiful stance. I will always have a spot in my heart for the 4.0 inline six. I've only ever seen 2 stop running. 1 being when it finally blew a rod through the block. Great engines although not economical with these ridiculous gas prices. Back when gas cost 2 something it was $40-$55 to filI also feel jeep could have kept it going another decade before replacing it with the dreaded 3.7 v6 liberty.

Excellent