2001 Jeep Cherokee Review
Just as Land Rover invented the Discovery to bridge the gap between the workhorse Defender and the exaulted Range Rover, Chrysler Jeep slotted the Cherokee to appeal to those seeking true off-road capability in a vehicle more comfortable than the Wrangler, but not aspiring to the on-road luxury image of the Grand Cherokee.
The Cherokee was not a run away success, but certainly suited many buyers, with its added creature comforts, and 4x4 capability. For 2001 Jeep went to great lengths to reinforce the reliability and capability credentials of the Cherokee, with Jeep engineers claiming the new vehicle had endured over 3,200,000 test kilometres, making it one of the most intensively developed vehicles. It was the first new Jeep since the launch of the Grand Cherokee in 1996.
Cherokee Range
The Cherokee was offered in two models the Sport and Limited.
It introduced two new powerplants: a new 2.5-litre common-rail direct-injection turbocharged diesel engine from DaimlerChrysler and an all-new 3.7-litre V6 PowerTech petrol engine.
The secret to Cherokee's dual capabilities - both on and off-road - was a new Jeep-engineered independent front end, solid axle rear, 4-link front, 3-link rear suspension combined with an all-new rack and pinion steering system.
A choice of two proven Jeep four-wheel-drive systems - Command-Trac part-time four-wheel drive and Selec-Trac full-time four-wheel drive - were available. A limited slip Trac-Lok rear differential was also standard.
Externally clearly recognisable styling cues maintained the distinct features of the Jeep brand, with trademark seven-slot grille and round headlamps incorporated into the design of the new Cherokee. The compact 4x4 was quite appealing with wide boxy flared guards all round, and contemporary styling. Cherokee had short front and rear overhangs for good off-road capability, and its upright profile allows efficient space utilisation. For quick and easy access to the cargo area, Cherokee featured a single-action swing gate/flipper glass system. A unique pull-type latch mechanism made the opening of the flipper glass window and swing gate an intuitive, one-motion operation.
For increased interior cargo space, the full-size spare wheel was mounted to the rear tailgate on a special swing gate mechanism.
The Sport was surprisingly roomy, with bucket front seats, sculptured front door trim panels incorporating map pockets. The instrument panel featured a bold round-dialed cluster with large gauges and black-on-beige graphics, plus round windows for the warning lights.
The interior of the Limited Edition had a modern yet machined appearance with satin chrome highlights to areas of the instrument panel and doors. Seats gained more upmarket leather trim. A unique 65/35-split rear seat with one-handed folding operation maximised passenger and cargo flexibility.
Engines
The 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine was available on both the Sport and Limited versions and 2.5-litre CRD engine in the Sport.
The new 2.5-litre DOHC direct injection common rail turbo diesel engine was sourced from DaimlerChrysler and featured a cast-iron cylinder block and a one-piece aluminium cylinder head with 16 valves. It provided 24 percent more power than the engine it replaced - 105kW at 3800 rpm - and 17 percent more torque - 343Nm at 2000 rpm. Top speed was 164 km/h, and it achieved 0-100 km/h in 15.3 seconds.
For improved performance and fuel efficiency, this engine featured belt driven dual overhead camshafts, direct fuel injection and counter rotating balance shafts. An automatic tensioner on the cog belt provided 160,000km of belt life.
This engine was mated to the smooth shifting NV3550 five-speed manual transmission and Jeep's Command-Trac four-wheel drive system. Vehicles equipped with this engine also had a viscous heater system to supplement passenger compartment heat.
The 2.5-litre engine provided a fuel economy of 7.5 litres/100 km on the urban cycle, 11.7 litres/100 km during city driving, and 9.0 litres/100 km on the combined cycle.
Petrol power in the new Cherokee came from an all-new 3.7-litre V6 PowerTech engine, similar in architecture to the 4.7-litre V8 engine used in the Grand Cherokee. The power output was rated at 155kW at 5200 rpm and 312Nm of torque at 3800 rpm. Top speed was 180 km/h, and it accelerated from 0-100 km/h in 10.8 seconds.
Designed to produce more power from less displacement, the 3.7-litre engine maximised airflow through the engine and reduces internal friction. This engine featured a 90-degree even-firing V6, a cast iron block, compacted graphite bedplate, aluminium cylinder heads and a balance shaft.
The 3.7-litre Cherokee was also equipped with the Jeep 45RFE multi-speed electronic automatic transmission and the full-time NV242 Selec-Trac transfer case.
Suspension
The Cherokee used a new coil spring independent front suspension, with 200mm articulation travel. Sturdy, cast iron lower and forged steel upper control arms coupled to a cast iron steering knuckle with permanently lubricated ball joints provide a stable base for the independent front suspension. This construction reduces the unsprung weight, allowing the wheels to track over bumps more easily. It also reduces wheel hop with four-wheel drive engaged on soft or loose surfaces.
A new aluminium diff housing, designed for use with the independent front suspension, contained an enhanced Dana Model 30 centre section. Larger pinion stem and bearing diameters and an increased ring gear diameter improved noise, vibration and harshness control and durability. Rubber-isolated mounting of the axle housing to the engine cradle helped keep axle and drivetrain noise and vibration from reaching the body structure.
Cherokee featured a link-coil rear suspension, similar to that on the Grand Cherokee. It provided a smooth, comfortable ride, and offered an advantage over leaf springs because coil springs have less static and dynamic friction. With a roll centre closer to the vehicle's centre of gravity, this system reduced body lean during cornering. The trailing A-shaped upper arm's sturdy, box section construction, tuned to provide extremely high stiffness, helped isolate axle and road noise.
Progressive rate springs provide a consistently comfortable ride and help maintain consistent handling over varying load conditions.
Stopping power came from a new integrated anti-lock brake system.


