its true colors. The combination of good ground clearance, short wheelbase
and favorable power-to-weight ratio make this boxy little veteran a tiger
in the woods, and the four-wheel drive system--Jeep's middle system, which
can be used full-time--came in handy during a mini-blizzard that choked
part of central Pennsylvania during this particular excursion.
Thanks to its relatively low curb weight, the Cherokee is also something
of an athlete among its peers.
Even though its on-center steering feel leaves a little to be desired,
the Cherokee will smoke almost any other compact sport-utility on a slalom
course, and it's handier than most when it's time to dodge traffic and
potholes.
As always, we'd prefer a manual transmission, but the Cherokee's optional
four-speed automatic is a smooth operator, and there's enough torque in
the venerable inline six-cylinder engine to generate excellent stoplight
getaway, automatic or not.
Power notwithstanding, the Cherokee's optional six feels a little primitive
compared to most of the V6 engines offered by Jeep's competitors.
An inline six is supposed to be an ideal design for smooth operation,
but Jeep's version generates nominal vibration through most of its operating
range. On the other hand, it's a far better choice than the Cherokee's
basic 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which is distinctly short on power. Next Page