| The Jeep Cherokee (XJ) was a monocoque (unibody) compact SUV. It shared the name of the original full-size SJ model, but having no true pickup truck heritage, it actually set the stage for the modern SUV. It was built in Toledo, Ohio and is still being produced in Beijing, China.
The XJ Cherokee was introduced in 1984 as the first unibody Jeep. It was to be replaced by the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee in 1993, but the continuing popularity of the original Cherokee caused the company to rethink this decision.
Designs of the XJ Cherokee date back to 1978 when a team of American Motors (AMC) and Renault engineers drew several sketches. The Jeep XJ has remained a popular choice by off-roading enthusiasts due to its potent off-roading capability in stock form. Its popularity has resulted in strong ongoing aftermarket support in the form of a wide variety of products and upgrade availability. |
