1984 Jeep Cherokee

1984 Jeep Cherokee

1984 Jeep Cherokee

1984 Jeep Cherokee

Keeping only the name, the 1984 Cherokee was completely set apart from its predecessor. The all-new Cherokee featured a shorter wheelbase, more than 7 inches less than the earlier model, at 101.4 inches. The new model also featured an overall length of 165.3 inches, a total of 21 inches less than the earlier model. The weight of the 1984 Cherokee was now 3,100, more than 1,000 lbs less than before. Both two and four-door body styles were made available, and now the Cherokee featured much better fuel economy and mileage, along with easier maneuverability, either on-road or off.

The new Cherokee featured strong wheel well flares, along with a tall greenhouse that gave great visibility to both passengers and drivers. The Cherokee featured seating for five, though it was very snug for three adults to fit in the backseat. The interior carried a very simple dash and control layout.

For this year, the trim levels offered were the base Cherokee, the sporty Chief, and the much more sumptuous Pioneer. The opulent Pioneer came complete with carpeting, additional instrument panel gauges, a rear window wiper/washer and a full center console. The Chief featured blackout exterior trim, white-lettered tires and hood striping.

Either four or six-cylinder power was the driving force behind the Jeep Cherokee, and the 2.5-liter four cylinder engine inhaled its fuel and through a one-barrel carburetor and achieved 105 horsepower. Supplied by Chevy, an optional 2.8-liter, two-barrel V6 achieved 115 horsepower. These powerplants were good, but it would be several years until a serious engine would come from Chevy. The V6 engine offered three transmission choices, a standard four-speed manual, the optional five-speed manual and an optional three-speed automatic. The four-cylinder engine was limited to the four-speed manual as its gearbox.

Jeep offered not just one, but two 4WD systems for the Jeep Cherokee, 'Command-Trac' and the 'Select-Trac' system. The Command-Trac was a part-time, ‘shift-on-the-fly unit' and the Select –Trac system allowed the option of full-time 4WD operation. A solid axle that suspended by coil springs and four links, or a ‘Quadra-Link' front suspensions design was also featured in tribute to Cherokee's reputation for off-road prowess.