Much in the same way that American automakers had downsized many of their cars in the previous decade, Jeep downsized one of its nameplates, the
Cherokee, for 1984.
Prior to this year, the Cherokee moniker was attached to what amounted to a sportier version of Jeep’s Wagoneer. Mostly unchanged since its debut in the
early 1960s, the Wagoneer was a large, truck-based, four-door wagon with four-wheel drive.
The former Cherokee, introduced as a 1974, shared most everything with the Wagoneer, including dimensions and engine selections. The major differences
between the two were that the Cherokee was initially available only as a two-door (with the same wheelbase and length as the Wagoneer) and the Cherokee
cost less than the more luxurious Wagoneer. A four-door Cherokee joined the lineup in 1977.
The 1984 Cherokee shared nothing with its predecessor, save its name. A shorter wheel- base (over 7 inches less than the “old” model, at 101.4 inches) and
overall length (at 165.3 inches, a decrease of 21 inches) combined with a much lighter weight of around 3,100 pounds (over 1,000 pounds less than before)
went a long way toward better fuel mileage and easier maneuverability, on-road or off. Two-door and four-door body styles were offered.
Styling for the trim Cherokee was chiseled and taut, with muscular wheel well flares and a tall greenhouse that afforded good visibility for driver and passengers
alike. The interior continued this theme with a likewise simple dash and control layout. Seating capacity was listed as five, though it was tight for three adults to
ride in the backseat.
Trim levels were comprised of the base Cherokee, more luxurious Pioneer and the sporty Chief. The Pioneer featured carpeting, additional instrument panel
gauges, full center console and a rear window wiper/washer. The Chief was the most stylin’ of the trio with blackout exterior trim, hood striping and whitelettered
tires.
Motive force came in the form of either four- or six-cylinder power. The 2.5-liter four banger inhaled its fuel and air through a one-barrel carburetor and made
105 horsepower. The optional, 2.8-liter, two-barrel V6 (which was actually supplied by Chevrolet) produced but 115 horses. Although these powerplants were
adequate, serious thrust for the Cherokee was a still a few years away. There were three transmission choices for the V6: a standard four-speed manual,
optional five-speed manual and optional three-speed automatic. The four-cylinder was limited to the four-speed manual as its gearbox.
Considered by many as the leader in the four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicle segment, Jeep offered not one but two 4WD systems for the Cherokee. “Command-
Trac” was a part-time, shift-on-the-fly unit and the “Selec-Trac” system allowed the option of full-time 4WD operation. A “Quadra-Link” front suspension design
(which featured a solid axle suspended by coil springs and four links) contributed to the Cherokee’s quickly acquired reputation for off-road prowess.
The new Cherokee was well received by the motoring press and the buying public alike, with nearly 78,000 Cherokees sold in its first year.
1985 brought the Laredo trim level to the Cherokee family. Standard on the Laredo were most of the features of the Pioneer with upgrades such as plusher
interior materials, pinstripes, alloy wheels and chrome grille treatment.
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