It’s hard to find a more classic SUV than the XJ-series of the Jeep Cherokee. From its iconic looks to its unkillable powerplant, the Jeep Cherokee has long been a go-to for anyone who needed a vehicle that could double as a commuter and a rock crawler on the weekends. It’s also one of those rigs that will likely become more scarce as time goes on, pushing the price higher on decent examples. This 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport listed here on craigslist is said to be a garage find, having been hidden away for years and protected from the rigors of daily use. The seller is asking $16,890.
The Cherokee evolved into a very useful tool for anyone who needed a vehicle that could serve multiple roles. Combine that with the venerable 4.0L inline-six that was not only powerful but also dead-nuts reliable and you have a winning combination. The Cherokee was also a true SUV, capable of going where the road got muddy, rocky, or hilly, and then hopping right back into the express lane on the ride home. The looks aren’t revolutionary but they’re still suitably handsome today, and the later models like this truck were equipped with attractive alloy wheels. The gold paint looks good and the black plastic trim still has a deep luster.
The older Cherokees definitely looked and felt like an 80s truck inside, especially with the large, pre-airbag steering wheel. It was a baby Grand Wagoneer, especially if the Cherokee in question was equipped with the exterior woodgrain kit. The Cherokee of the late 90s, however, feels much more modern inside, with two-tone plastics, dual airbags, and a decent stereo system. With 120,000 miles on the clock, this Cherokee isn’t exactly a time capsule, but it does look quite clean inside – certainly clean enough to bolster the seller’s claims that it hasn’t seen much use in recent years.
The seller points out some interesting details, like the factory chalk marking still being visible on the chassis and undersides that are as clean as this sparkling engine bay. These details are hard to fake and quite impressive when found on a vehicle that has actually been used. It suggests to me that despite having over 100,000 miles, it was treated like a family heirloom – and I should know, as my mother has a 1997 Honda CR-V in exactly the same sort of condition. The Cherokee churned up 190 horsepower and 225 lb.-ft. of torque in this model year, which is still quite respectable today. It’s not cheap, but if it’s as good as it looks here, it’s probably worth it. Thanks to Barn Finds reader T.J. for the find.
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One of mine, too!
While I have zero interest in today’s bloated, gadget-laden and expensive SUVs, I spent enough time behind the wheel of various Cherokees to admire them for practicality, ruggedness and more civility than one might expect in such a machine.
This one doesn’t fit my budget, or I’d be in the hunt for it. I’ll console myself by saying it doesn’t have the five-speed manual transmission, which is certainly high up the list on my personal order form.
My family has 3 of these a 1990, 1996, and a 1997 all 4doors, 4.0 liter engines,auto, and 4×4 all with well over 225,000 miles. This one is very clean with a high price. By the way those are 1996-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee rims on the Cherokee.
My family had a 93, 4-door, 4.0 automatic 4X4. Around 90k miles, it developed a piston slap. My parents had an extended warranty, so a Chrysler rebuilt engine went in. After that, a hub bearing and few other wear items, nothing major at all until they sold it with well over 200k miles, original transmission axles and transfer case. Last my brother heard from the buyer, it had over 300k miles on it, although it is unknown if anyone did any major repairs.
My daily driver is a 01 with 380k yes 380 not 280…
What makes it a unicorn?
It would have the 5 speed manual and 2 doors to be considered a Cherokee Unicorn. This one isn’t and priced way too high.
By no means a unicorn…
That is certainly in great shape, have 2 already, have no complaints about the price if it drives as good as looks, probably be gone soon.
How come my post from 5hrs ago never been seen??
Great ride! I had a 91 Laredo that was reliable, easy to work on, and I stupidly sold it to buy the new Grand Cherokee V8. I regretted the decision as soon as the weather hit. This is a highly capable, good looking, and iconic American ride. I still may buy another one!
Over price it and see if someone bites why not, worst case you wasted your $5 bucks for the add best case someone offers a price you can live with
My only memory is from riding in my friend’s Cherokee and having zero head room. Is my memory wrong?
My 21-year old kid just bought one. It’s a bit on the higher side price-wise but finding one that is stock and hasn’t been hammered can be a quest.
Interesting factoid: one of the few car models built by 3 different manufactures—AMC, Chrysler & Daimler.
We had the 4 door at work and it worked out okay. One problem was that the front doors are very small for men in heavy work clothes to get into. I would prefer a 2 door model. But those are getting harder to find.
Maybe I’m in the minority, but the pre ‘97 is much nicer. Better looking dash and tailgate. Less Dodge Shadow looking inside.
These were just the right size, easy to see out of, handled decently and had the right amount of pep. The true spiritual successor to the IH Scout.
Have had a 99′ myself for the last 20 years and love it. Unfortunately the crappy NE weather has taken its toll on it. Any replacement would have to have a 5spd like my current one and those are super hard to find. I actual prefer the 4 door, post 96′ models, though I hate airbags. The price is a bit on the steep side but it does like extremely clean.
My friend had one of these. If I remember correctly it didn’t have a lot of room in the rear seat.
wrkin on 2 comanches now. Lotta part interchanges. The
real truck “J” series, not so ‘compact’. I like this but all ways
remember “When buying an ‘older vehicle’ compare it to it’s
peers of the era. Would U have bought it back then as apposed
to another same yr M/M.” I got the (’70) bronk (in ’82) as to the jeep’s
fit’n finish, non-DL durability, etc (or the IH 80/800 scout). Now post-covid
prices are approaching sensibility this rig out sells the bronk ($).
not seeing the barn find. looks like an overpriced 26yr old used jeep w/100k that’s clean
That is one clean Jeep. I like these old Cherokees. A friend of mine from Ibiza had one of them, but I too think it’s still over priced even after he lowered it to $15,990.
Looks like the price has dropped to $15,999. Nice looking vehicle with an amazingly clean underside.
I believe these had dual airbags as its the post 97 refresh!