Jeep Cherokee (XJ) тарихы және маңызы

The Jeep Cherokee (XJ) is a sport utility vehicle manufactured and marketed across a single generation by Jeep in the United States from 1983 through 2001 — and globally through 2014. It was available in two or four door, five passenger, front engine, rear or four wheel drive configurations. Sharing the name of the original, full size Cherokee SJ model, the 1984 XJ Cherokee was Jeep's first all new design since the 1963 SJ Wagoneer, as well as the first American off road vehicle built with fully integrated body and frame (unibody) design, and formed the mechanical basis for the Jeep Comanche (MJ) pickup truck (1985–1992). Jeep marketed XJs as Sportwagons, precursor to the modern sport utility vehicle (SUV), before that term was used. The XJ is credited for spawning competitors, as other automakers noticed the design cannibalizing sales from regular cars, supplanting the role of the station wagon and transforming the vehicle type "from truck to limousine in the eyes of countless suburban owners,"

The 2007 book Jeep Off Road called the XJ a "significant link in the evolution of the 4x4." In 2011 Kiplinger magazine selected the XJ as one of the "cars that refuse to die." Automotive journalist Robert Cumberford, writing for Automobile, called the Jeep XJ one of the 20 greatest cars of all time — for its design, and "possibly the best SUV shape of all time, it is the paradigmatic model to which other designers have since aspired."

Designs of the compact size XJ Cherokee date back to 1978 when a team of American Motors (AMC) and Renault engineers drew several sketches. Clay models were based on the then current full size SJ Cherokee. Early sketches of the XJ Cherokee had a European influence, and most of the styling cues were done by AMC engineers under the direction of Dick Teague, vice president of design. Noticing that General Motors was developing a new two door S 10 based Blazer, AMC decided to develop an entirely new four door model in addition to a two door version. American Motors' vice president of engineering, Roy Lunn, designed what is known as the "Quadra Link" suspension, that limited rollovers. Renault's François Castaing developed the drivetrain using a much smaller engine than normally found in 4WD vehicles and reduced the weight of the new model. It "is noteworthy as the first nonmilitary 4x4 with unibody construction." By 1985, development and engineering was based on computer aided design (CAD) software systems while new systems stored all drawings and documents in a central database.

The XJ Cherokee introduced for the 1984 model year was the first Jeep with a ladder boxed chassis integrated into a single monocoque unit rather than the traditional separate body on frame construction. The design was rigid and sturdy with approximately 3,200 welds in a completed body, "yet wonderfully lightweight, [the] Uniframe permitted outstanding performance even with AMC's new four cylinder engine." Both two and four door versions of the XJ Cherokee were offered throughout its lifetime, each having the same track and wheelbase measurements. Two door models, however, received longer doors and front seats that could fold forward to assist in rear passenger entry and exit. This was in addition to extended length rear windows that did not open, although an optional rear vent window was available on some models. This version was the first to be sold in Europe, in the early years, however, only few cars were exported. Notable sales only began in the late eighties or early nineties, depending on the country. In 1988 an import organization was established in Switzerland. In 1989 the Cherokee was launched in France (marketed through Renault), in 1992 in some additional markets, and in 1993 for the United Kingdom. Early versions came with the inline six cylinder engine. The four cylinder engine did not arrive in Europe until 1995. In mid 1985, a two wheel drive version of the Cherokee was added to the lineup. This marked the first time any Jeep product was offered with two wheel drive since 1967, and was done to attract buyers who did not need (or want to pay for) four wheel drive. When the XJ Cherokee based Comanche (MJ) pickup truck was introduced, it was also available in two and four wheel drive. The new two wheel drive models shared the front suspension (from the track bar, control arms, and ball joints) with four wheel drive models. Jeep simply used a single axle tube from hub to hub with no differential between, resulting in an inexpensive front suspension. For 1996, partially to comply with new U. S. OBD II exhaust and evaporative emissions regulations, the engine management system was upgraded to Chrysler's then new "JTEC" PCM. This added the side benefits of improving reliability and easing diagnostics. American Motors's compact XJ Cherokee was to be replaced by a new and larger model known as the ZJ (later named the Jeep Grand Cherokee when introduced in 1993) that was under development by AMC. However, the smaller model's continuing popularity caused Chrysler executives to rethink this decision, and while the ZJ models were introduced in 1993, the XJ models were retained until 2001. 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.

A variation on the Cherokee from 1983 until 1990 was the Jeep Wagoneer. These were unrelated to the similarly named full sized Grand Wagoneer models that had carried the Wagoneer name before this point. The compact XJ Wagoneer was available initially in two trim levels: the "Wagoneer" or "Wagoneer Base" and the "Wagoneer Limited." The "Wagoneer Base" trim was soon discontinued with its last model year being 1987. Both Wagoneers were distinguished from the Cherokee for the 1983 through 1985 model years by a slightly different grille and a smaller "Jeep" emblem offset to the driver's side. The single rectangular sealed beam headlamps were changed for 1986 to vertically stacked quad low and high beam headlights with front turn signal lights relocated behind the grille. Where the Cherokee tail lights were split in half with a red section above an amber section, the tail lights on Wagoneers had a single red lens. The Wagoneer Limited came with vinyl wood trim on the sides and cloth seats with leather bolsters. "Limited" was embossed on the front seat backs and in the center of the rear seat back. The standard equipment list was extensive and included air conditioning, cruise control, power disk brakes, rear window wiper and washer, and adjustable steering wheel.

In the early to mid 1990s, the Jeep Cherokee started becoming popular for government and police use. The Cherokee AHB police package was introduced during the 1992 model year. Starting in 1996, Jeep released a special version of the XJ Cherokee SE for police and fleet use. It featured no interior rear door handles and a revised high output version of the 4.0 L "Power Tech" inline six cylinder engine. The new HO engine replaced the previous version of the 4.0 L engine in all installations. The Cherokee was also made in right hand drive format, initially for the United States Postal Service. As a spin off, it allowed Jeep in later years to enter right hand drive markets — the Cherokee went on sale in both the United Kingdom and Ireland in 1993. It was also sold in Japan, but due to the country's strict "Shaken" motor vehicle inspection laws, many used Japanese market Cherokees have found their way back to the U. S. for use by rural mail carriers.

By 1997, the XJ Cherokee became popular in police and government fleets. Production of the Cherokee Special Service Package continued for the 1997 model year into the 2001 model year. It had the same features as the 1996 Cherokee Special Service Package, but the engine now produced After the XJ Cherokee production ended in the United States, the Jeep Liberty replacement did not offer a Special Service Package. Although Jeep Liberty did not have a special service package, police and government agencies used the Liberty in their fleets for light use.

NameDisplacementLayoutFuelPowerTorqueNotesYears2.5LAMC 1502464 cc (150 CID)I4, OHVGasoline at 5,400 rpm at 3,250 rpmChrysler MPI1997–20004.0 LitreAMC 2423964 cc (242 CID)I6, OHVGasoline at 4,600 rpm at 3,000 rpmChrysler MPI, high output1991–1999 at 4,600 rpm at 3,000 rpmChrysler MPI, high output2000–2001TurboDiesel2499 cc (153 CID)I4, OHVDiesel at 3,900 rpm at 2,000 rpmVM Motori 425 OHV1997–2001

Base 1984–1993 / SE 1994–2001 included: vinyl or cloth upholstery, full faced steel wheels, and AM radio with two speakers. SE replaced Base in 1994. In later years it was the only trim level offered for the two door model. Chief 1984–1990 included: cloth plaid pattern upholstery, and AM/FM radio with two speakers. Pioneer 1984–1990 included: cloth plaid pattern upholstery, steel wheels, and an AM radio with two speakers. Pioneer Olympic Edition 1988 included: cloth upholstery, AM/FM radio with two speakers, and air conditioning. Wagoneer 1984–1990 included: ribbed cloth upholstery with leather trim, faux maple wood interior accents with wood laminate exterior decals, alloy wheels, AM/FM radio with cassette player and four speakers, infrared (single button) remote keyless entry for 1990 model year, overhead console for 1990 model year, dual power seats, and air conditioning. Considered by AMC to be a separate model and not part of the Cherokee series. Laredo 1985–1992 included: chrome accenting, cloth plaid pattern (1985 through 1987) or "luggage fabric" (1988 through 1992) upholstery with the option of "Briarwood" style leather and vinyl seats for the 1992 model year only, five spoke alloy wheels, AM/FM radio with four speakers and the option for six Jensen AccuSound speakers, infrared (single button) remote keyless entry (if equipped with power locks) optional overhead console, optional dual power seats, and air conditioning. Replaced by the Country in 1993. Limited 1987–1992, 1998–2001 included: monotone paint, leather and vinyl upholstery, color keyed lace spoke wheels, AM/FM radio with cassette player and six Jensen AccuSound speakers, infrared (single button) remote keyless entry, an overhead console, dual power seats, and air conditioning. This trim model was replaced by the Country in 1993 and then rejoined the lineup in 1998 to replace the Country. Sport 1988–2001 included: cloth and vinyl upholstery, AM/FM radio with two speakers (later, it added a cassette player and four speakers), full faced steel or optional alloy wheels, optional infrared (single button) (1988 through 1996) or radiofrequency (dual button) (1997 through 2001) keyless entry (if equipped with power locks), and air conditioning. Briarwood 1991–1992 (succeeded Wagoneer) included: leather and vinyl upholstery, faux maple wood interior accents with wood laminate exterior decals, lace spoke wheels, AM/FM radio with cassette player and six Jensen AccuSound speakers, infrared (single button) remote keyless entry, an overhead console, dual power seats, and an air conditioner. Country 1993–1997 included: two tone paint similar to "Laredo" with upgraded color keyed pinstripe and the option for "champagne" gold along with silver as accent options, the replacement of several interiors, formerly chrome accents with flat black (Base and Sport models, as well, starting in 1993 model year), cloth and vinyl ("luggage fabric") upholstery with the option for leather (excluding 1993 model year), faux mahogany wood interior accents, lace spoke wheels, AM/FM radio with cassette player and four speakers with the option for six Jensen AccuSound speakers, optional overhead console (excluding 1993 model year), infrared (dual button) (1993 through 1996) or radiofrequency (dual button) (1997) remote keyless entry (if equipped with power locks), optional dual power seats, and air conditioning. Replaced by the Classic and Limited in 1998. Classic 1996, 1998–2001 included: monotone paint color, cloth upholstery, 16 inch alloy wheels, AM/FM radio with cassette player and four speakers, infrared (dual button) remote keyless entry, overhead console, and air conditioning. Briefly replaced by the Limited in 1997, and rejoined the lineup below the Limited in 1998. Orvis 1999–2000, Limited production model, only available in the United Kingdom, included: Special Orvis badging, special Orvis floor mats (with enamel logos stitched into them), 16 inch 'Icon' alloy wheels with two tone color scheme, simulated hood vents, tailgate spoiler with integrated LED brake light, ruffled leather seats with 6 way electric adjustment, leather door panels, leather spare wheel cover. Orvis logo is embossed into each headrest, golden Orvis logo is on top of the ashtray lid. AM/FM radio with cassette, Infinity amplifier and six Infinity speakers, remote keyless entry, cruise control, driver and passenger side heated mirrors, and air conditioning. Available with the inline six with the Aisin AW 4 four speed automatic. Also available was the VM Motori 2.5 L Turbo Diesel four cylinder engine with a five speed manual transmission. Freedom 2000 included: special badging, SE appearance group on sport body, 16 inch Ultrastar alloy wheels (the same as the 1998 5.9L ZJ), AM/FM radio with cassette, radio frequency remote keyless entry, and air conditioning. Based on the Sport trim level. Available in 2wd or 4wd. 60th Anniversary 2001 included: special badges, special floor mats, monotone paint color, 16 inch alloy wheels, AM/FM radio with cassette, radio frequency remote keyless entry, and air conditioning. Based on the Sport trim level.

1984: Borg Warner T 4 four speed manual, used with 2.5 L I4 only, 21 spline output
1984–1987: Aisin Warner AX4 four speed manual, used with 2.5 L I4 only, 21 spline output
1984: Borg Warner T 5 five speed manual, used with 2.5 L I4 and 2.8 L V6, 21 spline output
1984–2000: Aisin Warner AX5 five speed manual, used with 2.5 L I4, 2.1 L I4 diesel, and 2.8 L V6, 21 spline output
1987–Mid 1989: Peugeot BA 10/5 five speed manual used with 4.0 L I6, 21 spline output
Late 1989–1999: Aisin Warner AX15 five speed manual, used with 2.5 L I4 diesel, 4.0 L I6, 23 spline output
2000–2001: New Venture Gear NV3550 five speed manual, used with 2.5 L I4 diesel, 4.0 L I6, 23 spline output

1984–1986: Chrysler A904 three speed automatic, used with 2.5 L I4 and 2.8 L V6
1987–2001: Aisin Warner AW 4 four speed automatic, used with 4.0 L I6
1994–2000: Chrysler 30RH three speed automatic, used with 2.5 L I4

All the transfer cases used on the Cherokee were chain driven two speed units with aluminum housings. Command Trac was standard on XJ models built with 4WD. +Model yearsModelCommercial namePart timeFull timeRatioNotes1984–1987New ProcessNP207Command TracYesNo2.61:11984–1986New ProcessNP228/229Selec TracYesYes2.61:1Has a vacuum switch for 2WD 4WD selection on the fly and a separate manual lever for low range1987–2001New ProcessNP231Command TracYesNo2.72:1Gear positions are 2HI, 4HI, N, 4LO1987–2001New ProcessNP242Selec TracYesYes2.72:1Gear positions are 2HI, 4 full time, 4 part time, N, 4LO

The Jeep XJ utilizes front and rear beam axle components (live axles) as opposed to an independent suspension. The live axle configuration offers advantages in off road capability and performance at the expense of some on road comfort and driveability. Mid 1985 and later two wheel drive models used the same suspension and steering mechanisms with a single tube connecting axle ends, which also meant no transfer case, no front driveshaft, and no front differential.

The Jeep XJ utilizes a coil spring with a separate shock absorber front suspension and a leaf spring with a separate shock absorber rear suspension.

The Quadra Link front suspension design locates the axle with four leading control arms to control longitudinal movement and rotation about the lateral axis (drive and braking reaction), two above the axle and two below it. A panhard rod, also referred to as a track bar, is used to locate the axle laterally. Two coil springs are seated on top of the axle housing as well as two gas charged shock absorbers. The suspension used on vehicles with the optional UpCountry package provided one inch of lift over the standard suspension. A sway bar is utilized to reduce body roll in turns.

The XJ uses a leaf spring rear suspension. Each leaf pack contains four leaf springs with a fixed eye at the front of the spring and a compression style shackle at the rear of the spring. Two gas charged shock absorbers are also used, along with a mild anti sway/anti roll bar. The suspension used on vehicles with the optional UpCountry package did not include the rear anti sway/anti roll bar, but provided one inch lift over the standard suspension.

The XJ was introduced to left hand drive European markets in 1985, one year after its American debut. However, the strong U. S. Dollar made the Cherokee expensive and prevented notable sales during the first years. In most countries, import figures only started rising in the late eighties or early nineties. Right hand drive European markets only began to officially receive Cherokees (in RHD form) in 1993, although a small number of personal imports had been reaching the UK in left hand drive form for many years before that. Models were offered in both markets until the XJ's discontinuation in 2001, at which point it was replaced by the Jeep Cherokee (KJ) which retained the Cherokee name for sale in Europe despite sharing little mechanical heritage with its predecessor. The Cherokee was often sold in Europe as part of Renault's lineup and was occasionally referred to as the Renault Jeep Cherokee in marketing, although it was never sold with Renault badges. However, motorsports versions of the Cherokee that competed in the Dakar Rally did wear Renault badges. A van version of the XJ was offered in addition to the standard passenger vehicles in some European markets. Available in both right and left hand drive models, they were designed to comply with relaxed motor tax regulations in some EU member states governing vehicles intended for primarily commercial use. Both two and four door versions are known to have been sold, with the main differences from the standard models being metal panels in place of the rear side windows, no rear seats, and a completely flat cargo area. Two and four wheel drive variants were available, powered by the VM Motori 2.5 L diesel engine mated to the Aisin AX 15 manual transmission. Photographs of this model can be found here.

American Motors established the first automobile manufacturing joint venture in the People's Republic of China to assemble the four door Cherokee. Production continued after Chrysler's buyout of AMC. The Chinese market BJ 7250 (rear wheel drive) and BJ 2021 (four wheel drive) had a raised roof in the rear, as they were often meant to be chauffeur driven. The BJ2021 was available with a 2.5 L engine and a four speed manual gearbox for the 1985 through 2005 model years. For 1993, a 4 L I6 cylinder version was available paired to a five speed manual transmission. The BJ7250 uses the same 2.5 L engine as the BJ2021, but includes a five speed manual gearbox instead of a speed speed unit. The BJ2021 is 4290 millimeters in length, 1800 millimeters in width, and 1620 millimeters in height as well as using a 2580 millimeter wheelbase. The BJ7250, however, is 90 millimeters shorter in length, 40 millimeters shorter in width and 10 millimeters taller and is 5 millimeters shorter in wheelbase

Production under Mercedes Benz continued in the partnership that was renamed Beijing Benz DaimlerChrysler Automotive. The most recent model with an updated grille, headlights, and other upgrades was known as the Jeep 2500 and was produced until 2005. It is notable that AMC's original Cherokee design continued to be built and sold after being virtually unchanged for over twenty years. The design of the Chinese market Jeeps was similar to that of the U. S. market Jeeps, except for a new front grille and headlamps, as well as new tail lamps. The interior also featured a new steering wheel and center console. The BJ2500, produced by Beijing Jeep was available with the 2.4 L 4G64 engine from Mitsubishi, 2.5 L and 2.7 L engines known as C498QA. Pricing ranged from 115,000 and 127,900 yuan (16,600 to US$18,470) for 2.5 L models and was 128,000 yuan for the 2.7 L version (US$18,480). while 4.0 L and 4.7 L engines were known as C698QA1 and C8V93Q respectively, and both power the Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ). After 2009 Beijing Auto Works continued the production of the Chinese market XJ Cherokee as the BAW Qishi 骑士 (Knight in Chinese). The Qishi uses a 2.0 L I4 and 2.2 L I4 known as the 4G20 and 4G22, both old Nissan units, and a five slot grille, along with six lug wheels. Production ended in 2014. All Chinese specification Jeeps had a five speed manual gearbox as standard. Chinese car manufacturer Shuanghuan Auto, who are known for their copy of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (J120) front end, BMW X5 (E53) rear end and BMW X3 side skirt designed car, the Shuanghuan SCEO, also made a copy of the Jeep Cherokee XJ known as the Shuanghuan SHZJ213. The BJ212 platform was used. The SHZJ213 used a 2.4 L BAW 492 engine paired to a five speed manual gearbox. Production ran from 1994 until 1997.

The XJ was manufactured in Toledo, Ohio, USA; Beijing, China; Ferreyra, Argentina; Cairo, Egypt; and in Valencia, Venezuela, with production reaching approximately 3 million between 1983 and 2001.

On February 22, 2013, Chrysler released press photos of the new replacement for the Liberty, and also announced that the new model would bring back the Cherokee name. The new Cherokee (KL) is built on the compact U. S. wide platform, and features a nine speed automatic, a choice of a 2.4 L Tigershark I4 with Fiat's electro hydraulic MultiAir 2 variable valve timing and variable valve lift or a 3.2 L V6 based on the Pentastar 3.6 L V6, and front and four wheel drive (the latter a Jeep's Selec Terrain system). The Liberty was sold outside of North America as the Jeep Cherokee (KK), allowing the new Cherokee to be easily marketed globally. Jeep marketing used the Cherokee name to attract previous Jeep owners and build on the name's heritage. This new Cherokee was built in Toledo, Ohio and in Belvidere, Illinois.