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The XJ series Jeep Cherokee was a compact unibody SUV. It shared the name of the original full-size SJ model, but being a cross between a station wagon and truck with little pickup truck heritage, it actually set the stage for the modern SUV.
Jeep Cherokees of any style or year have been popular with off-road enthusiasts for their off-highway abilities, the plentiful selection of OEM, and aftermarket modifications available. Suspension, drive train, and other mechanical upgrades are still being manufactured and sold for many older Cherokee models.
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.
The Cherokee was slightly redesigned in 1997. Both 4 and 6-cylinder engines were offered up to the last year, when only the six was available. The Cherokee was eventually replaced in 2002 by the Jeep Liberty (KJ), although the vehicle is called the Cherokee in most foreign markets.
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