From 1974 to 1983 American off-roading brand, Jeep, produced the Jeep Cherokee, a full-size SUV similar to the also now discontinued, Wagoneer.
In 1984 the Cherokee evolved into a new model differing from the original with its lack of body-on-frame chassis, and with a platform much more akin to that of a modern SUV. Eventually, the entire nameplate was retired in 2001, when Jeep put an end to all Cherokee production.
Now many Jeep enthusiasts including those of us here at Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Missoula, feared the Cherokee would never make its way back to the production lines or to our Missoula area showroom. Well, as it turns out, the Cherokee wasn't gone forever just taking a bit of a hiatus. Specifically, Chrysler has officially announced the Cherokee will make a reappearance in the new Jeep lineup for the 2014 model year.
As exciting as this news is, please keep in mind that the adding back in the Cherokee means taking out the Jeep Liberty. That's right, the reputed-to-be-abolished Liberty model is indeed exiting stage right as its production will cease and that of the Cherokee will commence.
This news was first exposed by the website, Jaopnik.com, which displayed pictures of the future 2014 Cherokee. A mere four days later, Chrysler came back with its own images of the model confirming the speculation that had at that time accumulated.
So, what can we expect from the new Cherokee?
First and foremost, the new Cherokee is said to carry best-in-class fuel-economy improvements to the tune of 45-percent over that of the Liberty. What's more, the overall driving experience is expected to be much more enjoyable and smooth. But, we'll have to wait and see for ourselves when the Cherokee arrives at Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Missoula sometime this fall after its unveiling at the upcoming 2013 New York International Auto Show.
In the meantime, we invite you to visit our conveniently located dealership to test drive any of the models in the present Jeep lineup, perhaps the outgoing Liberty, if you're interested. To do so, please feel free to stop by 5001 Grizzly Ct Missoula, MT 59808 any time you'd like.