1987 Jeep Cherokee Pioneer XJ from North America - Comments

At purchase the shocks were the only thing that needed replacement. I did a big tune up and didn't have any problems for six months at which point the solenoid in the starter went out so I replaced the starter ($125 and 20 min later) and from there it has ran great. I recently found out that I have blown the rear leaf springs, u-joints, the t-case and transmission mounts. all of which can be replaced for about $750.so, for about $2,500 I have a Jeep that could easily go another 25,000 miles. A few small gripes are that the rear seats aren't split folding, the rear hatch should be a tail-gate and window set-up like the 4-runner, and if the top were removable it would be PERFECT!

My Cherokee has been my prized possession from the day I bought it. It has performed like a veteran champ and I cannot believe how great it does off-road. I have done roads in my jeep that I would have been afraid to try in almost any other truck or SUV especially the weak new designs. Once you get the feel for the Cherokee it handles amazing on or off road with a surprising amount of power, torque, and acceleration. I swear you can crawl a wall in 4-lo if you had the traction. Taken care of, a Jeep will last many good years and thousands of fun miles.

The last sentence in the review, for the Cherokee Pioneer, says it all. I have taken good care of my 1987 Cherokee Pioneer, and at the moment I have 270,000 miles on it. If one has the Pugeot 5 speed manual transmission, it is wise to flush the transmission fluid every year or so. Since I have done this, I have had no problems with the slave cylinder. The Cherokee is one of the great all around vehicles in its category. With all the suspension companies now making a wide variety of suspension lifts for the Cherokee, it's easier than ever to find a lift to suit your needs and budget. It's a shame Jeep is no longer producing the Cherokee.

Hey, my name is Laura. I am so glad to read this about the 1987 Cherokee Pioneer. I just bought one for 300. It is great shape.

I had to replace the shocks, and some wiring for the radio and wind shield wipers. My husband has a 2005 Jeep Rubicon, and it is awesome. Now I have a jeep of my own.

I cannot wait for the 4 1/2 inch lift kit and tsl's, then I will be trail ready.

I lived out in the country, constantly getting stuck in my driveway with my Pontiac Grand LeMans, until I married someone with a 1987 Jeep Cherokee. What a blast! Our 300 cm. of snow per year proved no match for the Jeep.

The ride wasn't that soft, and toward the end I couldn't get it out of full-time 4 wheel drive, and it had a valve job along the way, but what fun it was! The gas mileage was poor for a vehicle that size- 26 mpg highway.

The tank was ridiculously small - 45 litres, giving poor range. After I was rear-ended on the highway and the damaged gas tank was replaced, we suddenly were able to put 65 litres in and could go much farther. Bigger tank from the junkyard!

It lasted until 2004, at which time the rad went, so we had it replaced. Then a U-joint in the front went, so we had that replaced, and then and then and then... we spent $2000 in the last six months of its life fixing it, then it stalled one day and did not go again. Farewell to a great vehicle!

Yeah, rock on. I have an 87 with an inline six. It's been neglected, but I ordered a lift kit and a big bumper with a brush guard, as well as a cold air intake. I just recently took it off road and it is amazing in the mud. These are most definitely amazing machines, and they last forever. Keep rocking the Jeeps people.