FOR MANY years, the Cherokee was the only mid-sized 4WD utility vehi- cle available with four doors. Along with the two-doo model, the Cherokee was the un- disputed leader in the sports-utili- ty market. Then, a couple of years ago, a gaggle of new four-door Jeep Cherokee 4X4's entered the market (most notably, the Ford Explorer) and the Cherokee gave up the monopoly it once had. Nevertheless, the Cherokee re- mains one of the most popular mid-sized 4WD vehicles in B.C. There are a number of reasons for this, including the Cherokee’s distinctive styling, interior roomi- ness, competitive price and long list of options. The Cherokee also has a couple of technical features, notably full-time four-wheel- drive, which are unavailable on most other 4X4’s, Though the Cherokee is show- ing some signs of age, it is still a very capable 4X4. It is also a Jeep, which counts for a jot in the four-wheel-drive market. This spring, a new Grand Cherokee model will be introduc- ed, but it will not replace the Cherokee model. The Grand Cherokee will cater to the upscale 4X4 buyer, while the Cherokee wiit appeal to those with more moderate budgets. Cherokees start at about $17,000 and can go over $30,000 for some models. There are five models: base, Sport, Laredo, Briarwood and Limited. Base, Sport and Laredo models are of- fered with rear-wheel-drive or 4WD in two- and four-door models, while top-of-the-line Technical data’ Price as tested $22,760 Base price $19,585 Type four-door, five-pass sports utility Layout longitudinal engine/2WD/4WD Engine 4.0-litre (242 cu.in.) in- line six-cylinder, multi-point fuel injection Horsepower 190 @ 4,750 rpm ener front Briarwood and Limited models come only with 4WD and four doors. Like most 4WD sports-utility vehicles, the Cherokee has shift- on-the-fly capability using a shift lever mounted next to the centre console. But unlike most 4WD vehicles, the Cherokce is available with both part-time (Command- Trac} and full-time (Selec-Trac) 4WD systems. The former is best used on slip- pery and foose surfaces only, while the full-time 4WD system can be used on dry pavement without causing excessive wear of drivetrain components o7 signifi- cant loss of fuel economy. On paved roads with alternate dry and icy patches, the full-time system is definitely an advantage. The full-time system, however, can only be ordered with the 4.0- litre engine and automatic transmission, The torquey 190-horsepower Torque 225 ft.-lbs. @ 4,000 rpm Transmission 5-speed manual (4-speed automatic) 2-speed transfer case, part time 4WD (full-time opt) Curb weight Ibs. Wheelbase 2,576 mm/101.4 in. Length 4,199 mm/16S.3 in. Width 1,791 mm/74.5 in. Height 1,605 mm/63.2 in. Cargo volume {rear seat 1,386 kg/3,057 NEWS photos Neil Lucente TEST DRIVE 4.0-litre inline ‘ylinder engine is standard on all Cherokee models except the base model See Cherokee's page 35 1,011 litres/35.7 cu.ft. Tires P225/73R-15 Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain radials Fuel economy City 15.9 17100 km, (8 mpg; Awy 1t.3 7100 km, 25 mpg Warranty Basic 1 yr/20,000 kms Powertrain 7 yrs/t15,000 kms or Complete 3 yrs/60,000 kms Inquire about the Jeep Chero- kee at Mountview Jeep Eagle, 1600 Marine Dr., NV.