Slideshow: What Made the XJ Cherokee Legendary

True Legend

Automakers spent countless dollars, hours, and resources trying to design vehicles that consumers will love. And yet, few models ever make it to legendary status. Heck, many don't even make it at all, heading to the great junkyard in the sky after only a few years.

The Jeep Cherokee XJ was a hugely popular vehicle when it was in production, and it's arguably even more popular today. So we decided to take a look at all the reasons why people can't get enough of this legendary Jeep. 

It's Affordable

Jeep Wranglers, even high-mileage, beat up examples, aren't cheap. Unless you're operating on a rather healthy budget, getting your hands on even the least desirable Wranglers is probably out of the question considering the fact that you'll need some money left over for maintenance. But many hardcore Jeep guys don't consider the Cherokee a proper "Jeep," thus they've remained rather affordable by comparison. There's a reason why the XJ is often called the "disposable hero." 

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They're Lightweight

By today's bloated SUV standards (heck, even by modern passenger car standards), the XJ is a featherweight. Depending on the model you choose, you're looking at around 3,200 pounds, which is pretty amazing when most modern muscle cars tip the scales at 4k. This lightness helps out on the trails and on the roads. 

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The Perfect Size

One could argue that the XJ is the perfect size for an off-road vehicle, too. Its 101" wheelbase isn't as short as the Wrangler's, but it's still small and perfect for wheeling. Somewhat of the sweet spot between short wheelbase handling and long wheelbase articulation. It's compact enough to navigate trails while also spacious enough to carry your gear and four people. 

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Parts Are Cheap

Jeep made a ton of XJs, so finding parts is extremely easy. And since the XJ has so much aftermarket support, those parts are cheap and easy to find, too. This makes building a hardcore XJ wheeler much more affordable than building a Wrangler of similar capability, hands down. 

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The 4.0-Liter Engine Rocks

The AMC-built 4.0-liter straight-six isn't just one of the best engines ever put in a Jeep - it's one of the best production vehicle engines, ever. With 190 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque, it's got adequate power. More importantly, it's incredibly reliable. What more would you expect from something that started out life as a tractor engine? 

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Revolutionary Design

The idea of a four-door, compact SUV was simply unheard of when the XJ came along. Which is pretty amazing when you think about it today. It's unibody construction also started the trend that perpetuates today, although some might view that as a bad thing given the popularity of car-like, paved road-only crossovers these days. 

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Amazing Versatility

It should come as no surprise that as versatile as the XJ is, it appeals to all kinds of people. Government agencies, police, the postal service, soccer moms, hardcore off-roaders - everybody loves the XJ Cherokee. Because it can do just about anything well. 

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It's Incredibly Simple

The XJ itself is an incredibly basic design. Which is a good thing in this case, because there isn't much here that can go wrong. And if it does, it's easy to fix. Heck, you can even take a good portion of the XJ Cherokee apart using nothing more than a screwdriver. Even the brake lights are only held in place with a couple of bolts! 

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Timeless Styling

These days, most SUVs use incredibly complex lines and curvy styling to attract consumers. The XJ? Well, it's a big old box. Something that nobody makes anymore, which is a shame. The XJ looks substantial, masculine, and tough. And it retained essentially the same styling for 17 years because it just works. And it still works today. 

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