The history of the XJ starts in around 1980 with market research being performed by AMC. Their research led them to believe that the future lay in compact SUVs or Sportwagons. With this information, AMC funded the development of the XJ by infusing $250 million into the design and production of the then-new XJ Cherokee and Wagoneer sports wagons.
Preliminary design sketches of the XJ date back to 1978. A team of AMC and Renault engineers drew sketches and made clay models that were based on the then-current SJ Cherokee. Development commenced with the introduction of the then all-new XJ series in 1984. Immediately after being introduced, it won “4X4 of the Year" awards by three primary off-road magazines. Built with an unconventional for the time unibody frame, the XJ was 21 inches shorter, 6-inches narrower, 4 inches lower, and 1,000 pounds lighter than the full-size Wagoneer SJ. The XJ has a European feel due to the collaboration AMC engineers had with Renault - a French carmaker, in the development of the SUV.
The Jeep Cherokee was the definition of functional design. The look was of the XJ was very utilitarian and purposeful, but it all served a function and was made this way intentionally. With huge planes of glass Driver’s had a clear view of what was in front of them and the forward, side, and rear visibility was superb. The familiar grille, squared-off wheel arches, and bulldog stance were very nice touches. You weren’t going to mistake this SUV for anything other than a Jeep.
The XJ was offered in two-door and four-door versions throughout its lifetime, with both having the same track and wheelbase measurements. Differences for the Two-door models included longer doors and seats in the front that you could fold forward to aid rear passenger entry and exit. Additionally, the 2dr had longer rear windows that did not open, with some 2dr models featuring an optional rear vent window.
The look was updated for the 1997 model year to enhance the strengths of the XJ. The front grille, front fascia, and bumpers were newly updated and revised. Bodyside moldings were made to have a more fluid look while the wheel arches flares now flowed into the front and rear bumpers. A new stamped-steel liftgate had hidden hinges, a new outside handle, and an inside pull strap. The taillights were new with a more rounded look. Front doors had a single plane of glass and enlarged mirrors. Alloy wheels were also revised.
Interior:
Even though it was much smaller than the previous SJ generation, the interior still boasted 90% of the space found in the SJ. The interior was well designed and was competitive when compared to its rivals. The overall look of the 86-96 dash was decent with a large, but easy use center dash area. The climate and radio controls were within easy reach. All of the gauges and buttons were well marked and easy to operate. The seats were comfortable, but larger or taller passengers may find them a little tight. Some of my favorite features include the 3-spoke steering wheel and the comprehensive set of gauges that were available with some models. Starting with the 1997 model, the interior received a facelift. Included now was a passenger and driver’s airbag. Sound insulation was increased to reduce the noise level. A new central dashboard panel housed climate controls and the radio. New lighted power mirrors and power-window switches were installed. A new overhead console contained a storage compartment. Also new were a 5-function trip computer and a revised center console with cupholders.
Engines:
Early Cherokees could be optioned with the 85-hp Renault 2.1-liter turbo-diesel four in 86-87 Model years. Though it didn’t make much power, it was fuel miser’s choice as it had the best MPG.
The base engine was AMC’s new 2.5L OHV four that was based on the existing AMC six architecture but heavily revised. The subsequent 4.0-liter Jeep six was a modified version 2.5 four with two more cylinders added. It started life with 105 hp and a carb; later developments had fuel-injection and various improvements, all the way to 130 hp.
The optional early engine was the Chevy 60-degree 2.8 V6, rated at 115 hp. This was a suitable engine for the Cherokee’s since its engine compartment was designed for compact, short engines only, and not the big inline-six. The Chevy V6 ran smoother than the somewhat rough 2.5 four. But the early 2.8s were inconsistently built and quality suffered.
Fitting the 4.0L straight-six required modifying the XJ to accommodate it. This included modifying the whole front radiator support structure and notching out space for the engine. It was essentially a heavily-reworked AMC 258 six, now with 4.0 liters (244 CID).
Frame:
The XJ uses a uniframe design that went against the grain. Most of the XJs competitors were based on a body-on-frame design. The XJ was able to use a uniframe deisgn to lower its weight, but it still proved a formidable machine off-road.