Multi-Car

'97 Jeep Cherokee SportOur long-term Jeep Cherokee visited the dealer for a Mopar Performance Parts makeover this winter, as chronicled in the March '98 "Truck Trends" column. The sport/ute's already rugged good looks have been augmented by a front grille guard, molded side steps, and polished cast-aluminum wheels. Ready to rumble, our feisty workhorse has been exploited for its go-anywhere abilities on various road-trip adventures, such as running support on last issue's high-speed three-ring circus also known as "Viva Velocity." In the rain, the extra illumination offered by the added foglamps repeatedly proved helpful. Interstate travel served to remind that the Cherokee's strengths are best exploited off-road or in tight urban quarters, where its abundant traction, torquey engine, and nimble character can be put to use. At highway speed, various powertrain and wind noises invade the Cherokee cabin, interfering with the enjoyment of the recently added six-disc CD changer. Tires have been rotated twice and the vital fluids changed once for a $71.79 service total. Long-distance driving has edged fuel economy up to 17.0 mpg, about right given our city-biased use.