So many choices, so little time. At least that's how many car buyers feel when confronted with signing on the dotted line of a $20K note. The choice for me, however, is simple: the Jeep Cherokee. I need the convenience and utility of a four-door sport/utility, the go-anywhere capability of four-wheel drive, a 5000-pound tow capacity, and the proven toughness of a Jeep.
The Jeep Cherokee is available in many flavors: two-door or four-door, two- or four-wheel drive (full- or part-time), five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, and four- or six-cylinder. For '96, three models are available: the base SE, the midlevel Sport, and the top-of-the-line Country (four-door only).
For this comparison we chose a four-door Sport with a 4.0-liter OHV inline-six and Command-Trac part-time four-wheel drive. From my perspective the 12-year-old classic bodywork is as timeless as the old Jeep CJ's. (Some other MT staff members disagree.) Inside, the Cherokee is pretty basic, with an easy-to-read large analog instrument cluster, thinly padded cloth-covered seats, cramped rear-seat legroom, and a smallish cargo capacity compared to the Ford Explorer's and Chevrolet Blazer's.
After putting the Cherokee through its paces both on- and off-road, I feel that, for the price, it delivers everything I expect from an SUV and a couple of things I don't. The wind noise generated partially by its upright stance and outdated door-seal technology was more than compensated for by the excellent engine response and transmission performance (0-60 mph in 8.3 seconds), and handling that's almost carlike-a sensation validated by runs of near 60 mph in the slalom and almost 0.80 g on the skidpad. The steering is still overboosted with little on-center feel, a trait far more noticeable when you jump from your BMW to the Cherokee than after you're familiar with the Jeep.
Those of you who have a passion for towing boats, campers, and the occasional race kart will really appreciate the revised 4.0-liter Power Tech six, which features a stiffer block, new main-bearing brace and revised cam profile, and tuning that lowers the 225-pound torque peak from 4000 to 3000 rpm. Other value-added features for '96 are a heavy-duty battery and alternator, and intermittent wipers; all standard for the $19,545 base price on our model.
If you feel yourself being forced by price into a mini-sport/ute when you really need the capabilities of a midsize compact, consider the Cherokee. It does more for less.-Leonard Emanuelson
If you're going to make a long-term automotive commitment akin to a royal wedding, it should be to a car that evokes undying love. Don't be swayed by the "practical" Mom-mobile minivan or the trendy sport/ute that will never touch dirt. Instead, treat yourself to a car for which you would cheerfully write a check every month: a Mazda Miata. There's good reason why this sexy little convertible has become the world's best-selling sports car: It's outrageously fun to drive, and despite the exciting two-seat competition, nothing touches it for the price.
The 50/50 weight balance provides neutral handling. The independent suspension and low center of gravity keep this roadster planted, with smooth transitions through curves. Countless amateur racers have proved the Miata's might on road courses and at autocross events, where the small-displacement sportster can embarrass many testosterone-pumping V-8 brutes.
A perfectly sized steering wheel mated to a taut, responsive rack-and-pinion setup allow the driver to fully enjoy the Miata's abilities, transforming ordinary highway on/offramps into brief fantasy stints at Laguna Seca Raceway. Rough roads quickly remind that the suspension is sport tuned, but even the most casual performance enthusiast wouldn't want it any other way.
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