Jeep XJ Cherokee

The Jeep Cherokee XJ was a revolutionary vehicle when it launched in 1984. Its lightweight unibody design, a first for a compact 4x4, provided superior on-road comfort and handling without sacrificing the brand's legendary off-road prowess. Combined with the durable solid axles and the introduction of the legendary 4.0-liter inline-6 engine in 1987, the XJ became an instant sales success that remained in production for 17 years.

The XJ's appeal to collectors is multi-faceted. Its simple, robust mechanicals make it easy to work on, and a massive aftermarket provides endless opportunities for modification. The classic, upright styling has aged incredibly well, and its practical size fits modern life perfectly. Clean, un-modified examples are becoming increasingly rare, driving interest from enthusiasts who grew up with them.

The market reflects this split personality, with an average sale price around $12,000. Heavily used or modified XJs can be found for just a few thousand dollars, serving as great entry-level project vehicles. At the other end, pristine, low-mileage examples, especially from the updated 1997-2001 generation, have sold for as much as $42,000, proving the XJ is now a legitimate collector vehicle.

Prices range from a few thousand dollars for project-quality trucks to over $42,000 for pristine, low-mileage examples.