The original Jeep Cherokee was released in the USA in 1974, and was based on – but priced below – the big heavy J-series Wagoneer station wagon that dated back to October 1962.<br /><br />It wasn’t until 1979 that Australia saw the first Jeep Cherokee 4WD wagon, powered by a 104kW 5.9L V8 engine.<br /><br />A two-door Chief wagon was also available until June 1981, when the facelifted Sportsman models replaced it.<br /><br />An 82kW 4.2-litre six-cylinder engine was an option. The two-door Cherokees disappeared during 1983.<br /><br />These early Cherokees had nothing in common with the smaller series of the same name that followed from 1994.