THE Jeep Cherokee has become established as one of the biggest success stories of the 90's since bursting onto the UK motoring scene in January 1993.

The Cherokee, available at Wirral Jeep dealer Cubbin & North, Birkenhead, spearheaded the UK launch of the Jeep brand, the world's best known name in four-wheel drive, by becoming the first volume production vehicle ever to be built in right-hand drive for export to the UK by a North American car manufacturer.

Although Chrysler Jeep Imports UK began with fairly modest sales aspirations, the demand for the Cherokee rapidly led to waiting lists at dealerships, and second-hand Cherokees can command higher prices than when new!

Within 15 months of the Cherokee's launch, the respected Glass's Guide to Car Values reported in April 1994 that second hand examples of the hugely popular Cherokee had increased in value rather than depreciated - a situation previously achieved only by exotic supercars.

Since that time, residual values of Cherokee models have remained strong, with the vehicle having established a solid reputation for quality, reliability and value for money, in addition to its highly-praised style, specification and performance. Today, a 1993 Cherokee 4.0 Limited has a retained value of 55 per cent of its price when new (Glass's Guide - February 1999).

The durability of this rugged 4x4 is underlined by the large number of high-mileage examples which exist today - many of which have clocked up more than 100,000 gruelling miles, and including plenty which have more than 150,000 miles on the clock!

The Jeep Cherokee has collected numerous awards during its six years on UK roads, during which time sales have passed the 27,000 mark to ensure that the vehicle remains the backbone of the highly-successful Chrysler Jeep franchise, accounting for half the company's sales.

The success of the Jeep Cherokee in this country has been highlighted by the fact that the UK rapidly became the top-selling European market for the Cherokee, and by a considerable margin. In 1996, for example, more Cherokees were sold in the UK than in Germany, France, Italy and Spain put together.

In mid 1997, based on the foundations provided by the popular Cherokee, the UK became Chrysler Corporation's top-selling export market in the world.

The Cherokee continues to draw respect and acclaim as demand and sales remain buoyant, and the vehicle's well-established reputation for quality, reliability and value for money is still backed up by outstanding resale values.

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