Hey guys, let's dive deep into the heart of the 2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0! If you're a fan of the XJ generation, you already know this rig is a legend. Today, we're focusing on what makes it tick: the mighty 4.0L inline-six engine. This powerplant is renowned for its durability, torque, and off-road prowess, making the 2001 Cherokee Sport a sought-after vehicle even today. We'll break down its key specifications, performance figures, and what makes it such a beloved piece of automotive history. Whether you're a seasoned Jeeper or just curious about this iconic SUV, stick around as we uncover the details of the 2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0.

Unpacking the 4.0L Inline-Six: The Powerhouse Behind the Legend

Alright, let's get down to business with the 2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0 specs, specifically focusing on its legendary powerplant. The 4.0-liter (242 cubic inch) inline-six engine, often referred to as the “$6$,” is the undisputed star of the show. This engine is a workhorse, designed with robust construction and a straightforward design that has earned it a reputation for longevity and reliability. For the 2001 model year, the 4.0L inline-six was still pumping out impressive numbers, offering a blend of power and efficiency that was hard to beat in its class. It features a cast-iron block and cylinder head, which contributes to its substantial weight but also to its incredible durability. The engine employs a sequential multi-port fuel injection (MPI) system, ensuring efficient fuel delivery and a smooth running engine. This was a significant upgrade from earlier carbureted models, providing better performance and fuel economy. The bore and stroke dimensions were typically around 3.875 inches by 3.414 inches, respectively, giving it that characteristic inline-six configuration. The compression ratio for this era was usually around 8.8:1, which is decent for a naturally aspirated engine and allows it to run on regular unleaded gasoline, a big plus for everyday usability. The engine's design prioritizes low-end torque, which is absolutely crucial for off-roading and towing. This means you get plenty of grunt right from the get-go, making it feel powerful even at lower RPMs. This characteristic is what makes the Cherokee so capable on trails and when you need to pull a load. The overhead valve (OHV) design, while considered somewhat old-school by modern standards, is part of what contributes to its simplicity and ease of maintenance. Fewer complex components mean fewer things to go wrong, a philosophy that Jeep seemed to embrace with this engine. The engine management system, controlled by the ECU (Engine Control Unit), manages fuel delivery, ignition timing, and other critical functions to optimize performance and emissions. For 2001, the 4.0L was rated at 190 horsepower at around 4,600 RPM and a stout 220 lb-ft of torque at approximately 3,200 RPM. These figures might not sound earth-shattering by today's standards, but in the context of a relatively lightweight SUV from the early 2000s, they were excellent. That torque figure, delivered at a relatively low RPM, is what gives the Cherokee its legendary pulling power and its ability to crawl over obstacles off-road. The engine's firing order is also unique to the inline-six, contributing to its smooth operation and that distinctive engine note that many Jeep enthusiasts adore. The cooling system is robust, designed to handle the stresses of off-road driving and towing, and the lubrication system is equally well-engineered to keep the internal components running smoothly for hundreds of thousands of miles. The intake and exhaust manifolds are designed for efficient airflow, further contributing to the engine's overall performance. The 2001 model year represents a mature and refined version of this iconic engine, benefiting from years of development and refinement. It's this combination of power, torque, reliability, and relative simplicity that solidifies the 4.0L inline-six as a true legend in the automotive world, and the 2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0 is a prime example of it at its best.

Performance and Drivetrain: Putting the Power to the Pavement (and Trails!)

Now that we've dissected the engine, let's talk about how the 2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0 specs translate into actual performance, focusing on its drivetrain. Jeep equipped the 2001 Cherokee Sport with a couple of transmission options, catering to different preferences. The most common pairing was with the 42RE four-speed automatic transmission. This transmission is known for its smooth shifting and proven reliability, making it a great companion for the torquey 4.0L engine. It’s designed to handle the engine’s output effectively, providing a comfortable driving experience on the road while still offering enough control for off-road situations. For those who prefer a more engaging driving experience, a five-speed manual transmission, the NV3550, was also available. This manual gearbox is highly regarded for its durability and precise shifting, offering Jeep enthusiasts the direct control they crave. Many off-roaders actually prefer the manual for its simplicity and the ability to feather the clutch on tricky terrain. Regardless of the transmission choice, the 2001 Cherokee Sport 4.0 came standard with Jeep's legendary Selec-Trac full-time four-wheel-drive system. This system is a major selling point, offering versatility and confidence in various driving conditions. Selec-Trac allows the driver to select between 2WD, 4WD Full-Time, 4WD Part-Time, and Neutral. The