Cherokees rule. Just ask any member of the North American XJ Association (NAXJA), and that’s what you’ll hear from these devoted fans of the oft-overlooked vehicles. They base this on the XJ’s easy modification potential (a solid front axle), time-proven dependability (after all, the model has been in production since 1984), and trail prowess (medium overall size with little excessive exterior beef). All in all, it’s a vehicle that can comfortably haul five passengers and offer plenty of interior storage.
We had a chance to witness all of these attributes while tagging along on NAXJA’s XJ Fest 2000, which was held in and around eastern Tennessee’s Cherokee National Forest (where else?). NAXJA members made the trek from over 13 states and as far away as Texas and Colorado to not only hang out with other XJ owners, but to take on the stunning Tellico trails over the course of four days.
In late July, the rolling hills of the Cherokee National Forest are so covered by a canopy of dense tree growth that even the midday sun is filtered, and the trails are heavily shaded and cool. This made for comfortable trail riding over the course of the four-day event, which featured easy, medium, and hard trail runs in the Upper Tellico ORV area. Tough obstacles like Slick Rock, Rock Garden, School Bus, and Guardrail all fell to the Cherokee invasion, and anybody who has been to Tellico knows that these legendary obstacles are not easily beat. For many members, the weekend was a shakedown for new mods; some held together and some didn’t. There was also a fair amount of general breakage, which is normal when challenging the Tellico area. Point is, these folks didn’t shy away from the many tough challenges of the area because they were driving a five-passenger SUV.
Over 40 vehicles made the trek to the XJ Fest 2000, and plans are already in the works for XJ Fest 2001. True to their roots, club info is available on the Internet at www.naxja.org, where upcoming events, phone numbers, and membership info is available.