Elrod,
For what it's worth, living up here in N. Idaho, and back in the boonies to boot, 4WD's are a way of life. We have several, a Ford F100 4x4 short-bed, Isuzu Trooper, Chevy Suburban 4x4 half-ton, Suzuki Samuri, and lastly a Jeep Grand Wagoneer (full size).
Of the litter, the Grand Wagoneer is by far and away the very most sure footed vehicle I've ever driven on ice and snow, bar none! It is absolutely the finest handling of the other 4WD's (at least full size) that I've driven as well. Parts haven't been a problem thus far, but we also have Spokane, Wa only 75 miles away too, and it is a regional hub for such distribution channels.
As for your preference, or what you'd be happy with, it's all a matter of what you'll use if for, and the type of driving it will be subjected to. I've got a couple of friends with Cherokees in the year range you mention, and they are perfectly happy with them, and would purchase another one in a minute if something happened to their current model.
We use our 4WD's daily, but each for different purposes. The Wagoneer is a well built, heavy vehicle that my wife feels very comfortable with, and is an especially safe rig for the family to travel around locally. The Suburban is for longer trips with the whole family, and has cargo room to haul a real load if the need arises, and is our primary tow vehicle for boats, utility and travel trailers. The Isuzu is a run-around locally type of rig, great on the snow and ice, narrow wheelbase makes for easy manuvering when in the boonies with the family. It's not especially comfortable for longer trips due to cramped quarters. The Ford F100 SWB is a workhorse, doing any and all hauling tasks and is used entirely as a working vehicle. The little Samuri is my favorite woods bummin' vehicle! It'll go where most ATV's will go, having such a narrow footprint, and is sooooo very short, that you can generally pull a U-ball in the middle of most logging roads without backing up or jockeying! It gets 35+ mpg and has NEVER been stuck, either in snow or mud.... a very fun rig, and super economical. Soft top is really a blast in summer. NOT a highway runner. It can be pretty small, even for two people and hunting gear.... and unless you're traveling light camping, better take a utility trailer along!
Bottom line, choose based on what you'll do with the Cherokee.
Have fun, and let us know what you do!
God Bless,
Marshall