2014 Jeep Cherokee evokes shock, little awe

If there's a valuable design lesson to be learned from the Nissan Juke and Pontiac Aztek, it's that dual headlights rarely work. And Jeep adopted that look not just on any name plate, but on an all-new Cherokee — a classic brand with a loyal following for its utilitarian, no-nonsense style despite its absence from production since 2001.

Not surprisingly, reactions to its dramatic resurrection, which has been called "contemporary" by Chrysler/Jeep design chief Ralph Gilles, have been brutal, especially in social media.

"God-awful ugly, and a complete disgrace to its forefather... shame on Chrysler," lamented one twitter user.

"Looks like a dinosaur," quipped another.