- 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee
- 2003 Jeep Wrangler X
- 2014 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition
- 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
- 1988 Jeep Gladiator
- 1996 Jeep Comanche
- 2010 Jeep Wrangler Islander
- 1994 XJ Jeep Cherokee
- 1991 Jeep Wagoneer
- 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- The Bottom Line
Jeeps are iconic off-road vehicles, and their withstanding popularity proves they are genuine American icons. You've seen them in the military, you've seen them on the road, and they continue to be an object of desire for both those who have owned one before and those who just dream of owning one. With so many styles available, it can be hard to know which best fits your lifestyle: how do you choose between the Cherokee's rugged charm or Grand Cherokee's luxury? Keep reading to learn more about the best Jeep models you can afford right now.
1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee
The 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee is a great starter vehicle for someone who doesn't need a lot of bells and whistles - but still wants a good car at an affordable price below $10,000. The Cherokee boasted a sturdy bodyshell and felt quite reliable, but the doors could be tricky to open as they had only one latch.
All Cherokees were equipped with an inline four-cylinder engine, making them relatively quiet compared to many early SUV models. There were two body variants: the base model (which came with front bucket seats) and the more expensive 4x4 version, which was fitted with bench seats. The latter had two external round headlights, and a grille-mounted in the middle, flanked by two rectangular headlights, giving it a distinctive look.
2003 Jeep Wrangler X
The 2003 Jeep Wrangler X is the cheapest one on this list, costing between $7000 and $8,000. It has an overhead cam V-6 engine and five-speed transmission. The Wrangler's exterior is a rougher look than later models as there are no rounded edges; instead, it's a little boxier with larger tires, making it perfect for taking on muddy trails or just looking cool. The Wrangler's cabin is simple and roomy. It has a three-spoke steering wheel and a center console, which is attached to the driver's-side window.
2014 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition
The 2014 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition is the perfect hunting vehicle. This version of the Jeep Wrangler offers a retro feel, with a grille inspired by the original Willys Jeep of the 1940s and 50s. It is also designed to help improve fuel economy. The new Wrangler offers outstanding on-road performance, thanks to its 284 horsepower engine.
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is an excellent choice for those who want an SUV that can handle anything. It has a 4.7-liter V8 petrol engine paired with eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive for on-road driving enjoyment. It is a very powerful SUV with a great ride.
1988 Jeep Gladiator
The 1988 Jeep Gladiator is a great option for those who are just starting and don't want to pay too much to get started. It has a fuel-efficient engine, giving it decent performance for an SUV. It is comfortable to drive, has low maintenance costs, and would cost between $7000 and $9000, making it quite affordable.
1996 Jeep Comanche
The 1996 Jeep Comanche is a great option for those looking for something more than an average SUV; it has a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers surprisingly good power. It is comfortable and reliable, costing between $5000 and $9000.
2010 Jeep Wrangler Islander
The 2010 Jeep Wrangler Islander is one of the top models in the Wrangler series. And it is a great option for those who want a rugged SUV that is also comfortable. It has a soft top, giving it a more comfortable feeling and good protection against the weather. It has a V6 engine that provides good power and torque, but its fuel consumption isn't great – as is true of many SUVs in general. Its all-wheel drive is great for driving off-road and on sands.
1994 XJ Jeep Cherokee
The 1994 XJ Jeep Cherokee is an excellent option for someone who wants a vehicle that offers both space and comfort but doesn't want to pay over $10,000 for it. It has an inline six-cylinder, high output engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, making it great on-road and excellent off-road.
The 1994 model is a real classic that has a stylish interior, great performance, and good fuel economy. It was well built for an SUV of its time and had a lot of power despite having a smaller engine. The Cherokee also had a skid plate designed to protect its oil pan from damage during off-road driving, which was very useful - as were the front disc brakes and gas shock absorbers on all four wheels.
1991 Jeep Wagoneer
The 1991 Jeep Wagoneer is an affordable SUV that offers impressive performance, space, and comfort. It has a powerful engine, giving it good on-road performance, but it can also handle driving off-road if needed.
This is an excellent option for those who don't want to pay too much for a classic SUV. It is comfortable, easy to drive, and has a high roof that protects it from the weather. The Wagoneer also has plenty of power and is perfect for taking on challenging terrain.
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 2015 Grand Cherokee is the best jeep to buy and is designed for those who want a comfortable SUV that can handle any terrain. It is one of the most up-to-date models available in this series, having been first launched in 2012. In fact, the Grand Cherokee has been around since 1993, making it one of the most reliable SUVs on the market.
The Grand Cherokee has a V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The interior feels luxurious thanks to its leather seats and a soft dash, while its ground clearance makes it great for taking on rough terrain. There are also plenty of options available, giving you lots of ways to make your Jeep exactly how you want it.
The Bottom Line
Jeeps are ruggedly designed and have low fuel consumption, making them an economical choice for those who want an SUV for commuting or for just hauling around a few people. They are perfect for wooded areas, as well as beaches and fields. Jeep is available in a wide range of years and prices from $5,000 to more than $20,000, depending on the model and year purchased. However, even the most expensive models would cost much less than many other luxury SUVs available on the market today.