Jeeps Suck: Why They’re Not Worth Your Money

Have you ever dreamed of owning a rugged, off-road ready Jeep Wrangler or Grand Cherokee to conquer tough terrain and look cool while doing it? The Jeep brand has become an American icon known for adventure. But are Jeeps really all they’re cracked up to be?

In short – no. Here’s why Jeeps suck and are not worth your hard-earned money.

In this detailed guide, we’ll cover the major drawbacks of Jeep vehicles that make them a poor choice for most buyers, including:

• Chronic reliability problems and expensive repairs
• Awful gas mileage compared to rival SUVs
• A very uncomfortable and noisy ride
• Higher than average purchase prices and ownership costs
• Lackluster safety features and ratings
• Poor resale value with high depreciation
• And more…

By the end, you’ll agree that Jeep models are overrated and overpriced. We’ll even recommend better SUV options worth your consideration. Let’s hit the trails!

Jeep Reliability Issues – Frequent Breakdowns and Costly Repairs

Reliability is crucial for any vehicle purchase, but it’s an area where Jeep consistently underperforms compared to other automakers. In fact, Jeep ranks near the bottom for reliability according to J.D. Power and Consumer Reports owner surveys.

This is clear evidence that Jeep models experience frequent mechanical problems and require expensive trips to the repair shop.

Some of the most common reliability complaints reported by Jeep owners include:

• Faulty transmissions – jerky shifting, delayed engagement, premature failure
• Engine issues – oil leaks, blown head gaskets, stalling, loss of power
• Electrical gremlins – shorts, sensor failures, power windows/locks not working
• Leaking sunroofs and water leaks
• Faulty four-wheel drive systems – not engaging properly
• Air conditioning failures – expensive to repair

These types of issues can leave you stranded when you least expect it. And the costs really add up over time. In fact, a recent Consumer Reports analysis estimated that a 5-year-old Jeep will have already incurred $3,400 in repair bills on average.

That’s a steep premium to pay for driving a trendy yet unreliable vehicle.

Jeeps Get Terrible Gas Mileage Compared to Other SUVs

With gas prices fluctuating wildly, fuel efficiency should be a top consideration for your next vehicle. Here again, Jeep falls woefully short compared to the competition.

Most Jeep models only manage 15-19 mpg in real world driving – quite poor for a modern SUV. Even their newer turbocharged engines still lag behind.

For example, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid is rated for just 21 mpg combined. That’s far lower than similar sized crossover SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (40 mpg) or Honda CR-V Hybrid (38 mpg).

There are a few reasons why Jeeps suffer from such awful fuel economy:

• Inefficient aerodynamics – the Wrangler’s iconic blocky design causes lots of air resistance.
• Heavier curb weight – the robust off-road components add pounds.
• Underpowered engines – Jeep uses outdated V6 motors instead of modern turbo-4s.

The result is you’ll be making frequent gas station stops and paying dearly at the pump over the long run. Not exactly fun or frugal.

Uncomfortable and Noisy Ride – Bumpy and Deafening Cabin Noise

Beyond their lackluster reliability and efficiency, most Jeep models simply do not provide a nice riding experience either on-road or off.

The culprit is their stiff suspension and lack of sound insulation required for serious off-roading. This results in an overly bouncy ride and excessive cabin noise on paved roads.

Jeep Wranglers, in particular, are notoriously uncomfortable for daily driving. You feel every crack and bump in the suspension. The ride borders on harsh and unrefined.

Road and wind noise are also intrusive, sometimes exceeding 80 decibels in the cabin at highway speeds. That’s equal to a passing freight train! Passengers will be shouting just to hold a conversation.

While rival SUVs from Toyota, Honda, and Ford offer a quiet, compliant ride for road trips, Jeeps force owners to endure an unpleasant driving experience. That’s hard to justify unless you plan to off-road frequently.

Jeeps Are Not Cheap to Buy or Own – High Purchase and Maintenance Costs

Based on their barebones interiors and lack of luxury features, you may think Jeeps would be relatively affordable vehicles. Think again.

Most Jeep models are actually priced well above the industry average in their vehicle class. Here are a few examples:

• The 2022 Jeep Wrangler starts at $32,000 – several thousand above competitors like the Ford Bronco or Toyota 4Runner.
• The midsize Jeep Grand Cherokee starts at $40,000. By comparison, the well-equipped Honda Passport and Nissan Murano start closer to $35,000.

You’ll also pay more for insurance on a Jeep, often 20% above average according to insurance analysis sites.

And we’ve already covered the steep maintenance and repair bills Jeep owners frequently incur.

Altogether, the 5-year total cost of ownership for a typical Jeep is $5,000-$10,000 higher than rival SUVs. That premium price doesn’t reflect their unremarkable performance and below-average reliability either.

Jeeps Lack Important Advanced Safety Features and Get Mediocre Crash Ratings

Safety should be a top purchase criteria for your next vehicle. Once again, Jeep models come up short versus the competition.

Most Jeep SUVs lack modern active safety and driver assistance features that are near standard on rival SUVs, such as:

• Blindspot monitoring
• Rear cross traffic alerts
• Lane keeping assist
• Adaptive cruise control

These technologies help avoid accidents and save lives, so their omission from most Jeep models is concerning.

Jeeps also score mediocre at best in crash testing by the NHTSA and IIHS:

• The Jeep Wrangler 4-door earned just a 3/5 star overall rating in NHTSA testing with a Marginal side impact rating.
• The Jeep Grand Cherokee received 2/5 stars for rollover resistance from the NHTSA.

Overall, you’ll get better safety protections in a Honda, Subaru or Volvo SUV costing the same or less than a comparable Jeep.

High Depreciation and Poor Resale Value – Your Jeep Will Lose Value Quickly

If you plan on selling your next vehicle after 5-6 years, its resale value matters. Here again, Jeeps disappoint.

The Wrangler’s resale value tops the range, often recouping over 50% after 5 years. But most other Jeep models depreciate faster than average for the segment.

For example, the Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Compass only retain about 30% of original value after 5 years – several points lower than rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester.

This means buying a Jeep essentially guarantees you’ll take a larger than average financial hit when it comes time to sell or trade-in. The money you thought you’d recoup disappears quickly.

The Pros and Cons of Jeep SUVs

Pros:

• Iconic styling and off-road capability
• Removable doors and roof panels on Wrangler for open air driving
• Capable four-wheel drive systems for challenging terrain
• Large selection of models and trims

Cons:

• Awful reliability record and expensive repairs
• Terrible fuel economy compared to rivals
• Uncomfortable ride quality on pavement
• Expensive to purchase and own long-term
• Missing key advanced safety technologies
• High depreciation hurts resale value

Verdict – Jeeps Are Not Worth Your Hard-Earned Money for Most Buyers

Given their exorbitant purchase and ownership costs, subpar reliability, mediocre safety and efficiency, harsh ride, and high depreciation – Jeep models are not a wise investment for most SUV buyers.

The iconic off-road image simply isn’t enough to compensate for Jeep’s extensive drawbacks as a daily driver and family hauler. You’ll likely regret buying one within a few years.

Instead, we recommend comparing Jeep to reliable, fuel efficient rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, or Subaru Outback.

These alternatives deliver a more comfortable ride, superior safety and technology, lower operating costs, and higher resale value – all while still offering ample cargo space and capable AWD systems for most conditions.

Unless you absolutely need a specialized off-roader, a Jeep ultimately proves to be an overrated and overpriced purchase for many consumers. Carefully consider why you need one versus a more well-rounded SUV.

Conclusion – Why Jeeps Are More Hype than Substance for Non-Hardcore Off-Roaders

In closing, mainstream Jeep models clearly lack the reliability, efficiency, comfort and overall value to justify their price premium over comparable SUV options.

Beyond the rugged image and open-air freedom of the Wrangler lies a brand plagued by chronic mechanical issues, poor gas mileage, and an unpleasant driving experience ill-suited for daily family use.

For casual off-roaders not venturing past maintained trails, a Jeep’s capabilities prove excessive. More affordable SUVs handle those needs while offering a nicer on-road experience.

So bypass the Jeep dealership unless you’re a diehard off-road enthusiast. For everyone else, more proven SUVs deliver better comfort, safety, and long-term value without the sacrifices inherent to the Jeep brand.