Jeep Cherokee Forum

Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee: Aftermarket Headlight Review

Read on for an in-depth review on the go-to brands of aftermarket headlights.

By Charlie Gaston - August 26, 2015

This article applies to the Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee (1984-2004).

Driving at night and during times of low visibility is not only nerve-wracking, it's also unsafe. So if you want to change your Jeep's old and dim factory headlights, you'll want to choose one that guarantees high performance as well as offers a competitive warranty and long lifespan (which not all brands can say about their bulbs). One important thing to consider when upgrading your headlights is whether to also upgrade the wire harness, and the answer is a resounding yes. There are two options: you can make your own wire harness or purchase one online or at your local auto parts store. Either way, an new wire harness will boost the performance of whichever headlight housing you choose to install for this project. Let's take a look!

Aftermarket Headlights
Rampage
IPF
Hella
Price
 $90 (conversion kit) $42 (headlight housing/single) $75+
Size
 H4 H4 H4
Performance
Excellent/Good
 Excellent Excellent
Lifespan
 Moderate Excellent Good
Warranty
 2-year limited warranty 2-year limited warranty 1-year warranty
Best Quality: IPF

Best Value: Hella

Rampage

Price – $90 (conversion kit)

Size – H4

Performance – Excellent/Good

Lifespan – Moderate

Warranty – 2-yr limited warranty

Rampage is a popular aftermarket headlights' brand for Jeep owners. Built with advanced multi-surface reflectors (MSR) and the ability to produce dynamic, long-range illumination that out-performs conventional "throw away" halogen bulbs, these 55/60 watt bulbs are SAE/DOT approved (not all LED bulbs are), which means they are legal to use on your Jeep. They are well talked about, particularly when it comes to performance and appearance.

In the CherokeeForum, or in any online review site, you'll see that the majority of Jeep owners are happy with the performance of these bulbs. However, a good number of users are only moderately enthusiastic when it comes to the bulbs' lifespan, which is said to be shorter than other brands on the market. The plug-and-play installation of Rampage headlights is ideal for Jeep owners wanting a fast and easy setup without the hassle or stress. Lastly, replacement housings are available if you need to purchase one later down the line. Recommended for their ease of installation and higher illumination on low beams.

IPF

Price – $42 (headlight housing/single)

Size – H4

Performance – Excellent

Lifespan – Excellent

Warranty – 2-yr limited warranty

IPF headlights are a great upgrade for your Jeep. Drivers who have installed these headlights generally remark how well-made and attractive the housings are. They also tend to rate the quality of the glass very high, noting that it offers superior illumination. You'll need to buy two of these headlamps separately for a complete set, which will bring your out-the-door cost to around $100, plus tax. Installation is easy and takes about an hour or less to complete. Recommended for Jeep owners wanting a superior light pattern on their low and high beams.

Hella

Price – $75+

Size – H4

Performance – Excellent

Lifespan – Good

Warranty – 1-year warranty

Great for off-roading, the Hella headlamps are a good, low-cost upgrade for your Jeep. They provide excellent illumination on low and high beams thanks to a "polished aluminum reflector" and are designed to provide a more road-friendly light pattern, even during times of extremely low visibility. Purchase a conversion kit online or through your local auto parts store and you'll receive two lamps, which include two dust boots and two bulbs. The Quartz lens is durable, and the overall quality of the headlamp is rated as good to excellent. Recommended for Jeep owners wanting four-times the illumination on low beams and two-times the illumination on high beams than conventional "throw away" bulbs.

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