2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Sport Utility 4-door 4.7l With Grill Guard on 2040-cars

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Hank the Autodog takes a ride in the long-term 2014 Jeep Cherokee

Autoblog readers, meet Hank, my 40-pound, six-year-old Shar Pei and Staffordshire Terrier mix, a combination also known as a Pit Bull. Pit Bulls and car enthusiasts have a lot in common. They're a little intimidating to your average man on the street, but at the end of the day all they want to do is feel the breeze in their ears. Dogs who love car rides are the ultimate enthusiasts, and Hank especially is a canine connoisseur of cars. There is nothing Hank likes more than to hop in and go for a ride. With an owner like me, he has developed refined tastes when it comes to cars. As our long-term Jeep Cherokee is about to leave the Autoblog Garage, and since the weather is warming back up, it's the perfect time to give our Autodog one last spin in his favorite Jeep. We wanted to see what a car ride looks like from a dog's perspective. Luckily, we have a cache of GoPros and plenty of cars on hand to give Hank one last chance to go for a window-down ride. After many pets, treats, and drives around town, we put together this video montage of Hank's best day ever.

164K Jeep Cherokees recalled to protect liftgate from moisture

FCA is recalling 164,003 examples of the 2014 and 2015 Jeep Cherokee because moisture can damage the power liftgate controls on models that are equipped with that feature. Regionally, this includes 99,436 of them in the US, 13,195 in Canada, 2,406 in Mexico, and 48,966 outside of NAFTA. The problem came to light after the automaker started investigating a fire in one of the SUVs. There were no injuries, though. According to FCA US' research, the power hatch's control module potentially can be exposed to water. This can cause a short circuit and possibly a fire, as in this case. Until the issue is repaired, the company is advising owners to keep the cargo area dry on Cherokees equipped with this feature. To fix things, dealers will install a shield around the controls to protect them from moisture and will replace any modules showing exposure to water. Statement: Water-Shield Installation June 24, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 99,436 SUVs in the U.S. to install shields that protect their power liftgate control modules, and related components, from moisture. FCA US LLC began an investigation after learning of a reported vehicle fire. The probe revealed power liftgate control modules in certain SUVs may be inadvertently exposed to water. This may cause a short-circuit, creating a fire hazard. However, the Company is unaware of any related injuries or accidents. The campaign affects model year 2014 and 2015 Jeep Cherokee SUVs, but is limited to vehicles equipped with power liftgates. An estimated 13,195 customers are affected in Canada, along with an estimated 2,406 customers in Mexico and 48,966 outside the NAFTA region. The estimated total recall population is 164,003. All affected customers will be advised when they may schedule service. If the modules show signs of water exposure, they will be replaced. All recall-related work will be performed free of charge. In the interim, the cargo areas of 2014-15 Cherokees equipped with power liftgates should be monitored and kept dry. Customers with questions may call the FCA US Customer Information Center at 1-800-853-1403.

Jeep CEO details the next Wrangler's push for efficiency

Jeep CEO Mike Manley's brief for the new Wrangler is a simple one – don't mess it up. But in that pursuit of keeping things proper, the affable Englishman has revealed that the brand is trying to walk a fine line while bringing its most iconic model into the 21st century. That's most important on the car's exterior. Like other long-serving American vehicles, the Wrangler is defined by its image. But even with aerodynamics playing a bigger role on the JK's successor, Manley was adamant during a conversation with Automotive News that the boxiness will carry on. "You have to be very careful with the aero of Wrangler, because at the end of the day, it needs to be recognizable as a Wrangler," Manley told AN. "To some extent that restricts you on some of the aero that you can do." Spy photos show a more rakish windshield and fascia, both key moves to lessen the aerodynamic impact of the Jeep's traditionally brick-like design. "But with weight and a number of the changes that we've made, you're going to see that we've really pushed that vehicle forward in terms of its fuel economy." The context of that last sentence points to a weight savings, something Automotive News backs up. While the Wrangler won't go all-aluminum, its frame is going to be lighter and stronger, and it will use aluminum for certain "hang-on" body parts. But this push for weight savings won't extend to the Wrangler's intangibles. It'll still ride on a body-on-frame architecture and feature solid axles at both ends, for example. Combine Manley's comments and AN's reports with news that the Wrangler will use an eight-speed automatic and offer diesel and four-cylinder turbo power in its next generation, and it's clear Jeep is trying to make the biggest strides in decades without alienating its die-hard fans. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Jeep Wrangler Detailed Spy Photos View 18 Photos News Source: Automotive News - sub. req.Image Credit: KGP Photography Green Jeep SUV Off-Road Vehicles Mike Manley