What does being Jeep Crazy mean anyway?
Well, from what I can tell it has a lot to do with pride of ownership in having a long running American icon for starters. The little Jeep brand has a long history and was born out of necessity during WWII.
Proven rugged and dependable...at times literally "under fire"...these practical and utilitarian vehicles found homes on battlefields, on farms and ranches, in deserts, up mountains, in snow, ice, rain, sand and mud. And today they are even civilized enough to be commuters to work and around town.
So why are so many of us...young, old and every age in between...so infatuated with a vehicle that was not really supposed to survive after WWII? After all...the "universal" style Jeeps are small...have little cargo space...get poor gas mileage...and can feel like you've been on a bucking horse after a few hours of rough country.
Well, to me the answer is simple in that the Wranglers...all the way back to the military Willys MB's...have allowed us to explore regions and areas previously only accessible on foot...or possibly on horseback. In a Jeep one can also get to more backcountry destinations quicker, allowing more time to explore and take in nature's beauty.
Sure many of us only take our Jeeps off road occasionally...but it's that sense of knowing that if you want or need to tackle some rough road conditions...you have the right rig to do it with confidence.
To many Jeep enthusiasts their rigs are always "a work in progress" meaning that there is always some new "gotta have" accessory or performance enhancer like:
better/bigger tires,
suspension lift,
stronger axles,
better shocks,
engine power add-ons,
winches,
heavy duty bumpers,
body armor,
driving lights, and
off road tools
to mention a few. Even those who may drive the more moderate Jeeps like the Commander, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot or Compass realize that although these SUV style rigs are not Wranglers...they're still Jeeps.
And that's something special!
So now I leave you with a little poem I composed just for those who may still not grasp why some of us are Jeep Crazy.
Ode To A Jeep
Oh little Jeep
How do I love thee?
Let me count the ways.
You take me here
And you take me there
All without complaint.
Except for a few rattles and shakes
And too many stops at the pump
You are ever faithful.
When asked "why"
I'll simply reply
"It's a Jeep Thing"
So if this seems a bit strange
I will echo this refrain
"You wouldn't understand"
So what else is there to say
If you will please flip me over,
I'll be merrily on my way.
Jeep has established itself in the field of off-road vehicle performance. But now it is seeking to appeal to a larger market to cover the young enthusiasts. It is determined to capture the needs of both the young and the old using the charisma of all-new Wrangler.
However, in expanding the target market of the automaker, some Jeep purists are expressing their dissent. They think that the brand has gone too soft than expected. "Everybody is worried that Jeep will lose their name," said Cefali, vice president of the Great Lakes Four Wheel Drive Association and also a Jeep consumer. "I would hate to see Jeep not being on the foreground of off-roading."
The Jeep Wrangler, the successor to the World War II Jeep, is a mini sport utility vehicle that debuted in 1987. It was first updated in 1997. The next modification happened in 2007 and the latest is for this model year. All-new Jeep Wrangler is equipped with a number of firsts that include the powered windows and door locks. Through the 65-year history of the automaker, this is the very first time that it offers said features.
"It seems like they're coming out with some things that are not really off-road capable," added Cefali. Such a sentiment is the reason why it was crucial to talk to Jeep purists when the new Wrangler was merely a sketch, said Jeff Bell, vice president of Jeep, a division of DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group. He added that with competition from newer brands like Hummer and rugged midsize SUVs like the Nissan Xterra, a modern Wrangler had to be built. But the look and features would not offend four-wheel loyalists.
The Jeep Wrangler now comes with fold-down windshield and removable and convertible tops. The exterior of the new Wrangler was designed with its heritage in mind, said Trevor Creed, senior vice president of Chrysler design. Kerry Ann Griffith, a Wrangler fanatic, is happy to know that the powered features do not prevent hardcore Jeep fans from removing doors for summertime ventures. "I don't care what they do with the Jeep brand so long as they keep the Wrangler traditional," said Griffith, who goes trail riding at least once a month.
"Once people see the new Wrangler, they're going to be blown away by what this thing looks like and what it can do," said Tom LaSorda, Chrysler chief executive officer.
Jeep sales are increased by 11.5 per cent in 2005 and the automaker is eager to further alleviate the sales with its new Compass, the Liberty Diesel and the seven-passenger Commander. "That is a big thumbs up that you can grow Jeep," Bell said.
The Jeep Compass is a crossover sport utility vehicles unveiled for the 2007 model year at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. The vehicle uses a 172 horsepower 2.4 liter GEMA I4 gasoline engine for the Australian and European market. Now that the vehicle is modified to cater to a wider market, it comes with loads of promises and surprises. The automaker said the vehicle is engineered to offer more fun, utility, freedom, capability, as well as the potential for exceptional fuel economy and interior flexibility without compromising affordability. Though, the automaker entertained significant modifications, tested parts like the EBC brake rotors will be retained in the model.
The automaker expects that the 2007 Jeep Compass is designed with an urban flair to appeal to new buyers in the compact SUV segment projected to double to 568,000 units by 2010 and triple to 814,000 by 2016 from 297,000 units in 2004. The Jeep Compass is designed to lure single women and recently married professionals ranging in age from 20s to 40s. The automaker is also targeting an upscale demographic with a median income of ,000.
The all-new Jeep Compass features the Jeep brand's signature seven-slot grille, round headlamps and trapezoidal wheel openings and a new silhouette that features a steeply raked windshield. Side-curtain air bags are standard and it is equipped with the new 172-horsepower 2.4-liter world engine produced by Chrysler, Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and Hyundai Motor Co.
The Jeep Liberty Diesel, on the other hand, is a compact sport utility vehicle that features 2 new PowerTech engines, a 150 hp 2.4 L I4 and a 210 hp 3.7 L V6, a 2.8 L VM Motori turbodiesel engine became available in the CRD model and four-wheel disc brakes. In 2005, it bagged the title as the best-selling compact sport utility vehicle.
The Jeep Commander, a 7-passenger midsize sport utility vehicle introduced in 2006, features 3 moonroofs, squared-off sides, an upright windshield and very distinct styling. It also offers a base V6 engine with two optional V8s and a new Hemi. In Europe, the vehicle offers a Diesel engine developed by DaimlerChrysler with BlueTec technology.
According to Rebecca Lindland, an analyst with Global Insight Inc., Jeep needs to stay in touch with the changing tastes of buyers, particularly the younger generation. "A lot of the younger consumers in the market are premium-oriented," Lindland noted. "They look to premium brands so a brand like Hummer is very attractive to them. What Jeep needs to do is become very attractive to that market. They're trying to expand the appeal of the brand overall without alienating core buyers. They need to get the younger buyers interested in Jeep."
Jeep has been manufacturing the Jeep Cherokee in some form or another since 1974, and that translates into many options for the consumer shopping for a Jeep Cherokee for sale. It all started with the Jeep Cherokee (SJ) in 1974, which Jeep then replaced with the XJ in 1984, and manufactured until 2001. Jeep replaced that with the Jeep Liberty, also known as the Jeep Cherokee (KJ). In addition to these Cherokees, Jeep began manufacturing the Grand Cherokees in 1993.
Jeep Cherokee (SJ) 1974-1983
Similar to the famed Wagoneer that Brooks Stevens designed in 1963, the SJ, which boasts an iconic visual style, was a moderately popular full-size SUV during the 1970s and early 1980s. Its popularity grew in the years after its discontinuation. They are becoming increasingly difficult to find today, and thus highly sought after by off-road enthusiasts and other types of automotive aficionados.
Jeep Cherokee (XJ) 1984-2001
Although the XJ shared its name with the SJ model that preceded it, they shared very little else in common. The XJ is a unibody compact SUV, and it does not employ the body-on-frame chassis that was a defining element of the SJ models. The XJs are so popular that it is common to see the late 1990s and later models still used for regular driving. These are highly durable vehicles, and their only real deficiency is a lack of modern safety features.
Jeep Liberty or Jeep Cherokee (KJ/KK) 2002-Present
Called the Jeep Liberty in North America and the Cherokee in other parts of the world, the KJ is the modern incarnation of the XJ. While sticking to its compact, off-road roots, the Chrysler influence has steered the current Jeep Cherokee for sale toward a focus on luxury. The current version costs approximately ,000, and boasts a standard package that includes 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, air-conditioning, full power accessories, automatic headlamps, and a six-speaker CD stereo system with satellite radio.
Jeep Grand Cherokee (ZJ) 1993-1998
Introduced in 1993, the Grand Cherokees were a sport-influenced mid-size UniFrame SUV. The ZJs were available as Base, Laredo, and Limited. These were essentially a sparse standard package, a mid-tier package, and a deluxe premium package, respectively. The 1995 models and beyond include ample safety features, and make for viable options for the modern used car shopper.
Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ) 1999-2004
The Grand Cherokee became amazingly popular, and as we neared the turn of the century, Jeep introduced a style and function update to celebrate it. The theme behind the WJ is power and luxury, and it certainly met those standards for all five years of its production. This is the sweet spot for used car buyers that want to limit cost while achieving maximum feature set and safety level.
Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK) 2005-2010
The WK is a modern refinement of the wildly popular WJ. Unless they have heavy mileage, these vehicles hold their value well, so the car buyer considering one may also want to consider a brand new WK2. The prices are not going to be worlds apart.
Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2) 2011-Present
The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is an elegant refinement of everything we loved about the WJ and the WK. The aspect that separates the WK2 from the WK is the all-new chassis that provides significant improvements to the suspension. The base 2011 Jeep Cherokee for sale is going to cost you about K, and brings with it a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 290 horsepower. The equipment package includes 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone air-conditioning, cruise control, keyless ignition, automatic headlights, and a six-speaker CD audio system with satellite radio.
It can be difficult and confusing when shopping for the best used mid-size sport utility vehicle because of the many choices you have today. Over the years the SUV has gone from one extreme as being a poor handling, gas guzzling truck with lots of power and room (Remember the early Ford Broncos!). Today mid-size SUVs are built for the family as a multi-purpose vehicle capable of taking you where you want to go, no matter what the weather conditions are. Plus, you can travel in comfort and style now.
A mid-size SUV offers plenty of room for your entire family and all their stuff. Going to soccer practice is much easier and safer in today's SUVs.
If you are in the market for an SUV and have sticker shock when looking at the new models, then purchasing a used SUV can deliver all the benefits and features you want without the giant price tag. Manufactures offer plenty of makes and models to choose from today. The following top list of used mid-size SUVs are based on the following criteria: top leading safety scores, least amount of depreciation, reliability and fuel economy.
Hyundai Santa Fe
During the years 2004 through 2008, Consumer Reports states that, the Hyundai Santa Fe 4-wheel drive, 4-cylinder only decreased in value sixty-seven percent from its retail price. This SUV is popular because of its trend-setting style and look along with excellent fuel economy.
Acura MDX
The Acura MDX is built on a mid-size platform from Honda and sold as a high-end SUV with upper-class standard features. Acura has been on the top of the best SUV list due to it's trend-setting design of the interior cabin. One of the most favorite standard features is the all-wheel-drive along with the V6 engine floating on an independent suspension system.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander offers the comfort and luxury of an automobile ride, with a 4-wheel unconventional suspension system that is independent. It also offers plenty of storage space. Toyota designed and built the Highlander on a unibody platform with all wheel drive and front wheel drive options. Toyota also offers the Highlander in a gas saving hybrid model.
Subaru Forester
The Forester offers plenty of storage space with an excellent reliability rating. Owners praise the comfort and style of the Forester along with its sharp handling and excellent performance. Earlier models of the Forester offered only cloth interiors, while the later models offered luxury features like a leather interior.
Best Used Mid-Size SUV - Revealed - The Best Top 4
