The all new 2014 Jeep Cherokee-Liberty Car?
- Thread starter VanIsle_Greg
- Start date
jeep-N-montero
Expedition Leader
Why are you laughing? The ZJ was out 4 years before the TJ was released with near identical suspension but a longer wheelbase. If you compare stock for stock a ZJ vs YJ with 30x9.50 tires the ZJ would come out on top. Shoot, I would even do the same comparison with a TJ.
Utah KJ
Free State of Florida
Then Jeep would be a brand to avoid like Nissan.
RubiconGeoff
Adventurer
As long as this new faux-by-four is a sales success and earns Jeep some good profits than can be invested back into the continuation and improvement of their last real 4x4 (the Wragler), then I have no real objection to this car. I just worry that more of these pansy AWD cars may dilute the Jeep brand image, which is worth its weight in gold. The Wrangler is the one remaining vehicle that defines the Jeep brand, and without this "rough and tumble" open-top, solid-axle 4WD, the Jeep brand is done for.
Jeep is very aware of its place in the market and its brand image. And they are very protective of that image. And if this vehicle will keep Jeep as a viable and profitable entity (and keep IFS off of the Wrangler), I'm all for it. However, if I were truthful, even though I have owned some kind of Jeep continuously since 1980, we still end up driving my girlfriend's Subaru to the ski slopes and to 90% of the camping we do. It's roomier, more comfortable, and gets 2 times better mileage than the Jeep. I am still a huge fan of Jeep brand vehicles, and I have owned CJs and FSJs as daily drivers, but the older I get, the less sense a vehicle with a thirsty V8/I6 and big honkin' tires makes. I just hope there will never come a time when a Jeep doesn't make sense even as a second vehicle. Arguably, the world is a better place because of Jeep vehicles. I also like the idea of a world that still has a place for Jeep vehicles. I just hope it can stay that way.
Clutch
<---Pass
Thought it would be cool if Jeep revisited the AMC Eagle era, with modern styling and a diesel engine of course....give those Suby Outbacks a
run for their money...
I agree! In 1999 Subaru introduced the Legacy sedan, and they claimed it was "the world's first sport-utility sedan." Nope. AMC beat you to it by 19 years.
Dana 30 IFS front, Dana 35 rear over leaf springs, 258 I6, these were actually well-engineered cars, far stouter than any Subaru in the 1980s. I had an Eagle Kammback (think AWD Gremlin), and it was comfortable, rugged, and about as roomy as a 1st generation Forester, just not terribly fuel efficient at 18MPG (4.2L/TF998). From certain angles, you could definitely see the inspiration for the Compass concept.
Clutch
<---Pass
I thought they were cool when they came out, a bit ugly, but hey!
Find it odd people complaining Jeep is getting away from their roots and building cars, ahh they already built cars...
...I guess they forgot about the 2WD Jeepster.
EDIT: Apparently I don't pay attention enough to Jeep, I would say the 2013 Compass is a reincarnation of the AMC Eagles.
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jeep-N-montero
Expedition Leader
You guys have me thinking and came across this mint little piece http://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/28189
Clutch
<---Pass
I always thought something like a (slightly?) lifted rally car with some MT / dirt tires on it would be a great addition to the Jeep line up.
Out west we have thousands and thousands and thousands of miles of forest service roads and I always thought it would be fun to bomb around on those with something a bit sportier than a Jeep, SUV, or pick-up truck. But the vehicle needs more ground clearance than an STi-like hot hatch rally car, and a more robust suspension, to help soak up the many pot holes and rough road conditions at speed. I don't mind it being car based but it need to fit with the Jeep ethos of being off-pavement, outdoor / adventure focused and reasonably robust.
Hmmm.... set one of those up for some modest overlanding and that could be a blast!
This XJ-002 has also always caught my eye. It seemed like a fun sporty concept.
Out west we have thousands and thousands and thousands of miles of forest service roads and I always thought it would be fun to bomb around on those with something a bit sportier than a Jeep, SUV, or pick-up truck. But the vehicle needs more ground clearance than an STi-like hot hatch rally car, and a more robust suspension, to help soak up the many pot holes and rough road conditions at speed. I don't mind it being car based but it need to fit with the Jeep ethos of being off-pavement, outdoor / adventure focused and reasonably robust.
Hmmm.... set one of those up for some modest overlanding and that could be a blast!
This XJ-002 has also always caught my eye. It seemed like a fun sporty concept.
ihatemybike
Explorer
I've been saying since the Compass/Patriot was released that to meet CAFE standards Jeep needs to release Subaru fighters. I see so many Subies whenever I visit Rocky Mountain states. If Jeep was competing head to head with them I think they would do well.
jeep-N-montero
Expedition Leader
A few years back someone told me that more than half of Subaru's total US sales are in Colorado, Utah, and Washington. If I wasn't using my Jeep as it was designed and could only afford one car I would definitely have a Subaru instead. And when we do start having children my wife already said she wants to replace her Mazda3 with a Subaru.