Jeep Blog

Jeep Descriptions and Pricing

2009-03-09T14:28:00.003-05:00

Wouldn't it be nice to see all the Jeep models, with descriptions and pricing all in one spot without having to search back and forth? Well, I just ran across NADA Guides - Vehicle Pricing & Information for Jeeps. You can see information and prices for all seven Jeep models, including: Jeep Commander, Jeep Compass, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty, Jeep Patriot, Jeep Wrangler, and the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, the new 4-door version of the popular Jeep Wrangler.

You will find great pictures, descriptions, and prices of all models for either 2008 or 2009. It is a great gathering of information all in one spot. It is a great place to begin day-dreaming about your next Jeep.

I really like the beginning description of Jeeps on this site.

Jeep, a division of Chrysler, is the off-road iconoclast founded in 1941. Jeep has roots that come from the Military which explains why the SUVs are still such able, rugged vehicles to this day. The term Jeep is synonymous with off-road vehicles and the capability to go almost anywhere.

"The capability to go almost anywhere" - I like that statement, because I look off at the off-road trails and say, "I could go there." If I really wanted to, I could go there, because I drive a Jeep! As they say, "It's a Jeep thing."

So if you are in the day-dreaming mood, check out NADA Guides - Vehicle Pricing & Information

Obama drives a Jeep!

2008-11-26T13:21:00.004-06:00

According to Wizbang Blue, Barack Obama is a Jeep driver. While I drive a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Obama drives a 2000 Grand Cherokee.

Obama must realize like I do that a Jeep is a good vehicle, not only for hauling packages, but also passengers. When its snowing in Washington D.C., if Obama's limos can't get him where he needs to be, he can just jump in his Jeep. A Jeep will go almost anywhere. Kick in that 4-wheel drive and snow and ice are no problem.

It's nice to know that our President see the value of a good vehicle!

Jeep Patriot ranks 24 out of 27

2008-11-26T13:02:00.008-06:00

According to U.S. News & World Report Rankings & Reviews, the 2009 Jeep Patriot ranks 24 out of 27 affordable compact SUVs. The ranking is based on an analysis of 45 published reviews and test drives, as well as reliability and safety data.

Two important characteristics that make the Patriot appealing are its affordability and good off-road capabilities. Since it functions as a good vehicle for daily comutes and a competent off-road SUV, the Patriot is a good value. The Jeep Compass is mechanically similar, but the Patriot feels more like an authentic Jeep, according to Consumer Guide.

Some of the downsides: reviewers continue to criticize the uncomfortable rear seats and optional Continuously Variable Transmission paired with a sometimes lacking engine. Jeep is working on these complaints, adding a new instrument panel and extra features.

Gas mileage is a plus also. Along with the Compass, the Patriot is Jeep's most fuel-effecient vehicle coming in at 23/28 mpg, placing it near the top of the small SUV Class.

Jeep continues to be a great force in the SUV department. Go Jeep!

Six reasons to drive an SUV

2008-11-01T16:44:00.007-05:00

In an article in our local newspaper, The Fremont Tribune, Nov. 1-2, 2008, Josh Max of CTW Features gave several reasons for buying an SUV. He said, "For drivers who can take the punishment at the gas pump - and withstand the snarky looks from Prius owners - there are still plenty of good reasons to own an SUV." HOWEVER, he left out one important reason which I will get to in a little bit.

His reasons were:

"You have a sizeable brood." An SUV can provide plenty of room for a load of kids. Plus they have all those cool options now that would make any kid want to go on a trip, like DVD players with headphones. That keeps both the kids and Mom and Dad happy. Or the extra cargo space comes in handy for hauling all sorts of things. It sure works good for four sets of golf clubs and pull carts as we head to the golf course.
"Size equals security." I know I feel safer in my Jeep Grand Cherokee than I did in my little Neon I used to drive. Bigger just feels safer. They are adding all kinds of new safety equipment on cars and SUVs, so all are safer. Still, bigger sure feels safer.
"Most SUVs can go where ordinary autos fear to tread." I still have to chuckle when I think about watching a snow plow get stuck while clearing a parking lot while I just drove out with my four-wheel drive engaged. You kick that 4-wheel drive into gear, and you can go just about anyplace.
"Ownership doesn't automatically make you environmentally uncool". With the high gas prices, and the trend toward smaller, more fuel-efficient cars, a person's driving habits can really offset the lower gas mileage typical for an SUV. I am averaging 18.1 MPG overall since I got my Grand Cherokee. Considering all the benefits I'm talking about, that's not too bad.
"Getting rid of your current SUV may not make sense right now." Given the economy, and high gas prices, it is tempting to trade the SUV for a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle. But get out your calculator and figure out how long it will take you to make up for the higher price of a new car. I think you will be surprised to see how many years it will take., or if you can even keep the car long enough to make up for it. My Jeep is paid off, so I have no monthly payments. I can't save enough on gas to even come close to offsetting the monthly payments of a new car. The more fuel-efficient cars are selling for high prices, and you probably won't get a good trade-in on your SUV right now. So sticking with the SUV might be the best bet. It sure is for me.

Those are the five reasons given by the author of the article I referred to earlier. But, as I said, he forgot one important reason. I will give him the benefit of the doubt. He may be much younger than I am, so may not have thought of this reason.

So here it is, reason No. 6 for driving an SUV:

6. the ease of getting in and out of the vehicle. When you get to retirement age, like I am, it is much easier to turn and put my feet down to get out of my Jeep, than it was to pull myself up out of my little Neon that seemed to sit almost on the ground. I'm guessing that will be more and more of a concern as the years go by. I see many elderly people really struggling to pull themselves up out of a low-riding car. An SUV makes getting in and out so much easier. Try it. I think you'll like it.

So there you have it, six reasons for driving an SUV. You may have other reasons to add. Share them if you like.

2008 Jeep Liberty Recall

2008-10-21T21:24:00.003-05:00

In case you haven't heard, Chrysler is recalling 2008 Jeep Liberty vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. There is a parking brake defect that could result in a crash. The recall also involves 2007-2008 Dodge Nitros.

In a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the following is explained: "the park brake lever clutch drum may distort and reduce the effectiveness of the park brake system."

Those who own the vehicles involved should be notified by their dealers this month. But if you want to make your own arrangements, you can call Chrysler at (800) 853-1403.

For more information, see the recall alert.

Electric seat discovery

2008-10-01T09:56:00.002-05:00

Even after owning my Jeep Grand Cherokee for several years, I am still making new discoveries about some of its great features. An electric seat control feature is my latest discovery.

I usually drive our Grand Cherokee. My wife drives our Jeep Liberty. However, this summer she started taking my Grand Cherokee when she and my daughter-in-law went golfing. The Grand Cherokee holds the golf clubs better.

My wife is shorter than I am, so she naturally moves the seat forward, as well as adjusting all the mirrors. Then when I get in the next time, the seat is too far forward and I have to scrunch my body up, twist my hips until they hurt so I can squeeze in. Then I can turn on the ignition switch so I can move the seat back where it should be!

Ah, a recent discovery!!! I don't have to turn the ignition switch on to move the seats. Before getting in, I can just move the seat back making it much easier to get in. The electric seat controls are independent of the ignition switch.

What a great feature. The designer must have had a spouse who was shorter just like I do. I'm glad I discovered it! What took me so long?

2008 Jeep Liberty looking good!

2008-07-11T15:41:00.003-05:00

The 2008 Jeep Liberty is looking just as good as its predecessors. The Jeep Liberty is all-new for 2008. It is slightly bigger and has a smoother ride, but it maintains the ruggedness of the previous version. The Liberty continues to be one of the most popular Jeeps and SUVs.

The 2008 Liberty is quite capable off road, one of the best in its class. For the model year 2008 the Jeep Liberty comes with an Automatic transmission and V6 engine, with an average fuel economy of 22, which is not bad for an SUV. New car buyers can expect to see a MSRP of $22,700.00 which includes a basic 3 yr. / 36,000 mile warranty program from Jeep.

If you like the Liberty, Jeep has not let you down with the new model.

2008 Jeep Compass making a splash

2008-06-23T09:28:00.003-05:00

The 2008 Jeep Compass seems to be making a splash in the market. According to the Jamaica Gleaner, Automotives tested the Jeep Patriot which in their opinion was pound for pound the best value crossover SUV.

According to this article, "The Patriot has more space and luxury compared with the other products in its class. It has the power to go anywhere because of its 2.4 liter inline four, which is joined to a new-fangled CVT transmission. While not outstanding in any one area (except ride and off-road-ability), the vehicle is a pleasure to drive and many will love it for its great interior amenities."

Now, the title of this post says it is about the Compass. Yes, the Patriot has a little brother - the Compass. While the Patriot has the length of a seven seater, the Compass is built on a smaller wheelbase, so there is a limit to how big a family it can accommodate. But with about a half ton less weight to carry, and having the same size inline four engine as its big brother, the Compass is a fun-to-drive compact SUV.

The Compass carrying less weight means greater fuel mileage. MPG figures are now similar with the smaller engine equipped RAV4 and CRV. The Toyota RAV4 and the Compass get the same 27 mpg. But because of its bigger engine, the Compass has 172 hp compared to the lesser 150 hp of the RAV4. I like that!

While the article comes out of Jamaica, the facts and figures won't be any different in any part of the world. The Compass looks to be a great value, and if you are a Jeep lover, here is another great option with better fuel mileage.

Good time to buy a Jeep!

2008-05-09T11:33:00.003-05:00

Now would be a great time to buy a brand new Jeep! According to CarScoop, Chrysler LLC is introducing a "Let's Refuel America" campaign that will run through June 2, 2008. They are trying to address consumer worries on increasing gas prices.

With the purchase of eligible Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles, customers can select the "Let's Refuel America" program in lieu of other available incentives and receive a gas card that locks their gas price (up to 87 octanes regular, E85 fuel or diesel fuel) to $2.99 for three years.

Customers who select this option receive a Let's Refuel America Gas Card which can be swiped at an eligible gas station. While fueling, a PIN number is entered, and after the fueling process. is completed, the customer's personal credit card (identified in the registration process) is charged $2.99 per gallon.

With gas prices rising daily, this would be a great time to buy a new Jeep!

Grand Cherokee's new features

2008-04-30T10:57:00.003-05:00

I am one who always wants the newest, latest upgraded version of something. Unfortunately, new innovations are so frequent that it is too costly to keep up. So I just sit and drool for quite a while until I can justify the cost to upgrade.

I am the same way with my Jeeps. They are making a lot of new features available that I wish I had on my Grand Cherokee or Liberty. For example, the Jeep Grand Cherokee for 2008 now offers a "progressive and flexible Hill Descent Control for significantly improved vehicle control away from paved roads," according to Super Auto. Now, I don't do a lot of off-roading, but it sure sounds like a great feature to have. So I drool!

Another new feature is the Uphill Start Hill Start Assist which ensures a gentle and controlled start. That sounds great! So do all of these: ABS, brake assist, ESP, traction control and overturning avoidance system on board, an advanced passive safety system with multi-front airbags, curtain side airbags for both rows of seats, a transponder immobilizer and a tire pressure monitoring system.

And for my favorite must-have: 20-gigabyte hard disk audio system for integrated information, entertainment, and communication and - upon request - Navigation. This Radio-/Navigation system is the next generation with a 16.5 centimeter moving large TFT touch screen, and a USB port to upload pictures and music and an RCA jack for connection of MP3 players.

Drool, drool, drool. If only my current Grand Cherokee would wear out so I would be forced to upgrade. O well. Someday!

Heater problem solved

2008-04-15T21:00:00.004-05:00

In January, I mentioned a heater problem I was having with my Grand Cherokee. The air from the fan wouldn't keep blowing where I wanted it to. For example, if I had the air turned to the floor for heat, as I accelerated, it would cycle through the vent and up to the defroster position. Then as I evened off on the gas, it would cycle back down to the floor. It kept getting worse until it was on the defroster level most of the time.

At the same time, my cruise control was not holding steady. It would go down about 10 mph just a small hill. And it wouldn't stay where I set it even on the level.

Neither of these problems was an emergency, just a nuisance. So I kept putting off getting it checked, especially since it took five times to get it fixed the last time I had a heater problem. And I don't really care for expensive auto repairs.

However, with summer coming, I didn't want to face hot weather without the vent area working for cooler outside air or with the air conditioner. My wife mentioned the problem to our daughter-in-law who happens to have two brothers who are mechanics. My daughter-in-law immediately phoned her brothers. They both said it sounded like a problem with the vacuum system. (I thought it acted like that, but I didn't realize the heater controls or cruise control relied on vacuum. Obviously I'm not a mechanic!) They also had a suggestion as to where to take it to get it fixed.

So I made a phone call to Autocare Specialists in Omaha. They said to bring it right in. So I drove the 35 miles happy that they could check it so fast. Within about an hour, they had the problem fixed. It was an $0.83 part. That's right, 83 cents. And that fixed the cruise control problem as well. Now I'm kicking myself for putting it off so long.

As a coincidence, "Jack of all trades" left a comment the next day on the original post suggesting I have my mechanic check the vacuum lines. He was right also.

So if any of you are having a similar problem, don't put if off forever like I did. Have the vacuum lines checked already!

Jeep leads the way for SUVs

2008-04-08T09:11:00.003-05:00

I knew it must be true, but now I see others are agreeing. Jeeps are leading the way for SUVs. According to Wheel Power, Jeeps obviously leads the way in the SUV segment by providing so many different vehicles, they're sure to satisfy any consumer's needs. That appeal has just grown larger with the addition of two compact models that should appeal to most people, even city dwellers.

The article gives a nice summary: "These two (new) Jeeps are the smaller Patriot and Compass with a base price of less than $ 20,000. These compact trucks are powered by an economical four-cylinder engine and they can be ordered with an automatic or a standard transmission, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. But, for motorists looking for more capabilities, only the Patriot can be bought with the Trail Rated option. Jeep also redesigned its very popular Wrangler (once known as the TJ) last year and it is now available in a two-door or four-door (Unlimited) version. The only engine in the catalogue is a 3.8 litre V6.

The popular Liberty was also recently redesigned with the Dodge Nitro body and platform. But it is still a very affordable SUV. Thinking about a bigger Jeep? Then opt for the internationally- renowned Grand Cherokee. This mid-size SUV can now be ordered with a Mercedes-Benz-designed turbo diesel V6. There is still a base V6 or one of twoV8s in the catalogue, including the mighty HEMI. Incidentally, the Grand Cherokee can also be delivered in a very sporty SRT8 with lowered suspension and 420 horsepower HEMI V8. Finally, if you are considering carrying up to seven passengers, look for the biggest Jeep available, the impressive Commander."

So if you are looking for a SUV, Jeep has one the will surely fill your needs. The hard part might be deciding which one.

Grand Cherokee upgraded

2008-04-08T08:35:00.003-05:00

For those of you who like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, there have been some upgrades. According to NewCarNet, there have been changes both to the inside and outside. You can see one of the changes to the outside on this picture which shows the revised front end.

According to the article, the interior has new soft-touch materials and has been changed to include a new instrument cluster, new steering wheel, a new leather package on the doors and dashboard, and there is an optional touch-screen navigation system and integrated 20GB hard drive. As far as I am concerned, a touch-screen navigation system is no longer an option. That should be standard equipment. Of course I like toys like this. If you do too, check out some GPS systems available until they become standard equipment at HonestBargain.com, or HonestBargain Stores.

Now, back to the Grand Cherokee. On the outside, the headlamps have been redesigned, the grill has been replaced and a front air dam has been added to give the Grand Cherokee a more sporting look. New 17-inch wheels are included on the Limited version and new 18-inch wheels on the Overland.

For those of you who like off-roading, the Grand Cherokee features a Hill Descent Control system and Hill Start Assist for difficult road condition on steep slopes.

These sound like some good upgrades to my favorite Jeep. My Grand Cherokee is just approaching 100,000 miles, so I have a long time before I'll need to upgrade myself. In the meantime, I'll just have to drool about all those new features. And I'll continue to use my portable GPS, even though my wife likes to make fun of me every time I use it. Oh well, at least I'm not being made fun of for not stopping to ask for directions. I already have the directions.

2nd generation Liberty looks good!

2008-04-03T18:41:00.004-05:00

The new 2nd generation Liberty is hitting the roads, and looking good! Sporting some exterior and interior changes, the new 2008 Jeep Liberties show some great improvements.

Auto123.com has a review in which they point out that the average family SUV is not pushed to its off-road abilities. Most SUVs won't see more challenging conditions than a snowy side-road or an icy driveway. “To most machinery this is fine – but to a Jeep, it's almost in insult.”

“The 2^nd generation Liberty is now on the street and trails, and it promises a more comfortable on-road ride and even more capability off of it. This was never a vehicle chosen for its refinement or smooth operation – but it's now better mannered and more upper-scale and civilized than the last.

As you can see from the picture, it has a more blocky look that the original Liberty. It almost looks more like a smaller-scale Commander.

The interior also shows some great improvements. And there are some tremendous options available including power heated leather seating, an auto-dimming mirror, leather steering wheel with audio controls, and a 120 volt power outlet. Add the Sky Slider roof and you are really stylin'! Made of a layered fabric and metal assembly, the entire thing can be folded back at the push of a button, leaving the majority of the cabin open to the sky above. It's as close to a convertible as the family SUV will ever be.

The review says "On the highway, Liberty's new suspension delivers a smoother and quieter ride- though tire and suspension noise can become intrusive at speed. The solid rear axle setup favors truck-like toughness and towing capacity over comfort- so Liberty rides a bit on the rough side. It's stronger and more rugged than a car-like independent suspension setup, but it actually handles well, with minimal body roll. It may prove a bit rugged for some- but this isn't a cute-ute, remember.

After all, on-road driving is only part of the Liberty's story. It's a machine that off-roads like a champ- scaling and pulling through most any challenge without hesitation. There's even a hill descent control function to carefully inch its bulk down steep, slippery grades with ease.

With ground clearance and water-fording abilities not common to competitors, it's the obvious choice for the adventurer in this market- bringing terrain-terrorizing traction to any situation while delivering an adequately comfortable and composed on-road ride.

It's also got the features and the flexibility needed to keep up to most every day routines. There are certainly more comfortable and refined machines at this price- though few if any as capable."

Maybe someday I'll drive a 2nd generation Liberty, or perhaps I'll wait for the upgraded Grand Cherokee I hear is coming in a few years. At any rate, I'm sure I'll be driving a Jeep. It's a Jeep thing, after all.

Choosing a Jeep

2008-03-20T08:05:00.005-05:00

With seven models to choose from, how does a Jeep-lover choose which Jeep to get? That is a tough question. Jeeps range from the smaller Wrangler up to a 7-passenger Commander, so there is a wide-range of Jeeps to consider depending on what one is looking for.

Most of the Jeep models have been around for a while. I shared a review of the Commander in my last post. But I hadn't heard much about the other newer models yet, the Compass and Patriot. Today I ran across an article from The Gazette comparing these two. Here are a few of the highlights.

The article was titled "Patriot will go to battle on or off the road." That already tells me a lot of what I want to know. The Compass, however, doesn't quite match up. It comes with standard front-wheel drive which provides enhanced traction in slippery conditions. But "expecting it to be suitable for off-road use is wishful thinking." That's all I need to know. If you are looking for off-road, don't choose a Compass. It looks nice here against the background of the hills, but it doesn't sound like you want to try driving in them very much unless you stay on the main roads.

It seems like the Patriot will fill the bill a little more. The Gazette says, The 2008 Patriot Limited 4X4 is a step up the ladder from the entry-level Compass, slipping in between it and the Liberty. It too has questionable off-road capabilities unless you opt for the optional Freedom-Drive II four-wheel-drive system." Well, here's my question. Who in the world would want a Jeep without 4-wheel drive?

The writer of the article did some trail driving and said it handled the challenge. What he most appreciated was its ability to dig through snow. Living in Eastern Nebraska, that's one of the things I really like about my Jeeps. Again, I say, who would want a Jeep without 4-wheel drive? That's when they get fun. I love watching cars and pickups sitting there spinning in snow and ice while I just drive off like I'm on a dry road. That's fun, fun, fun!

So I guess the end result is, if you are just going to stay on the road, a Compass will work fine and will provide a smoother ride and better fuel efficiency. If you might head to the hills, a Patriot will be a little better. However, for real off-roading, it would be better to stick to the tougher models. Again, I really like my Liberty and Grand Cherokee! But I haven't driven any others. I'm sure I would like them as well, as long as they have 4-wheel drive of course!

08 Commander review

2008-03-17T10:40:00.003-05:00

Weekend Athlete did a personal review of a 2008 Jeep Commander. The Commander is Jeep's answer to the 3-row, 7-passenger SUV. While it sounds quite functional, Weekend Athlete has some reservations.

He says the "load floor is quite high, especially with the third row folded flat to make room for a bike," if you like taking your bike along. There are "cracks and valleys that catch the pedals and wheels once the seats are folded. That can slow down loading." He also mentions that visibility to the rear is really restricted with the third row up. I suppose that is to be expected, although it is something a person might not think about without actually seeing it.

"The large cargo area makes for easy gear-carrying." However, if you leave the third row of seats up, that substantially reduces the cargo area. If you plan to go camping with seven people, that is something to think about.

On the plus side, he says that "for as big as it is, the Commander was fairly easy to drive and park in the city." That is something that is always helpful. Overall, however, he says this is not the vehicle for him. If you are considering a Commander, I guess it depends on how you plan to use it. It is always good to hear differing opinions when considering an expense like this.

Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander recall

2008-03-12T10:22:00.002-05:00

According to autoblog Chrysler is warning 1,338 owners of Jeep Grand Cherokees and Commanders that they could be driving unsafe vehicles.

In Chrysler Recall H03, these Jeep owners are being told their vehicles' control modules might have been incorrectly installed, which could cause stalling and/or windshield wiper failure. Either of these could be dangerous.

The recall includes 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Commanders only at this point. Dealers will inspect the module and replace it if necessary. The recall began on Feb. 18, 2008. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403 if they are concerned about, or have experienced, this problem.

Jeep gas mileage tips

2008-03-07T22:01:00.002-06:00

In an article, Jeep's - Economy Tips for Fuel Efficient Driving" John and Helen Taylor talk about a range of fuel economy driving techniques. By far, the most important factor in reducing fuel consumption is the driver. "The rule is simple: slow down and take it easy."

Here is a summary of their practical and down-to-earth suggestions which will work not only for a Jeep, for all makes and models:

Drive smoothly.
Use higher gears.
Tune and service the engine.
Keep the tires at the correct pressure.
Avoid carrying excess weight.
Use the correct engine oil.
Avoid excess idling.
Maintain a sensible distance between your car the the vehicle in front of you.
Use air conditioning sparingly.
Check the air filter.
Avoid rush hour or traffic jam hotspots.
Conserve momentum.
Keep calm.

We all know these things instinctively, but it doesn't hurt to be reminded once-in-a-while. So, there is your reminder! Happy, safe, and fuel-efficient driving!

The year with my Jeep

2007-12-31T11:42:00.000-06:00

Looking back over the year Jeepwise, I was very happy with my 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo (pictured on the right) and 2002 Jeep Liberty Sport (pictured below on the left). My wife mostly drove the Liberty until this winter. We keep the Liberty in our one-car garage. My Cherokee sits out in the cold weather of Eastern Nebraska. So when we want to go some place and there is ice on the windows of my Cherokee, we take the Liberty. I like driving them both. Each has its advantages.

My Cherokee is approaching 100,000 miles. That's not a big deal these days, especially for Jeeps which can get very high mileage. But it still seems like a big deal to me.

The first car I remember my Dad driving, a 1949 Dodge, blew the engine with just 42,000 miles on it. Of course it probably didn't help that we were stuck in mud on a country road and Dad was rocking it back and forth try to get unstuck. But I remember him talking about how when a car had 50,000 miles on it, it was shot. Done for. Should have gotten rid of it long ago. That was back in the days when the 12 mile trip to town was a big deal. We only did that once or so a month. So it took a long time to put on a lot of miles in those days. Yes, I'm that old that I'm now talking about the good old days!

So you'll have to forgive me for lamenting the fact that my Cherokee is approaching 100,000 miles. I plan to keep it for a long time yet, so I better get used to it. Most of the cars I have had have gone well over 100,000, so I should be used to it by now. I guess I just like my Jeep and I don't want it to get old.

The only problem I had this past year was a heater problem back in March. That was a frustrating experience. Now I'm having another unusual problem, again with the heater. The blower won't stay blowing where it is supposed to. If I have it blowing at the floor level, any time I accelerate or go up a slight hill, the blower cycles through the dashboard vent and up to the defroster. On the other side of the hill, or when I decelerate, it will finally cycle back to the floor. It is not that big a deal except when it is really cold. Then my feet get cold while driving and I get this blast of hot air in my face while it cycles through the dashboard vents. I guess I'll have to go back to the repair shop eventually. Anyone out there had that same problem? I don't think it is related, but my cruise control doesn't keep a steady pace. That started about the same time as the heater problem. Going up a long hill, it will slow down about 10 miles per hour if I don't step on the gas. It didn't do that until the past six months or so.

Other than that, I still really like my Jeeps. I'm hooked. I'm afraid I will be a Jeep man forever.

Jeep Electric window warning

2007-11-10T10:19:00.000-06:00

Do you drive a Jeep and live in an area where the temperature drops below freezing? If so, here is a word of warning.

Something in the electric window feature of some Jeeps is rather weak. I have had to have repairs done to two electric windows on my 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The right front passenger window went first. This happened during warmer weather. It just quit working and required a $355 repair.

The driver's side front window went next. I pulled up to an ATM during cold weather. We had some rain which turned to sleet and snow. I never thought about it, but the window was frozen shut. When I tried to lower the window at the ATM, I heard a snap and the window didn't move. That required a $370 repair.

When I mentioned it to the repair man that this was the second problem I had with the electric windows, he said that the electric window assembly is rather week in Jeeps. I don't know if that is the case in all Jeeps, but it certainly seems to be true for a 2003 Grand Cherokee.

So a word of warning - if your electric windows might be frozen, don't try to lower them until warmer weather. Otherwise you might be facing an unnecessary repair bill. It is a slight inconvenience - but I still really like my Jeeps.

Just what is a Crossover?

2007-10-24T10:51:00.001-05:00

In my last post I talked about the Jeep Compass which is referred to as a Crossover. Many people are switching to "crossover utility vehicles" -- also called CUVs. In the 90s, SUVs became popular as family vehicles. Now CUVs have entered the picture and are taking over the market. Projections indicate that this year will be the first year CUVs will outsell SUVs. So what is this new creature called a CUV?

Basically, an SUV is truck-based, while a CUV is car-derived. When SUVs first came on the market, they were essentially pickup trucks that had been modified with a second row of seats and an enclosed cargo area.

A CUV is essentially a station wagon that happens to look like and/or be sold as an SUV. Like a car, it is built on a unibody construction, in which the body and frame are constructed as a single unit. Classic SUVs , meanwhile, remain a truck under the skin, and as such as built on a body-on-frame basis. A CUV can be quieter, more comfortable and/or sportier, depending on the way in which the suspension is tuned.

The drive train is also different. Classic SUVs generally start out as rear-drive vehicles and are available with some form of four-wheel-drive system. A CUV, however, usually begins its design life as a front-wheel drive model, with an all-wheel-drive system offered. SUVs are made to handle off-roading and climbing steep hills. CUVs generally are not able to handle off-roading that's much more severe than a loose gravel surface.

So there you have the basic explanation of a Crossover. Whether you choose an SUV, or a CUV depends on your needs and intended use. If you are going to go mudding, climbing mountains, or towing a boat, you will want to stick with an SUV which is built for those activities. Otherwise, a CUV should work just fine while providing a little more comfort.

Source of information: "Crossing SUVs off the list" by Jay Koblenz, CTW Features, published in the Fremont Tribune October 6-7, 2007.

Jeep Compass - a crossover

2007-09-30T09:34:00.000-05:00

The 2007 Jeep Compass is referred to as a crossover. In Automotive Blogs, it is described as "street-bred, with a hint of ruggedness." I like the looks of the one pictured here from Automotive Blogs. I think I could drive one if I had to. It comes with a 2.4 liter inline 4-cylinder engine and either a five-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT2).

I've never driven a continuously variable transmission. It might take a little getting used to. The reviewers said the CVT "felt somewhat odd, because it would rev up nearly to the redline and just stay there for a while if you stomped on the accelerator from a standing stop, easing away from the high RPMs only when you eased off of the accelerator. This may be quite normal coming from a CVT transmission, but it's fairly odd if you're used to an automatic. With more and more cars sporting CVTs these days, we may have to get used to this behavior."

I suppose staying reved up like that will give it more pick-up. With the 2.4 liter engine, that may be necessary. I'm used to the 4.0 litre engine of my Grand Cherokee, which has plenty of get-up-and-go. A 2.4 sounds a little small. However, the CVT may make up for that.

If you've driven a CVT in any vehicle, I would be interested in hearing about your experience.

CJ, YJ, TJ, JK, XJ, KJ, KK, SJ, WJ, WJ, WK, XK - What do they all mean?

2007-08-27T14:33:00.000-05:00

Have you ever wondered what all those letters mean? When I say "I drive a Jeep WJ, what does that mean?

CJ = Civilian Jeep, a commercial version of the military Jeep from World War II. They were built from 1944 - 1986, going through seven revisions designated as CJ-2, CJ-3, etc.
YJ = the Wrangler which took over the CJ spot in 1987-1995.
TJ = the Wrangler built from 1997-2007.
JK = the current model of the Wrangler.
XJ = a compact SUV, the Cherokee/Wagoneer built in 1984-2001.
KJ = the Liberty, a compact SUV taking over the XJ spot, built in 2001-2006.
KK = the current Liberty model.
SJ = the Wagoneer/Cherokee built in 1963-1983.
ZJ = the Grand Cherokee built in 1993-1998.
WJ = the Grand Cherokee built in 1999-2004.
WK = the current Grand Cherokee model.
XK = the current model of Commander started in 2006.

There you have it. Now you know that my Jeep WJ is a Grand Cherokee, built somewhere from 1999-2004. Mine is a 2003 to be exact. For more complete information on the various Jeep models, visit the Wikipedia Jeep site.

Jeep Coil Spring Spacers

2007-08-17T14:58:00.000-05:00

Have you ever wanted to add to that lean-mean look of your Jeep? These 2" TrueTwo Jeep Coil Spring Spacers may be just what the doctor ordered.

These polyurethane coil spacers are top quality and will work on the following:

1984-2001 Cherokees.
TJs (1997 + Wranglers)
ZJs (1993-1998 Grand Cherokees)

Don't be just another Jeep on the block. Stand out. Show your stuff.

Gas mileage on Information Center

2007-07-27T10:00:00.000-05:00

The Information Center on my Jeep Grand Cherokee has many features, including compass and temperature, average gas mileage, miles until service, trip mileage, and trip elapsed time.

I usually have it showing the compass and temperature. I like knowing the temperature outside, especially when we have been driving a while. The temperature can change quite a bit from one city to the next. I've been tracking the minimum and maximum temperatures at our house for six years, keeping them on a spreadsheet. So I know everyday if we were above or below average for the day. My wife laughs at me for that, but every once-in-a-while she wants to know if it was this hot or cold last year. I guess I just have a fascination with temperatures. So I appreciate the fact that my Grand Cherokee will tell me what the outside temperature is.

I don't need the compass much around here. It is nice when I'm out of town, especially in a town where Interstates and highways curve around a lot. It would have been really helpful when we lived in St. Paul, MN. back in the 1970's. My internal compass must have missed a turn when we first arrived at our apartment. For two years while we lived there, as soon as we got to the entrance to our apartment complex, my directions were off. After a while it began to affect my sense of direction in other parts of the city. It was weird. I don't know if I even would have believed a compass.

Other than the compass, the feature I use most is the average gas mileage. I like comparing the mileage I'm getting to what I usually get. And yes, I have been tracking that for years as well. When I fill up with gas, I enter the data on a spreadsheet which I have automatically compute the gas mileage I got for that tank. The actual average gas mileage is only .3 of a mile off of the average which shows on my Information Center. So it is basically accurate. I like to watch that because if my mileage suddenly has a significant drop, I know something is wrong with my engine.

My gas mileage has averaged 18.1 MPG for the three years I've had it. I think that is pretty good for an SUV, 6-cylinder, 4.0 engine. I know the hybrids are getting more now, but until I need to trade mine in, I am well satisfied when I make a gas mileage comparison with other SUVs.