Jeep Descriptions and Pricing

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!

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

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

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:

1. "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.
   
2. "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.
3. "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.
4. "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.
5. "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

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

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!

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.