- Filed under: Chrysler, Dodge, GM, Jeep
Just about every automaker posted February sales gains compared to the same month in 2009, and industry-wide sales were up 13 percent for the month. Even Chrysler posted its first year over year gain for the first time in 25 months, albeit by a mere 399 units. So is everybody at the company's Auburn Hills, MI headquarters celebrating? We're guessing the answer is no... due to the fact that a knee-wobbling 58 percent of those sales came to fleet customers.
Automotive News is reporting that only 35,832 of those 84,449 sales were made to retail customers. That's not good, folks. In better times, Toyota would be disappointed if it only sold 35,000 Carmry sedans to retail customers. When AN asked Chrysler about its low sales for the month, a spokeswoman reportedly said, "Fleet sales were very strong this month, and our company sales reflect that." Big fleet sales will reportedly be temporary, though, as the company still eventually plans to allocate only 25 percent of its sales to fleets.
But while that's bad news for Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealers, the company is likely at least happy that fleet customers are buying again. When the economy hit the skids in the fall of 2008, the fleet market went from a sales oasis for domestic automakers to a discount desert. Chrysler isn't the only automaker to rely on fleet sales in February, either. General Motors allocated 45,000 of its 144,000 vehicles to fleets, about 31 percent of its total sales.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]
Report: Chrysler ends 25-month sales skid by sending 58% of new vehicles to fleets originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupe, Minivan/Van, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Hatchback, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep
Chrysler, now led by Sergio Marchionne and the rest of the management crew brought in by Italian automaker Fiat, has big plans in place that will replace just about every single vehicle the American automaker currently offers. Judging from the purported list of new vehicle launches secured by the Mopar fanatics at Allpar, it would seem that new Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles will be hitting the market all through 2010 and well into 2011.
Looking over the list of 2010 production start dates, the first date to get excited about (barring the March 29th Viper production launch, of course - we're talking about for the mainstream market), is May 10th, which is when the thoroughly recreated Jeep Grand Cherokee will begin rolling down the assembly line. In mid-August, the 2011 Wrangler will make its initial appearance, and we're really hoping for a new powertrain combination for the venerable off-roader.
Towards the end of 2010, we should begin seeing the heavily revised Pentastar minivans along with the new Avenger and Sebring replacements, though the Chrysler midsizer seems likely to get a new moniker to erase memories of the current car. Finally, the three LX-based cars - those being the Challenger, Charger and 300 - will go into production in November, followed closely by the North American 2012 Fiat 500. Keep it together, Chrysler.
[Source: Allpar]Future Chrysler production plans reportedly leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Jeep, Off-Road
2010 Jeep Wrangler - Click above for high-res image gallery
If there's one vehicle that has managed to persevere through Chrysler's ups and downs as of late, it's the Jeep Wrangler. This trusty off-roader is still the SUV of choice for enthusiasts who actually need true four-by-four capability, and its iconic design is still very well liked. However, the Wrangler is facing some troubles of its own, as many dealers are now reporting a shortage of hardtop models.
According to Automotive News, parent company Chrysler is stating that a "supplier constraint" is what's causing this overall shortage. Meridian Automotive Systems Inc., the company that originally manufactured the roof units for the Wrangler, filed for Chapter 7 liquidation last year, so production of the hardtops was shifted to a different supplier - Continental Structural Plastics Inc., located in Detroit. Chrysler says that tops are extremely complex to manufacturer, so the move in suppliers has put a significant dent in overall production.
In the meantime, Chrysler is urging dealers to order softtop Wranglers while it works with the new supplier to ramp up production of the hardtop units. During this shortage, we wouldn't be surprised if Wrangler sales dip slightly, since in most markets the vast majority of customers purchase the hardtop models.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]Report: Jeep dealers face shortage of hardtop Wranglers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Etc., Buick, Cadillac, Hummer, Jaguar, Jeep, Lexus, Mazda, Saturn, Suzuki
2010 J.D. Power CSI Study - Click above for charts
Lexus and Hummer took top honors in their respective categories in the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Consumer Service Index (CSI) Study. Released this time each year, the CSI rankings (based on a 1,000-point scale) measure satisfaction among vehicle owners who visit a brand service department for maintenance or repair work during the first three years of ownership - that wonderful honeymoon phase when factory warranties are still in full effect. The study is designed to focus on five measurements: service quality, service initiation, service advisor, service facility and vehicle pick-up. The results are tabulated, and then presented as a score on a 1,000-point scale. Unlike previous years, where all brands were lumped into one single category and only three made it to the podium, JDPA broke things into two segments: luxury brands and mass market brands.
Lexus, with a score of 837, was at the top of the luxury brands, again - the automaker won last year as well. It was followed by Cadillac (827), who showed a big improvement over the previous year, and Jaguar (822). If you recall, Jaguar was at the top of the list in 2008 and finished second in 2009 (this is more indicative of a bar that continues to be raised rather than a decrease in service). Hummer (815) was top dog among mass market brands, followed by the now-discontinued brand of Saturn (808) and Buick (805). General Motors holds six of the top seven spots on the mass market category. At the bottom of the list are Suzuki (693), Mazda (717) and Jeep (720).
Overall, the industry is showing improvement as customers have expressed satisfaction with the ease of driving in and out of dealership facilities, parking convenience, thoroughness of work performed, the speed of repairs and flexibility of accommodating schedules. While that sounds like great news, experts say it most of those improvements may be attributed to the lower volumes of service bay traffic as sales slump in the new car showroom. Full release after the jump.
Gallery: 2010 JD Power CSI Study
[Source: J.D. Power and Associates]Continue reading Lexus and Hummer top 2010 J.D. Power Customer Service Index Study
Lexus and Hummer top 2010 J.D. Power Customer Service Index Study originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Hatchback, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Fiat
Late last year, Alfa Romeo previewed the all-new Giulietta ahead of its reveal at next month's Geneva Motor Show. While the five-door hatch is enough to make Stateside consumers weak in the knees - particularly in Quadrifoglio Verde trim - the impact in the U.S. figures to be much more substantial.
According to a new report by Automotive News, the underpinnings of the Giulietta are set to proliferate throughout Fiat's range in the coming years, and of the one million vehicles the automaker plans to build off the new architecture annually, the Chrysler group will account for around 700,000.
Fiat and Chrysler are currently working on a widened version of the platform - appropriately dubbed "Compact Wide" - and seven new models for Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep will use the new underpinnings, including the replacement for the Chrysler PT Cruiser and Dodge Caliber in 2012. And judging by Fiat's description, it's a helluva platform.
Aimed to compete with the new Audi A1 and BMW 1 Series, the platform uses 84 percent high and ultrahigh strength steel, a McPherson front and a dual-link rear suspension, both of which will use aluminum components (front and rear arms, along with the crossmember).
The platform comes in around 10 percent lighter than its predecessor thanks to the use of aluminum and magnesium, and is designed to fit a transverse engine and can be adapted for either front- or all-wheel drive applications.
On a related side note, during last week's Economic Club of Chicago luncheon in which Ralph Gilles, Dodge CEO and Chrysler Group design head, dropped a a handful of interesting tidbits about the future of the automaker, he also showed a few teasers of upcoming products. Included in the presentation were images of the new 300C and Jeep Grand Cherokee, along with the the rendering above, a new subcompact product from Dodge, almost assuredly the next Caliber. Combined with the new platform and Fiat's Multiair engines, we may finally have a credible contender in the compact arena from Chrysler. And it's about damn time.
[Sources: Automotive News, AutoBird]Report: Two Fiat-based small cars to replace PT Cruiser, Caliber in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupe, SUV, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Fiat
Fiat 500 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ralph Gilles, Dodge CEO and Chrysler Group design head, has just wrapped up an address to the Chicago Economic Club that was peppered with several choice quotes and quips. You can read the Chrysler's PR-filtered version on its Twitter feed, but here are our favorites:
From the true: "Brands and companies don't die. They are victims of homicide."
To the sublime: "Viper important to image of "my brand" [Dodge]"
To the ridiculous: "The further away you are from Detroit the less you know the facts about the auto industry."
To the more ridiculous: "I liken management to X-Men... all have special abilities."
To the funny/creepy: Ad agency interviewed him before creating Super Bowl spot. "I had to smoke a cigarette," afterwards, he joked.
To the important: "Fiat 500 on sale in U.S. at end of the year"
That last bit coincides with earlier reports that the Fiat 500 could reach the States as early as this year as a 2011 model. Although the 500's importation into the U.S. has been fast-tracked, there's still some question about whether it will meet U.S. crash and safety standards. We expect to have an exact on sale date soon, and Gilles also said that the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is due to go on sale within the next three months.
[Source: Chrysler via Twitter]Gilles: Fiat 500 on sale in U.S. by the end of 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep
We remember the last time we reached for a Cohiba and said to ourselves, "Man, this illegal Cuban cigar would taste so much better if we had a Chrysler branded humidor. Hey Jeeves, we're running a little low on Pernod here. Getting chopping." Well sir, from our lips to the Chrysler marketing department's ears (except the Pernod part). That's right, for the low, low (we think) price of $199.95 we can have our very own laser-etched Chrysler humidor. And so can you!
There's more than just cigar boxes for sale. Travel goodies, pens, clothing - you name it - is all branded Chrysler and up for sale on a new website. But not just Chrysler. Dodge, Jeep and Ram are in on the action as well. And we must say, the Dodge store is really cool. From the Super Bee T-shirts to the 1:64 scale trucks to the '68 Charger R/T ladies shirt we do want.
The Jeep store is a bit too Eddie Bauer meets Kennebunkport for our tastes. We were hoping that Jeep would go more with its new "I Live. I Ride. I Am. Jeep." tagline, which seems to feature nothing but pretty ladies exiting hair salons, but no such luck. Still, we wouldn't mind a Jeep T-shirt. And then there's the Ram Trucks store which sells tough guy-stuff like work gloves, Leathermen, tool bags and shock-proof watches. Howie Long would fit right in, if he weren't working the other side of the fence. Press release after the jump.
[Source: Chrysler]Continue reading Chrysler brands look for part-time work, find retail jobs
Chrysler brands look for part-time work, find retail jobs originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Podcasts, Recalls, Safety, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Jaguar, Jeep, Lincoln, Toyota, Tesla
Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!
The prodigal Jonny Lieberman phones in this week for episode #164 of the Autoblog Podcast, joining Chris, Sam, and Dan for the ensuing hijinks. Despite the massive preoccupation with Toyota recalls, which does lead us off, our quartet manages to hit some other topics, too.
Hyundai's 2011 Sonata and its pricing gives us relief from recall madness, followed by the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee's pricking and packaging details. Very quiet Mercury has rumors of a Focus-based C-Segment car coming up, and we return to Toyota - this time with better news - a potential high performance division. That's your hour-and-a-half for this week, see you next time!
Until next week, hit up Joystiq and Engadget - Let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #164 - Return of the Lieberman
Autoblog Podcast #164 - Return of the Lieberman originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: SUV, Chrysler, Jeep
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee tackles Rubicon Trail - Click above for gallery
The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is creeping back into the news at a steady rate, meaning that Team Pentastar must be fairly close to releasing its first all-new product in some time (read: forever). Just yesterday, we received what appears to be an early peek into Grand Cherokee pricing, and now we have access to a cornucopia of pics of a pair of Jeep's finest traversing the fabled Rubicon Trail.
According to the Jeep Jamboree Facebook page, the 2011 Grand Cherokees were being driven by a group of Jeep engineers testing the vehicle before they go on sale later this year. Since the Grand Cherokee is supposed to be the chief of the Jeep lineup, we're guessing that the rough-and-ready SUVs need to absolutely ace the Rubicon to earn the all-important Trail Rated badge. Click on the gallery below to check out the two Grand Cherokees as they crawl up and over some inhospitable rocks, and head over to Jeep Jamboree's Facebook page to see even more pics.
[Source: Facebook]
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee tackles Rubicon looking to become Trail Rated originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Jeep, Off-Road
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - Click above for high-res gallery
JeepGarage.org was the first to get spy shots of the 2011 Jeep Cherokee out testing, and now it's apparently come through with exhaustive - perhaps complete - pricing of Jeep's 'I'm bringing sexy back' SUV. According to the documents, the all-new Cherokee will start at $31,480 (including destination charges) for the base Laredo "E" 4x2, climbing to $45,770 for the Overland-trim 4x4. For comparison's sake, the outgoing 2010 model starts at $31,490 including freight, leaving a Hamilton left over to top off the gas tank.
In addition to the new paints and packages, there are 46 new standard and optional features. Some of them are unequivocally true and new, like including two transfer cases, Adaptive Speed Control, a larger fuel tank, dual-pane sunroof, bi-Xenon headlamps, and of course, illuminated cupholders. Others, like the "Best-in-class premium interior" we're going to have to see to validate.
On top of that are eight pre-packaged trim groups: Electronic Infotainment System, Luxury II, Off Road I & II, Popular Equipment Group, Technology Group, Trailer Tow, and Trailer Tow IV. Naturally, they can't be had across the model range, and a couple of them have intriguing requirements, like the Luxury II which can only be fitted to the Limited models that have the black/light frost beige interior. The new model will finally go on sale later this year, and the way it's looking, this Cherokee might just fulfill the promise of its reveal, and its maker.
[Source: Jeep Garage]2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee pricing, options leaked? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Toyota
2010 Dodge Ram HD - Click above for high-res image gallery
Earlier this week, General Motors announced that it would offer special incentives to Toyota owners in an effort to capitalize on the Japanese automaker's recent recall troubles. Ford and Hyundai eventually followed suit, while Chrysler stood to the side mulling things over. Ultimately, Auburn Hills decided to get a piece of the action, but unlike the other automakers making a run at Toyota's customers, Chrysler is specifically targeting minivan and truck owners.
Through March 1, 2010 , Chrysler is offering a $1,000 incentive for owners of the Toyota Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra who wish to switch to a Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep-branded truck. Chrysler's reasoning? Top Ram brand executive Fred Diaz says that Chrysler invented the minivan and "the 2010 Ram Heavy Duty is Motor Trend magazine's 'Truck of the Year' and the Ram 1500 is our most awarded truck ever."
There's money on the table for current Toyota lessees, too: $1,000 for drivers with expiring Toyota leases who switch to any Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep vehicle. The new offers took effect as of yesterday. Hit the jump to read over the press release.
[Source: Chrysler]Continue reading Chrysler jumps on bandwagon, offers incentives to Toyota customers
Chrysler jumps on bandwagon, offers incentives to Toyota customers originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Jan 2010 13:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Recalls, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep
The Office of Defects Investigation of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced the recall of some 24,177 late-model Chrysler Group vehicles over potentially faulty brakes. The problem effects the MY2010 Chrysler Sebring, Jeep Commander, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Nitro, and the 2009-2010 Dodge Ram.
The problem in question involves a retaining clip for the brake booster input rod - part of the brake hydraulics - which could be either be deformed or missing entirely. In such cases, the brakes could fail entirely and, suffice it to say, cause a crash.
If you own one of these 24,000 vehicles, the government agency advises that you contact your local Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep dealer for servicing post-haste. Details in recall notice after the jump.
[Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]Continue reading Recall issued for potential brake failure on 2010 Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep vehicles
Recall issued for potential brake failure on 2010 Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Jeep, Fiat, Rumormill
Three months ago, Chrysler - under the control of Italian automaker Fiat after going through bankruptcy proceedings in the United States - unveiled a sweeping five-year business plan that would either replace or comprehensively rework every single product in the Pentastar's lineup. Included amongst the casualties will be the Jeep Patriot and Compass twins at the end of 2012.
Industry analysts have widely speculated that America would get a version of the Fiat Panda wearing the famous seven-slot Jeep grille. That vehicle would occupy the small end of the market, meaning that Jeep would need something to fall size-wise between it and the larger Grand Cherokee.
According to Autocar, Jeep will get another new CUV using an as-yet-unknown nameplate (Liberty?) that would be based on the Fiat's C-EVO platform - which will also be used for a number of Chrysler's midsize sedans and crossovers. We would imagine that the Jeep version would get suitably capable off-road equipment, but that remains to be seen.
[Source: Autocar]Report: C-EVO-based Jeep on the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: SUV, Chrysler, Jeep, Diesel, Off-Road
2010 Jeep Wrangler Mountain - Click above for high-res image gallery
If there's one single item we think the Jeep Wrangler sorely needs, it's a new powertrain. The current 3.8-liter V6 engine and four-speed automatic transmission are extremely long in the tooth and make Chrysler's mountain goat feel downright anemic when traveling on paved roads. It could be argued that a small-displacement diesel engine would be the ideal way to add some much-needed grunt and improved fuel efficiency to the iconic off-roader, but apparently that's not going to happen - at least not here in the United States.
Says Michael Manley, president and chief executive officer of the Jeep brand, "We have no plans at the moment for diesel Jeeps in North America, although one of the things I've learned in this business is to never say never... I wouldn't rule it out, but specifically on Nov. 4, we were commenting on diesel in Europe."
Fortunately, that doesn't mean the 70-year-old Civilian Jeep won't get any updates at all. According to the Toledo Blade - the Jeep brand's hometown newspaper - Chrysler is likely to use its new Pentastar V6 engine, which we'd hope would also include a new six-speed automatic transmission, in the Wrangler starting next summer. Also, we're told that more special edition models will join the recently unveiled Islander and Mountain models. Thanks for the tip, Tom!
[Source: Toledo Blade]No diesel Jeep Wranger for North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, SUV, Jeep, Specialty, Off-Road
2010 Jeep Wrangler Islander - Click above for high-res image gallery
Few cars are as iconic as the Jeep Wrangler, a vehicle that can trace its heritage directly back to General Patton storming the Third Army up to Messina. Maybe a Porsche 911, maybe. Mini? Not really. Harley-Davidson is probably the closest, but they only have two wheels and aren't cars. The reason we're harping on this heritage angle is that after a twenty-year absence, Jeep's bringing back the Islander. Having grown up in Southern California and spent many a summer bumming around the beach, the Islander brings back many happy memories.
Obviously, the Jeep Wrangler Islander is beach themed. Also, water is wet. That said, you get a tropical "Tiki Bob" decal planted next to the coordinates 21° North and 157° West. That's Honolulu for you non-gazatteer types. Similar to most old YJ-based Islanders, this version is painted ocean-blue - Surf Blue Pearl Coat if you want to get specific. You can also get the Islander in white, silver or black, but why? You also get some interior touches, like seats with Surf Blue inserts and another Tiki Bob, this time embroidered into the back seat. All that beach themed fun can be yours for just $1,120 over sticker.
Jeep also showed us the Wrangler Mountain. Long story made real short, the Mountain is the Islander with different stickers, a painted grille and no heritage/nostalgic childhood memories. There's also an odd, flat-black hunk of plastic covering most of the hood that we're scratching our heads over. And... any questions? The cost of entry is $1,820. Oh, and the degrees on the Mountain's decal are 27° South, 88 66° West. We'll let you figure out where in the world that is. Have fun!
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Jeep]Detroit 2010: Jeep Wrangler Islander and Mountain fill out the range originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Archive for the 'JEEP' Category
Friday, January 26th, 2007
2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Detroit News Auto salon.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon: A ride for thrill-seekers
By Warren Brown / The Washington Post
I once traveled the Continental Divide Trail from Durango, Colo., to Chama, N.M.
It was a challenging off-road trip in a Land Rover Range Rover. But this week’s test vehicle, the 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, would have handled the journey just as well at a substantially lower equipment cost.
The Wrangler Rubicon is not for everyone, just as California’s Rubicon Trail, for which this Wrangler is named, isn’t for everyone.
Off-road vehicles on the Rubicon Trail, about 12 miles from Loon Lake to Lake Tahoe, travel tortuous terrain, long regarded as the most difficult in North America for people who love pitting themselves and their four-wheel-drive machines against Mother Nature.
It is an odd contest in which the only “victory” for man and machine is survival — leaving the trail with body and vehicle intact.
If you are not a fan of off-road motoring excursions, if you are unwilling to accept risks in pursuit of the joys of such trips, you will never appreciate or understand vehicles such as the Wrangler Rubicon, the winner of 4 Wheel & Off-Road magazine’s 2007 4×4 of the Year award.
It is a matter of culture, one distinctly different from daily urban life in which the primary concern of many drivers is miles per gallon. Out there on the Rubicon Trail, or along the high, narrow passes of the Continental Divide with its numerous rock-strewn and switchback roads, the major vehicle concern is prowess –the ability to keep rolling, however slowly or cautiously, over or around obstacles that could turn an outing into a lengthy hospital stay.
It is of little use to ask why people choose such adventures. The fact is that they do it and enjoy it, as evidenced by the 400,000 who subscribe to 4 Wheel & Off-Road. The Wrangler Rubicon helps them to do it better — with more reliability and safety — than most other sport-utility models priced under $30,000.
In that regard, the Wrangler Rubicon’s strengths constitute its primary weaknesses in routine city-suburban commuting, where it is least efficient, least comfortable and generally less than enjoyable.
For example, consider the Wrangler Rubicon’s suspension system. It uses live axles front and rear. A live axle is one of two kinds of beam axles. Live axles contain drive shafts that transmit power to drive wheels. Another type of beam axle, a dead axle, transmits no power.
Beam axles are simple, relatively inexpensive to install and usually tough. They are good for carrying heavy loads and taking the abuse generally encountered in off-road travel. They are lousy for pavement driving, where their ruggedness often translates to a brutally bumpy ride.
I have driven the Wrangler Rubicon and other four-wheel-drive models in a number of off-road venues where I fell in love with their brawling personalities. But my assistant, Ria Manglapus, got the assignment to drive the Wrangler Rubicon in regular city-suburban commuting, during which she took a daily motorized beating.
“It was so bumpy, it made me feel like I was driving in Manila,” said Ria, a native of the Philippines.
She had other complaints: “There was a lot of play in the steering wheel,” which meant that handling at expressway speeds was sometimes dicey. “The headrests in the back seats are so big, they limit rearview vision.”
Also, according to Ria, getting in and out of the Wrangler Rubicon wasn’t always easy.
I almost felt sorry for her. But life is tough, and it’s historically tougher on assistants. But she got the final laugh. She handed me the bill for filling the Wrangler Rubicon’s 18.6-gallon tank with regular unleaded gasoline: $48.
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Automotive News, JEEP | No Comments »
Monday, January 22nd, 2007
2007 Jeep Trailhawk Concept. Detroit News
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Tuning Cars, Automotive News, JEEP | No Comments »
Saturday, November 27th, 2004
Details info: Alternative names:
Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 5d
Sales Company:
Available version:
3.7 V6 aut.
3.7 V6 4wd aut.
4.7 V8 aut.
4.7 V8 4wd aut.
5.7 V8 4wd aut.
Previous version:
Variation:
SUV 5d
(2004 - )
Info:
Assembly Plants:
Magna Steyr (Austria)
Donors:
Posted in JEEP | No Comments »
Saturday, November 27th, 2004
Details info: Alternative names:
Jeep Cherokee (Europe)
Sales Company:
Available version:
2.4 16v 4wd
2.4 16v
2.8 CRD 4wd
2.8 CRD 4wd aut.
2.8 CRD aut.
3.7 V6 4wd aut.
3.7 V6 aut.
3.7 V6
3.7 V6 4wd
Previous version:
Variation:
SUV 5d
(2004 - )
Assembly Plants:
Info:
Popular mid-size SUV now boasts freshened exterior and interior design, not to mention the first turbo Common Rail Diesel engine offering in its class.
Donors:
Posted in JEEP | No Comments »
Saturday, November 27th, 2004
Details info: Alternative names:
Jeep TJ (Canada)
Jeep MV (AAV - Egypt)
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited - LWB
Sales Company:
Available version:
4.0 4WD aut.
Previous version:
Variation:
Off-roader 3d
(1996 - )
Off-roader Cabrio
(1996 - )
Off-roader Cabrio
(Unlimited - LWB)
(2004 - )
Info:
In many ways, this is the ultimate Jeep, named after the “General Purpose” (“G.P.” designation in the American Army) transportation designed to mobilise troops around the fields of war. Like the Land Rover Defender, it has remained true to its roots and is unrefined, rough riding, but heaps of fun to own. Its off-road capabilities are legendary.
Assembly Plants:
Donors:
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