Jeep Going Soft??

Since the company's inception dating back to WWII, the Jeep has been the most capable vehicle made on earth. The very first Willys Jeep that made it out of the factory was born to roam the desolate landscapes of WWII era Europe. They could get anywhere and anytime they were called upon carrying out duties from medics to combat vehicles with machine guns on them. Ever since those first Jeeps, that name has been synonymous with off-road ability. Even today the Jeep lineup consists of four SUV's built for the harshest off-road conditions. Jeep even labels each new Jeep coming out of the factory with a "Trail Rated" badge which supposedly denotes that this vehicle can survive in the
WWII era Willys Jeep5
most difficult conditions both on and off-road. But, over the past year or two there have been many stirrings in the Jeep camp about two new models that many ruin the company reputation for go anywhere capability. The rumors about two new Jeep models have turned out to be true. Whether or not they will ruin Jeep will be up to you, the consumers, to decide.

The first of those new models will be named the Jeep Compass, with it's sister car being called the Jeep Patriot. Both of these new SUV's will be based on a new chassis, which also underpins the 2006 Dodge Caliber (Dodge's new compact entry which replaces the Neon). This is a drastic departure from the normal body-on-frame truck based SUV's like the Wrangler to the new Commander. Both will be powered by a 2.4L inline-4, a derivative of a combined effort of Mitsubishi, Daimler-Chrysler, and Hyundai (the Caliber

5Jeep Compass

will be built with a 1.8L and 2.0L versions as well). The 2.4L puts out 174HP through your choice of either a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic. Power will be thrust to the ground through the front wheels or all four if the AWD box is checked. Jeep has been very clear that while these vehicles will have AWD, they will not be earning the "Trail Rated" badge. The Compass is built lower to the ground, to look almost like a street racer.
The Patriot will be it's more grown up brother sporting duds more akin to the current Jeep Liberty (i.e. more boxy and upright).

To many people, this branching out is a godsend. For sure there have been many who have fallen for the allure of the Jeep badge but have not been able to get themselves to suffer the stiff ride and difficult on-road manners just for that badge. But for many others, this signals the death of Jeep. The Jeep faithful rely on the company for rock solid off road vehicles meant to go anywhere
Jeep Patriot5
at anytime. Many see this as Dodge taking over the reins of the company. Some fear the Jeep will become just a small niche brand, eventually blending into the DaimlerChrysler monster. But, it seems that Jeep had no other option. While the company has been doing alright, to remain well, they had to branch out their vehicle profiles a bit. They are still SUV's but
they hope to attract a different crowd now, possibly more women to the brand. Even though most realize these cars are vital to Jeep's survival as a full independent (kinda) automaker, many will still refuse to accept the tainting of the traditional Jeep blood.

Now, send us what you think on this subject. Drop me a comment by clicking on the link at the bottom of this blog and i will make sure to answer any and all questions you may have. Come back again soon for some great new stories!

Thanks,

Ben