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Your Dream Jeep Model Line-up
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Author:  BiodieselJeep.com [ Thu Feb 22, 2007 2:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Your Dream Jeep Model Line-up
This is a cross post from something I put on the diesel forum.

There are SEVEN jeeps in the 2007 line-up....and many of them are dogs. Whatever the Patriot is, I san't distinguish a need for it. I've been a Jeep guy most of my life, and never known them to have so many models out in one year...with so many mongrels to boot.

What would be your smart line-up? Mine would have NO CARS in it, just higher-ticket SUVs:

Wrangler (Three packages: Bare Bones, Rubicon, and Homeboy/Limited. w/Diesel option in all)
Wrangler Unlimited (With current packages plus diesel option)
Liberty (but on the Unlimited platform...three trim option: Girly-cute, Rubicon, and Homeboy/limited...w/diesel op)
Gladiator (on Unlimited frame, with a few packages plus diesel option)
Grand-Cherokee (aka high end Soccer mom Jeep, three packages plus diesel option)
Commander Plus (a much bigger version of the current one for the VERY fat-boy camper that I am becoming. Giant engine w/diesel option)

Two frames (but some extended) would save them a lot. They are certainly worried about money

Time to play auto-exec. Give a wild crack a line up and play Auto Exec. (they could use our help)
Author:  SnowgodCCR [ Thu Feb 22, 2007 2:49 pm ]
Post subject: 
This is an easy one.

Wrangler (current packages)
Unlimited (name change from Wrangler Unlimited-Current packages)
Cherokee (Liberty)-Current packages plus Renegade- lifted, better tires, locking rear diff, light bar, etc.
Grand Cherokee-Bring back the SFA, the WJ was an AMAZING vehicle
Gladiator-Built on it's own platform modeled after the Unlimited, higher payload capacity, bigger engine (perhaps from the rescue?)
Rescue- Straight from the Concept

And I'd also like to see the Hurricane, but that will NEVER happen as the concept was envisioned...
Author:  wendell [ Thu Feb 22, 2007 3:21 pm ]
Post subject: 
I would do the line up a little different, now this is only a wish list.

Wrangler tj (4.0I-6)
Wrangler unlimited tj but with 4-doors
Patroit
Liberty
cherokee xj - for the straight front axle crowd
Grand wagoneer
comander
comanchee - reg, super and crewcabs
CJ- 3A limited to a one year run, then every year bring back a different jeep from the past, like a cj-7 renagade, cj-5, tuxedo park, cj-2a, willys p/u, willys wagon, jeepster and so on, but with an updated powertrain to pass emissions of course.
Author:  Jeepjeepster [ Thu Feb 22, 2007 3:27 pm ]
Post subject: 
I really like Biodiesel's opinion. 8)

Wrangler (Three packages: Bare Bones, Rubicon, and Homeboy/Limited. w/Diesel option in all)
Wrangler Unlimited (With current packages plus diesel option)
Liberty (but on the Unlimited platform...three trim option: Girly-cute, Rubicon, and Homeboy/limited...w/diesel op)
Gladiator (on Unlimited frame, with a few packages plus diesel option)
Grand-Cherokee (aka high end Soccer mom Jeep, three packages plus diesel option)
Commander Plus (a much bigger version of the current one for the VERY fat-boy camper that I am becoming. Giant engine w/diesel option)

I think the Liberty needs a V-8 for sure.. And they all need the Diesel option with any package you want. I hate it when they only put a certain engine for option with a certain model. :?
Author:  jerbacher [ Thu Feb 22, 2007 3:49 pm ]
Post subject: 
I really like Biodiesel's opinion.


X2! Very smart. Seems to satisfy every market segment, not just the 4x4 people like is often the opinion on this forum.

I think its smart to have IFS in the Grand and the Commander, and also very smart to have the Commander be larger, if its going to be in the linup. It competes too directly with the Grand right now.

I actually think that I would add the patriot into the group however. This gives the lineup a small, fuel efficient vehicle with comfy ind. suspension. Seems like the Liberty sorta kinda trys to cover this now (before Patriot/Compass) but doesnt do a great job cause they still wanted to keep some off road worthiness. The lineup does need a small soccer mom car..but the Liberty should stay offroad so that they have an off-road machine with a true hardtop.[/quote]
Author:  BiodieselJeep.com [ Thu Feb 22, 2007 4:44 pm ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
The lineup does need a small soccer mom car..but the Liberty should stay offroad so that they have an off-road machine with a true hardtop.


I agree. A hard-top model option seems important to me, even though I'm sure the modular top is all very nice. That's why I'd keep the Libby in the line up even though the 4 door JK is kinda in the same territory. I just think it'sd be nice to save money and put the Libby on a JK unlimited frame (I'm playing auto exec). Basically, the Libby stylecould be am Unlimted "option"...

I was dissapointed that the Commander was so...small. I wated a Jeep goliath, a GMC Surburban monstrosity. Otherwise, just get a Grand C, right? I imagine that a Big Jeep might have a military application.

So why do people like the Patriot? There seem to be a few supporters here. I haven't seen it myself but I was so prejuduced by my loathing of the Compass that I kinda killed it without thought.
Author:  sleeve84028 [ Thu Feb 22, 2007 5:04 pm ]
Post subject: 
The Patriot is smaller than the KJ for sure, but I think it's the MPG figure that is attracting the most support. I've gone and looked at one and thought I might buy one for said reason until I sat inside and closed the door.
Author:  Video Guy [ Thu Feb 22, 2007 5:07 pm ]
Post subject: 
My dream line-up is simple.
Step 1: Kill the Compass, Grand Cherokee, and KK Liberty.
Step 2: Keep curent vehicles and (except the Patriot) offer each in one of two trims -- a basic, yet functional Sport or "X", and an AEV-converted Renegade. Check out these badass AEV rigs. These would be for the offroaders who want performance out of the box. Everyone else can buy a Sport/X and build it up through Mopar and the aftermarket:
http://www.aev-conversions.com/vehicles/

After seeing pictures here of a KJ with AEV wheels, I checked out American Expedition Vehicles. I really thinkg they "get it." Imagine what they could do to a KJ!
Author:  snowsport [ Thu Feb 22, 2007 9:18 pm ]
Post subject: 
I'd love to see a KJ option without all the gizmos on it: EVIC, tire pressure sensors, LX stuff, etc. I'd definitely consider another KJ (not KK) if it was available in a "clean" format, without the bells and whistles. I like the concept of re-issuing an older model, like one of the CJs. Even if they just did one model. Thirdly: lose the Compass, or call it a Chrysler, and make the Patriot available with a larger engine (maybe a diesel) and a true 4x4 drive train option. Finally, keep the JK lineup as is: they're going to be hot sellers, and for good reasons.
Author:  Donkeykong [ Thu Feb 22, 2007 11:49 pm ]
Post subject: 
The wrangler in all of the available trims. All available with manual and auto. Also how about a 4-door diesel 6-speed.
The "old school" cherokee (for those of us who want a small SUV with a SFA.
The current libby (V6 and diesel) both available in manual and auto Roofrack lights and cruise control standard.
The grand cherokee (V8 and diesel)
The commander (V8, diese.... manual and auto)
-Mark
Author:  KW AV8R [ Fri Feb 23, 2007 11:40 am ]
Post subject: 
I've posted this before but this is still my take on what DC should be doing with the Jeep line-up. "Jeep - Go Anywhere, Do Anything"

KW AV8R wrote:
I really don't think Dr. Z understands the history behind the Jeep name. Jeep is more than a four-wheel drive vehicle; it's a way of life. IIRC, (civilian) Jeep was based in the idea of an inexpensive vehicle soldiers coming home from overseas could drive like they did while deployed and explore the country. Jeep is an icon of Americana. It would be nice if we could just sit down with Dr. Z and try to help him understand the real meaning of Jeep.

That said, if Jeep embraced its heritage and made a distinctive line of rugged vehicles, they would sell. IMHO, I feel that there should be a max of four vehicles in the line up.

Wrangler (sturdy, compact, heavily-modifiable - the core of Jeep)
Gladiator (sturdy, true mid-sized pickup capable of towing and recovering a Wrangler and carrying the camping gear etc... - muscle of the Jeep line)
Grand Cherokee (~Wagoneer - sturdy, based on Gladiator chassis, can tow a boat/camper trailer, possibly with 3rd-row seating - flagship of the Jeep line)
Liberty (~Jeepster - sturdy, smaller SUV, just about as capable as the Wrangler but with a hard-top and a little more room - moneymaker of the Jeep line)

They should leave the strictly road vehicles to the Dodge/Chrysler badges. The only caveat I have to this is if they made a true rally-edition of the Compass (not just some cosmetic additions). I feel the Wrangler should go back to being a 2-door but keeping the Unlimited and Rubicon options. The Liberty should take its styling cues from the Wrangler, be a 4-door, and the Renegade should have the same options as the Rubicon. The Gladiator and Grand Cherokee should be based on the Gladiator/Rescue concepts with upgraded off-road optional trim similar to the Rubicon/Renegade trims above.

These are just my opinions but I feel that if DC marketed Jeep in this manner, steeped in heritage, the competitors would be pushed out of the niche.
Author:  FastTRX [ Fri Feb 23, 2007 12:43 pm ]
Post subject: 
KW AV8R...I remember reading that and even though I'm pretty new to Jeeps...I completely agree 100%
Author:  Donkeykong [ Fri Feb 23, 2007 12:55 pm ]
Post subject: 
KW AV8R wrote:
I've posted this before but this is still my take on what DC should be doing with the Jeep line-up. "Jeep - Go Anywhere, Do Anything"


I'll agree to a point.
I do feel that there needs (in this day and age) to be a "hot ticket" vehicle such as the grand cherokee, and maybe something similar upscale to help keep the production up. Said vehicles would need to share platforms with the "Go anywhere do anything" "core" line of jeep vehicles, but would have the vanity, er... luxury trim that would compete with the likes of land rover (please queen forgive this ex-pat) and even the modern land cruiser which seems to cater to the richer market segment who wants something with the legacy of off road but will seldom if ever go wheeling.

Just my $.02 companies need to make money to survive, and frankly with operating costs in this day and age, there aren't enough of "us" to support a bigtime companylike DCX based on vehicles like we would love to have from the factory.
-Mark
Author:  SnowgodCCR [ Fri Feb 23, 2007 1:55 pm ]
Post subject: 
Donkeykong wrote:
I do feel that there needs (in this day and age) to be a "hot ticket" vehicle such as the grand cherokee, and maybe something similar upscale to help keep the production up. Said vehicles would need to share platforms with the "Go anywhere do anything" "core" line of jeep vehicles, but would have the vanity, er... luxury trim that would compete with the likes of land rover.-Mark


Oh, you mean like the WJ was doing when they canned it for the WK? I remember that the WJ was a VERY good luxury SUV, and also very capable offroad. I mean, real wood trim and plush leather seats were squarely targeted at the Rover/Escalade crowd...but the SFA and skidplates were reminders of it's jeepiness. The ride is so good in it that I didn't realize it was SFA until I looked...
Author:  Donkeykong [ Fri Feb 23, 2007 2:40 pm ]
Post subject: 
SnowgodCCR wrote:
Oh, you mean like the WJ was doing when they canned it for the WK? I remember that the WJ was a VERY good luxury SUV, and also very capable offroad. I mean, real wood trim and plush leather seats were squarely targeted at the Rover/Escalade crowd...but the SFA and skidplates were reminders of it's jeepiness. The ride is so good in it that I didn't realize it was SFA until I looked...


Sure, but what is the problem with the WK?

My mother in law has a 00 grand cherokee (not sure if thats WJ or WK) but it's not the smoothest of ride compared to my libby, but i's definently nice, and it's a nice compliment to her jag.
-Mark
Author:  tjkj2002 [ Fri Feb 23, 2007 2:47 pm ]
Post subject: 
I agree with KW AV8R's post 99%,I got lucky enough to test drive a SRT8 Grand in Washington,even though it didn't have 4LO all I can say is WOW!That should be the rally racer,425 hp Jeep totally kicks some a^%!!!!!!!!!!!!(my 2 cents/opinion)
Author:  KW AV8R [ Sat Feb 24, 2007 1:01 am ]
Post subject: 
Donkeykong wrote:
I'll agree to a point.
I do feel that there needs (in this day and age) to be a "hot ticket" vehicle such as the grand cherokee, and maybe something similar upscale to help keep the production up. Said vehicles would need to share platforms with the "Go anywhere do anything" "core" line of jeep vehicles, but would have the vanity, er... luxury trim that would compete with the likes of land rover (please queen forgive this ex-pat) and even the modern land cruiser which seems to cater to the richer market segment who wants something with the legacy of off road but will seldom if ever go wheeling.

Just my $.02 companies need to make money to survive, and frankly with operating costs in this day and age, there aren't enough of "us" to support a bigtime companylike DCX based on vehicles like we would love to have from the factory.
-Mark


I agree with you on your first point as well and that would be the Grand Cherokee in my notional vehicle line-up and that is why I called it the flagship. The only point that I have to disagree with you on is your last point about the companies having to survive and not having enough of "us" to support it. The example I'll use to make my point is Hummer. General Motors can survive even with relatively low numbers of these being sold. I know that 2/3 of their vehicles share a platform with standard Chevy vehicles but the theory is still valid and plausible.
Author:  dieselenthusiast [ Sat Feb 24, 2007 5:12 am ]
Post subject: 
KW AV8R wrote:
I really don't think Dr. Z understands the history behind the Jeep name. Jeep is more than a four-wheel drive vehicle; it's a way of life.
[/quote]

Beautifully said :!:
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