Chrysler, Nissan, and Jeep

doug allen · **Posted:** Thu Jan 10, 2008 3:45 pm

The following link is to an interesting article/perspective on Chrysler, its current problems and possible future directions and how Jeep (especially the Wrangler is doing). Sounds like Chrysler may end up as Nissan/Chrysler. Someone here earlier suggested that Jeep buy itself out (ie Harley Davidson like) and move on. Irrespective, there is probably a very uncertain path for the near term for this corporation.

http//www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22489611/

jinstall · **Posted:** Thu Jan 10, 2008 3:49 pm

Nissan/Renault has been doing very well over the past few years.

Joe Romas · **Posted:** Thu Jan 10, 2008 4:08 pm

jinstall wrote:

Nissan/Renault has been doing very well over the past few years.

Jeep did very well with the Cherokee under Renult's control

Renult "helped" in the designing stages and it lasted for something like 18 model years with very little changes :wink:

Uffe · **Posted:** Thu Jan 10, 2008 4:09 pm

Quote:

However, it’s not all doom and gloom at Chrysler. Its redesigned Jeep Wrangler saw sales almost double in 2007, even as sales of models like the Jeep Compass, the Dodge Caliber and Chrysler 300 slipped. Wrangler sales have soared without having to rely on sales incentives.

Oh yeah! We want that to continue! I just fell in love when I test drove a JK last summer. Couldn't afford one, so I bought the KJ which I love as well. The girlfriend also thinks the KJ is much better looking than the JK, while I have it the other way around because I love those looks of the long bonnet of the JK as well as its interior.

However, you can't beat the value for money on the KJ, it wins hands down! The comfort is also better IMO.

Nissan would be ok if we could get japanese quality of build while not getting their 3.0 CRD engine stuffed into the Jeeps. The VM engine is better per reliability, which is one thing I want to be rock solid. Just keep the Jeep styling intact, PLEASE!

Sir Sam · **Posted:** Thu Jan 10, 2008 4:16 pm

Joe Romas wrote:

jinstall wrote:

Nissan/Renault has been doing very well over the past few years.

Jeep did very well with the Cherokee under Renult's control

Renult "helped" in the designing stages and it lasted for something like 18 model years with very little changes :wink:

18 models years? heck I'm still counting them since they are still made in china. We are on year 24 now.

retmil46 · **Posted:** Thu Jan 10, 2008 5:59 pm

On my friends '08 Wrangler Unlimited, on the A/C refrigerant weight decal, it lists 2 engines - the 3.8 V6 gasser, and a 2.8 L diesel. Care to guess WHICH diesel they're referring to?

You're right, the Unlimited is one nice vehicle - give me the chance to buy one with the same 4 cylinder oil burner, and I'd be trading. If nothing else, I'd like to transplant a set of seats from an Unlimited into the KJ.

Even with the V6 and a 4 speed auto, it does pretty good - my friend says he can get well into the low 20's for highway fuel mileage on a good day.

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Thu Jan 10, 2008 6:21 pm

I won't be buying anything new unless it is a DIESEL :wink:

I drove my friends Grand 5.7Hemi all day yesterday. The engine is sweet but the mpg...well it made me glad to be in my CRD. I did get it into the low 20's average highway. I have to say I did not find the seats any better than the KJ...I actually felt a bit cramped and visibility was not as good. The thing that bugged me the most was no good place to rest my left arm...just could not get comfortable.

Put a better front seat in my KJ and I will be happy (or rebuild my seat more to my liking). I am about to build a flat floor in the back (no rear seat) since I never use the seats. I am going to put two hatch doors in to access the storage space available. My dog "Diesel"

is going to enjoy the open space.

Uffe · **Posted:** Fri Jan 11, 2008 3:42 am

DarbyWalters wrote:

I won't be buying anything new unless it is a DIESEL :wink:

I am about to build a flat floor in the back (no rear seat) since I never use the seats. I am going to put two hatch doors in to access the storage space available.

We have tonnes of those cars made in Denmark. You can buy a pre-made set here for a price of around $700 (danish pricing yes yes).

I got that in mine, if you like inspiration I can take some pictures for you. It's been well adapted to the KJ, and it actually looks good.

hatchetman · **Posted:** Sat Jan 12, 2008 1:17 pm

I'd like to see pictures of the no rear seat configuration also. :evil:

Inet_CRD · **Posted:** Sat Jan 12, 2008 3:58 pm

Being 6ft plus, I'd love to see a link or contact info for this seat maker. Sounds like it would be just what's needed for the taller drivers...

Uffe · **Posted:** Sat Jan 12, 2008 4:46 pm

I have pictures for you guys here.

Excuse the poor quality of them, I have taken them in the dark. The focus bit is a bit off. It should provide some guideline.

This is the overview of the VAN space (I am going to add some grate with supporting frame structure to protect driver/co-driver against flying objects :lol:

):

By uffem at 2008-01-12

This is the support for the front end of the steel sheet floor (notice the original holders for the rear seats are re-used):

By UffeM at 2008-01-12

Same, but on opposite side:

By uffem at 2008-01-12

Shot from the bottom upwards. This shows the steel insert floor with the carpet folding at the read of the rear seats:

By UffeM at 2008-01-12

bugnout · **Posted:** Sat Jan 12, 2008 5:27 pm

Very nice. Not ready to take my back seats out yet, but I really like the way that looks. Now if I could fit a PT cruiser, fold flat passenger on the right, I'd be set.

Chrysler, Nissan, and Jeep

Who is online