It's a Jeep thing, you wouldn't understand

For those of you who have not owned a Jeep or have never experienced the fun you an have with a Jeep, could never understand what it is Jeep owners feel and the joy they get out of their vehicles.  Being an enthusiast, owner, and Jeeper as we're often called I do understand this feeling and so often I have talked to people who, once they bought a Jeep, never bought another type of car again, or if they did, they quickly went back to a Jeep after.  It is hard to explain what is that make people so Jeep crazy.  I believe it is the freedom that much of Jeep's off road vehicles offer to a world so often restricted to rules, roads, and regulations.  The Wrangler, specifically, gives many people a huge freedom of expression from special paint jobs to crazy lift kits and off-road transformations.  Yes, such customization can be found with almost any car but cars like the Wrangler are unique to the brand.  Other auto companies have tried to make cars like the Wrangler over the years and none have done so with even half the success of the Wrangler.  It can not be defined what a Jeep is but it is clear, as the expression goes, "It's a Jeep thing, you wouldn't understand," and how could you if you do not own one.  Jeepers are unique, non-definable, but you know one when you see one.  A strange bond is formed between a Jeeper and his or her car, a bond that seems to last a lifetime.

This is just one example of the uniqueness often associated with owning a Jeep.  here someone has converted a Wrangle into a camper by cutting off the front end, turning the Jeep into a trailer, and converting the inside to sleep people.  The Jeep camper even features a shower.  Photo taken by me a few years ago a Jeep show in New Castle, PA.

Luxury in a Jeep

Jeep's routes lie within off-road capability and rugged appearances.  When Jeeps were first sold to the general public there most common use was for on a farm similar to a tractor.  As time as progressed Jeep's image as evolved and luxury has become a big part of the brand stemming from the Grand Wagoner in the 1980s.  today Jeep's flagship car, the Grand Cherokee is one of the most luxuries SUVs on the market and offers more amenities than a person could ever need, especially in a Jeep.  When perusing the web today, I stumbled upon this article by Fox News. http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2014/04/28/jeep-sundancer-is-leather-lined-luxury-off-roader/.  The article is about a special edition Wrangler Unlimited known has the Sundancer.  In addition to all of the capabilities expected from the Wrangler, this special jeeps features luxurious interior colors, leather trimmed seating and and surfaces and all of the amenities expected in a luxury car.  While this vehicle is not yet slated for production, and may not even be produced, if it is, estimates run from between $37,000-130,000 for the total cost of such a vehicle.  The Sundancer is a fine example of what the designers at Jeep can do and what the modern vehicle as become.

 

Jeep Sundancer concept, photo courtesy of autozonewallpaper.com

 

Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival

Every year thousands of Jeep enthusiasts gather in Butler, PA for one of the biggest Jeep events in the world.  The annual event started in August of 2011 with an inaugural parade in which the world record was broken for world's longest Jeep parade with over 1,100 Jeeps parade from Butler Community College into downtown Butler, PA.  The event is a 3-day weekend long event that now takes place on Friday invading Butler's main street with Jeeps and on Saturday and Sunday at Coopers Lake in Slippery Rock, PA.  I have attended this event myself, and it is a lot of fun with on-site trail rides, vintage and modern Jeep displays, a ton of part vendors, food, and tons of activities.  I encourage anyone who might want to see this first hand to register his or her Jeep, or come attend as a spectator.  The web address for the event is http://www.bantamjeepfestival.com/.

Photo of the festival a couple years ago.  Photo courtesy of bantamjeepfestival.com

Jeep Comanche

Too expand upon my previous post dealing with Jeep trucks, this will examine an even rarer truck than the J-10/J-20.  The Comanche, produced from 1986-1992 (released in 1985), eventually replaced the Gladiator and J-10/J-20 trucks.  This smaller and much less powerful truck in known as an MJ which was based off of the wheel base of the XJ Cherokees.  This truck was most often produced in a 2-wheel drive version, unlike most other Jeeps.

The reason for the scarcity of the Comanche is a combination of factors.  The most prevalent of these factors were AMC's poor financial health, who originally deigned to truck to compete with foreign brands and for sale in Chinese markets.  In addition, when Chrysler acquired the Jeep brand, it saw no need to continue producing the truck wanting Dodge to be its truck market and Jeep strictly SUVs.  In all there were only 190,446 Comanches produced in its 7 year run.  Today, the truck as sort of a cult following and is kind of an odd car to come buy.  The Comanche is met with mixed reviews of Jeep enthusiasts and was not ever a very viable small pick-up truck as compared to others on the market.

Jeep Comanche, year unknown, photo courtesy of motorburg.com

The J Series Pick-up

Jeep is renowned for its capable SUVs but SUVs have not been the contribution of the brand to the auto industry.  From 1962-1988, Jeep produced the J-Series trucks also known as the Gladiator during earlier years.  Jeep first produced trucks under Willys in the 40s and before the J-Series was dropped, began producing the Commanche which was discontinued after 1992.

The J-series will be the focus of this post as it is the forgotten truck and it has become relatively hard to find.  Despite lower sales figures, the J-Series was produced for 26 years with the same body and very minimal changes, much like its brother the Grand Wagoneer, and later the Cherokee, all of which shared the same platform.  Most notable, there were two distinct J-Series trucks, the J-10, and J-20.  The J-10 was a short bed and the J-20 was a long bed.  Though the same body has the Gladiators, J2000, J3000, and J4000, The J-Series distinction came in 1974 and continued until 1988.  Neither truck ever offered an extended cap.  During its life, the J-Series pickup saw three distinct owners, Kaiser, AMC, and finally Chrysler who discontinued the J-Series because Chrysler was already building the Dodge Ram and saw no need for the Jeep, especially due to low sales figures.

One notable option package on the J-Series trucks was the honcho package, which included bold decals on the cab and bed and mimicked the wide track Cherokees.  It is important the distinction be made that the Honcho package was just that, a trim available from 1976-1983.  The Honcho distinction does not apply to all J-Series trucks, a common misconception, but applies to the ones with the specific Honcho graphics  It was the graphics that separated Honchos from the rest of the J-Series trucks and the Honcho package was only available on step sides and short beds (J-10s).  Stepside Honchos were only produced from 1980-1983 and only 1,264 were ever made (Wikipedia, 2014).

 

1978 J-10 Honcho, note distinct graphics.  Photo courtesy of my folderz.com

1977 Jeep J-20, photo courtesy of autoblog.com

1968 Comanche, photo courtesy comanchemj.1hwy.com

1962 Jeep Willys pick-up, photo courtesy of forum.hrja.org

The Grand Wagoneer

My last post was shout out to my favorite Jeep model that is currently still in production.  This post will focus on a past favorite that paved the way for the Grand Cherokee.  The first Wagoneer was introduced in 1963 during Jeep's Kaiser years and was produced until 1991 when Chrysler replaced in the then Grand Wagoneer in favor of a more-modern Grand Cherokee.  Through the years the Wagoneer saw three distinct titles, Wagoneer, Super Wagoneer, and eventually Grand Wagoneer.  The nameplate and overall design and body of the car also saw minimal changes through 28 years of production and four different owners (Willys, Kaiser, AMC, and finally Chrysler).  The Wagoneer is credited with becoming the first truck body SUV, and first SUV in general.  Over its years of poduction, the Grand Wagoneer became both symbolic of a family car but also a luxury SUV, which would later pave the way for such popular cars as the Chevrolet Suburban and Cadillac Escalade, and even Land Rovers.  The Grand Wagoneer stood the test of time over a long span that, at the time, was the longest run of any production automobile.  During this 28 year span, the SUV never seemed to cease in its popularity and continued to make impressive sales figures until its discontinuation in 1991.  Most notable changes in the Wagonner over its life, are exterior colors, wood trim, and interior upgrades which would include amenities galore.  Today the Grand Wagoneer continues to be popular.  The go to restorer of these fabled machines is Wagonmaster (http://www.wagonmaster.com/).  Wagonmaster buys and sells both pristine and original, low mileage Wagoneers and restores them, and is known as the premier source for Grand Wagoneers.  Recently, Wagonmaster acquired a final edition 1991 Grand Wagoneer with an impressive 566 miles, that when it was posted, was advertised for over $100,000.  Pristine, orignal, low-mileage Wagoneers fetch a hefty sum and are a popular car of the wealthy of the Hamptons where it is somewhat of a status symbol.  This is also true in the middle east, where many are imported, to carry kings and other royalty and political figures.  Though, production ceased in 1991, the demand for these SUVs as not subsided and they fetch thousands of dollars more now then they ever did new.  More recently, Chrysler announced plans to return the Grand Wagoneer nameplate to the line up as a 7-passenger luxury SUV.  It will most likely be based off of the Dodge Durango, which is a longer wheel base of the Grand Cherokee.  This SUV is expected to be of a very high-end quality, though these plans have been delayed, consumers may see the first new Grand Wagoneer since 1991 in 2015.

 

1991 Grand Wagoneer, photo courtesy of productioncars.com

The WJ

Too relate to my previous post about the Grand Cherokee, the focus here will be specific to the WJ Grand Cherokee produced form 1999-2004.  This second generation model is not only my favorite, but I also own one.

Introduced in the summer of 1998, the WJ Grand Cherokee had a similar design to the outgoing ZJ.  Like the ZJ, the WJ featured a uni body design and carried over the same basic body structured of the ZJ but with a more rounded and sculpted appearance.  The 4.0l inline 6-cylinder engine was carried over from the ZJ and was standard in the Laredo model and optional in the Limiteds.  The 5.2l and 5.9l engines were dropped and initially replaced with the 4.7l and later the 4.7l H.O. would be introduced, standard in the Overland models and optional in the Limiteds.  WJs featured two four-wheel drive systems, Selec-Trac and Quadra-Drive.  Selec-Trac was featured in Laredo and often coupled with the 4.0l engine so it was also available in Limited models.  Most Limited and Special Editions featured variations of the Quadra-Trac system which was often coupled with the 4.7l V8 engine.  Notable differences in the two four-wheel drive systems were part-time with Selec-Trac opposed to all-time four-wheel drive with the Quadra-drive system.

1999 Grand Cherokee Laredo

 1999 Grand Cherokee Limited, photo courtesy motortrend.com

The WJ featured two trim level initially which were carried over from the ZJs, Laredo (base, though could be equipped with almost all features offered in the Limited) and Limited (high-end).  The notable characteristic of the Laredo models is lower body plastic cladding and bumpers and black door handles.  Limiteds featured painted cladding and bumpers, as well as, door handles.  In addition, Limiteds came standard with a leather interior which was optional on Laredos and featured brighter headlights than the dark ones on Laredos.  Later the WJ got additional trim levels, Overland, Laredo Sport, and Special Edition in 2002.  In 2003, the Laredo Sport and Special Edition trims were dropped.  In the last year of production, the 2004 model year, Laredo, Rocky Mountain Edition, Columbia Edition,  Laredo Freedom Edition, Special Edition, Limited, and Overland models were featured.  Overlands became the highest trim in 2002 available and came with every feature offered, even skid plates and real wood trim in the interior.   Special Editions were dressed up Laredos with painted lower cladding and bumpers, but retained the black door handles, Laredo grille, and Laredo interior.

 

2002 Grand Cherokee Overland, photo courtesy wjjeeps.com

 

2002 Grand Cherokee Special Edition, photo courtesy of wjjeeps.com

In addition to a number of special models offered in 2004, 2004 models are also unique in that they feature a different front end than the 1999-2003 models.  Other changes from 1999-2004 include variations in wheel choices, and interior amenities.  Later WJs saw more modern conveniences such as navigation, rain-sensitive wipers, tire pressure monitoring, parking sensors, power adjustable pedals, and side curtain airbags.  Seats saw various variations as well throughout.  Laredo seats changed in 2002 and again in 2003.  2003-2004 Laredo seats are notable for not featuring head restraints unless equipped with leather interior.  Limited seats changes in 2001 and remained the same until 2004 as a result of criticism of support in the 1999-2000 seats.  Overlands featured leather seats with swede inserts from 2002-2003 and only came in a shade of grey with a black dashboard and two-toned grey and black door panels.  In 2004, Overland interior color remained the same but the seat design changed and swede inserts were no longer included.  2001 saw a notable Laredo option package know as the Special Appearance Group, this option package featured a 17 inch wheel not offered before or after 2001, painted lift gate trim and handle, and lower cladding molded in color to match the paint color, in some cases.  Special Appearance Laredos also came with leather seats in most cases.

2001 Grand Cherokee Laredo Special Appearance Package, note blue cladding and 17 inch wheels.  Photo courtesy manchestermotorsports.com

2004 Grand Cherokee Laredo, note round fog lamps and different front bumper and grille, photo courtesy wjjeeps.com

 

2004 Grand Cherokee Special Edition, photo courtesy of torquenews.com

2004 Grand Cherokee Limited,  photo courtesy of thecarconnection.com

 

2004 Grand Cherokee Overland, note side differnet side cladding with chrome strip and a deleted ripple, only featured on '04 Overlands.  Photo courtesy of wjjeeps.com

 

2004 Grand Cherokee Rocky Mountain Edition, note painted Limited cladding and bumpers but painted grey available in blue, red, white, and green.  Photo courtesy wjjeeps.com

 

2004 Grand Cherokee Columbia Edition, note same exterior as Rocky Mountain Edition

 

2004 Grand Cherokee Freedom Edition, not unique front bumper and side pipes, and silver roof rails.  Model also featured carbon fiber dash trim.  Photo courtesy wjjeeps.com

The 1999-2004 Grand Cherokee will always be my favorite model for both its design, interior, features, and capabilities.  I always admired the ZJs and the only reaosn I like the Wj more is because, in my opinion, anything I found wrong with the ZJs was corrected in the WJs.  The WJs are a refreshed and modern ZJ and have aged gracefully.  In addition, the build quality is amazing.  At 15 years old and 150,000 miles, mine has no rust on it anywhere and all features still work as they should.  Before I bough mine in 2011, my father owned a 2002 Grand Cherokee and I can speak just as highly of it even though my family does not own it anymore.

At left, my father's previous 2002 Grand Cherokee Laredo Sport.  Sports featured leather seating, Infinity Sound, leather trimmed steering wheel with radio control, and 6-way power driver and passenger seat standard.  At right is my 1999 Laredo which is equipped with every available Laredo option in '99 except the 4.7l  V8 and factory hitch.

Side view of my 1999, photo taken in spring of 2011