Jeep Trailduster..... coming to a dealer near you.

[jpdocdave]

a house divided against itself.....

 

when you do things like this, bastardize your brand, to make sales, you are inevitably digging your own grave.

 

2wd wrangler :fs1: totally bastardized the wrangler right there, might as well be a sebring, its just a convertible. anything to sell another wrangler i guess. and making these little poo box cross over junk CARS, under the jeep name, totally cannibalized the jeep brand. jeep used to be/mean/stand for something.

 

i would have to agree with pat, 2004 was the last year anything decent came out of the factory, and thats if you like tj's. its a shame because they were on the right track with the tj rubicon, thats a jeep, and i'm not really a big tj guy, i'm a huge cj/wrangler guy, those mean a lot to me, and the direction they took wrangler is sickening, and the mentioned some more changes, i guarantee they won't be good for people like me.

[jpnjim]

You guys know 2wd Jeeps date back to the 1950's, right?

 

just sayin' ;)

[kro10000]

Well I can't say I like the Trailduster much, but I think the Trailhawk is pretty cool. Except it needs smaller wheels.

 

http://www.offroaders.com/directory/PR/ ... ilhawk.htm

 

Sits on the JK unlimited chassis, that's what Jeep should be building. In many of the Chryco 5 year plan articles, they mention Jeep returning to its roots and building more Wrangler based vehicles. I hope they do, this trailhawk could be one of them.

 

 

However, from this article, it seems that Jeep does a lot of poor concepts.

http://www.offroaders.com/tech/jeep/concept-jeeps.html

[jteckmann]

At this point, I'm almost hoping that Chrysler fails. Ever since the Damler merger, the Jeep brand has been going downhill, and I certainly don't trust the crew at Fiat to do any better by it. Best thing that can happen to Jeep, IMO, is that it gets sold again to someone else - I'm thinking that the auto landscape has changed enough to where Jeep could make a go of it once again as an independent niche auto maker. Or maybe it gets bought by Ford (GM has too many of it's own problems right now) Ford's in good shape, it would fill a niche for them, and Ford has the chops & tech to produce some good models again - plus there'd be a little bit of history coming full-circle, since Ford produced many of the original WWII Jeeps. Of course, the only problem with this scenario is that if Jeep were sold, it would wind up in the hands of the Chinese or something ......

 

To be fair, it's not that I've hated all the recent Jeeps simply because they're new. I accept that things change, and I know that outside of the Wrangler, it's unrealistic to expect automakers to build "basic" vehicles anymore. IMO, complaining about the modern electronics and engineering is a bit like when my Grandad used to complain about FI replacing carbs - yeah, it's frustrating, different, and requires learning a bunch of new stuff ... but in the end, it likely means a net improvement in the performance, economy, and lifespan of the vehicle.

 

And I don't really have a problem with Jeep building economy or "softroad" vehicles - that's a valid market to attempt to fill. Heck, there's precedent for that going back to the original Willy's Jeepster, and utilitarian/fleet vehicles like the DJ's. Not everything thing they make has to be able to tackle the Rubicon, IMO.

 

My problem has been Chrysler's absolute butchered execution getting anything to market. Take the Compass - IMO that could've been a worthy vehicle (even though it was car based) Just think if it had been like some of the earlier concepts they unveiled - a sporty rallye-inspired car with AWD that could've been a WRX challenger. Instead, it went through design-by-committee, lost the sporty edge, gained extra doors andheight, and wound up being puked into the market as a pathetic joke that wasn't good for anything except pissing off brand loyalists. And while they waste time with useless stuff like the Compass, or redundant vehicles like the Commander, the really cool stuff like the nukizer or Gladiator concepts still sit on the shelf.

 

That's how I feel about this "Trail Duster" thing. if you look at the Fiat Panda they sell in Europe, there's actually potential there - it's a capable vehicle and comes in lots of different configurations, like small panel vans and delivery trucks. If done right, Jeep could have a successor to the DJ, and something to go head-to-head with the Ford transit. But I have zero faith they'll do it right, and it will instead wind up being pointless like the Compass is.

[-600JeepMJ]

:popcorn: :nuts: I would not buy it.

[ComancheKid45]

When the XJ was killed so was the best years of Chrysler and Jeep...... I hope to never have anything to do with anything Jeep or Vehicle wise post early 2000s, Its all Junk if ya ask me :dunno:

[Eagle]

Hey, I like the ideas. Chrysler needs something to keep afloat.

Yeah. So build cute utes and crossover vehicles and AWD mini-utes ... but don't try to call them "Jeep." Call 'em Dodge, or Chrysler, or Plymouth, or any damn thing, but not Jeep.

[Pete M]

I saw a pic of the latest GC after a trip on the Rubicon trail. I'm sure that'll buff out. :teehee:

 

I don't even mind the idea of an awd Jeep car (think Subaru WRX competition). But why oh why are they so dang fugly looking? :dunno:

 

 

[HOrnbrod]

Yeah. So build cute utes and crossover vehicles and AWD mini-utes ... but don't try to call them "Jeep." Call 'em Dodge, or Chrysler, or Plymouth, or any damn thing, but not Jeep.

 

Have to apologize for calling Eagle a dinosaur in another post; it seems there are lots of dinosaurs here. Including me. :cheers:

 

The newest Jeep I owned was an 01 XJ, one of the last produced.

Bought it for the wife, but of course she didn't like it (It rides bouncy! Reply: Of course it rides bouncy fool - it's a freakin' Jeep! Typical conversation).

 

Traded in in for a new Malibu Maxx SS - she loves that. And nope, I haven't seen anything JeeP has produced since the last XJ that I'd ever consider. :(

[Automan2164]

Just a thought here, but I think it would be cool if jeep came out with a WRX like car. Why all these weird crossovers? Just make one B-A AWD sedan. I think that would be OK in my book.

 

Rob L. :dunno:

[jpdocdave]

You guys know 2wd Jeeps date back to the 1950's, right?

 

just sayin' ;)

 

2wd jeeps yes, 2wd wrangler no. when this has come up before someone tried to convince me of a 2wd yj being built for govt somethin or other, to my limited knowledge, there has been no 2wd wrangler untill the jk.

 

its not a market to avoid, and i never said all jeeps should be rubicons, for repetition sake i won't repeat my previous statements about what they've done.

[Automan2164]

You guys know 2wd Jeeps date back to the 1950's, right?

 

just sayin' ;)

 

2wd jeeps yes, 2wd wrangler no. when this has come up before someone tried to convince me of a 2wd yj being built for govt somethin or other, to my limited knowledge, there has been no 2wd wrangler untill the jk.

 

its not a market to avoid, and i never said all jeeps should be rubicons, for repetition sake i won't repeat my previous statements about what they've done.

 

2WD YJ's do exist. Seen one with my own eyeballs.

 

Rob L.

[jpdocdave]

You guys know 2wd Jeeps date back to the 1950's, right?

 

just sayin' ;)

 

2wd jeeps yes, 2wd wrangler no. when this has come up before someone tried to convince me of a 2wd yj being built for govt somethin or other, to my limited knowledge, there has been no 2wd wrangler untill the jk.

 

its not a market to avoid, and i never said all jeeps should be rubicons, for repetition sake i won't repeat my previous statements about what they've done.

 

2WD YJ's do exist. Seen one with my own eyeballs.

 

Rob L.

 

so was it govt. or what, i've actually read where no 2wd yj left the factory from regular production. these must have been made for some sort of special deal. tell me tell me tell me :rant:

[jpnjim]

I'll stay out of the 2wd Wrangler debate,

but there were 2wd CJ & DJ's.

 

Everyone's entitled to their own opinion,

just remember there are still CJ people who still don't accept YJ & TJ's as 'real' Jeeps yet

(never mind XJ/MJ's).

[MJ is dead]

I will stand by the crowd that claims chysler killed jeep.

 

However, they have had a couple things come out of the factory doors I still approve of. I like the current JK, 4wd or not. I'm a huge fan of the CRD. And even if the new liberties are nitro based, I really dig the sliding cloth roof option.

 

The compass, patriot, and the freakin panda....no, not jeeps. I do agree that an awd sedan or coupe would be pretty cool, as long as it was somewhat sporty, and a WRX competition.

 

But the way things are going, I'd rather just see jeep die, than see it become this little crapbox

[MjPioneer]

it pains me to see Jeep which is possably the most iconic made in america vehicle get sold off across the bond. Jeep has already been through a rocky life, why do we need to extend its suffering?

[dasbulliwagen]

I'm a dealer tech, and Ive never seen a 2wd JK wrangler. I have seen 2wd TJ's though.

 

And the new Liberty is not based on the Nitro, its the other way around. If you look underneath an early Liberty, and a new Liberty, it is almost exactly the same, The Nitro was built on a Liberty platform, they just have similar body styling now. The upper bodies were redesigned, but the lower chassis area is still the same old Liberty.

[terrawombat]

Not sure why some of you want to stop at 2004 for the TJ's - they didn't get bastardized until the 2007 model year when the JK was introduced. Only other Jeep that I would drive past 2006 is a Grand Cherokee SRT-8 :brows:

[jpdocdave]

Not sure why some of you want to stop at 2004 for the TJ's - they didn't get bastardized until the 2007 model year when the JK was introduced. Only other Jeep that I would drive past 2006 is a Grand Cherokee SRT-8 :brows:

 

i'm fuzzy on the dates for newer stuff, i just don't pay attention to anything not in the 90's, but i'm gonna say the answer to the 2004 thing is the 4.0 maybe, i forget when exactly the minivan motor replaced it.

[terrawombat]

Not sure why some of you want to stop at 2004 for the TJ's - they didn't get bastardized until the 2007 model year when the JK was introduced. Only other Jeep that I would drive past 2006 is a Grand Cherokee SRT-8 :brows:

 

i'm fuzzy on the dates for newer stuff, i just don't pay attention to anything not in the 90's, but i'm gonna say the answer to the 2004 thing is the 4.0 maybe, i forget when exactly the minivan motor replaced it.

 

2007 got the minivan engine. The 4.0L lived until 2006. They did throw in a Mercedes 6-speed manual transmission in the 2005 and 2006 TJ's though, and it seems fairly stout. My girlfriend has a 2006 Jeep Wrangler Golden Eagle Edition with the 4.0L and 6-speed manual and other than 1st gear being completely useless on the road, it's a fun to drive and it feels like a Jeep.

[jpdocdave]

i thought it died sooner than that, like i said, i don't bother with newer dates.

 

i know they went to the 2.4 instead of 2.5 around then to, my aunt has a 2.4 wrangler, i think hers is 05 or so.

[89MJComanche]

Hey, I like the ideas. Chrysler needs something to keep afloat. Way to go Chrysler. You get a thumbs up from this Jeeper. :thumbsup:

Rob L.

 

You make me PUKE!! Jeep needs to Divorce Chrysler so that it Survives!! Chrysler is going to Kill Jeep.

 

While I admit the new Trail Duster could sell, It needs to have Subaru Tough Parts. SX4 while it is a neat little fuel efficient CUV, is a chintsy POS (and I will admit that Tracker/Sidekicks were great)

 

The lineup needs to include the following

 

JK 2 Door

JK 4 Door

Hemi Option for Above

JK 4DR FST (Full Steel Top)

JT or J8 (with Nukizer or XJ inspired front clip) and a seperate Bed Box.

-Current WK needs put back to SFA in new design but it aint getting it for the rich yuppies that want to over pay $10,000 for an SUV.

-Current Liberty (what are the letters?) Needs completly eliminated = Low Ground Clearance JUNK (KJ looks like a real offroader now, never thought I'd say that) Base model WK needs to replace Liberty.

-Patriot (KK?) If they would just make the bumpers etc so they can be easily swapped and an Up Country Version with the Locking 4x4 package and 235x16's.

 

Jeep needs to wise up, Divorce Goodyear Wrangler Tires, start putting BFG ATKO's on everything, start offering Stripped down Rubicon Models Again, instead of putting $900 worth of Tires and Wheels on a $20,000 Jeep, and some fancy Decals and Seats and Charging $27,000 for it (Islander and Mountain Editions are cool by WAY OVERPRICED)

[Automan2164]

Hey, I like the ideas. Chrysler needs something to keep afloat. Way to go Chrysler. You get a thumbs up from this Jeeper. :thumbsup:

Rob L.

 

You make me PUKE!!

 

Glad I asked your opinion on my opinion.

 

But the question is, do I care? :dunno:

 

No.

 

Rob L.

[HOrnbrod]

You make me PUKE!! Jeep needs to Divorce Chrysler so that it Survives!! Chrysler is going to Kill Jeep.

 

While I admit the new Trail Duster could sell, It needs to have Subaru Tough Parts.

 

Another Lee Iacocca wannabe. :rotf:

 

The Fiat Panda aka now known as the new Jeep Trailduster WILL sell, no doubt. It's cheap, has a proven track record, gets super mileage, and fills an often neglected niche. The reliable "on demand" AWD is an ideal vehicle for college students, housewives, and other novice drivers and takes away the guess work for inexperienced drivers. It's a good grocery-hauler in the winter and great transportation for students. Not a bad choice for the $$ and it offers more than most vehicles in it's price range. Do I want one - NO, but I'd surely consider it for my two daughters in college. Is it a Jeep - NO. Re-badging and slapping a vertical slot grille on the Panda doesn't make it a Jeep. I feel it should sell well and hopefully the sales profits realized from this little critter Chrysler will reinvest into a new model Jeep pickup we can all like. Not holding my breath though.............

[Incommando]

2wd and/or IFS far preceed Chrysler in Jeep's history. Remember the VJ? DJ? Delivary vans? Heck, the first Wagoneers and 1/2 ton J-trucks ahd an IFS Dana 27 front option in (IIRC) 1964.

 

The KJ is a better vehicle than haters will believe. Properly optioned, like with a 6spd, will get you a 5.0 first gear NSG370 and a 241 transfer in place of the 231. 29-spline 8.25 rear > than 95% of the rears in all of the XJ's sold. And body stiffness: no comparison. The XJ flops like a newspaper when stacked up to its replacement, the KJ. The 4.0 is a great motor with longevity for sure, but the 3.7 is a dandy. And no KJ came with a 2.5 or 2.8 .... Sure, there were some few 2.4's, but very very few.

 

The TJ Rubicon was the most capable off-the-shelf Jeep ever sold to the public. And it was a Chrysler.

 

Folks need to look up "CAFE." Without fuel-efficient models, the jeep line-up has to die. Thank whoever makes the CAFE caps for that.

 

For the youngin's: NOTHING was more hated than the '84 XJ. "Real jeepers" said they were k-cars with a front axle. And the drivetrain choices sucked badly. They were poor vehicles by most measures and pre-dated Chrysler. The first YJ's were hated so badly that people refused to wheel with YJ owners. But it sounds like jeep history ignorance and lack of acceptance didn't stop in '87... :ack:

 

 

EDIT: Anyone checked out the new Power Wagon proposal? Everything it has now on a SWB frame! Awesome. But yes, on a personal level I hate the Trail Duster as much as I hate the Dodge Calibers that they call Compass or Patriot.