Ok, this is pretty cool if you havn’t seen it already. Yes, it isn’t a standard Jeep, it is a prepped machine for the demonstration, but still, you have to admit that it is pretty impressive to take a Jeep apart into its major components and rebuild it into a driving Jeep that quickly!
JeepGuy
Jul 032010
I have had a server issue and lost a whole bunch of images and download files.(I think I restored all the download files, somebody comment on this post if they found one that is missing.) I am (still) working hard to get them restored, but hang in there while I get it sorted!
I will add new pictures for new posts, but am finding it hard to find the time to repost old pictures!
Apr 172010
When Jeep has finally added a compact car-like SUV to its line in May 2006, an obvious question of interest to all its potential buyers arose, as to what is this new little Jeep like.
Chrysler knew full well the need for expansion of its model line and that Jeep would eventually introduce more car-like models, something that wouldn’t be easy, as the company didn’t want Jeep to lose its go-anywhere off-road reputation. So, Compass is a car that promises its owners the capability to tackle rugged terrain like any other Jeep.
Coming off the assembly line in Belvedere, IL it is sold in the States for MSPR $18,465 – $24,575 with 4 trims available, making it both a good buy and also the first front-wheel drive Jeep with rear drive engaged on-demand, and a fully independent suspension. The transmission lacks the transfer-case with low range gearing needed for serious off-road use, but allows splitting torque in half between rear and front axles for some low traction surfaces.
Jeep Compass is powered by a 2.4 L 172 hp 4-cylinder engine developed in association with Mitsubishi and Hyundai. It is more than adequate for the city use, and even though Compass is fairly heavy for its size it renders estimated 25 mpg in the city and 29 on highways with the standard manual gearbox. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that raises cost by $1,000 is also available.
But moving from a more formal presentation to some personal impressions it is worth mentioning that its exterior does create an ambiguous impression. The headlights are round, the front is that of Jeep, but the rear looks like that of a Hyundai. However design is a matter of taste, especially since Chrysler positions Compass as vehicle for young adults. No complaints on the interior, the seats are comfortable, plenty of room for four people and a spacious trunk.
One of the strong points of this car is its handling and steering, which is not any different than that of a sedan. You can negotiate curbs with a speed of 85-100 miles per hour and still be confident. But off the asphalted roads Compass is also capable of performing. Most important part here is to switch off ESP and engage the part-time torque splitter. Here the Jeep’s heritage shines and shows that it is truly capable of much more as opposed to other crossovers.
After all Jeep Compass leaves a very good impression. It is a crossover, but one step above Nissan Xtrail, Hyundai Tucson, Mitsubishi Outlander or Subaru Forester. And even the die-hard fans of Grand Cherokee will enjoy driving it! So welcome Jeep Compass – a good car worth every penny.
The statistics inform that as many as 90 % of the SUV owners don’t ever take their vehicles off-road.
What is this – an excessive concern for a rather expensive investment or just an absence of an actual need to do it? It is a known fact that many people buy SUVs, and in our case various Jeep models, just for the sake of their potential capabilities. The ladies claim that they feel much safer driving a larger vehicle. Men want to know that if all the sudden a snow storm breaks out, they will do fine. So, what if this winter is exactly the chance to turn the usual commuting into a real northern adventure?
And you don’t even have to drive it off the road. The actual road conditions can present a handful of troubles. Intense snow fall, slippery road, reduced visibility, high blizzards… Of course having a Jeep signifies that you are in good shape, but keep in mind that a 4-wheel drive won’t help you stopping any better. There are other things to consider, such as to always slow down when the road is slippery. It’s great to know what kind of 4×4 transmission your Jeep is equipped with. Some models come with a part-time transmission with front axle electronically engaged, when the wheels start to slip, while others have the more serious full-time transmission, and yet the third may look exactly like any other Jeep, but have a modest 2-wheel drive. 
And a universal rule that applies is that tires make all the difference. Once could take a modest Subaru Forester, equipped with winter tires, and put it against a full-blown Land Cruiser with summer tires and easily beat it on an icy road. So in stead of putting groundless expectations on your Jeep, change into winter tires ahead of time and give them some time to break in.
And lastly, if you want to please the adventurous spirit in you and take your Jeep off the road, we advise to follow some basic safety rules. Know the terrain you are going to storm. A white layer of snow may insidiously hide trunks of fallen trees, rocks, and other dangerous obstacles. Take with you a shovel and emergency survival gear in case you get stock in a blizzard, as it can take hours to get out. Having a CB radio, traction strips, a tow strap, and a flash light is a must. Remember also to throw in some extra worm clothes and blankets, a buck saw, food and water. But most importantly, tell your close relatives where you are going, and when you are to be expected back. Drive carefully! And now, with all these considerations, your Jeep should be equipped and ready to give you all the pleasures of a winter adventure!
Feb 252010
I think in reality not that many people ever wonder why Jeep is named Jeep. Even less people on the continent of North America know that in many countries of Europe and Asia all SUVs are labeled as “Jeeps”. “He’s got a real nice Jeep now”, one may say pointing at a Land Cruiser.
But how did it come into being that Jeep got its name that now is iconic of this type of all-terrain vehicles? May be the answer to the popularity of the term is that it is the oldest off-road vehicle with Land Rover coming in second. It came into existence as Bantam BRC prototype to become the primary light 4-wheel-drive vehicle used by the US Army and allies for the times of World War II and after that. Following it in its path many nations have since created similar rovers serving both military and civilian roles.
One of the most probable explanations of the origin of the word “Jeep” is that the soldiers were so impressed with the new go-anywhere rover that they called it Eugene the Jeep, referring to the “jungle pet” character in the Popeye cartoons. Eugene the Jeep was small and could solve practically any problem.”
Another interesting story is that of a Willys Overland’s test driver Irving “Red” Haussman demonstrating vehicle’s off-road potential by driving it up the steps of the United States Capitol. When asked by reporter Katherine Hillyer, reporter for the Washington Daily News what was the name of it, Irving simply answered, “It’s a Jeep.” Once this phrase made it to Katherine Hillyer’s article with a picture of the vehicle in it, published nation-wide on February 20, 1941, the name stuck to the little 4×4. After being used as a slang word it has finally made it to official use, as in 1950 Willys-Overland Inc. was given the honor of using the name “Jeep” to be their registered trademark.
So now, welcome Jeep, the trusted icon of generations of men who chose to have no boundaries: from Willys-Overland to Jeep Wrangler, from Wagoneer to Grand Cherokee. Jeep – keep the adventure going!
