Not IG related, but what has happened to Jeep?

[MileHigh]

My wife and I had three Jeep grand Cherokee’s in the late 90s and early 2000s. I remember them as very serious machines, with outstanding and configurable four-wheel-drive systems. With mechanical engagement.

We finally added a third car in 2021, a Jeep Wrangler four-door that I had always wanted pre-IG. It was a really good machine, lots of the mechanical settings, very capable, even though it was a Sahara model. Unfortunately, it got totaled in a no Injury accident., we replaced it with an we replaced it with a 2023, And was surprised at how Fiat has de contented the Wrangler so fast. The quality of this car has been atrocious with electrical gremlins haunting it.

I ended up with a couple of Jeep grand Cherokee loaners. I couldn’t believe that this is what has been happening to that model line. It makes a CRV look tough. I don’t even remember seeing a four-wheel-drive setting, or it feeling any different than any of the other faceless sport Utes I rent. That and the new Wagoneer models look like soft suburbans if anything.

I seem to remember fiat really questioning the need for real four-wheel-drive equipment and capability, when so few people actually use it. I think it’s showing.
Like I said, not really IG related, but just a random observation from what some people think is an alternative. Frankly, right now the IG stands alone, at least in the US market.

 

[CountyV8]

Stelantis has happened to Jeep

 

[MileHigh]

Stelantis has happened to Jeep

I can’t spell DeSantis or Peugeot, but I can spell Fiat.

 

[LabRat]

Reminds me of when Chrysler took it over from AMC - I had an 87 Wrangler (AMC) - Brother had a 89 (Chrysler) Worlds apart, his was nothing but trouble.

 

[INEOS OG]

Stelantis has happened to Jeep

As well as Dodge.

 

[Brock63]

I presume they are experiencing and following based on government requirements outweighing all other focuses in design and marketing. It used to be that Jeeps, Toyota, etc...were focused on longevity, ruggedness, driving experience. Now the priority is on fuel management, emissions, etc....and a lot of that is now a risk in the vehicle reliability and durability. Hopefully, they will get back to customer focused in reality not just as part of their marketing campaign. After having Toyota Landcruisers since 1984 in our family...FJ60, FJ62, FJ Cruiser, UZJ100, etc.....and also fathers CJ, Willys, YJ, and Unlimited Rubicon's. Also the push trying to force us into a hybrid or electrical vehicle is a big negative for me....and reason I am moving away from Toyota. Almost got the Lexus GX550 since they dont bring the 70 series in to America....as a diesel or petrol capability.
The Ineos Grenadier was the first purpose built vehicle for farm, ranch, overlanding, recreation, etc.....was a very welcomed and fresh opportunity. Even if not perfect....in my opinion does everything I need and nothing I dont.

 

[FlyersFan76]

It is rather funny. Jeep, Chrylser, etc hasn't been an American car company since the 90's when MB first bought them. I figured with foreign ownership they would only improve but they have seemed to fall backwards. It is laughable that people still refer to the US Big 3 automakers term. I am pretty sure Chrysler's dealer network was a big plus for acquisitions of them.

I have had some issues with my 2020 Wrangler. I bought it off lease with a CPO but I honestly think most of the issues that we have had could be contributed to dealer issues. BTW, the previous owner was my sister in-law so I do know it was well cared for.

 

[MileHigh]

It is rather funny. Jeep, Chrylser, etc hasn't been an American car company since the 90's when MB first bought them. I figured with foreign ownership they would only improve but they have seemed to fall backwards. It is laughable that people still refer to the US Big 3 automakers term. I am pretty sure Chrysler's dealer network was a big plus for acquisitions of them.

I have had some issues with my 2020 Wrangler. I bought it off lease with a CPO but I honestly think most of the issues that we have had could be contributed to dealer issues. BTW, the previous owner was my sister in-law so I do know it was well cared for.

Like I said, I was really surprised on the differences of the 2021 vs 2024 - and they were the ‘same’ model. That the new one has electrical gremlins- and three faults (at least) in a wiring harness is mind boggling…

I also think that it seems that modern cars are LEGO sets, taking common components and slapping them together. Common engine tech, same transmissions, all run on apple car play. It keeps costs down, and there are few ‘bad’ car designs out there- I rent 2-3 a month, but there is no differentiation at all left.

 

[Baron von Teuchter]

Shame. I had a couple of XJ’s in the late 90’s and early 00’s and they were superb things.

 

[MileHigh]

Shame. I had a couple of XJ’s in the late 90’s and early 00’s and they were superb things.

Wife had an XJ. Family made her swap it for a Golf when she went to college. She was not happy.

 

[Tazzieman]

You could always get a 2025 Hummer. It's got EV and crabwalk. And ''watts to freedom''. WTFTI.
I suspect Arnie would be disappointed in the direction tough guys are going.

 

[Tom109]

Reminds me of when Chrysler took it over from AMC - I had an 87 Wrangler (AMC) - Brother had a 89 (Chrysler) Worlds apart, his was nothing but trouble.

AMC is my favorite old timer marque. I saw a beautiful Javelin and an AMX at a local car show last weekend.

 

[FlyersFan76]

You could always get a 2025 Hummer. It's got EV and crabwalk. And ''watts to freedom''. WTFTI.
I suspect Arnie would be disappointed in the direction tough guys are going.

You are probably right on that. When GM bought the brand from AM General and showed him the H2 he laughed at them.

He also laughed at Jimmy Fallon when he got his "girlie" SUV (Discovery 4) stuck in the sand on the beach.

 

[LabRat]

He also laughed at Jimmy Fallon when he got his "girlie" SUV (Discovery 4) stuck in the sand on the beach.

Hey now, my Disco 4 took me places my YJ only dreamed about going without getting stuck.

 

[FlyersFan76]

Hey now, my Disco 4 took me places my YJ only dreamed about going without getting stuck.

Jimmy probably doesn't know how to drive properly.

 

[MileHigh]

You could always get a 2025 Hummer. It's got EV and crabwalk. And ''watts to freedom''. WTFTI.
I suspect Arnie would be disappointed in the direction tough guys are going.

I’ve got crabs!!!

My 2000 and 2003 JGC was a beast in the snow, even with just standard tires. Just amazing what that balance of mechanical and electronic system was able to do. I was stopping by a house we were buying and as I was walking back to my 2003, which was ‘parked’ in over a foot of wet, plowed snow, someone driving by asked if I was stuck- I said, “No, It’s a Jeep”. Not sure I’d say that nowadays…