Archive for December, 2009

In Search Of The Authentic: The 2007 Jeep Commander

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009
Saurabh Sharma


One of the many promises of the American dream is the freedom to explore its vast open spaces. To accommodate this task, the 2007 Jeep Commander has been engineered to capture the authentic feel of the traditional Jeep. Prior to building the 2007 Commander, the strategists at Jeep/Chrysler researched the brand’s heritage. The results suggested loyal Jeep customers were enthusiasts who held onto their traditional, boxy Wagoneer and Cherokees models with the seven slot grill an average of thirteen years. The vintage look favored by the enthusiasts was in sharp contrast to the plastic exterior of more recent Jeep designs. Consequently, the sheet-metal shape for the 2007 Commander is inspired by Willys-Overland, the Wagoneer, and the Cherokee; elements from all three can be found on the new Commander to address the need for an authentic Jeep.

To span the great distances in the beautiful American countryside requires a well-appointed cabin. When you step inside the 2007 Jeep Commander, you’ll find yourself in the roomiest interior ever seen in any Jeep. The three-row stadium seating is capable of accommodating seven people. The two front seats are exceptional with ample creature comforts and supple support for long drives. The step-up roof design makes the second and third row seats appear more spacious due to the higher ceiling and improved lighting. The inner cabin features dual skylights ensuring a wide open view for all passengers. The third row seats are good for young children and pets, as there is not much room for full-sized adults. The magnified interior is in sharp contrast to the compact exterior making it easier to park, drive or maneuver the Commander in tight corners of urban sprawl, or drive on the open road of the vast countryside in sheer comfort.

The heart of the 2007 Jeep Commander is the engine. The most popular is the fuel efficient 3.7-liter V6 210 horsepower engine that averages 16 mpg city, 20 mpg highway. The 4.7-liter V8 generates 235 horsepower at 305 lbs./ft. of torque averages 15 mpg city, 19 mpg highway; and the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 ponies up best in class 330 horsepower at 375 lbs./ft. of torque, enabling you to overtake and merge with greater ease. The V8 Hemi’s towing capacity is also best in class at 7,200 pounds, and also features the Multi-Displacement System™ for greater fuel economy. The Hemi de-activates four of the eight cylinders at 40-60 mph to increase fuel efficiency.

Compared to other SUVs in its class, the 2007 Jeep Commander feels nimble in day-to-day city driving. In comparison to the new Ford Explorer, the 2007 Jeep Commander feels more connected to the road, more refined in its fit and finish. The steering feels more responsive and precise. Step on the throttle, the response is immediate. There’s always plenty of torque available at a lower rpm, and on the highway, the ride is smooth and quiet. The combination of the classic exterior styling, uncompromising driving position, and the distinctive eye catching interior cabin puts the 2007 Jeep Commander ahead of the Ford Explorer.

Historically, the 2007 Jeep Commander can be traced back to the Willys-Overland Jeepster, the first SUV of its kind, sold to civilians in 1948. It had two doors and could accommodate up to five passengers. The 2007 Commander retains true Jeep heritage by offering authentic exterior styling, a well-appointed cabin and a number of safety innovations as standard equipment. The availability of the hybrid engine would make this an even better vehicle. As such, the MSRP of $27,985 – $38,900 for the 2007 Jeep Commander provides good value for families who need an authentic SUV for cross-country driving.

Inexpensive and Functional Jeep Accessories

Monday, December 14th, 2009
Chris Pierce


Most people who go out and purchase a Jeep do not want their vehicle to look as though it were straight off the lot. Jeep owners are well known for adding a personal touch to their vehicles. There are many Jeep accessories that allow a Jeep owner to add a personal touch to their vehicles and are functional at the same time. For Jeep enthusiasts, these are the type of accessories to own. In the following article, we will review information about Jeep accessories that can be stylish and Jeep accessories that are functional.

A good functional Jeep accessory to invest in is a soft top window roll. If you are the owner of a Jeep with a soft top, a window roll is an excellent accessory choice. The window roll will allow you to store the quarter and rear windows on the board of your Jeep, keeping them safe at all times. When done with the windows, you need only to roll them up between the layers of felt and then insert them into the bag, which is made of nylon and has a strap and buckle configuration.

Mirror relocation brackets are good for those who own later models of Jeep. On these later models of Jeep, the doors can be removed for whatever reason, but when the doors are removed, so are the side mirrors. Mirror relocation brackets can solve this mirror problem. With these brackets, you can take the side mirrors off of the doors and mount them on the windshield frame by using the existing holes. This means that there is no drilling required of you.

Grab handles are another great accessory for any Jeep. Not only are grab handles stylish, but they are extremely functional, especially in a Jeep. You can find grab handles with comfort grips so that your passengers are holding on in comfort. You can also find these grab handles with velcro and straps, which make for the utmost safety.

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Jeep Wrangler Maintains Its Masculine Appeal

Monday, December 14th, 2009
Joe Ratzkin


Welcome the 2007 Jeep Wrangler. This is yet another addition for the Jeep brand’s line up of quality off road vehicles. This new addition, the 2007 Jeep Wrangler has been redesigned so as to fit and be able to suit the lifestyle changes of the present time. It comes with four doors. This new 2007 Jeep Wrangler comes with a longer wheelbase. It is also wider and longer than the present model of the Jeep Wrangler. The style for the exterior has been commented to be just like the concept vehicle Jeep Gladiator. The Jeep Gladiator was a truck that was unveiled last January 2005 at the Detroit auto show.

The 2007 Jeep Wrangler is a new generation on its way. It has become more upscale. It also holds and boasts of new and improved safety features and elements. The power for this vehicle actually comes from a 2.4 liter engine with four cylinders as well as a 3.7 liter V6 engine. Rumors have it though that this vehicle would be offering an optional 5.7 liter V8 Hemi engine. Although, Jeep, the brand, has already informed the public that along with the 2007 Jeep Wrangler, there will be an option for either a five speed automatic transmission system or a six speed manual transmission system.

At first, rumors were circulating that Jeep wanted to change the Jeep Wrangler’s appeal and style. However, the most recent news on the 2007 Jeep Wrangler says that this vehicle would be upgraded and restyled however it would not be removing the masculine appeal that it always has bore through the years. It has been built on the Jeep’s TK platform. It still retains its boxy and very upright shape. Aficionados of the vehicle had been thinking that it could start to resemble and feel like the Jeep Liberty. It was good news for them that Jeep had decided to keep the feminine appeal to the Jeep Liberty.

The new 2007 Jeep Wrangler will be restyled and refurnished with the militaristic concepts of the previous years. Evidently, the changes would be done more in its interior rather than the exterior as per first glances are concerned. Some reported changes for the vehicle include a deletion of the softtop configurations as well as the hardtop ones. In its place would be removable panels on the roof. Other changes are removable doors for the 2007 Jeep Wrangler as well as a fold down windshield. There would be no worries for those pining to see a Jeep Wrangler that is still what it has been for years.

Jeep Lift Kits – Tips and Info

Sunday, December 13th, 2009
Jack Oroville


One thing that many people don’t realize, is that a stock Jeep is not actually engineered for heavy off rood use. Sure, it will handle rough dirt roads better than a standard automobile but if someone wants to do what they have seen Jeeps do on TV in the ads then they are going to have to do some modifications.

Lift Kit Before Off Road Tires

To begin with, large off road tires are out of the question without a Jeep lift kit first being installed. This is because the bigger sized tires will be prone to rubbing on the wheel wells. Even smaller sized off road tires will rub when the Jeep goes over bumps and also when turning sharp corners.

Do-it-Yourself Jeep Lift Kits

If you have always thought that having a jeep lift kit installed meant a huge bill from a mechanics shop then you may be surprised to learn that that is not necessarily the case any more. This is because now Jeep lift kits come in a wide variety including simple and inexpensive kits that can easily be installed in your driveway.

Check Your Warranty

However; before you order your lift kit online you may want to check your warranty to see if it will have any negative effect on it. Don’t be shocked if it does, because this is most likely the case. Also, remember to check the laws regarding height limits on raised vehicles in your state.

Think About a Winch

If you plan on doing any serious off roading then another accessory item you may want to look into is a front bumper winch. If your Jeep model is a smaller, lighter model then you can most likely get by with one of the smaller winches.

Play it Safe With a Roll Bar

There are also a number of off the shelf roll bar kits for jeeps that are now available as well and if your Jeep is a convertible this is something that you should give some serious thought to as well. Remember that it always pays to put safety first and a good roll bar is cheap life insurance that you only have to pay for once.

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Jeep Patriot’s New and Improved Impact Performance Body

Sunday, December 13th, 2009
Lisa Ziegler


Jeep has given car buyers with lots of reasons to buy the Patriot. Aside from the surprising low price of this compact SUV; Jeep has also made sure to equip it with a few surprises that will surely make would-be owners of the Patriot jump for joy.

The Jeep Patriot’s body is an amazing piece of work with its combined structural components which makes the Patriot a safety cage for occupants especially in the event of an impact. 40 percent of the Patriot’s body structure is made from best quality and hot-stamped steel, which makes this compact SUV one of the currently produced vehicles to feature a combination of high-level advanced steel technologies.

According to Matt Liddane, Chief Engineer, Jeep Patriot, “The higher weight-to-strength ratio of high-strength steel allowed us to develop a body-in-white safety cage that keeps occupants safe, but without the added weight of regular steel. Hot-stamped steel used on the A and B pillar and roof-rail reinforcements reduce Patriot’s overall weight by 44 lbs.”

To maximize energy absorption, the Jeep Patriot’s tailor-rolled, hot-stamped steel two piece B-pillar construction features a lower section made from mild-strength steel. This is combined with a tailor-rolled, ultra-high strength upper portion for enhanced occupant protection.

The Jeep Patriot also features a rear-occupant side-impact protection which is also made from a hot-stamped steel cross-car beam that is firmly bolted to the body structure underneath the rear seat. In case of side impacts, the beam works in combination with the integrated foam in the rear doors in transferring the impact from one side of the vehicle to the other. The beam is also designed to hold as much as 60 percent of the load especially in cases of side impacts. The steel beams located at the front and rear doors provide extra side impact protection.

The Patriot also featured a hydroformed front closure and upper cross member which have been previously associated with trucks and large sport utility vehicles or SUVs. But due to technological advances the used of hydroformed has been applied to smaller diameter tubes and thinner walls, making them practically suitable for a compact SUV like the Jeep Patriot. The strength and durability of this design reduces weight while creating a flexible base suitable for mounting many parts and components.

In addition the dual phase steel employed for the front and rear tails, Jeep exhaust tip, tunnel reinforcements and floor cross members of the Jeep Patriot represents some of the steel industry’s latest technology. The structure and steel support combines to protect the occupants in the event of high-speed front impact. The dual-phase steel tunnel reinforcements together with the floor cross members, enables the rails to handle greater impact loads compared to any conventional steel. Aside from that, the steel structure makes the Jeep Patriot more robust for a better riding quality and a noise-free interior.

Beach Jeep Tours Show the Beauty of the Outer Banks

Friday, December 11th, 2009
Kathryn Lively


Visitors to the Outer Banks know that the beach is the prime attraction. With miles of sand kissing the gentle waves of the Atlantic Ocean, and the prospect of great fishing and surfing, Dare County and Currituck County offer many fun possibilities for a vacation any time of year. One way to appreciate the beach and its beauty is with a self-guided Jeep tour.

Renting a Jeep to explore the Outer Banks allows visitors to see parts of the coastal area of North Carolina that otherwise might not be visited on foot. As the Outer Banks is situates far on the Eastern seaboard of the United States, there are a number of parts unable to be developed. However, these natural preserves are home to North Carolina’s enchanting wildlife – graceful, long-necked birds, colorful sea creatures, and the wild horses that have roamed in packs for centuries along the shores.

A Jeep rental allows visitors to traverse the rugged and compromising terrain surrounding the marshes and estuaries of the Outer Banks. Rental companies, too, provide maps and guides so the vehicles do not disturb the ecosystem. To keep the environment clean and safe for future visitors, most tour companies schedule rentals for certain times of the day so the beach is not overrun with vehicles. Sunset tours are especially popular as sightseers are granted a different view of the Outer Banks, when nocturnal animals like ghost crabs and foxes come out into the night to feed.

If you are considering a Jeep tour of the Outer Banks as part of your vacation, please remember that some companies may only operate during season, which usually starts in May and runs through late summer. Always check ahead with any company in advance and make a reservation. Pricing may vary according to the time of year. As these tours are a popular attraction, Jeeps may be booked rather quickly.

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Personalize That Wrangler With Top Jeep Accessories

Friday, December 11th, 2009
Matthew Rimcrest


It’s a jeep thing; even if you don’t own a jeep, you know of the cult that surrounds the name. From spunky beach-town cruisers to rock crawling monsters, Jeeps are without a doubt the most capable and modifiable vehicles on the planet. If you’re curious about the different paths you can take with your jeep, then this guide is for you.

Let’s say you just picked up a canary yellow 4-door jeep from the local dealer. Heck, you probably got a great deal on it, considering the financial trouble that Chrysler is facing. You got the basic package, avoiding any over-priced dealer add-ons, but there are a couple things you are going to need to make the new Wrangler compliment your lifestyle.

First things first, get a top for it! Most Jeeps come without a roof, so unless you live on a warm tropical island that never sees any rain, you’ll need something to cover it up. There are a few different options and your choice will be driven the local climate. If you live in an area with 4 seasons, from sunshine to snowfall, you’ll want probably want a hard top. Jeep hard tops have better insulation and offer better vehicle security, but can be cumbersome to remove and store. If winters aren’t too harsh or you don’t drive that much in the winter, a soft top can suffice. Jeep soft tops are a better choice for most people as they can be removed by one person, are easily stored and offer fairly good protection from the elements. If you live in a climate that sees rainfall a few days of the year and are not worried about thieves stealing things out of your Jeep, a bikini top is your best choice. Jeep bikini tops share similar form and function to their bathing suit cousins; they offer maximum exposure while providing a little protection to those vital areas you don’t want to get sunburned. They are easy to store and even easier to install; tie one on and you’re ready for a day of fun in the sun.

If you choose to forgo a jeep top, you’ll definitely want to pick up a set of jeep seat covers. The sun can be a cruel mistress and her UV rays can destroy your seats in just a few short years. If you bought your Jeep used and the seats came sans-fabric, you might want to consider replacing them with an aftermarket set of jeep seats, specially designed to keep you and your occupants planted inside the cab. If your jeep came without doors, do yourself a favor and avoid a lawsuit by getting a pair of tubular jeep doors; they look cool, protect you from falling out and let you see any rocks that your tires might be grappling with. Speaking of tires, jeep suspension kits are a must have if you plan to do any amount off-roading.

From front and rear diffs to lift kits and fender flares meant to house 35″ mudders, the options are near limitless. If you plan to go on some big excursions, make sure to have a proper spare tire mount with an extra can of gas. The last thing you want is to be stranded in the wilderness stuck in a rut somewhere with a flat. If you do get stuck, at least make sure to have some tunes jamming to break the silence while you wait for backup. But let’s face it; Jeep did a half-arse job with their choice of stereo equipment.

Those 4″ dash speaker just don’t cut it if you drive a vehicle that is an open-air roof 99% of the time. You’re going to need some decent watts if you want to rock out proper. Jeep sound bars are a great way to direct crisp audio to your ears while utilizing the roll bar as a choice mounting location. Toss a sub in the back and you’re ready to walk up that Stairway to Heaven.

Jeep Parts And Accessories For The Cold Season

Thursday, December 10th, 2009
Chris Casarez


Jeep Parts and Accessories for the cold season

What Jeep Parts are suitable for the cold months? That will depend on a number of factors. Jeep owners living in areas that truly experience winter are more likely to require exterior parts or accessories. Furthermore, they will also require more temperature-related interior accessories for their treks.

Exterior Jeep Parts and Accessories

Snowy winters have their ups and downs, and what you get for in scenery and seasonal diversity, you pay for in everyday comfort and transportation. Jeep Soft tops and hardtops can keep your Jeep from suffering the effects of constant snow.

Let’s not forget those slippery roads. Good quality Snow tires can dramatically increase traction on snow-covered roads and help bite through the hindering snow, with little or no loss in street driving performance. Fortunately, Jeep tires can be purchased from a number of distributors.

Winter brings about several factors that affect visual perception of the road ahead, including rain and snow. Replacing your old wipers blades is always a good idea heading into winter. Companies like Rain-X provide a line of products, like wiper blades and products to repel rain and reduce interior fog. Ice scrapers are always a good idea, especially for those of us who work early and have to deal with ice-covered windows in the morning.

Interior Jeep Parts and Accessories

Protecting your Jeep interior is just as important. There are a number of interior Jeep accessories that can help your winter experience. If you drive a Wrangler, you will especially experience temperature changes. This is an excellent time to make sure your Jeep AC/Heating system is working up to specs.

It’s also a good idea to protect your jeep interior from the snow, water, or mud that can be easily though accidentally brought in. Jeep floor mats, especially all-weather floor mats can help absorb these otherwise interior-destroying elements.

Driving your Jeep in areas where you can experience seasons has its ups and downs. Fortunately, Jeeps by their very nature are made to handle difficult conditions and there is no shortage of Jeep parts and accessories made to further accommodate this.

The Not So Grand 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009
Matthew Keegan


Besides the Wrangler, no other name is best equated with the Jeep brand than Cherokee, a model that has led Jeep for the past twenty-five years. Now called the Grand Cherokee, this award winning SUV appeals to the person who wants luxury as well as off-road capability although the Wrangler is best suited for the trail stomping driver.

Sunk By SUV Sales

Like every other manufacturer selling sport utility vehicles these days, parent Chrysler LLC has seen a huge drop off in Jeep Grand Cherokee sales to the tune of a 48% decrease for July 2008 over the same period in 2007. This unprecedented drop has hit Chrysler the most as the company has long been dependent on trucks and SUVs for the overwhelming majority of their sales.

Despite the bad news, Chrysler has big plans for the Grand Cherokee when the 2011 model is released in 2010. According to company reports, Chrysler will invest $1.8 billion retooling its Jefferson North Assembly Plant (Detroit) to build the next generation Grand Cherokee as well as several new models. The side benefit of this investment is that Chrysler expects that the beleaguered Motor City plant will need 400 new workers.

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Though Chrysler hasn’t shared all of the news yet regarding the proposed Grand Cherokee, they have said the following:

The Grand Cherokee will ride on a car-based platform instead of on a truck platform, much in the way that today’s crossover vehicles are built. Lighter materials a slightly smaller body will mean that the model will see noticeable improvements over its current 15/19 mpg numbers. A V6 engine will power the new Grand Cherokee. The Grand Cherokee will still be 4×4 capable, but expect that this will mean light duty off-roading at best.

The Not So Grand Cherokee

Chrysler says that the Grand Cherokee name will be retained for the new model, though purists may argue that what is being served up is something far less grand. Chrysler, like every other car manufacturer, is dealing with the permanency of high fuel costs and what the consumer wants will ultimately dictate what each car company must build.

(Source: Chrysler LLC)

Jamming in your Jeep with Speaker Boxes

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009
Mark Markham


Jamming in your Jeep Wrangler or Jeep Grand Cherokee should be a requirement for those who own one. With the roll bar ready to go, doors off, and windows down it’s almost a requirement to have some good music pumping through the stereo. However, with all that outside noise, it can be difficult to hear your tunes clearly. That’s why your stock Jeep stereo system needs a little extra boost.. High quality sub woofers will give your Jeep Wrangler or Jeep Grand Cherokee the boom that you need to hear your tunes while the wind is rushing through your bones. A sub woofer will give your system depth and an overall complete feel for any type of music that is being listened to. Whether it’s rap, rock, country, blues or soul that pumps through the stereo, a sub woofer will bring out the best in the music and allow you to hear it clearly through outside interference.

Picking up a sub woofer and amp for your Jeep is the first step to great sound. Next is choosing a subwoofer enclosure to fit with your new system. Speaker boxes do more than just hold the amp and sub, they also provide protection and optimize space within the Jeep so that your amp and sub aren’t flying around everywhere. A subwoofer enclosure will also provide minimal weight gain to the Jeep while helping to produce the best sound possible from your sub and amp. Expert staff will tell you that a subwoofer enclosure will prevent resonance within the sub and therefore create a loud, deep and even sounding system.

There are a variety of quality sound products for your Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Dual speaker boxes are available for the Jeep Wrangler along with a MTX Thunderform subwoofer enclosure. For the Jeep Grand Cherokee the line includes a MTX Thunderform single subwoofer enclosure.

Stop by a professional car audio dealer and allow them to help you choose the right system for your Jeep so you can fit it perfectly with a high quality speaker box.

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