Jeep can be a term for a type of vehicle (solid axels, steel frame, simple 4x4 system) but, Jeep is also a brand with a brand indentity to sell. I like the idea of branding a more off road capable crossover SUV built on a common platform a Jeep.
We bought a Freelander years ago because we were into Rovers (had a very built Disco 1) and needed a more fuel efficient town and highway car. We did a few mods to the Freeloader and had a pretty capable little SUV that still did well on trips over the mountains and the ocassional two track. The thing kicked *** in the snow, as in unplowed roads to cross country ski areas early in the morning.
I don't want a Subaru, or RAV 4, I like Jeeps.
The Grand Cherokee is interesting. An American Range Rover, and it always has been. Comfort, usually has a timeless design that doesn't look dated after 3 model years, and is truely off road capable. It is just more SUV than we want or need.
Why shouldn't they make a lighter, smaller, more fuel efficient SUV that doesn't totally suck like the Patriot or Compass?
I would love to see a Jeep branded version of this with slightly taller suspension, a two speed transfer case, some body and skid protection, and a Jeep grill on it. Throw in a 2.0 Fiat/Alfa turbo diesel and a 6 speed dual clutch transmission, make sure it has a rear biased AWD system, and a decent stock suspension. I will buy it. In fact, if it happens, it will come to market just about when we want to buy another new vehicle.
As far as a Wrangler being a 3rd or 4th vehicle, I bought mine JKUR new in 2008. We now have almost 80K on it. There were much better choices for a daily driver out there when I bought it, but it is what we wanted and plan on keeping for a very long time (almost paid off) We sacrificed two Disco 1's and a Freeloader to buy it (almost 40% down, low interest of 1.5%, and very low payments)
It is and has been our only vehicle for the last couple years. It gets driven on dirt more than a couple times a week, and gets actually used like a JKUR was meant to at least once a month, maybe more in the winter. This amount of mileage and hard use would have made any of the Rovers a full time maintenance job.
