Why lift your Jeep? More height means more clearance for dealing with obstacles while offroading. It allows you to run larger tires, which also helps with conquering offroad challenges. Still another reason is that many folks just feel that a lifted Jeep with larger tires looks better, and I certainly agree with them. The added height and larger tires just give a Jeep a better more pronounced profile.
No matter the reason for lifting your Jeep, there are a number of ways to go about it. Before you pick which one is right for you, you’ll need to make some decisions along the way. First, you’ll need to decide on what you’re looking to accomplish with the lift. Is it simply for show, or is it for go? Serious rock crawling anyone? Second, determine just how high you want to go. Looking for a little height for some mild wheeling or are you really serious about this height thing? Third, select the type of lift to use. Finally, install the lift or have it installed.
According to Bloomberg, at least two out of the Big 3 USA automakers are having serious problems this year. GM is estimated to show a sales increase in August over last year, but the primary cause is thought to be a significant shortage in inventory during 2005 rather than robust sales results this year. According to independent analysts, Ford’s sales will be down from 10% to 15% for the month of August compared to 2005, while Chrysler’s sales are estimated to be down anywhere from 8 to 15%. Both are experiencing significant declines for the entire year. Chrysler’s Jeep line of vehicles is experiencing a sizable downturn this year, which has to be troubling to Chrysler upper management!
The Jeep line historically has been somewhat of a pillar of sales strength for Chrysler, but 2006 is seeing an exception to this. According to Chrysler, sales of the Wrangler, Liberty, and Grand Cherokee are all down substantially from 2005. Chrysler reported that through July 31, 2006 year-to-date Wrangler sales were down 17%, Liberty sales were down 23% and Grand Cherokee sales were down 37% when compared to 2005 sales! Sales for July 2006 were down 32% for the Wrangler, 52% for the Liberty, and 58% for the Grand Cherokee. These are huge declines and one must wonder just what is fueling the drop. It has gotten bad enough that Chrysler has recently announced a big sale for their new Wrangler on September 1, 2006. See more details at www.automotive.com/features/90/auto-news/22878/index.html Can the huge decline in year-to-date sales for 2006 be due to Chrysler not significantly addressing fuel economy in its Jeep offerings? Are the latest Jeep additions, the Commander and Compass, eating into Grand Cherokee and Liberty sales? Are these drops to blame on last year’s huge incentive programs? Did Chrysler miss the mark with its new version of the Wrangler? Or is the Jeep name losing some of its trading power?
The Jeep Hurricane made its way to the public’s knowledge through the 2005 North American International Auto Show. This vehicle is known to represent the continued success of valiant concept vehicles. This vehicle also reflects and demonstrates the Chrysler Group’s creative and mechanical expertise. It shows off and boasts a more powerful performance. It holds the HEMI® as its source of power. There are two 5.7 liter HEMI engines in this Jeep Hurricane. One is installed at its front end while the other is found at the back. Both of these provide 335 horsepower and some 370 pound feet of torque. Just multiply the numbers by two and you get the total figure.
Trevor Creed, senior vice president of Chrysler Group design, states, “Jeep Hurricane is simply the most maneuverable, most capable, and most powerful 4×4 ever built. It pays homage to the extreme enthusiasts’ Jeep vehicles in form and off road capability, but is a unique interpretation of Jeep design. Simply stated, it is the extreme example for the Jeep brand.”
Chrysler may be feeling some pain in the USA, but overseas they are realizing some excellent results. According to a Chrysler spokesperson, international sales are up 14 percent through August of 2006 with 15 straight months of month-to-month increases. The news is even better in Europe. Chrysler reported an increase of 35.6% in August 2006 compared with the performance from a year ago, and a sales increase of 15.5% for the year-to-date through August 2006. According to JATO Dynamics, a market information company, Jeep sales were up 25% in Europe through August compared to 2005, much of the increase due to the excellent performances of the new Grand Cherokee and Commander. These impressive sales results have made Chrysler the second fastest growing automotive group in Europe, second only to Fiat, and Chrysler predicts that international sales will account for 9% of total sales by 2007.
Looking at the sales numbers it stands to reason why the folks at Chrysler were excited about the unveiling of their production version of the two-door Jeep Wrangler and four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited for the first time in Europe at the recently held Paris Motor Show. The Paris Motor Show is a major event that is held every two years. It is a trend-setting showcase for the automotive industry around the world and it attracts participants from all corners of the globe. The newly demo’ed Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited models are powered by a new 2.8 liter diesel engine and feature a broad array of new off-road features. They will hit European dealer showrooms around April of 2006, and Chrysler feels they’ll be a big hit. Why shouldn’t we believe them? They seem to have an excellent grasp on the European market at the moment.
Toyota’s latest model is the subcompact Yaris, a replacement for the Echo and the newest entry level car for the division. Retailing for just under $11,000 the Yaris may impact the sales of another, slightly larger Toyota model. Is it the Corolla? No. How about the Matrix? No. The model I am thinking about is the Prius, Toyota’s compact hybrid hauler.
The whole idea of buying a hybrid car is to conserve fuel and save money, right? In part, that is a true statement. However, the price of a vehicle must also be factored in and the Yaris will be retailing for $10,000 less than the Prius. In addition, the Yaris is a real gas sipping car. EPA figures are showing that the Yaris will deliver 34 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. This compares to the 60 mpg city and 51 mpg highway for the Prius…and we all know that hybrid fuel economy figures are being widely attacked from all quarters for being vastly overstated.
Posted in Vehicles | Also tagged Buick, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, General Motors, GM, hybrid cars, Pontiac, prius, Toyota, Yaris |
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 was launched last December hitherto the purpose of its creation can already be acknowledged. So far, it has served as a mighty competitor to Range Rover Sport, BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne. In fact, its inspiring performance makes car fanatics gaze in awe.
SRT8 Grand Cherokee was built by Chrysler Group’s Street and Race Technology group and tuned by SRT. Said vehicle was given a full time all wheel drive and uses an exceptional transfer case combining a lightweight Jeep front half and a heavy-duty rear half that wraps its electronic AWD control system. Jeep parts incorporated in SRT8 Grand Cherokee include AWD system, 6.1-liter 420 horsepower Hemi V-8 that spins tires with 420 pound-feet of torque. It accelerates up to 60 under 5 seconds whether wet or dry.
In spite of reported over-all declining sales in SUVs, Jeep has seen its two largest entries into this Auto segment enjoying surprising results for the month of October 2005. As reported in the article “Topic: Big trouble for big SUVs: Sales and prices of used-utes continue to slide” in an edition of the Automotive News, “Prices are falling, and they are falling fast,” Webb says.
Sales of new large SUVs plummeted 48.1 percent in September from a year ago. For the first nine months of 2005, those sales were 15.5 percent below the same period last year.
For over six decades now, Jeep has been one of the most popular car makes in the history of the automotive industry. Jeep has successfully established its niche as an excellent sport utility vehicle, with excellent Jeep Auto Parts, even before SUV’s became commonplace. When people think of Jeeps, they picture rugged vehicles traveling through rough terrains. Jeep has created an image of fun, spontaneity and ruggedness. Yet, through the years, innovations and add-ons have made Jeep more than just a vehicle for rugged terrains. Today’s Jeep models not only retain the aspect of fun, and functionality that earlier Jeeps have been known for, but have added technological advancement, convenience and enhanced performance to its long list of winning characteristics.
A tough, hardworking, and reliable vehicle like a Jeep deserves special care and attention. Because Jeeps are most often used in off-road conditions, it requires extra care so that its functionality will be maintained. A little care will go a long way to make your Jeep work excellently all the time. Frequent off-road driving can take its toll on your Jeep’s auto parts. Frequent oil and oil filter changes are necessary because of the muddy or dusty conditions. You should check those auto parts that are prone to wear and tear such as air filters, brake linings, PCV valves and other Jeep parts. Jeep parts such, as Jeep Wrangler Parts and Jeep Cherokee Parts require the utmost in car care and protection. Check for signs of damage on the chassis and undercarriage. You should also inspect your Jeep’s parts for loose bolts and connections. Look over your Jeep Exhaust, Jeep Radiator, Jeep Bumper, Jeep Tail Lights, Jeep Mirrors, Jeep Catalytic Converters and Jeep Fenders for signs of damage. It is wise to repair or replace damaged Jeep parts as soon as possible to prevent further damage or accidents.
Year 2007 will be a great year for Jeep enthusiasts because 2 all-new cars will be launched by the automaker to satisfy the cravings for fuel economy, design, performance and price of the aficionados.
Said compact 4×4s are Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass Rallye, which come in competitive features, packages and prices. This will be the first time that Jeep will be offering fuel economy figures which are in excess of 43 mpg.
Back in the automaker’s heyday, the Imperial was the top of the line car for Chrysler. Big, bold, and luxurious, the opulent Imperial line was eventually cancelled, but the car would later show up from time to time as a top of the line Chrysler model, just above the New Yorker. Fortunately, an ugly late 80s/early 90s version of the car never caught on, but the damage was already done. The Imperial name was sullied! DaimlerChrysler [or DCX] is hoping that you have forgotten those truly horrible Imperials as they show off a concept Imperial at well attended auto shows throughout the US in 2006. Will the Imperial make a come back? Maybe, but they need to work on the concept first!
The best thing that has happened to Chrysler was its “merger” with Mercedes to form DCX. Okay, now I have said it. Initially, the relationship between the two companies was extremely rocky but thanks to good management, many of the earlier problems have been worked out. Today, several products which are in Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge showrooms are there thanks to the cash infusion of DCX. Indeed, the Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, and Chrysler 300C are each directly derived from older “M” body Mercedes platforms. This platform has allowed Chrysler to build a line of popular rear wheel drive cars and the three names I just mentioned are part of that line.
Jeep has finally done it. A 7 passenger trail rated Jeep is now available at a dealer near you. Long a maker of manly SUVs, the Commander holds true to form as it can easily be taken off road as well as down the highway. Unlike more pedestrian models, the Commander looks every bit the rugged vehicle that it is. For Jeep fans who need the extra room the Commander offers space not available in any Jeep since the Wagoneer was retired a generation ago. Let’s take a look at the 2006 Jeep Commander, the focus of this review.
So, why build a seven passenger Jeep? To give customers a choice, that’s why. With existing models able to carry only five passengers or less, the Commander meets the demand for a larger model. Instead of losing sales to GM or Ford, Jeep is now able to offer a vehicle that will keep customers from leaving for bigger and roomier models.
You lovingly wash and wax your vehicle on most sunny weekends, spending time detailing every single blotch, nick, scrape, or other damaging mark on your car’s exterior. Part of the deal with owning any vehicle is making certain that it looks its best week in and week out. Still, you may not be doing all that you can to protect the finish. Other enemies including bird excrement, acid rain, and even harmful UV rays can thwart the best efforts of even the most diligent car owner. Fortunately, there is one automotive accessory that can help keep your car clean, provided you use it when your car is parked for an extended length of time. What am I talking about? Car covers! Read on for seven helpful tips to help you choose the right cover for your truck, van, SUV, or car.
When shopping for a custom car cover you must give consideration to what it does besides simply covering your car. Among some important points to know:
The very first thing that you notice in a vehicle is its appearance. Everybody does long for that vehicle that looks really good and makes heads turn each time it zooms by. But what it would be like to own a vehicle that does not have enough power to make you zoom through the streets and roads? Certainly, you would rather have a lesser striking vehicle that moves fast than one that looks good and just does not perform well.
Good news for everybody now. There is now a website that offers the most important information on vehicles’ performance. This website can be found at performanceINSIDER.com and you certainly would be having a grand time browsing through and absorbing the information on various vehicles’ performance. Just imagine, it would be just like going to your favorite store and looking at all those parts Jeep that you have been looking for since the day you decided you wanted to change some of your Jeep’s parts.
When it comes to off-roading nothing is comparable to Jeep. This vehicle has excellent driving and towing power, great maneuverability, superb off-road capability and an impressive brawny and rugged look that represents its tough character. Jeep has consistently lived up to this image since it was first used in the 1940s during the Second World War. Various upgrades have been made to the Jeep vehicle and now Jeep offers greater variety of vehicles that can suit best different driving needs and wants of auto users.
The Jeep Liberty, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander are topping the list of large SUVs. All these are technologically superior to most SUVs in the market. The Grand Cherokee particularly is given five star crash test rating, which is the highest rating a sport utility can get. It is equipped with superior class Jeep parts and accessories that are designed to endure the toughest challenges on the road. With its durable and high-tech Jeep parts, no terrain is too rough that it cannot pass through it. Big and beefy Jeep wheels grip the road like no other. It can wheel through thick mud and washouts without getting stuck and without leaving behind big ruts.
You know you want an SUV, but with dozens of models in all shapes and sizes, choosing one can be a daunting task. The best way to go about the decision process is to make a list of what features your new SUV should have, what type of driving you’ll be doing most, and of course, the price range that you plan to be shopping in. Are you more concerned with safety and stature, or is maneuverability and fuel economy more important? Do you really need four-wheel drive? How about cargo space? Is it just you and a friend heading to the hills to do some hiking, or will you be hauling the whole clan, with your boat, down to the lake to spend the day water skiing? The point here is to think about all the different ways you plan to use your SUV, why you want an SUV, and what features you simply can’t live without.
Following are some of the major factors you’ll want to consider when making your list:
Posted in General | Also tagged suv |