Jeep News
BY CHAD DAW @ HotCars
A closely-knit group of enthusiasts, Jeep owners don’t like anyone bashing their favorite brand…despite all the issues they have to deal with.
Jeep and off-roading driving go hand in hand. Nothing says “let’s go outdoors” quite like a Jeep. It does not matter the year it was built, whether it has been modified, or even if it has broken down in the driveway, it calls to the wild. And to the wild, Jeep owners must go.
A breed apart, Jeep owners have earned the reputation of being stuck-up people that look down at every other driver. If they meet another Jeep owner on the road, though, a wave is customary, like the Corvette wave that is one of their ten commandments. The company has even instilled a program for Jeep owners that calls for a ‘Jeep Wave’ to get free rewards and benefits.
The close-knit group of Jeep owners is more than willing to tell others about the things that they love about their ride. But when it comes to things that are not great the owners will keep them on the down-low. Let us take a look at a couple of common Jeep issues, and a couple of bragging rights.
#9 – On The DL: Death Wobble
The death wobble is a common issue that Jeep owners have, especially when it comes to the Wrangler. Any year, back to the Willys Jeep from the WWII era, will create this feeling of panic and of being completely out of control. What happens is that one of the wheels will start wobbling when the tire hits a bump or pothole while driving over forty-five miles per hour.
It is caused by the solid front axle design. Once one tire starts wobbling, the wheel opposite from it will also start wobbling. This causes the steering wheel to shake violently, making it hard to drive. The only way to get it to stop is to slow down, sometimes to the point of having to stop completely on the side of the road.
#8 – On The DL: Poor Visibility
Blind spots are found on many vehicles. The larger that it is, the bigger the areas of no visibility will be. Jeep is no exception. They are lifted higher than most so there is a vast area in the front that cannot be seen. The posts where the doors and windows attach also cause problems for most drivers. To make matters worse, it is extremely hard to see out the back windows, which is why the side mirrors are so important.
In December of 2020, an 18-year driver of a Jeep Gladiator ran over an elderly woman crossing the road. She was left bruised and battered in the street, with broken bones and internal damage throughout her body. She later died in the hospital, and the driver was released without charges. The Jeep was so high that the small, frail lady could not be seen. Sad, but it happens quite often. Too often.
#7 – On The DL: Poor Acceleration
It would be thought that since the Jeep gets horrible mileage for its class, that it would be zippy. That is not the case with most of them. Acceleration from a stop is slow going. When at highway speeds it will take the hammer down to gain enough oomph to pass a slow driver.
Quarter mile times for all Jeeps, going all the way back to 1975, have never been great. There are a couple of trims that can slug down the track in just over 13 seconds, but the average is between 15 and 18 seconds; not great if traffic is thick and a little bit of go-juice is needed. Granted, Jeep owners do not plan on racing, but you never know.
#6 – On The DL: Noisy
When a Jeep sits in the driveway it is expected to be a noisy ride when driving. The square style configuration of most Jeeps makes it hard for wind to pass by without having a backdraft due to the breeze being stopped and rerouted sideways. Too much science, but wind noise outside is common. Wind noise inside is as well. The small puffs of air will sneak in through the seals and cracks.
Along with the noise, Jeep owners know that the same areas will allow water into the cab. Most of the time it is a bad seal, but it is suggested that the removable top be replaced regularly. Depending on what the weather is like, it may need to change every couple of years. Or the top can be taken off to remove the noise.
#5 – On The DL: Bouncy Ride
Jeep owners must love trampolines and blow-up jump houses. A Jeep bounces along down the road like it is on springs. Of course, it is. The suspension is designed for extreme off-road use so feeling like a bobber in a lake is a common sensation.
When offroad this type of is beneficial. The reason that Jeeps can run circles around their competition off-road is that the carmaker ensures that the vehicle is always ready for action. Sometimes, to be the best in one area, sacrifices will have to be made in others.
#4 – Proud Of: Endless Aftermarket Potential
Jeeps can be found in driveways across the nation. Every one of them is customized in one way or another. Some are over the top and look like they are ready for battle. Others have lights and glass removed for extreme rock crawling or mud bogging.
Take the time to do a quick search online, or take a trip to the local 4×4 shop. There are so many add-ons for Jeeps that it is possible to make the rig reflect the attitude of the owner. Upgrading the look is easy, and so is beefing up the engine. That is one of the biggest draws for Jeep lovers. The Off-Road Master can be made any way that the owner wants.
#3 – Proud Of: Weatherproof
There is simply no weather than can keep a Jeep down. Snow, rain, hail, sunshine, and even huge bursts of wind can be thrown at the owners. They just smile, start the motor, and embrace the weather, secure in the knowledge that their little rig will get them to their destinations.
Almost every part of the Jeep is waterproof, with the rest being water-resistant. There is no reason to avoid water from rain or slush from snow. The Jeep will shoot through it, splashing water and mud in every direction, without having to worry about frying the engine or electronics. The Jeep is made to play in the weather, and owners are aware of the fun that Mother Nature can offer.
#2 – Proud Of: Resale Values
Jeeps, across the board, have the best resale values when compared to all other vehicles in its class. After 3 years a used Jeep will normally sell for 80% of its original value, which is unheard of when it comes to vehicles. The average person will sell their new cars 7 to 10 years after they purchase them.
This makes a Jeep a worthwhile investment, and the owners of them will inform everyone about it. Take a look on some car selling sites and it will become apparent that used Jeeps hold value for years after they are driven off the lot.
#1 – Proud Of: Attitude
“It’s a Jeep thing, you wouldn’t understand.” That is a common saying amongst Jeep owners. There is nothing that cannot be tackled in one. The biggest mountain trail, deep mud bogs, sand dunes as far as can be seen, snow drifts taller than the bumper, none are an issue. And Jeep owners know it.
They have an unspoken rule that they have the best offroad vehicle available, which makes them above others. People have found that this offroad master is at the top of the food chain and everyone else is beneath them. Inside the vehicle, and all those looking in.
Final Thoughts
Owning a Jeep is part of an adventure that will never end. Once a Jeep has been driven in the mountains nothing else will compare. Newer models of various car manufacturers attempt to knock the king off its throne, but so far nothing has come close.
Jeeps are Jeeps. And the owners of them are more than willing to share their experiences with people that are curious enough to ask. But it will soon become apparent that they will talk their ride up, but never discuss any of the bad points. Common issues will always be kept on the DL.
