1998 Jeep Cherokee Se Sport Utility 4-door 4.0l, 4x4 on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Jeep Wrangler won't get those cutout half doors after all

Let's just make one thing clear right off the bat: If you want to go off-roading and you want an open-air experience, a Jeep Wrangler is probably the right vehicle for you. Really, the Wrangler has always been about enjoying the outdoors with as little between its occupants and the great outdoors as legally possible. That's why the top comes off, the doors stay home, and the windshield folds flat. All that said, however, one cool bit of show-car desirability reportedly won't make into production. Those crazy cutout doors that caught so much attention at the Wrangler JL's debut at the L.A. Auto Show won't be available from Jeep. For now we're reporting this as a rumor, but the report from Jalopnik seems legit. We have a request for comment in to Jeep and will report with confirmation when we hear back. Apparently — and despite the fact that the doors appeared on otherwise production-spec Wrangler models shown to the media and public show goers — Jeep says the cutout half doors were "always a prototype." In the end, traditional half doors were deemed the best option for production. We don't really disagree with the notion that traditional half doors are a better idea than the "prototype" cutout doors, especially considering how much effort went into making the JL Wrangler's doors easier to remove than past versions. Plus, the aftermarket is rife with accessory doors and panels to choose from if the regular or optional half doors aren't to your liking. Still, we're sure some Wrangler JL intenders were looking forward to those unique donut-style metal doors, and so we must pass the disappointment in their direction. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

2017 Jeep Model Year Preview and Updates

This will be a huge year for Jeep, with the introduction of an all-new compact Compass crossover - pictured above - taking place in November, 2016 at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and the pending introduction of an all-new Wrangler later in the calendar year. Not all Jeep products are Trail Rated, but those models will get the most marketing attention. CHEROKEE: Jeep's midsize crossover receives a mild refresh as it makes its way from assembly in Toledo, Ohio to a retooled plant in Belvidere, Illinois. Most of the Jeep feature updates are directed to the Cherokee Trailhawk, which receives heated/ventilated front seats covered in Nappa leather, a power eight-way driver's seat, Keyless Entry 'n Go and remote start. An upscale Overland trim adds a Heavy Duty Protection Group and Trailer Tow Prep packages. COMPASS: This all-new 'global' compact SUV will be built and sold around the world. Sitting atop FCA's 'small wide 4X4 platform' (like the newish Renegade), the Compass offers a more substantial presence than the smaller Renegade, while promising to be more maneuverable and responsive – at least with comparable four-cylinder power – than the larger Cherokee. Expect the 2018 Compass to arrive in Jeep showrooms by midyear. GRAND CHEROKEE: The Trailhawk, with up to eleven inches of ground clearance, best-in-class towing and a crawl ratio of 44.1:1, is revived, three new exterior colors are added, and the front fascia on all '17 Grand Cherokees is tweaked. For those wishing to reach the Summit, Jeep's Grand(est) Cherokee offers an upgraded interior, 'high' style. PATRIOT: At the tail end of its product cycle, the Patriot is unchanged. Of continued interest to Jeep enthusiasts is its genuine off-road credibility, propelled by the Patriot's Freedom Drive II off-road package. This includes a second-generation CVT2L (CVT transmission with low range), skid plates and a more offroad-centric wheel/tire combination. RENEGADE: If you're a traditional Jeep enthusiast you'll wonder why anyone would consider a Renegade. And if you're a new Jeep enthusiast you'll wonder why anyone would disregard this popular Jeep introduction. Still new to the showroom, in 2017 Jeep introduces two new trims: the offroad-oriented Deserthawk and attitude-oriented Altitude.

Jeep Chief and Wrangler Red Rock Responder teased ahead of Easter Jeep Safari

Jeep is being coy about it's lineup for the 2015 Moab Easter Jeep Safari, releasing just a pair of shots and an exceptionally brief press release on two of the seven concepts coming to the desert later this month. So, what can we glean from the limited assets that have been given to us? Well, as we said, we know Jeep is bringing seven vehicles to its big festival. We also know the names of two vehicles, shown above – there's the Chief and the Wrangler Red Rock Responder. Which is which? A fair question. We're betting the second image is the Wrangler-based Red Rock Responder. As for the Chief, well, we've absolutely no idea what to expect there. Jeep's Moab concepts generally include the model name on which their based – see the Grand Cherokee Trail Warrior and Cherokee Dakar from last year, or even the Wrangler Red Rock Responder, mentioned above. There's no such moniker on the Chief. As for the Chief's illustrated teaser image, as we said, it doesn't reveal much. The body is angular, and quite Jeep like, with squared-off wheel arches and decidedly old-school taillights. Beyond that, though, we don't have much to go on. Expect much more not just on the Chief and Red Rock Responder, but on all seven of the concepts Jeep is bringing to Moab. The party starts on March 28 and runs until April 5. Be sure to check back then for full coverage. Related Video: