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Jeep leads list of 25 most patriotic brands

It's not unusual to feel extra patriotic this time of year, what with the Fourth of July being today and all. As if to celebrate, New York-based research firm Brand Keys conducted a study among 4,500 consumers about what brands they find to be the most patriotic. According to the Detroit Free Press, Jeep took top honors in this study, besting other American stalwart brands including Coca-Cola, Levi's and Hershey's.
Interestingly, the only other automotive brand to make the list was Ford, in the 16th spot (motorcycle fans take note - Harley-Davidson claimed the No. 13 slot). This means consumers found Jeep to be more patriotic than any of the brands in the General Motors portfolio, including Chevrolet, which has long used American themes in its advertising over the decades.
According to Brand Keys, Jeep came in "with a score of 98 out of 100 on a scale representing consumers' emotional engagement expectations," the Detroit Free Press reports. Be sure to read the report to scan the entire Top 25 list for yourself.

FCA and ZF issue recall on nine-speed automatic transmission

After years of complaints, German transmission manufacturer ZF is finally issuing a recall of its much maligned 9HP nine-speed automatic transmission. Although it has been criticized for a number of issues, ZF is issuing the recall to address the possibility of the transmission unexpectedly shifting into neutral. The issue covers 505,000 vehicles in the United States alone. This issue is related to an improper crimp on the transmission wiring harness. Rather than a physical fix, ZF is issuing a software update to remedy the problem. The company doesn't recommend dealers attempt to fix the crimp. Although the transmission can be found in a number of models by various manufacturers, currently only those from FCA are being recalled. This is the second recall in less than a year related to a ZF transmission shifting into neutral. FCA recently recalled more than a million vehicles worldwide because of a poorly designed shifter for ZF's 8HP eight-speed automatic. That issue may have resulted in the death of actor Anton Yelchin in June. Although there are no deaths related to this new recall, NHTSA reports that the issue has resulted in at least 10 injuries. Issues with the transmission have been known for years. A number of software updates have attempted to address various problems, making us wonder if there could be a fundamental hardware issue as the complaints span across a number of automakers. Vehicles equipped with the 9HP include 2014 and newer versions of the V6 Acura TLX, Chrysler 200, Fiat 500X, upper-level Honda Pilots, Jeep Cherokee and Renegade, Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque, and Ram ProMaster City. Only FCA is issuing a recall and only on 2014 and 2015 models. Related Video: News Source: NHTSA Recalls Chrysler Fiat Jeep Safety FCA nine-speed transmission

2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JL Sahara Drivers' Notes Review | Fun, multiplied

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JL has huge boots to fill. Its predecessor, the Wrangler JK, was one of the most important vehicles ever, truly breaking Jeep's icon into the mass market. The outgoing Wrangler — especially the four-door Unlimited model — was finally a car you could comfortably live with seven days a week. The new model improves on it in every way without sacrificing what makes Jeeps so beloved. Our loaner was a optioned-up Sahara Unlimited. If you're going for maximum on-road comfort, this is the one to get. It has quite a few options, bumping the as-tested MSRP to $52,235. Features include leather upholstery, heated seats, LED lighting, an upgraded infotainment system, blind-spot monitoring, a body-color hardtop and a Dana 44 rear axle. Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore: The 2018 Jeep Wrangler is a step forward for this legendary off-roader, improving it in subtle ways that truly effect change. The upgrades feel cohesive and work in harmony to create the most capable and sophisticated Wrangler ever. We tested a loaded-up Unlimited Sahara, which stickered for the eye-watering tally of $52,235. Make no mistake, the Wrangler is a premium SUV. I've always said that if I were to own a Wrangler I'd go for basic trim, but after driving this almost dressy Jeep, I'm not so sure. It's expensive — but it's really nice. The changes for 2018 involve powertrain, design and features. You can read about them here. The styling is what I kept noticing. The changes are subtle, but after looking at it — I'd often stare at it while sipping a cup of coffee last weekend — it really elevates the Wrangler with a more modern look. In Unlimited Sahara trim, with the elegant LED lights, 18-inch polished gray wheels and brilliant white exterior paint, it reminded me more than a bit of the Mercedes G-Class. The greenhouse, which has slightly new and larger window shapes and a steeper windshield angle, also evokes the G-Class, to my eye. This probably wasn't Jeep's intent, but it looks sharp. Speaking of subtle changes, I'd compare the Wrangler's styling changes to the alterations to the Detroit Tigers' uniforms, also from 2017 to 2018. The interior is a solid upgrade from the JK. The digital instruments, the Sahara trim's smart use of leather and stitching, and FCA's clever Uconnect all made my experience in the Wrangler pretty comfy. Love the old war Jeep on the shift knob. The driving experience does feel more comfortable to me compared to the JK.