--RE: Reaction by: OnlyOneJeep - posted Thursday, June 9, 2005 at 6:10:58 AM

--In 1941-1950 a Jeep was a durable workhorse and with the release of the Willys wagon; a true force to be dealt with.

Which is why Willy's is still in existence today...

One more for the ManualXJ camp.

I bought my Jeeps because they WERE Jeeps.........

SFA, economical motors (2.5,4.0)

Manual Transmissions

Utilitarian Roots

Just like the TRUE Jeep was.......

When a longtime hardcore Jeeper says or posts "Jeep is DEAD", I tend to take stock in that statement.

I believe the same.

Jeep is becoming what it was never meant to be:

A mass-marketed holistic "A-Jeep-For-Every-Buyer"
kind of "Product"

In 1941-1950 a Jeep was a durable workhorse and with the release of the Willys wagon; a true force to be dealt with.

Jeeps were JEEPS; mud,guts, and all.

Even the Wagoneer was MORE of a Jeep than what's available today.

When the Chinese market still is able to enjoy ownership of an American Icon's stablemate (XJ,Cherokee 2500); while we are force-fed the Liberty; it smacks of shame.

With the TJ Wrangler's demise; it's obvious to those who ARE Jeepers (ones who bought BEFORE they were "cool") are the persons who will suffer the most.

We will be designated "fanatics" and "bashers" just because we long for a Jeep that truly harkens back to its' past as a true American Icon (like the Corvette STILL is).

Can't speak for anyone else but I can tell you why I like the Compass. For years I have been looking for something that fits a number of parameters: not too big, not too small (don't want an SUV but I do want to sit a little higher than a car), something not too conservative and boring in appearance, not too expensive, has some off-road capability, good on icy winter roads (i.e. AWD), four seater, manual, not underpowered, average gas mileage in the mid 20s, preferably American made.

I go to NAIAS almost every year with a group of friends and am always drawn to the funky 4WD/AWD vehicles (Mitsubishi RPM 7000 concept, Toyota RSC concept, Jeep Jeepster concept, etc). When I saw the Compass at the 2002 show, the vehicle just seemed to fit my requirements. I also liked the Willys 2 concept that was there at the same show but that concept apparently didn't appeal to many folks. And yes, I also thought the Compass "looked cool". ;-)

Now, whether the production version does the trick for me or not, we shall see. If it doesn't, it wont be the first concept that went from cool idea to lousy production.

Does the Jeep name help sell me on it? Not really. Doesn't hurt I suppose, I do respect the name but it doesn't sway me one way or the other. I would be happy to buy the Compass (in concept form at least) from Dodge or Chrysler. But if Jeep is making it, so be it. That said, I don't think an AWD Compass is out of place in the Jeep lineup.

But most importantly, lets at least see what the vehicle is capable of before we bash it too much. Ans I am excited to see what enterprising Compass owners could do with aftermarket add-ons, lift kits, tires, etc.

I'm with Walt. I toured a GM plant in Missouri in the early 70's, and I think it had Olds, Buick, and Cadillac lines. They all looked the same to this then-teenage car buff, at least until the end of the line, except the Caddy line moved a little slower. I remember that I wasn't too impressed and called it Generic Motors back then. I hope Jeep doesn't end up being just another line to the DC parts bin. My Gladiator order will be there with Walt's, too, unless it's just another truck with nothing to set it apart. I have a feeling they'll do it right.

I loved the Compass concept but will admit that the few details I can make out in these photos lead me to believe they have changed the design a fair amount (moved the rear mounted spare, got rid of some of the curves from the hood of the concept, etc). But I also want to withhold judgement until I see it uncovered. I am just happy we have finally seen some spy shots.

The Compass concept is fatter and shorter then these images. It looks like a true rally care.
This thing looks like they just put a seven slot grill over the Dodge Caliber.
If you look at the Compass concept, it's grill site higher then the pictures here show. This car, if produced like this, will look nothing like the beautiful Compass concept which would be a shame.

Alright, white flag up...

If the vehical is done with the Jeep name in mind it might be a nice addition to the lineup. I'll put off bashing it until it acutally comes out at one of the Autoshows with the specs.

I just hope this dosn't open the flood gates of re-badging and crossover minivans.

Manual XJ Guy...

Personally I'd rather see compass or scout as an Eagle, but without Eagle I think jeep is the best spot for an all-wheel drive compass. And like I was trying to say, I think it works if DCX does it right. I'm gonna be pretty ticked if we end up with a front wheel drive car/van. Let Dodge cover that market. If they do have the 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive then I say give it go.

An by God give it a stick! No Joke, I think we're seeing less and less manual because to more Americans driving is becoming just a way to get from point A to point B and less of something people actually enjoy doing. Off roaders enjoy driving DCX! If you enjoy driving, you probably like or want a stick.

asobehart: if the Gladiator is built, it will most likely be built on the TK platform (which I beleive the Gladiator is a preview of) but it will not be built as-is, that's why they are called CONCEPTS. Jeep has never taken a concept, as-is, to production, the closest was the Concept1 which became the Grand Cherokee. Most concepts would not meet saftey requirements, EPA MPG requirements, etc... That is most likely why the Dakar could neer have actually been produced, I don't think it could have met roll-over requirements. But the popularity of the Dakar will be a factor in developing the TK 4 door, as will the Gladiator and probably the Rescue.

Dakar = Liberty
Brute/Scrambler = Unlimited
Liberator =
D (A Stretch, but...)

Point is Jeep has had some really nice concepts over the years. All that have gone to production have been a far cry from that concept. So this is no surprise to me.

If Jeep wants to go this route that is fine with me, I too believe that it is a good move to produce a vehicle for this market. Lets face it, if Jeep is to build onlt niche vehicles it wont last forever. This move at least has the potential to keep things viable so that they can keep making the off road vehicles that are so near and dear.

Just don't screw with the basics of the Gladiator if your serious. It would be nice to see one concept come through that was more or less the same as production.

Could you stop saying the Compass is "based on a Neon"? The Neon is no more, the replacement is the Caliber, the Caliber is nothing like the Neon but it does fit the same age group of buyers and the same price range. But the vehicles couldn't be much different. The Compass is not "based" on the Caliber. They both were in development at the same time and they share platforms. Sharing platforms does not, repeat NOT mean its "badge engineering". And sharing platforms doesn't mean the Compass is not going to offer AWD, of course they will. Stop jumping to conclusions.

And God am I tired of the "watering down the Jeep name" and "I am a true Jeep fan and know what's best for Jeep" arguments. Let the free market choose the fate of Jeep and the Compass. If it doesn't sell or if Jeep feels a huge backlash because of it, they will discontinue it and we all move on.

The doom and gloom on this board is astounding. Do you think that the Jeep brand is so freaking fragile as to be brought down by some vehicles that don't fit into your definition of a Jeep? You guys make it sound like they are on the brink. I think they are stronger than ever, Compass or no Compass.

I hate the negativity of this board sometimes (and it brings it out of me as well, apparently). Is it not possible to discuss Jeeps anymore without someone saying the sky is falling or am I wishing for too much? The Jeep line is expanding, its a done deal, continuing to complain about it is like complaining about the last presidential election.

Uh Hello? Didn't anybody read its based on a Neon? If you want a rally car go buy a Subaru, your not going to buy a crossover mini-van for rally racing anyway.

Yes, who cares what Jeep builds at long as it has wheels right. Whats next, the Jeep Civic? Why not a small economy FWD car, a few mini-vans, a crossover wagon? The name is being diluted, sure they will make money as they edge in on other markets. But dosn't the name count for anything these days?

Whats in a name? It used to be when I thought Jeep the first thing that comes to mind is an old CJ powering up a mountainside. Its a strong image that drew in its customers. By changing the image of the company you lose the identity. That identity is what sells Jeeps. If you walk into a Jeep dealership you expect to see 4x4's right? Otherwise you might as well just walk into the Saturn or Pontiac dealership and buy something cheaper. If you have ever bought something for the name, then you already know what Im talking about. If you go to Walmart and buy the cheapest thing on the shelf... go to a Pontiac forum instead because your more likeley to buy one of those instead of a Jeep wagon anyway.

For those of you that for some reason have this fantisy that Jeep is going to be the next big Rally car.... lol grow up :)

Im not a "Hater" or a "Hard Core Monger" but I enjoy my Jeep for what it is. A real 4x4 that isn't watered down. If you want a Luxery car you buy a BMW, anybody notice they don't sell cheap crappy vehicals because it would ruin thier image!

Good points Michael C.

It is appearing we will be getting the best of both worlds with Jeep. It looks like the Wrangler will hold true to Jeep's roots and be expanded with a four door and pick up ( Gladiator? ) version. This will keep the rock climbers, off roaders, etc. satisfied.

Jeep can also chase sales numbers with the new Compass ( Scout ? ), Liberty, Grand and Commander. Take a look at the sales figures and ask yourself, "would Jeep still be in the market relying solely on Wrangler sales?"

So my 2 cents is this; build the cute-utes, build the mall climbers just keep the TK 2 door, 4 door and truck true to the "go anywhere, do anything" mission.

Relax guys...Jeep is just taking a stab at the Subaru market. If you will take time to think just a minute...more Jeep models spanning a wide range is better. This will keep them from having to try to hit all markets with only 3 or 4 vehicles which would really water down the brand.

Most of the dolts and idiots complaining about "Jeep is Dead" and "the end is near" are too stupid or lazy or BOTH to learn anything about the HISTORY of Jeep.

Jeep made several vehicles that WERE NOT in ANY stretch of the imagination - off road "capable". The Jeepster (not the 1995 prototype, you morons - but the REAL Jeepster of the 50's) was more or less a CAR! As were the Willy's coupes, the Bantam cars, as well as ANY non-4wd Jeep ever built.

Jeep isn't diluting itself - it's returning to its' roots - its' REAL roots, that is...... And expanding its' line-up.

Every one of these things that gets sold puts $$$ into Jeep. That's a good thing for all of us.

What's wrong with Jeep having a small, lightweight AWD (read "sporty") wagon/coupe? Why should Subaru have sole dominion over this market? Is Jeep just supposed to cater to rock-crawling idiots (LIKE ME!) at the expense of everyone else?

The Compass looks like it'll be a lot of fun IF it's executed properlly. I hope they do....

As for all of you that critisize and complain..... pick up a book once in a while. You won't sound so stupid.

Well it does look like a jeep varcity!! With the turbo and awd it would be a sick ralley car!!!

My God... its a front wheel drive only. 4 doors, replacing the neon?? Never mind not having low-range... but no 4 wheel drive system at all????? It dosn't even classify as a jeep, what the hell?

Why is jeep trying to compete against Pontiac Vibe?

Ok follow up question: Anybody remember Isuzu in the mid-80's to early 90's. They had a pretty decent lineup of sport turbo-cars... for the time at least. Then GM cancelled the whole car-lineup because it was outselling the ever so popular Cavalier and nearly the whole car design team was hired up by Subara (which released the hit Impreza a few years later.... note that the Impreza is nealy identical to the Isuzue I-mark in wheel base and size).
Anyway, my point is look at Isuzu now. Dead, they have 1 unique car. The line was so generi-sized that now the company is dead.
Well that is the future of Jeep. Pretty soon they are going to have all the same cars as Dodge... and Dodge will be cheaper. Damn DC for ruining Jeep, the heritiage and everything it stands for.

I don't know about you, but this "jeep" looks nothing like the compass concept that was out a couple of years ago. First, it seems taller and it's width seems smaller. The back end looks nothing like the compass concept.
I loved the look of the compass concept and this looks like the Caliber with a seven slot grill. I will be extremely angry if this is what jeep is going to produce.
The compass was going to be the same as the dodge avenger concept, not this ugly Caliber "Minivan."

Ok, guys, Midnite Swirlie for O.O.J....

Who's with me?!?!?!?!

ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

If Jeep wants to come out with these cross over Jeeps, they need to separate them from the Jeep line. Just like they did when they had the Eagle line. Mucking up the 4x4 Jeep image with these crossovers isn't a good idea from a purist standpoint. The purist will always be around, the "it's hot now crowd" won't be. Either separate them or let Dodge or Chrysler have them.

Hey OnlyOneJeep, didn't Mattel model the pink Barbie Jeep after a YJ?
I also remember some cute Sahara edition of the YJ. Like those bright yellow ones with the sun graphics on them.
I am sure they were marketed toward serious, true Jeep buyers. Or was it suburban 16 year old girls?

Wow, OnlyOneJeep must have been on vacation, I assumed he would show up with his tired "Jeep is dead" diatribe much much sooner than this.

Ok, sorry for the spiteful post. Calling it a Neon is bad, but the artical does say that it will be replacing the Neon in the Dodge lineup. Not me, the artical. The phrase "Replacement for the Neon" does not bring up good images when you put a Jeep logo on it.


Im laying down a challange to all of you Pro-Compass people. Im all about being fair before judging, maybe I missed something.

Why do you want to buy one instead of another Brand of Crossover? Whats the advantage... consider if Jeep name ment nothing, why would you choose it?

Note: If you answer
"cause it looks cool"
your disqualified


I bet there is not one good reason out there, the Jeep name does mean something. They should take care in releasing products that live up to that name.

I like the concept of a Compass-like vehicle in the Jeep lineup. My big concern is that it is based on a non-Jeep platform. The one thing Jeep has always had over most other SUVs is that they are all designed from the ground up to be an SUV. They are not a mutant SUV based off of a car or truck platform like 90% of the other SUVs. That was my biggest fear when Chrysler took over Jeep and then DCX, that they would begin sharing platforms with Jeep. So far, DCX has done a good job with Jeep, continuing to build true Jeeps like the WJ, KJ, WK and future TK, not to mention the TJ Rubicon. ( And yes die hards, the KJ and WK are still true Jeeps!! despite your dislike of the styling and IFS, they will still go anywhere and do anything! )

Jesus, everyone is entitled to their opinion but man am I tired of the whining, sky-is-falling, Jeep is dead BS. I LOVE the Wrangler but I also would love to see a well executed Compass (I will wait to see it in person to decide for myself if the production version before I pass judement. Regardless, there is room for more than rockcrawlersin Jeep's lineup. Some folks like me like the idea of something AWD, lite off road capable with better gas mileage (better for the environment too). Quit talking about the history of Jeep. If you had your wish and then Jeep would BE history. Jeep must expand or die. Its a different world. A healthy and profitable Jeep will continue to produce all the rockcrawlers you could want. Jeep is dead? Jeez, look at all the body and engine variations of the Wrangler that are coming, are you guys never happy?

D.C. you had better learn from G.M. You don't put out the same product with 3 or 4 name plates.
If I want a sidekick i'll go buy one.
Forget that crap and build a Gladaitor.

A RAV-4/
-V fighter--pitiful, Jeep.

This is so wrong on so many levels I can't even type.

I guess the Liberty will no longer be the only "girlie" Jeep in the
lineup...

This is all old news. We have known the about the Compass for some time now. If it's any thing like the Compass or Jeepster concept car it should be pretty cool. Jeep needs a product that is going to attract the 20 something age group. They aren't going to do it with a Commander(my next Jeep)or Grand Cherokee. Toyota (who's about to overtake GM) is doing it with the Scion and the upcoming FJ Cruiser. Toyota knows a thing or two about the market. Jeep would be foolish to ignore this market as they need to create a new generation of loyal Jeep customers. The older crowd 30 and 40 something age group will have a new Wrangler soon.
As the Wrangler gets a little more expensive Jeep will need an entry level vehicle other than a 4cyl. bare basics Wrangler with those tiny tires.
I think the Jeep lineup is going to be pretty exciting in the next couple of years.

Sorry but wasn't the Compass a 2 door car?

The sky is falling... The sky is falling...

Warning... Let the Jeep is dead comments begin!

OnlyOneJeep, how do you stomach the stuff you are serving? Are you unfamiliar with the idea of civil discussion? Even if someone agrees with you, you take such a high and mighty stance that it is impossible to engage you in debate.

I truly wish you would spend more time driving your "real" Jeep and less time on this site. There are others on this site that feel the same as you on many subjects but are able to express their view as an adult, an achievement I have yet to see from you.

It's one thing to not like the Compass but quite another to believe that any Jeep made in the last 20 years is not a "real" Jeep is just delusional. Since when do YOU get to decide on the definition of a Jeep? I am so happy for you and your bog traveling CJ, here's a cookie.

And although the Jeep underwear joke may seem funny in your head, it is not as witty as you think, trust me.

I can't believe I even bother responding to you, someone stop me!

Try the underwear guys....it's cheaper; and you'll feel SO much better when you have your smoke.

Wow...that was a brilliant statement. The only problem with it is that I really doubt Jeep has designed the Compass to handle the Rubicon and Moab stuff. If I am getting this correctly....I suppose any of us that own Jeeps that are not CJ2's don't even had Jeeps. Gee....I wish someone would have told me. For over 20 years I have been buying vehicles that I could have sworn were Jeeps. I guess it was just my imagination.

And if the suckers provide the needed money for Jeep to continue to design and build Jeeps like the TJ Rubicon, the best stock 4x4 since the original CJ2a, then so be it! I'll take a Rubi over even a modified YJ any day! I had a YJ and compare with the CJ or TJ, they just don't cut it.

The only people that have "cajones" to speak the truth are myself, Manual XJ guy; and RubiconTrail.net; the rest of ya's should try out the NEW Jeep underwear they got coming out....YEP,

With a "7-Slot Grille Design" on the bum....You'll need those...after buying "The New Generation of Jeeps"......

12 years old? No. Just smart enough to know when you see a "rip-off" coming;
and trying to open the eyes of those who would buy such garbage...

P.T. Barnum said it best:
"There's a sucker born every minute."

Like me; my 3 Jeeps have been through every mudhole and bog...and have survived to tell their tales...

Let's see the new "Compass" do that.

Maybe I'm a tweleve-year old idiot.

Thank you for making my point for me. This is exactly what I meant by people making totally unreasonable posts on here. How can you say the Wrangler is finished or it's demise is here when we haven't even seen the finished product yet? And speaking of the Wrangler....it's has only gotten better over the years...not worse. These are the same type of people who probably said the Jeep was finished after the Willy's models....and the same people who said Jeep was dead after the CJ went away....and the same people who said Jeep was dead when the YJ went away....now the same people who are saying Jeep is dead since the TJ is going to be changed. Sure....Jeep does have the ability to totally screw up the Wrangler but lets let them do that before we start saying that Jeep is dead. So far....the Wrangler has gotten better overall each time it's has been redone so just hang on and lets see what Jeep does with it. And to say that none of the current vehicles are real Jeeps is a joke. Most idiots that say that only say that because it's not the Jeep that they own. Stock Jeep against stock Jeep, the current TJ has been the best Jeep yet so gives us a break. I love the Grand Wagoneer too but lets get real. The current Grand Cherokee would leave it in the dust both on and off road. Sure..these older Jeeps are nice and most of them make great vehicles..especially with some modifications. But get real guys....to say that the other vehicles are not real Jeeps make you sound like your about 12 years old.

I think it is safe to say that Jeep will offer a stick in the Compass if only for the added mileage benefits. Again, the more models Jeep gets out the better as long as each model stays very specifically built to the market it targets. In other words, it is absolutely no problem if Jeep has a very spartan vehicle (Wrangler), a very mild vehicle with AWD (Compass), and everything in between. The more the better. Of course, if Jeeps drops the ball on any vehicle and it is not adequately designed to perform it's specific mission, then I will be the first to yell foul. So far, I just don't see any room for bashing Jeep in any way. The Grand Cherokee is arguably the best SUV in it's class. Yes, in the past it has left a lot to be desired on the road but off road it was more than adequate. Pay attention to the traction control systems used by Land Rover, Toyota, and GM SUV's. Jeep now uses a variation of each of those systems plus adds it's own. I will dare take acception with some posts on here by saying that Jeep has really only had two problems that it has needed to overcome. Off road capability has never been one of them. Excluding the Wrangler, Jeep has needed to produce some SUV's that give a good on road ride and they have needed to upgrade the quality and reliability of their product. It is a bit early to make a solid call but I think the Liberty has proven that Jeep has made great strides in upgrading both on road ride, quality build, and reliabilty while maintaining very strong off road capability. I will even go out on a limb and say that the new Grand Cherokee model will prove to offer the best off road capability, on road ride, and quality of any Grand Cherokee to date. Pro or con statements about Jeep vehicles are a waste of time until we see the end product of each vehicle that Jeep rolls out. No...this forum is not just about me and my opinions nor is it just about yours. My only wish and request (althought I seriously doubt that I will get it) is that everyone takes a realistic approach to the posts they make. The real point is not what Jeep made that was good or what Jeep made that wasn't good, but what can Jeep do now to make their vehicles and company better.

Good Comments DMoore and Michael C. It's nice to know someone other than me doesn't think this is the end of the world for Jeep. Manual XJ Guy, I usually respect your comments, but I think Jeep Civic is a bit over the top. I also don't see the problem with jeep going after Subaru's market? Without Eagle I think it's a good move as long as they "do it right" ... which of course is the question we don't have the answer to yet. To the watering hole fellows, Jeep will still be Jeep because of the ICON it has in the Wrangler and other off roaders. Dodge has it's icons in the Viper and Ram, but they sell Neon and Dakota. Neon is no Viper and Dakota isn't bad but it is not a Ram ... BUT they are sure as hell all Dodges.

I also hope we get a truck true to Gladiator and also think it would be smart for Jeep to tackle the large off roader segment with a Rescue. My bet is that they figure they need to get the proven sales from the Subaru segment to make so money before they can take a risk on Rescue. DCX sees how Hummer and GM are going down and it's probably not wise to follow in the footsteps of Hummer (because we all know if you're following a Hummer, you'll have to spend all day pulling him out of mud so you can get down the trail)

"Brute/Scrambler = Unlimited
...

Point is Jeep has had some really nice concepts over the years. All that have gone to production have been a far cry from that concept."

The Brute was an AEV product offering, not a DCX concept, and the Scrambler was a production vehicle from another era. If you'd like to split hairs further, the Unlimited isn't that far off the Scrambler, and better in most respects (departure angle, axles). The military TJL produced for the Egyptian army was the precursor to the LWB Wrangler, and it's almost spot on.

The suggestion that the Dakar concept and the Liberty have anything in common is laughable, and I'm not sure who first suggested this. Probably a marketing guy.

I'll wait to judge the TK, and wince at the thought of the Compass (it is the definition of badge engineering). Remember, kids... homogenization is baaaaad.

ManualXJ, the XJ doesn't conjur up visions of a CJ to me, so didn't that dilute the brand when it came out in 1984? With the cost of developing a true of roader like the TJ going up, Jeep needs something in the sub $20,000 range to attract enty level buyers. Doesn't BMW market the 3 series as a "low-end" or entry level luxury car? It is nowhere near the same as the 5 and 7 series.

Why do think that just because Jeep builds a vehicle like the Compass that it is going to delute the Jeep name? A Wrangler is still a Wrangler regardless of the Compass.

I think things such as quality issues hurt Jeep more than anything.

If the Compass is a hit and sells then its a good thing for Jeep. If it sucks then they will quit making it and move on.

I get the feeling that if Jeep brought back the XJ just as it was in 2001 there would be the same people complaining.

My original post was made tongue-in-cheek about all of the negative comments that I knew would be coming from the "die hards" on this site. But Michael C., skamblewishes and others do seem to "get it"! Jeep has to expand to survive. The only reason Jeep exists today is because they expanded into the more mass market by accident with the XJ. The XJ's success is not based only on its off road abiltiy, but more on the fact that when it was released, there were no other 4-door SUVs. Chrysler bought Jeep because of the XJ and because their research found that it was sitting in garages next BMWs and Mercedes. Jeep has expanded on that success with Grand Cherokee and will continue to do so with the Commander, Liberty, Compass etc... while also building on its off road roots with vehicles like the Rubicon Wrangler, the most capable out-of-the-box off roader, and the future 2dr, 4dr and pickup TK Wranglers. Without the commodity vehicles to fund development and production, the TJ/TK type Jeeps would have to cost over $40,000 or $50,000 and be very limited in quantity.

I thought the Jeep Comapss Sucked Big Time compared compared to the Jeepster Concept a few years back...So any revisions to that concept are gladly welcomed by this Mike, including the 2 extra doors...

We have mentioned this before, Jeep is in the business of selling cars, not satisfying the hate-mongering of this website...

If this car is all rally and no off-road, then SO WHAT???

****News Flash****This Just in****Brace Yourself****Not everyone likes Jeeps...Not everyone will buy a car from the current lineup of Jeeps simply because ALL of the people on this site are devoted Jeep Fans...

Jeep needs other types of vehicles that will attract other types of customers...

As mentioned by a previous poster, Look at the Scion brand...They really did their research on that one, especially th xB model...The only thing they got wrong was the under-estimated popularity among 30-50 year olds...

While I admit, Jeep may be better served calling this an "Eagle" and resurfacing that nameplate, I certainly wouldnt argue with a 250 Hp turbo 4-cyl, 6 speed transaxle, and an AWD system that uses the Torsen front, rear, and center differential like the WRX and the Mitsu EVO (I read somewhere that Chrysler has some kind of assocaition with Mitsubishi, dont they? Hmmmm...)

Now we need to see pics of the Scout (or will this be the Scout?).

Whatever, its still a neon on big wheels.

I still can't believe they are going to follow through on this concept. The reason people buy Jeeps is because of thier heritage.

"Hey Look at me, I bought a Jeep Crossover based on a Neon... now Im going to go conquer the rubicon!" I can barley wait to start towing these things out of mud holes in the trails, dumbfounded owners that just realized they probably should have bought a Vibe instead.

Whats with these cross-overs anyway. Who buys these things?? They are ugly and basically mini-vans. Between Pontiac, Nissan & that horribly new Subaru they top the ugly list of cars for me.

Be nice if they shank down the commander to the size of the good old Cherokee, then threw in a diesel paired with a manual, lockers & offered a big tire package. Oh, and scrap all that computer crap we don't need. :) No more of this push button 4x4, give me back my lever!! Now that would be a Jeep.

Well whatever, Im sure we are going to see a Jeep mini-van soon enough. The Jeep uniqueness is dying and anybody that supports the way its going is not a loyal fan. You might as well be routing for a sub-brand of GM instead.

It looks as though it may be more like the Jeep Varsity concept than the Compass concept. The Varsity was a 4 door cross-over vehicle they came out with a few years ago.

The compass will have to be offered only as a AWD. Otherwise, that will completely waterdown the Jeep brand. A rally AWD vehicle under 20K will not hurt the brand I think.

Oh and don't expect anything on this stupid car that the Pontic Vibe dosn't already have... specialty things cost money. No suicide doors, no fancy interior, cheap cloth & poor plastic finishes.

I don't think they are suicide doors. If you look at the back doors, there seems to be a patch where one would get access to the door handles. Such a small vehicle does not need four doors. Look at the Wrangler. If this vehicle is focused on 18-25 year olds, they don't want a four door vehicle.

Oh yeah, forgot to mention the biggest change from the concept, TWO EXTRA DOORS! What the hell, does everything need 4 doors? Could it be possible the the coverings on this disguised Compass are generic in nature and there really are no extra doors. I doubt it, it looks as thought the front doors are smaller than the concepts doors, indicating that there ARE rear doors. That sucks. But maybe they are suicide doors. Maybe. Doubt it though. Errrg, I really liked the concept as a two door.

I don't about you but since its covered from front to back it's kind of hard to say what it looks like. I think I will withhold judgement until I can see it.

here is my comment: I've been waiting (since I saw the Compass at Detroit) for the little sucker to come into production. They keep saying people don't want this vehicle, but I can't wait for it! I 've also read that a small diesel will be available this would be PERFECT especially with a 6 speed manual. I've already got the money who do I send it to? The size and price range is perfect and gives more of us a chance to own a Jeep.

Well, if DC keeps the weight to less than 3000 lbs, then this could be a potential rally car. Due to the ponderous weight of the Libby, the XJ was the last SCCA sanctioned vehicle. So, if DC does this right, then this could be a real sleeper rally car. In the meantime, how about the crd diesel and manual six speed for the Wrangler and Libby.

well put jon, jeep is on the brink of some exciting new vehicles, they can't keep getting by with the 3 vehicles that they have had for the past 5 years. times are changing and for now jeep is changing with them. i for one am amped for the new jeeps, ALL of them

The compass,caliber and new pt cruiser are all the same vehicle with slightly different looks??? It makes no sense to offer this new jeep vehicle since there are already a simular design with the chrysler and dodge products. I guess if you don't like the retro looks of a pt the jeep compass will work if you just want a 7 slot grill???

They should name it the new Jeep Subaru.