A couple of our sources have reported in with some information about mid-year changes to the 2000 Cherokee and Wrangler.

According to our source, three colors will be dropped from the Cherokee lineup:

• Gun Metal Pearl-Coat
• Chili Pepper
• Deep Amethyst

...and four colors will be added:

• Moss Green Metallic
• Patriot Blue
• Sienna
• Silverstone Metallic

In addition, the optional chrome package will be back with chrome headlight bezels, a chrome grill, and chrome on the liftgate above license plate

We also received information about a mid-year change to the 2000 Wrangler - it looks like a new color will be available: Solar Yellow (apparently, this is the same color that has been available on Dodge trucks this year).

Another source of ours is reporting that the next generation Cherokee (KJ), which should be available in the 2001 model year, might look something between a four-door Wrangler and a flat-roofed Discovery (Land Rover). We've also heard that it might even have round headlights, like the current Wrangler.

Finally, there's the rumor about a new Jeep model, called the "Freedom". From what we've gathered, this is a very small SUV that Daimler-Chrysler is developing to compete against the Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4 and similar vehicles. Our sources indicate that it will not be sold under the Jeep name - probably under the Plymouth brand. We've heard that it will have fulltime all wheel drive, and possibly have a similar grill as the Wrangler. Pricing should be comparable to the CRV or RAV4. No word yet on availability.

If you've heard anything about any of these reports, let us know!