I have to agree with RUBICON on this one. why does jeep still need to build 2wd modles? the only reason that they still make them is fo use in fleet applications.

I wish that the compass looked more like the concept. the only reason that i could think of for the difference between the concept and the real thing is that they needed to make changes so it could pass the crash tests. I look forward to the Patriot. if it looks like the concept and it has a good 4wd system it could be a winner.

i think that the $wd wrangler shouldn't be called the Wrangler. Id rather it be called Scout or Cherokee.

I think this is a bad decision as it muddies the Jeep image. All Jeeps should be trail-rated and have four-wheel drive. I'd also prefer that they all have Diesel engines, for low RPM torque and fuel economy. The SRT-8 model is idiotic. Chrysler management is sick, although not as sick as that at Ford or GM.

If some people had it their way Jeep would only produce the Wrangler or CJ. If that was the case Jeep would be long gone by now. What vehicles have allowd Jeep to be able to produce the Wrangler-the high volume Liberty, Grand Cherokee and now the Commander. I welcome the Compass and Patriot. If it means that gives them more money to continue to build the Wrangler, Rescue and Gladiator then great. I don't understand why everyone is so worried about diluting the brand. I think the brand is stronger than ever. I don't care for the looks of the Compass but I also didn't care for the looks of 99-04 Grand Cherokee but I bought one anyway. Now I have a Commander and love it! I have a family and a Wrangler dosen't work into our life-style at the moment but I still want a Jeep. Our kid dosen't play soccer but he does play basketball. Is that better?? What the hell do you drive to the grocery store anyway? We had a Wrangler and is was the biggest pain in the ass to go anywhere shopping. Most people don't have the money to just buy a Wrangler and only use it for four-wheeling anyway.
I agree, the stereotypes are getting old.
Jeep is on the right track.

I think the bigger question is why does Jeep insist on making 2WD versions of it's vehicles? The 2WD vehicles don't get much better gas mileage. The 2WD vehicles are going to be terrible on wet or slippery roads. The 2WD vehicles are not going to have the handling that an AWD / 4WD vehicle is. The 2WD vehicles won't hold the resale value that a 4WD will. Don't need to go off-roading? Well, Jeep should equip every Jeep with at least 4WD single speed transfer case as the base instead of 2WD.

I dislike the bulbous front end of the Compass but that doesn't mean that I think Jeep should stop making it. If it means increased profits that can keep fueling development of off-road legends like the Wrangler (and Gladiator, please!!!!), Commander, Grand Cherokee and Liberty then keep them coming. I am actually looking forward to the Patriot as it is supposed to be Trail Rated. And why not put the Scout name (which DCX paid big money to acquire) to use as a completely stripped down version of the Patriot? Equip everything with single-speed 4WD or better.

Josephus & Kckarl both have valid points! My wife wound up buying a Subaru Baja in Sept of '05 because Jeep doesn't make a more fuel efficient vehicle that's a capable mode of transport. As a devoted Jeep fanatic I was extremely skeptical, but having driven the Baja this winter in snow, mud and some off-roady conditions, I am extremely impressed. I love my Wrangler, but I don't mind driving my wife's Subaru! So listen carefully Daimler Chrysler Jeep, make sure your production vehicles follow in the path of what Jeep is world renown and famous for!

I think it is fine that they are offering less-capable Jeep models. As long as DCx doesn’t water down the real Jeep Wrangler in an attempt to meet some EPA dictated mileage ratings.

I know my Grand Cherokee has been to the grocery store and the soccer fields. Actually I don’t know anyone who hasn’t taken their Jeep to a grocery store. Drop the stereotypes. There is a need for less capable 4 wheel drive and all wheel drive vehicles that will never venture further than the gravel parking lots at the local soccer fields.

It probably wouldn’t hurt if they drummed up some pseudo-name 2nd brand for these lesser vehicles like Toyota/Lexus Nissan/Infinity Chevy/Cadillac. Perhaps Weep/Jeep?

You decide what the “W” stands for.