Forever Unlimited.
The Jeep name originated from the creation of a military vehicle for World War I. Back then, it was called a general-purpose vehicle or "G.P." and over time was phonetically slurred into Jeep. The word Jeep, it seems, was also used by shop mechanics when referring to a new motor vehicle that they would receive for a test. Obviously, the name still stands today. The first prototypes were built by American Bantam in 1941 but the company that got the contract during those hard times was Willys-Overland. Interestingly, Ford actually built a few Jeeps to meet demand during the course of WWII. American Motors owned the name for the duration of the 1970s, then Renault took over and, eventually, Daimler-Chrysler. The word became synonymous with wagon style trucks and to this day, many people still call SUVs Jeeps. I have driven many SUVs over the years but, this time, I got to test the one that started it all, well, almost. The tested TJ Unlimited, with the extended wheelbase, retails for 32 025$.
Exterior styling
It is a Jeep. Need I say more? Very little has changed throughout the many decades that this truck has been offered as a civilian vehicle. Eleven versions of the Jeep have existed over the past 60 years. Almost anyone could look at a 1944 Willys CJ-2, compare it to a 2005 TJ, and easily establish the family resemblance. The only physical difference between a regular TJ and the Unlimited is a 254 millimetre longer wheelbase. Otherwise, the single round headlights, the vertical grill and wheel arches are basically the same. Both versions are available with either a hard and/or a soft top. The Electric lime green pearl coat colo
ured unit I drove had the soft top. As far as styling is concerned, it either has some or has none at all (depending on who's looking). There may be only two body panels that have curves in them; the rest of the sheets of metal are flat. Then again, a Jeep is a Jeep. Fitting is adequate and the robust paint is evenly applied.
Unfortunately, I was surprised to find a little spot of rust at the bottom of
the A pillar.
Interior styling
The cabin is very narrow. To be comfortable while driving, I had to leave my elbow on the windowsill to avoid it being crammed against the door panel. The dash is nicely finished although the look is very rustic. I think the interior would benefit from a Liberty dash and a little more soundproofing. This would not change the characteristics of the Jeep; it would just make a more habitable place to be. Steering wheel mounted cruise control buttons do not light up but overall layout is quite functional.
The seats are very soft and comfortable for a short journey. I assume that they are like this to offset the rough jittery ride. To access the backbench, the front seats flip forward. What is aggravating about this is that the seats do not return to their original positions when pushed back. Trunk space is plenty but, because of the soft top, only the metal door opens up; this leaves an opening of about 15 inches for loading.
The optional radio that includes a center armrest mounted subwoofer has a powerful sound; perfect for top-down cruising.
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Exterior styling
It is a Jeep. Need I say more? Very little has changed throughout the many decades that this truck has been offered as a civilian vehicle. Eleven versions of the Jeep have existed over the past 60 years. Almost anyone could look at a 1944 Willys CJ-2, compare it to a 2005 TJ, and easily establish the family resemblance. The only physical difference between a regular TJ and the Unlimited is a 254 millimetre longer wheelbase. Otherwise, the single round headlights, the vertical grill and wheel arches are basically the same. Both versions are available with either a hard and/or a soft top. The Electric lime green pearl coat colo
ured unit I drove had the soft top. As far as styling is concerned, it either has some or has none at all (depending on who's looking). There may be only two body panels that have curves in them; the rest of the sheets of metal are flat. Then again, a Jeep is a Jeep. Fitting is adequate and the robust paint is evenly applied. Unfortunately, I was surprised to find a little spot of rust at the bottom of
Interior styling
The cabin is very narrow. To be comfortable while driving, I had to leave my elbow on the windowsill to avoid it being crammed against the door panel. The dash is nicely finished although the look is very rustic. I think the interior would benefit from a Liberty dash and a little more soundproofing. This would not change the characteristics of the Jeep; it would just make a more habitable place to be. Steering wheel mounted cruise control buttons do not light up but overall layout is quite functional.
The seats are very soft and comfortable for a short journey. I assume that they are like this to offset the rough jittery ride. To access the backbench, the front seats flip forward. What is aggravating about this is that the seats do not return to their original positions when pushed back. Trunk space is plenty but, because of the soft top, only the metal door opens up; this leaves an opening of about 15 inches for loading. The optional radio that includes a center armrest mounted subwoofer has a powerful sound; perfect for top-down cruising.