Jeep Commander is a product from the Jeep firm. Not to be outdone by its competitors, the Commander was released at the New York Vehicle Show. The year was 2005. The Commander steals the limelight from the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Fans and customers of Jeep vehicles had been complaining about the lack of a new SUV vehicle from Jeep. On its debut, the Commander looked different from the Grand Cherokee in distinct ways. First, the design style breaks away from the traditional style. Secondly, although the Commander is roughly the same size as the Grand Cherokee, it has more space and capacity than the Grand Cherokee.

Jeep is working hard to please its consumers. Todays car buyers have a lot of choice. There are a lot of competitors in seven-seat vehicles. Performance and looks are more important. It pays very well to fuse these two qualities. Especially on seven-seat vehicles. On the overall, customers will not be disappointed in the Jeep Commander. Coincidentally; the name ‘Commander’ is common among seven-seat car manufacturers. Maybe it sells.

Jeep is excited with its Jeep Commander vehicle. It remains to be seen how the Commander will perform against other SUVs. The Commander is also expected to perform better than its past models. The improvement in passenger space makes it unique. If this improvement translates into increased sales, Jeep will fulfil its mission. The Commander shares its name with two past models, the Studebaker Commander and the Scammell Commander.

When a Jeep Commander approaches around a corner, it attracts attention. Its boxy appearance is fascinating. One will think of the Commander as a military vehicle. The most interesting part of the Commander is its roof. The engineers designed the roof in a way which allows more head space at the rear. This feat is not easy to accomplish. Most SUV designers will avoid this at all costs because it gives the vehicle a cumbersome look. Jeep managed to overcome this problem by covering the roof grids and reducing the sharpness of corners.

Jeep is looking towards the future. The unveiling of the Jeep Commander is a turning point between the past and the future. The Commander represents the present. It is a working model on how future models should be designed. The engineers of the Commander used the eternal appearance of the old Jeep Wagoner and the performance requirements of the Grand Cherokee to produce a new model. The Commander has characteristics of these two vehicles. However; the Commander has its own unique features which dominate the entire vehicle.

We haven’t started discussing the Jeep Commander, until we talk about engine power. The Commander comes with three choices of engines. These are the V6 and two types of V8 engines. The first V8 engine has a capacity of 5. 7 liters. The second V8 engine has a capacity of 3. 7 liters. This engine package is convenient for different types of consumers. Types of drivers ranging from speed maniacs, rough terrain travellers and luggage packers will find it easy to select the proper engine. A note to speed lovers, the Commander is not made for speed though.

The Jeep Commander is a medium sized vehicle that satisfies the needs of SUVdrivers. Drivers of small SUVs are frustrated by the limited carrying capacity and large fuel consumption of small SUVs. Drivers of large SUVs are frustrated by the truck-like behaviour and large fuel consumption of large SUVs. Big SUVs don’t behave like ordinary petrol vehicles. They can be noisy and are not capable of smooth driving.

The Jeep Commander has not broken a record. The critics say. True, there is no new feature on the Commander, but it has succeeded in bringing affordability, economy, style and comfort on one plate. There is a market for this kind of vehicle, especially in this recession. A lot of SUVs on the market do not provide this convenience. The Commander came late on the scene. Jeep explains that the delay was due to specific refinements. Refinements on capacity and passenger seating. Sure, its hard to provide comfort on a seven passenger seat vehicle, but Jeep succeeded in this regard.

Spectators are waiting for the release of the next Commander. Jeep will be anxious to add new features to keep ahead of its competitors. The Jeep Commander 2007 model sports cool features in the form of platinum accents. This model is the Jeep Commander Overland. The Commander Overland looks like the Grand Cherokee. Platinum additions are visible on the side moulds; side roof railings, grilles and rear assist handling. Jeep also plans to introduce power lift gates for its Commander model. The Jeep Commander is one of the top vehicles searched by consumers on the internet.

Annual sales of the Jeep Commander have not been impressive. Jeep recorded a poor performance on its Commander model in February 2007. The Commander sales went down by 24%. However, the Commander was not the worst loser. The biggest loser was the Jeep Liberty which registered a 41% decline in sales. Slightly below the Commander is the Jeep Cherokee which declined by 22%. The Jeep brand had some face savers though. The Jeep Wrangler was the biggest winner with 63% increase in sales. Another winner, the Jeep Compass which made its debut in 2006 sold a promising 4, 071 units.

The name “Jeep” is synonymous with Off-Roading and Jeep is synonymous with Daimler-Chysler the company responsible for introducing Jeep to the world.  The durable, dependable and fun Jeep has been around since World War II when the U.S. Army initially used it. The name Jeep gives one an instant image in their head but today that image has changed because the face of Jeep is varied. The tough off-roader is still atop the list however now soccer moms and business men pocess Jeeps as well.

Off-roading is brutal on a vehicle but the concrete jungle has its own kind of unforgiving terrain. Sitting in traffic on a hot August day, lengthy road trips, and hauling your boat or RV all take its toll. Because of this Jeep Parts have had to be produced as durable as the Jeep itself and some of the most reputable brands take pride in delivering high quality Jeep Parts. Jeep Parts from Bestop, Rugged Ridge, Pavement Ends, Mopar, Warrior and others are produced to last a long time. The demands of an Off-Roader compared to that of a Soccer Mom are completely different but that doesn’t concern Jeep parts manufacturers because they all produce Jeep Parts with the Jeep reputation in mind.

Jeep owners are not likely to settle for second best, they demand hard-working vehicles and because of thei their Jeep Parts and Accessories have to meet high expectations. Brands like Bestop have been around for over 50 years and they consistently deliver high quality parts. Online retailers like Morris 4×4 Center have been in the Jeep business since 1990 and stock over 30,000 Jeep Parts and Accessories. Their employees are true-blue Jeepers that enjoy the Jeep lifestyle. These are the kinds of companies that true Jeepers want to do business with.

As I mentioned earlier there are a number of different type of Jeep owners: the Beach Bum has the Jeep Bikini Top and surfboard in the back of  the jeep. The Soccer Mom will have her Jeep filled with an active, adventurous family, and a business man may like to have his Jeep Grand Cherokee clean and in pristine condition with all the accessories. Jeeps too can be luxurious. In addition, the off-roader will be the die-hard Jeeper that’s loaded with Jeep accessories such as winches, high lifts, KC-Hilites and Monster Tires. Dirty inside and out but proudly wearing it like a badge of honor.

For the off-road Jeeper it’s critical to be equipped for anything that comes along while you are out wheeling. This, of course, means winches, steering stabilizers, lift kits, tires, lights, suspension and a lot more depending on the conditions you’re in. If your rig has the proper Jeep Parts and Accessories it will be turned into an all-terrain vehicle – your weekend amusement vehicle. And during the week when your Jeep takes you to and from work in heavy traffic it becomes the vehicle that you are the most proud of.

Jeep is an institution, a way of life, a state of mind and everything you want to make it, make it your own.

The first thing that many Jeep owners want to do is lift their vehicle. Lift kits are available that will raise the Jeep anywhere from an inch to over five inches depending on the intended use and, of course, amount of money available. These might be installed simply to allow clearance for over-sized tires, enhancing the Jeep’s appearance, or allow better offroading capabilities by providing more space between the bottom of the vehicle and whatever obstacles it may encounter on the track or off the road entirely.

As opposed to just lifting a Jeep, some owners may opt for adjustable spring spacers. These are great because they can be installed and adjusted without removing any suspension components from the vehicle, enabling the owner to increase ride height in minutes without sacrificing ride quality on longer trips. Good spacers will barely change the spring rate at all, even on stock springs. Spring spacers are often a cheaper alternative to installing a lift kit or taller suspension coils, though they may cost more in the long run as the stock coil springs and shocks may wear faster.

Control arms are another often swapped piece on the Jeep TJ. The aftermarket bushings on replacement control arms are often superior to those from the factory which means they will last longer and stay tighter. If a TJ owner has started noticing odd squeaking noises coming from the front end of their vehicle at every bump and dip, it’s fairly likely that their control arm bushings are worn out and need to be replaced. Adjustable control arms are also available, though some owners will choose to just have their control arms custom made to their own specifications.

After modifying the suspension of their TJs, all enthusiasts will eventually face the need to replace their shocks. From economy cars to pickup trucks, all vehicles eventually need a set of new shocks or struts, and Jeeps are certainly no exception. Although most aftermarket suspension parts will work with stock components, they will often cause them to wear faster. Shocks are especially prone to this as, when the Jeep is lifted, the shocks stay further extended than normal. Combine this with a Jeep owner’s tendency to drive in places where there is no pavement, and stock shocks can have a very short lifespan indeed. To address this, many aftermarket shops offer shocks of varying lengths that are designed specifically for lifted vehicles. This will improve the on-road ride of an already modified vehicle dramatically, as well as improve the Jeep’s characteristics off the road.

Since 1977 Rough Country has been in the Jeep parts suspension business. Their company is located in Dyersburg, Tennesse and is fully stocked with Jeep parts in their 75,000 square foot facility. Extremely competitive pricing and outstanding Jeep parts in addition to wonderful customer service and an intelligent staff puts this company head and shoulders above the competition. They sell suspension kits for 2 wheel drive & 4 wheel drive Jeep, Toyota, Chevy, Ford, Nissan, Dodge, and Scout trucks and SUV’s. Because of their wide variety of sizes and options they are able to put together a kit specific to each individual vehicle owner’s needs.

There are many companies that produce Jeep parts and Jeep accessories and many of them make suspension lift kits that range in price and quality. From Fabtech’s high end coil over kits with a price tag over $5,000 to Daystar’s budget boosts that cost under $200. Rough Country serves up the best of both worlds as they sell basic kits that include everything necessary, and the buyer’s can move-up later if they choose, or they can simply purchase a fully upgraded kit at the start! Rough Country’s lift kits span in price from the low $100s to over $2000 and are produced with the same identical Jeep parts of the other suspension companies at a much cheaper price.

John Ball from Morris 4×4 Center says, “As with all Jeep parts installing a lift kit can be a DIY project or it can be something that a professional needs to install. What needs to be considered is the style of the kit that you purchase and the skills you possess as well as your grasp of Jeep parts. The smaller 1″ to 4″ lifts can, in most cases, be installed in your driveway with a small amount of modification. The larger lifts, 5″ and up, will require a lot more elbow grease. Welding and drilling will be necessary to accommodate the larger parts on the bigger lift kits.

When a lift kit is being installed some Jeep parts may need to be adjusted on your vehicle. Keep in mind that a lift kit is a crucial part of an off-road Jeep because it allows you to use bigger tires. What’s great is that these lift kits are designed with quality components compared to the factory suspension. This enables you to flex and maneuver through the obstacle better. The upgraded suspension is also important in gaining higher ground clearance. When a Jeep is being put together for off-road use a major factor is going to be what kind of suspension is to be used because this will determine the size of tires to install. It also will affect the appearance of the Jeep based on its height. While there are numerous Jeep Parts you can obtain for your vehicle, a suspension lift kit will certainly be one of the most visually noticeable changes you make on your Jeep.

Suspension lift kits are a system of springs used to raise a vehicle by suspending the frame, body, engine and power train above the wheels. It is a modification, often done by Jeep, truck, suv and offroad enthusiasts to raise the ride height of their vehicle. Suspension lift kits have become tremendously popular among people who wish to give their automobiles a unique or beefy look.

You can spend a few bucks on some performance shocks and simple brackets to completely change your rig’s height and look. You can also opt to ditch the stock springs and shocks altogether for a set of adjustable air bags. Or, if so inclined, you can go with something like a 15″ body and suspension lift kit that requires an air-traffic controller to pull into your driveway.

Though some people install a suspension lift for aesthetic purpose, others purchase it for its principal purpose– to lessen the jarring of the automobile that is caused by irregularities in the roads traveled. Since the wheels of an automobile accelerate, stop, and steer it, the suspension lift kit must also serve to keep the wheels in close contact with the road surface at all times. Suspension lifts (also referred to as lift kits or leveling kits) enable steeper ascent, descent and breakover angles, higher ground clearance, and helps accommodate larger rims and tires

Whether you wanna lift your rig for a cool look, better performance or towing big loads, the market has every option covered. It is just up to you to choose a trusted online lift kit shop for the perfect product for your beloved vehicle.

In order to get a smooth road ride and improved handling for off-road use, you’ll need to get a quality lift kit. All kits will give you more ground clearance, of course, with the increased wheel travel helping to smooth the trails. A quality kit will include performance shocks that not only rebuff bumps and ruts; they can do wonders for your on-road handling as well.

Whether you use your rig for work or play, a high-quality suspension lift kit lends a major change to your rig’s altitude and attitude. Looks and performance are both seriously altered, hopefully for the better. There are a lot of kits and styles available, so careful consideration must be taken to meet your lift needs and stay within your budget. Luckily, an eager suspension industry is waiting to serve you.

There is an abundant online lift kit shop in the web. With just one click, you may readily purchase top of the line suspension lift kits of a particular brand and type.

More than just egghead engineers, the Skyjacker design team all have field-proven expertise, so they know what does and doesn’t work. Plus, these Skyjacker designers only make parts that they’d feel proud about putting on their own rigs.

SkyJacker knows one thing: people always enjoy trekking out into the great outdoors to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday living. Adventure is in our DNA, and Skyjacker crafts suspension accessories that fuel this natural urge to press ever farther along the unknown road ahead. To these intrepid explorers, Skyjacker is the name you can trust to get you out into the darkest corners and back again.

The history of Skyjacker shows a clear dedication to off-roading, and that’s why they use only innovative designs, advanced engineering, and the toughest materials for their parts. Ask any sunburned dune surfer, rock crawler or mud bogger, and they’ll raise up hosannas on behalf of SkyJacker Lift Kits. For all of your Skyjacker needs, online parts and accessories stores will likely have all that you are searching for. Not only do we have an extensive selection, but our everyday low prices and 1-year low price guarantee ensure that you get the best deals on Skyjacker accessories right here.

Here are some SkyJacker product and brand reviews that I found on the web:

“Good product. Greatly improved bump steer problems on 1995 Jeep Wrangler with 4″ lift and 12.5″ x 33″ tires”

“I am really pleased with the skyjacker steering stabilizer, It really has helped with keeping my jeep steady and between the lines.”

“This is the second pair of skyjacker leaf springs I have ordered, and have yet to be dissappointed. The springs were shipped exceptionally fast. I have used skyjackers in all of my trucks and have had no problems. I will be ordering a third set to finish out my 81 Toyota truck, and it’ll be ready for the trails!”

“I was really impressed in the timely manner in which the add-a-leafs where shipped and arrived to me. Installation was a bit tricky. On Chevy Silverados, the gas tank sits in the way of removing the front driver side spring eye bolt. Instead of taking the leafsprings out I had to drop the axel. Make sure you disconnect the brake line brackets so you have enough room to lift the frame up. I also found it easy to reinstall the springs by putting tape around the leafs before lifting them up to join them the spring with the eye bolts. C clamps are a must. Over all it is a pretty simple installation. The add-a-leaf is exactly what I was looking for to get rid of the sagging in the rear end.”

“I am very satisfied with both the appearance and performance of these springs. I added 1.5 inch lift to the rear and 2 inches to the front and it looks and drives “right on”.”

“The SkyJacker suspension is awesome! I ordered the skyjacker add a leafs for my 2001 dodge ram 1500 to raise the rear 2 inches. It did what I wanted and didnt stiffen up my springs that much. Im very happy with them and would use them on other vehicles too, Thanks.”

There is no mistaking the fact that the future of the recreational four-wheel drive vehicle is beginning to look ever more uncertain. As with a lot of lifestyle choices these day’s there are those who seem happy to ignore the health warnings (It’s my choice and all that) as is the case with smoking for example, but inevitably when a wealth warning becomes self-evident then people become more likely to sit up and take notice.

I think it would be fair to say that if you asked the average American motorist a few years ago about driving a more fuel efficient car they probably would have politely backed away from you as if you were slightly mad. I recall visiting the USA a few years ago and being dumbfounded by the cheap cost of fuel especially as it was priced in gallons. This practice was abandoned long ago in the UK partly due to the European Union but also I think to hide the true cost, after all despite the metric system most people still refer to how many ‘miles per gallon’ they get from their car.

It’s pretty startling how things have changed in the last few years, when I read motoring articles from the USA nearly all have some reference to high gas prices or how to save money by using alternative fuels. Some people seem to be experimenting with all kinds of things often resulting in blowing up their engines as a result. One thing which seems certain is despite the occasional fluctuation in price the days of cheap motoring for all are set to be a thing of the past.

Until recently the manufacturers of less fuel efficient cars have been able to confidently sit back and raise two fingers to the traditional environmentalists who have been arguing against recreational off-road vehicles for a number of years, regarding them as a harmless but irritating group of misguided hippies. Now as with any evolutionary process it’s a case of adapt or die and Jeep are determined to evolve.

I recall a few years back I used to catch the bus to work which although took twice as long as driving and meant a long walk at the other end I felt happy in the knowledge that I was not contributing to the chronic congestion which blighted my city. Most days the commute was fairly uneventful and I could hide in a book or turn up my music if some mad person insisted on sitting next to me and then started to ask if I liked sponge cake or saying something like “nice weather for ducks”.

Occasionally the bus would simply not turn up and just as I was despairing, my saviour would arrive in the form of a green Jeep Cherokee driven by someone I used to work with. “Morning JB want a lift” he would say and to the envy of the large crowd at the bus stop I would proudly jump in and we would roar away albeit with some cringe worthy music blaring out but you can’t have everything.

These were heady days and I would listen to my friend tell me quite proudly “just had a service done, cost me £500!” Blimey what’s the fuel consumption like I said, “Well I get at least 30mpg if I take it easy” he would say and then floor it to get through the traffic lights so I guess 30mpg was a little optimistic. I became strangely attached to the car though and although the cream leather interior seemed ludicrously impractical it was easy to understand the appeal.

Apart from the obvious military requirements the demand for a vehicle which could be driven off-road without falling to pieces is what spawned the whole SUV market and believe it or not there are still people out there who genuinely need a rugged vehicle. Jeep has returned to their roots with the all-new Cherokee with the latest version not offering any concessions in the styling department. The softer lines of the previous model have been beefed up and the Jeep philosophy seems to be if you are going to stand the costs and ridicule of driving a 4×4 you can do it with masculine pride. Jeep has set a realistic sales target for the Cherokee in the UK and as we’ve seen with the smoking ban if someone really needs one, they will have it regardless.

Devices the likes of a Jeep Hitch Step are one of the few things that may seem of little or no importance in the grand scheme of things but these items make for an easier time all around. Having a Jeep Hitch Step in one’s Jeep takes the strain as well as stress off the entire matter each and every time a cargo has to be mounted onto the Jeep. Little details do add up to a whole and the big picture is so much more convenient to contend with when there’s the Jeep Hitch Step.

There are, of course, a medley of other automotive parts that one can equip one’s Jeep. However, if one has an inordinate amount of cargo to lug around at regular intervals, the Jeep Hitch Step is one add-on that can more than hold its own with all the others.

Just examine how mounting encounters go. First, one has to lift the cargo. This process cannot be rushed into, willy-nilly. One can hardly hurry, full steam ahead, without making certain that the cargo is secure once it is loaded. For Jeeps that do not have a hitch step, the cargo can either be fastened for it to be secured. However, with a hitch step, one can just hitch the matter to the protruding item and cargo security is taken care of. No need to jump through hoops looking for a rope, a piece of string, or any thing else just so one can secure the cargo.

And though it becomes tedious at times, one knows one must see to such bothers because the alternative—that of letting the cargo be—is unacceptable. After all, it is not like one can simply trust in the whims of fate, believing an unsecured cargo will arrive safe and sound to where it should. There are times when hoping for the best is called for but this is not one of them. Hence, trust in the Jeep Hitch Step, not in such things.

For 60 years Jeep has been providing drivers with amazing cars, ones that are to die for. Not only do these cars look great and fancy but they also provide the best performance. The quality of these vehicles is outstanding. The Jeep brand has been serving countries with a wide range of great rides from day one, July 23, 1941 to be exact. With amazing four wheel drive capabilities, Jeep has put a smile on many drivers’ faces. From the olden day Jeeps that looked like they could have served in the First World War, to today’s newest technology jeeps, they are all fantastically manufactured.

Just three of these beauties are the Grand Cherokee Laredo, Grand Cherokee Overland and the Grand Cherokee SRT8. And then just a little bit of info on these;

Grand Cherokee Laredo

This vehicle would suit anyone that likes to take pride in what they ride. It is a beautiful looking car that has body color rear and front fascias, the normal 17” good looking aluminum wheels and accent color body side molding.

Grand Cherokee Overland

This is for the driver who likes to play hard and show off what they have. With these foam heated seats you will be sitting on, everyone’s going to want to get a ride. This jeep is kind of in between the three we are talking about, it’s not a contemptible vehicle but it’s not exquisitely fit for a queen, it’s just in between! Features of this hot ride include its beautiful suede and leather trim overstated on the seatbacks of the driver and passengers seats, and four 18” 7 spoke wheels.

Grand Cherokee SRT8

When many people first heard of the capabilities of this vehicle their response was simply, “wow”! And now we can see why. Some of this beauty’s features include; its 6.1 liter V-8 engine, new front fascia reduces lift and drag and of course, its ability to go to from 0 to 60 miles per hour, in 5 seconds! Wow!

Besides the grand features of these vehicles, they are also available in the most stunning colors;

• Black

• Stone White

• Bright Silver Metallic

• Brilliant Black Crystal

• Jeep Green

• Light Greystone

• Midnight Blue

• Magnesium

• Steel Blue Metallic

• Mineral Grey Metallic

Choose your Jeep Grand Cherokee in one of these fabulous colors and you won’t regret your decision.

There are a lot of benefits of purchasing a Jeep Grand Cherokee, not only will you have all eyes on your car and the best driving experience but you will also be behind the wheel of the U.S Government’s highest rated vehicle for safety. The Jeep Grand Cherokee has the uppermost rating for crash testing of front impact. Other safety features include top of the range air-bags, anti- lock break system and ESP (electronic stability program). With all these safety measures it does not mean that you don’t have to wear your seat belt – you should have it securely fastened at all times while you are driving.

Ok, maybe when you think of jeep tours you think of those pink jeep tours in Arizona. There fine, I am not disparaging that kind of tour. But I wanted to experience something more exotic, more remote and I found it when I traveled to Iceland in late fall. I have been craving some adventure and not being particularly athletic; I wanted the kind of adventure that didn’t require heavy lifting or long hikes at high altitude. So, I looked into the tours being offered from Reykjavik and came across a number of tour operators offering super-jeep tours.

First let me say that you may not think that Icelander’s are into off-roading, there you’d be mistaken. There are tons and tons of off-roading to be had in that country. And, the super-jeeps are just that, super – super cool that is. A lot of these four wheel drive trucks are brands that aren’t offered or common in America, like the Nissan Patrol or Land Rover Defenders. These trucks get a glacier trekking outfitting and come out looking like they could tackle just about anything. And, turns out they almost have to.

I booked a trip with a tour operator and chose one of their glacier tours which, obviously, are available all year. On the way to the glacier (don’t ask me t try and spell the name of the glacier) we had to ford two streams. Actually they were more like rivers. These super jeeps all have snorkels just for this purpose, a truck accessory that I have never really given much thought to. That could be because I didn’t know what they were for, well now I do. Just in case you don’t know, a snorkel is for crossing streams so that the engine can keep drawing in air for combustion instead of water, which is a no-no.

Then we got to the glacier and we had to stop to lower the tire pressure in the massive tires on our tour jeep. For glacier tours, the jeeps, in my case Land Rover Defenders, can only hold 5 people for weight considerations and you must deflate the tires a little bit. Anyways, once this was complete we headed out onto the glacier and after a few minutes were surrounded by white and sometimes the blue-green ice common in glaciers. It was spectacular. Our driver was very experienced and the jeep certainly up to the task with GPS and others gadgetry. This wasn’t just your 5 mph jeep tour, like we were at Disneyland or something. No, our driver took chances and went over steep ridges and over some small jumps. It was thrilling, beautiful and surreal.

Then about half way through the tour we stopped for a light lunch. We had some Icelandic goodies and then some beer and schnapps (not the driver). The driver created a table and benches out of snow and we sat there eating and drinking somewhere on a huge glacier on this tiny island nation just below the Arctic Circle – what an adventure.

I went seeking adventure and I got it. But I also found beauty and some of the most exotic and surreal scenery I have ever witnessed. If you are into adventures, you have to try this someday.