“2019 Jeep Cherokee Overland” A most capable all-new mid-size SUV The Jeep Cherokee model lineup was once perceived to be simply a midrange alternative, that fell in between the more capable Jeep Wrangler offerings and the more sophisticated and luxurious Jeep Grand Cherokee models not only in price point, but in what it had to…
“2018 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4-door Hardtop” Iconic Off-Roader Steps Up its Game Across the Board The Jeep has been traversing adventuresome trails since 1941. The all-new 2018 Jeep Wrangler continues in that tradition by serving up increased legendary 4×4 prowess along with a more modern and sophisticated design that doesn’t forsake the brand’s original appeal…
Part 1 – Acura NSX to Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk By Bill Schaffer Mount Hood — Driving 24 different cars and SUVs over a two-day period on some of the most challenging and scenic roads in the northwest, is certainly an eye-opening experience. Oh, did I mention that the 24 cars had an average price…
“2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk 4×4” All-New Global Compact SUV San Antonio, TX- Past examples of the Jeep Compass family were less than stellar, but that all changes with the all-new 2017 Jeep Compass family of compact SUVs which comes based on FCA’s “small-wide 4×4 global architecture, (the same as the Jeep Renegade), delivering best-in-class off-road…
“2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4×4” The most off-road-oriented Cherokee There were some folks in the traditionalist Jeep camp that weren’t happy campers at all when it came to the design language of the all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee when it first appeared as some Jeepsters were fans of the Jeep Liberty, which the Cherokee replaced. Next,…
By Barbara & Bill Schaffer When a Jeep Cherokee last visited our garage, it was during its rookie year. It was all-new, with an exciting design and great features — it was a major hit. The public loved the Cherokee and it was so popular that dealers had long waiting lists to get one. The…
By Bill & Barbara Schaffer Shelton, Wash. – In NWAPA Mudfest 2016 — Part 1 we reviewed the Outdoor Activity Vehicles from the Compact Utility, Premium Compact Utility and Family categories. In Part 2 we feature the Premium, Extreme Capability and Pickup categories. This year’s program was held at the Ridge Motorsports Park in…
By Barbara & Bill Schaffer Shelton, Wash. – One of our favorite events each year is the annual Northwest Automotive Press Association’s (NWAPA) Mudfest. We were involved in the creation of the annual SUV evaluation and have participated in a majority of the programs during the event’s 22-year history. Mudfest has evolved through the years…
Only about 25% of American can drive a manual transmission and the number of cars with a manual transmission is slowly declining. Anyone who loves to drive loves a manual transmission. If you don’t know how to drive one you should probably learn. Only a few decades ago manual transmissions were the norm and until…
By Barbara & Bill Schaffer Jeep continues on a roll with record sales continuing into 2015 thanks in part to their largest ever model lineup, which now includes eight variants. The latest model in the Jeep inventory is also the smallest in the lineup, the 2015 Jeep Renegade, and we recently spent a week driving…
