What makes a good Expedition Jeep ?

Ask that question to any one of our members and get lots of different answers. So the question remains, what does make the best vehicle ? The one that gets you there and back, the one that you feel comfortable in, the one that can carry your gear and supplies………simple as that.

Having said that, most of our members own TJ Wranglers, after all Wranglers seem to be one of the most popular Jeep vehicles for people who like to explore the outdoors. The Wrangler is a very capable vehicle in stock form, especially the Rubicon model but is not always the perfect choice for some.

I have owned, built and driven Jeeps for over 30 years now. While that does not make me an expert it does give me lots of experience, enough to form a pretty knowledgeable opinion about them. From my 1st CJ5 in the 70s to CJ7s, CJ8s, FSJs, J-10, J-20, Cherokee and Wagoneer to the more modern YJ Wrangler, XJ Cherokees, MJ Comanche, ZJ Grand Cherokees and a WJ Grand Cherokee I have owned and driven most of them and enjoyed everyone of them ! From the sands of the eastern shores, t o the famed trails of Moab, the many trails of Arizona and the US Southwest and the sands of the Great Altar Dunes and Sea of Cortez in Mexico, I have been there and back. Having the time of my life on every minute and mile !

Jeep Expeditions was formed for its members to experience long distance off-road trips over several days, to enjoy camping under the stars, campfires at night, beautiful scenery, geological wonders, places of historical significance and, well you get the idea. Some people call it overland travel, some expedition travel but no matter what you call it, its and educational, fun and fulfilling experience. Most of the trips that J eep Expeditions has planned or completed are able to be negotiated in most stock Jeeps. The emphasis is on the word stock. And while many of our “stock friendly trips” are just that, there is always the opportunity for the more modified Jeeps to play on some nearby obstacles and side trails. There are just some Jeeps that are better suited for paved roads and are better kept off the dirt. Great little commuter cars they are, especially for areas where foul weather is present, but as a group we do not suggest their use as a vehicle which needs to be up to the task of safely traversing (without the potential of significant body damage) the trails "normally" ran in comfort by the more off-road capable Jeep models. I would not suggest higher trail difficulty level than a 1 or basically a graded gravel road. These would include the Compass, stock Liberty and Patriot models, any Grand Cherokee without low range and of course any Jeep that is 2WD. Yes they make 2WD Jeeps, not real Jeeps to a “purist” but they still wear the Jeep name badge.

So given that little bit of background I will try to share my opinion and experience of each of the models that I have owned and driven. For models that I lack the knowledge and experience on, other members of Jeep Expeditions will give you their opinions.

Other Jeeps, don’t know much other that what I hear. The new JK Wranglers, especially the Rubicon’s are great, called by some the BEST Jeep they have ever owned but with a heavy price tag potentially out of reach for the average driver. The non-Rubicon models are good Jeeps but they will cost lots of cash to upgrade and modify Commanders, rumor is they are going to quit making them, not very popular but can be very capable off road with their QuadraDriveII system but they are not cheap to lift and there is little aftermarket support for them. I have seen the KJ Liberty models struggle on the trail and again are expensive to lift. As for the new Grand Cherokee (2005 and newer), rode in one last month, roomy, but expensive to lift due to independent front suspension and this one had no 4 Wheel Low which I feel is a must for any off-road travel. It seems more suited for Soccer Moms.

Will everyone share my opinions? Absolutely not so do some of your own research and see what other people tell you then make your decision.