I like the little Compass but it sould have been marketed as a Dodge or Chrylser not a Jeep.

With the Gov’t forcasting $3.75 a gal this spring with $4 spikes, I think all car makers are going to have to retain some MPG friendly vehicles whatever their types.

I think it is time to bring back a Neon (possibly under a different name). Give us a sedan, a 3-door hatch, 5-door hatch, and a small wagon. Maybe a convertible ala Opel Tigra. They ought to concentrate on durability though.

Just a lazy, cynical design. Inside and out.

Huzzah! for Chrysler.

If done right, it would also make an excellent shared platform for a revived Commanche light truck.

The Patriot is the reincarnated base Cherokee. It is virtually the exact same dimensions. Comes in 2wd and trail rated 4wd variants. I know the interior leaves a lot to be desired, I am curious to see what the interior looks like for the 09 model year after Jim Press’ demand for line item improvements.

But otherwise, the Patriot was Jeep’s attempt to reincarnate the old Cherokee.

It just seems more honest than the Expidition or the Yukahoe. I also find its (lack of) styling rather timeless.

I’m glad they are killing it though. The next gen Grand Cherokee should grow a third row, making the Commander reduntant.

Chryslerberus now needs to kill the Compass. They also need to kill any Non-Jeep SUV. The sooner the better. Keep the Patriot, Wranger, Liberty, and Grand Cherokee. Each occupies its own segment.

Exactly.

Although the Compass might still die, since the Patriot is almost exactly the same thing. And then the Nitro still isn’t the most fuel-efficient thing out there, and not the best car either. I remember Consumer Reports listing out the Pros and Cons for 2007 year vehicles and listing “none” under the Nitro. Plus, the Liberty is exactly the same thing under the skin with the same fuel economy (18 mpg vs. 18 mpg), and it can offroad.

Frankly, just cut the entire Dodge and Chrysler lineup save the Dakota, Ram, Charger, Avenger, PT Cruiser, (maybe) Sebring, and (maybe) 300C. And let us not forget the Challenger that’s coming up.

After the Wrangler and Cherokee everything else begins to dilute the brand.

They might be able to add a Outback like wagon – but their brand is built on Off-Road ability – anything that doesn’t do that should be shoved under Dodge or Chrysler.

I’d love to see Jeep bring back the base Cherokee in some form.

If done right, it would also make an excellent shared platform for a revived Commanche light truck.

“It’s good to see Chrysler killing so many useless vehicles so quickly. If only GM had the balls to do the same!”

It’s about shaving overhead. You will see Chrysler canning entire line-ups, if they find it bankable. The PT Cruiser, Viper, Aspen, etc. They all will have to go.

The question is, what will be left?

Actually, this brings the total to five models marked for execution. Chrysler Pacifica, PT Cruiser convertible, Crossfire, and the Dodge Magnum are the other four.

Brettc, I think Nitro and especially Compass will not be going anywhere for a while because are better positioned for the market. Nitro’s 4.0 V-6 is fairly fuel efficient, and for sure Compass’ 4-banger is. In fact, Compass and Patriot will be the first vehicles to receive the “line item” interior improvements that Jim Press has been pushing. As ugly as Compass is, it is a good overseas seller, and has shown domestic improvement recently, and will probably be around for a while..

Smell ya’ later Commander.

At least you can open that up in the summer and get some enjoyment as your money flies out of the car for the gas.

Now, about the Liberty…