The JK is a Joke! ...Go CJ's

by T. Herman
(Sal, Maryland)

I am a Jeep lover. I own a 1972 CJ-5 and a 1946 CJ-2a. My brother owns a '72 Commando, and my best friend owns 2 YJ's, 1 TJ and a M38a1.

The Jeep is a great, light, off road MPV. However, the thing that makes me mad is the "New" Jeep JK which is way too big, too computerized, too comfortable and too plastic. Now I am 22 years old. I have no problem with computers, but they don't belong on the trail.

Second, the new Jeep is huge. The CJ-2a is 122 3/4" overall and the JK is 163.8". Why? The CJ-2a is also 59" wide while the JK is 73.7".

For some, the things they do off road is not too tough, and maybe that's why they prefer the plastic JK. When I think tough I don't think "plastic". The more comfortable ride in some Jeeps is great for the road, but the Jeep is a vehicle that goes with being rugged and tough. If you wanted comfort, and some off road ability get a Nissan or something. The Jeeps purpose was to get 4 passengers and some cargo where most trucks could not go.

For me, and my Jeep brothers, we firmly believe the Jeep Wrangler TJ is the last "real Jeep". It's sad to think that they don't make a real Wrangler anymore.

Don't get me started on the 4-door Unlimited.


Larry's Comment: I must agree with a lot of what you said...because I also am a purist at heart.

I have no problem with a plush, bloated over-tech'd Wrangler as long as the manufacturers and designers don't forget to scale back some for the rest of us who enjoy the pure joy of actually driving our Jeeps instead of the Jeep doing everything for us...at the push of button or flip of a switch.

I know the market can sustain both, because the purists have kept the CJ's and the Wranglers (Universal's) going through thick and thin over many years.

What say the rest of you out there?