Okay, I know it sounds funny - bear with me.

I've had many vehicles through the years, ranging from the family minivan (a couple, actually), to a luxury full-sized SUV (Escalade), to mid-sized SUVs (like my wife's GMC Acadia), to compact econo-boxes, to tire-ripping muscle cars, but I realized when I got my Jeep that it was the first time in my life that I've actually felt HAPPY in a vehicle. Not "satisfied" or "pleased with", but actually happy. This is perplexing to me.

Let's be honest here. Jeeps are uncomfortable, loud (road and wind), cramped, have poor gas mileage, have the aerodynamics of a cardboard box, don't corner worth a damn, and are not exactly monsters when it comes to power output. By all indications, this should be the worst vehicle I've ever owned (aside from that damned 89 Corolla - hated that thing!). I should be hauling ass as quickly as this mobile torture chamber can muster back to the dealership to trade it for something a civilized person should drive.

But the Jeep is more than just the sum of its attributes (thank GOD), and it evokes some counter-intuitive emotions. It's almost like that feeling of liberation and freedom you got as a teenager that first time you turned the key on your very own car and watched your house fade into the rear-view mirror. Maybe it's exactly those raw qualities of the Jeep that are so alluring, or its storied history and how it's tied to the history of our nation. Maybe it's the awesome community that has been formed around these vehicles (I'm looking at you guys here) drawn from every walk of life. Or maybe it's the fact that this funny-looking not-a-car-but-not-a-truck can take you places that most other vehicles can't (how many other vehicles have their drivers intentionally looking for more difficult paths to get to a destination? I can't remember ever doing that with my Charger.).

Honestly, I'm not really sure what it is, but I know that every time I get behind the wheel I smile, and that's pretty cool.

 

Well said sir,
I am absolutely addicted to my wifes new Jeep. I want one.

 

U r not the only one

 

I can get into my husbands Chrysler 300 with hemi that hauls, all the time wishing I was in my uncomfortable riding Jeep! It just makes me smile to be in it. It's a way of life.

 

I'm on my 16th Jeep vehicle since 1975. Just got a 2014 Rubicon unlimited, still have a 2008 Wrangler unlimited. I have to say this New Rubicon is the nicest and most comfortable jeep of the wrangler ,Cj style I have ever owned, And Yep, I smile when I get in to drive too!. Now my wife wants to get rid of her 2013 Tahoe and get one for her, she says mine drives better than her Tahoe.
Just bought an R-pod 176 camper to pull with the Jeep, added brake controller and it tows great!

 

I agree completely. Have owned dozens of cars/ trucks/ SUVs etc too. Always thought of myself as a "sports car guy". Now I'll never be without a jeep. My sports car literally never leaves the garage... I would rather drive my jeep. I think what I like about it is that it is perfect for any occasion. When it's nice out, top down. Bad weather, no problem. Need to carry something large or tow, no problem. Cruising at the beach, out with friends, family road trips, camping, commuting, shows and off road. My jeep does it all! All of this AND the great community of jeep owners ( in person and on line) make ownership truly a great experience. Now... Back to the mods!

 

I completely agree, I've owned many cars and trucks that i really liked, but it absolutely right saying "happy" I'm so happy with jeeps that I'll never go back. I may buy other vehicles but ill always have a Jeep in the driveway!

 

Onto my 3rd Wrangler loving every mile I drive it, waving at all the other Wrangler lovers.

Sent from my iThing using JK-Forum

 

Well said 7Kings. This is my first jeep, and you expressed my thoughts and sentiments about my jeep better than I probably could have.

 

I know the feeling. When I first drove my Rubi home, I had this overwhelming feeling of "this feels so right". Now, every time I drive, I think, Jeep, where have you been all my life?