Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, SUVs, Trucks/Pickups
Chicago Auto Show: Jeep to offer 65th Anniversary Edition lineup
Right under our noses Jeep went out and unveiled this lineup of special edition vehicles that commemorates 65 years of Jeeps running on and off the beaten path. The 65th Anniversary Special Edition packages will be offered on the Commander, Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Wrangler.
“Jeep 65” logos are bandied about the interiors of each vehicle and wind up on the seats and floormats, while one decal will be affixed to the exterior. The look of these vehicles is improved by a monochromatic color scheme (Jeep Green is shown) accented with bright chrome trim. There’s too many different additions to each vehicle, so we’ll include the press release after the jump that details the lineup including prices.
[Source: Dodge]
Special Edition Models of the 2006 Jeep® Commander, Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Wrangler Mark 65 Years of Jeep Heritage and Capability
Freedom, Adventure, Mastery and Authenticity are the hallmarks of the Jeep brand
65th Anniversary Edition Jeep vehicles include popular and unique options
A new color — Jeep Green — is offered for the first time
Limited production vehicles can be ordered now
Auburn Hills, Mich., Feb 9, 2006 -
The Jeep® brand is celebrating 65 years of go anywhere/do anything capability with special edition models of the 2006 Jeep Commander, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty and Jeep Wrangler, all equipped with popular and unique features. These limited production vehicles will be on display during press and public days at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show, February 8-19 at McCormick Place.
"Since they were first mass produced in 1941, Jeep vehicles have gone on to become the authentic benchmark for off-road capability," said John Plecha, Director, Jeep Marketing and Product Planning, the Chrysler Group. "Jeep vehicles have mastered more terrain, lead more adventures and provided drivers more freedom than any other vehicle before or since. These 65th Anniversary Editions pay homage to the legend that is Jeep."
The Jeep 65th Anniversary Edition vehicles will be offered in Light Khaki, Dark Khaki, Bright Silver, Black and a new color, Jeep Green.
The MSRP of the Jeep Commander 65th Anniversary Edition is $28,880 for the 4x2 version and $30,880 for the 4x4 version.
The 3.7-liter V-6 engine is standard; the 4.7-liter V-8 is optional.
Features include:
Power sunroof including CommandViewTM Skylights
Monochromatic exterior appearance with body color door handles and rear license plate brow
Bright chrome bodyside moldings and tow hooks
Fog lamps
Cargo net
Unique 17-inch Wrench aluminum wheels with gray accents
Unique cloth seats with embroidered Jeep 65 logo
Unique floormats with Jeep 65 logo
Unique center console accents
AM/FM 6-CD/MP3 radio
Unique Jeep 65th Anniversary badge
The Grand Cherokee 65th Anniversary Edition is based on the Laredo E package. MSRP for the 4x2 vehicle is $28,755 and $30,725 for the 4x4 edition.
Features (including the two engine options) are the same as those for the Commander 65th Anniversary Edition, except for the following:
Power sunroof (CommandView Skylights are exclusive to Commander)
Unique 17-inch Ronin aluminum wheels with gray accents
Unique interior bezels
The Jeep Liberty 65th Anniversary Edition is based on the Sport C package. MSRP for the 4x2 special edition is $24,095 and $25,605 for the 4x4 edition.
Features include:
Power sunroof
Monochromatic exterior appearance with body color fascias and fender flares
Bright chrome bodyside moldings
Unique 16-inch Mechanica aluminum wheels painted sparkle silver
Unique cloth sets with embroidered "Jeep 65" logo
Unique floormats with Jeep 65 logo
Unique console trim
Spare tire cover
Unique Jeep 65th anniversary logo
The Jeep Wrangler 65th Anniversary Special Edition is based on the X package. MSRP is $23,535.
Features include:
SunRider soft top
15-inch Alcoa aluminum wheels
30" x 9.5" Goodyear Wrangler OWL tires
Heavy duty Dana 44 rear axle
High pressure gas charged shocks
Sirius satellite radio with 1-year free service
7-speaker system including subwoofer
Body colored fender flares
Full metal doors
Fog lamps
Unique center stack bezel
Unique two-tone seat with embroidered Jeep 65 logo
Unique floormats with "Jeep 65" logo
Unique 65th anniversary decal
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Toneroo 7:20PM (2/09/2006)
"Jeep vehicles have mastered more terrain, lead more adventures and provided drivers more freedom than any other vehicle before or since."
I think there may be some people at Land Rover tha may take exception to that comment.
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Jason 9:39PM (2/09/2006)
Maybe the Toyota Land Cruiser folks also.
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RamSport47 10:16PM (2/09/2006)
and each of those has been around how long? not 65 years...
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x23 10:19PM (2/09/2006)
i think the Jeep Wrangler would be pretty sweet... if the paint was matte. but then i have a thing for matte paint and wish *new* cars came with it. (sometimes.)
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Erick 10:24PM (2/09/2006)
Can we get some pictures of the wrangler's "Unique center stack bezel"... sounds cool. Could be like the old CJs.
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RUBICONTRAIL.NET 6:21AM (2/10/2006)
Erick, there are more photos on RockCrawler.com
While the Land Rover, and to some extent the Land Cruiser, is off-road capable, neither have been around 65 years, neither has the sales numbers of Jeep, neither have off-roading events as extensive as the Jeep Jamborees, neither served as vehicles that have served duty in as many world conflicts as Jeep... not to mention that the first Land Rover was built by tacking together spare JEEP (Willys MB) parts.
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William 11:25AM (2/10/2006)
Rubicontrail.net-
On a very primitive level is Jeep comparable to Land Rover; its like comparing filet mignon with a cheeseburger. True they were built and priced on a very simular market in the 60's and 70's, but since then the market has changed. Including the Defender, Jeep has an almost idential lineup with Land Rover (albiet the prices), but that is where the simularities end.
1.)I am certainly not insulting the off road prowess of a Jeep. Thiey are very capable vehicles on road and off road, when applied; but to say that Land Rover hasn't served duty in world conflicts is outrageouse!
Land Rovers are seen everywhere around the world to this day; many used as police, military, fire and other relief and "conflict" related vehicles. They are even used in high velocity around airports!
I seen few (if any ) Jeeps to the extent that Land Rovers are being used around the country today.
2.) Your debate is absolutely correct. Land Rover doesnt have the sales figures that Jeep does; but price the Grand Cherokee at 80,000 dollars and your other Jeep ilk relative to Land Rover prices , and see if the numbers change.
3.) Have you ever been to one of the many extensive Land Rover off road events? I certainly belive that your jamborees are great and have an overwhelming amount of support, but so do Land Rover events such as the Maine Winter Romp, which I attended two years in a row. Your narrow minded comments prove alot of insight in the Jeep fanbase if all jeep owners think this way (I hope they dont!).
4.) Yes, Maurice Wilks obtained the design for the original Series I Land Rover from and old Willys Jeep.That happend in the early 1940's; Automotive companies use ideas off other vehicles ALL THE TIME! If anything, Jeep fans should be flattered that Land Rover (one of the best off roading companies in history)had used thier original jeep as a muse and became a succesful competition. I have owned Jeeps (95 Grand Cherokee and 99 Jeep Wrangler) and now currently own a 97 defender, my brother owns and 04 Range Rover, both are taken off road; I am just so impressed with Land Rover. Again this is just through my personal expierience. I am still don't see how the fact that Land Rover was inspired by the first Jeep warrants an automatic detractor to its credibility. Im not sure, but wasnt a DVD lossely based on a laserdisc?
Your have made some pretty heavy, biased comments without any proof or instance- I would like to hope that an affiliate of a web-wide organization such as yours would have a more intelligent and researched remark.I guess not.
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Dan 12:01PM (2/10/2006)
I was about to launch into a tangent on the huge differences between DVD and Laserdisc, but thought that might be taking a joke too far. Anyway, I agree with William, there's room enough for both Jeep and Land Rover without disparaging one or the other. I once read a statistic that read the first automobile 1/3 of the population of the world has has seen was a Land Rover. So it's safe to say, they're pretty well traveled.
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Nick 1:42PM (2/10/2006)
Land Rover is much more widely travelled than Jeep. Not even close, in Africa and the Middle East it is and was the working truck, along with the old Land Cruiser.
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Ken 2:57PM (2/10/2006)
Jeep vs. Land Rover
blah blah blah, whatever...
Both sides are full of egotistical people as witnessed here today. I respect both brands and their products. I just typically can't afford a Land Rover.
Anyway, where exactly are these additional pics at rockcrawler.com?
I used google to search their site and cam,e up with nothing. I want to see this unique center stack in the Wrangler.
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Terry M 10:54AM (2/11/2006)
The Jeep brand will always be number one. If it not Trail Rated then its not a Jeep 4x4.
Jeep There's Only One
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Bradford 8:03PM (2/11/2006)
Terry M-
Im sure if you trail tested alot of SUV's on the market, they would be just as "trail rated" as the infallible Jeep brand. In fact, the new Toyota FJ cruiser passed the rubicon trail with flying colors. Jeep chooses to slap on a cheesy "trail rated" sticker on all thier vehicles ( actually, not anymore; the addition of the "savy" Jeep Tracker a.k.a Compass makes that argument null and void)so half-wits like you can make ignorant asinine comments.
"If it not Trail Rated then its not a Jeep 4x4." Ya think? Since jeeps' the only one that "breaks it down" with those little trail rated stickers, wouldnt it be obviouse that any vehicle without them wouldn't be a jeep? Hmmm...thats a brain buster.
Your words of wisdom are clairvoyant. " Jeep there's only one." Gee, you know what? I think that's Jeep's slogan, captain obviouse.
Honestly, if you have nothing intelligible or knowlegeable to write , dont litter our internet with inane blather.
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Prairie Jeepin 12:33AM (2/13/2006)
For those Land Rover fans that may think they have something on us Jeepers -- read your history and please keep in mind that your vehicle of choice was born of Willys Jeep. The first of your Ilk was built on a complete rolling Willys chasis in 1948. If it wasn't for Jeep, you would be driving something else.
This is not a time for arguements, Jeep is celebrating a birthday, can't we just all get along? This isn't about who is better or who has been where in the world or served in what capacity, it is about a 65 year tradition and unbroken production run.
Happy 4-wheeling!
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Johnathan 11:20AM (2/13/2006)
Ugghh-
"I hate Merlot, but I'll have it for dinner"
The comment above makes as much sense as Prarie Jeeps previouse assesment:
"For those Land Rover fans that may think they have something on us ......This is not a time for arguements." Where you having one of those split personality moments or are you always a oxymoronic dolt? When ever a Land Rover patron argues a legitimate case with a "Jeeper"; the unerring response always goes as follows: but jeep was first. This is akin as the inept older brother belittling the competent younger brother with the same debate.
Does a standard retort to this argument come inside all your Jeep owners manuals? I find it hard to think otherwise.
And please correct me, Prarie Jeep, but if it wasnt for jeep, wouldnt you yourself be driving something else. The "what if" comments are always laughable because they never hold up well in an argument and they make the speaker sound obtuse.
I agree with Bradford; make comments that have some sort of intelligble reference before repeating your tired textbook answers. Otherwords, think before you type.
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Terry M 11:37AM (2/13/2006)
Hey Bradford, Take a hike with your Toyota. There JUNK and always a follower to a Jeep. You need to come out and hit the trails with me???
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Prairie Jeepin 12:55PM (2/13/2006)
Excuse me sir!!!
You have reduced my post to two minor components that suit your personal adgenda. The majority of what I said was the meat of the issue, not the attention getting opening lines.
At least I can speak facts and not revert to personal character attacks to cover for my lack of valuable input. You may be able to sound tough and refined to your own ears, but to those who can see through feather rustling you have lowered yourself to the basest of levels in an attempt to impart you are superior. Name calling and character defamation.... very well done, I applaud your articulation abilities. Enjoy your sad little world sir.
If you re-read your own comments you will find that what you acuse me, you are also guilty of. Your own "what if" remark: "but if it wasnt for jeep, wouldnt you yourself be driving something else. The "what if" comments are always laughable because they never hold up well in an argument and they make the speaker sound obtuse." flies legions above anything I had said. You might want to consider your statement in more detail as the finger you are pointing looks very much like it is pointing backwards.
The first comment on this page that I can see was posted by an obvious Land Rover fan -- it was your kind who started the issue here, not us Jeepers. No one is arguing your vehicles abilities or anything else -- We are celebrating ours. If you guys can't handle the heat - then get away from the fire. Why are you even reading here if you don't like Jeeps? Sounds a bit contradictory to me. Or, are you all 'closet Jeepers'?
Let us have our well deserved party while you go play with your Rovers somewhere. I doubt any Jeepers would come by to bash your celebrations. We have better things to do, and no jealousy issues. We never complained when you flaunted 'The Best 4x4xFar" why would we start now?
I have many Rover friends and have spent many hours wheeling with Rovers. I have no issues with them or those who love them. I have always liked Rovers they are a very worthy vehicle that I do admire. But folks with rude immature disarticulate and defamatory comments as I have been reading here are not the type of enthusiast I would associate with regardless of vehicle of choice. Funny how all those remarks are from a group with a distaste for our celebrations. Isn't it?
Oh, and Jeep was first!
It is a fact that unfortunately some folks don't like to accept, but like to argue about. And you want me to think before I post? lol
Enjoy your day ;)
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Bradford 8:53PM (2/13/2006)
Im sorry I even responded to Terry M's post.Here's why:
1.)It fueled the fire for this stupid debate; which obviously is going alot of nowhere really fast ,and actually, getting quite nasty.
2.) As most of everyone has said already- Jeep and Land Rover are two fine companies, each in thier own rite.But I absolutely cannot stand dumb comments that have ignorant written ALL over them.
3.)I really regret bieng involved in this childish bit.
I'm writing this as an apology for myself, not Terry M, who's intelligent writing and wit still never cease to amaze me.
Mr. Terry M., I actually own a 2004 Land Rover Defender High Capacity Pickup that I use for my job everyday. I mentioned Toyota just to prove a fact, another little hint of insight that I guess your massive intellect never picked up on. Not sure where your located, but if you ever find yourself in the U.K, I'd love to hit the trails.
Regards
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4x44me 9:47PM (2/13/2006)
I hope that I can end this debate..I hope only because 4x4's and the community that appriciates them for thier capacity, not silly and intricated details. Otherwise, Ive gotten a few chuckles from this little battle.
For those jeep fellas: You got to credit thier run of 65 years; thats hard for any vehicle company to keep. Thier vehicles are pretty neat and original (except for the Grand Cherokee which is bland and that new Compass thing; I cant belive they even made that) and thier off road capability is great.I love thier concept vehicles; its a shame they never make them.
And you Land Rover guys: Its always fantastic for a company to be associated as a vehicle used by the entire world as a working vehicle since the time they were produced. They've proven thier on and off road prestige with actions in the real world instead of alot of advertising, which is really rare. Thier vehicles have maintained that quirky british look no matter the evolution and really maintained thier appeal.
Both companies are great and loyal to thier heritage, but appeal to different people when price is an issue. I think everyone has to focus on what both companies are doing now instead of lamenting on the past, an argument that has proven to get nowhere, like Bradford had said.
Anyways, that bieng said, I hope people can just appriciate 4x4's- Hummers, Toyotas, Jeeps and Land Rovers, etc....- and stop bickering on the small stuff. If not, at least I'll still get a few laughs out of these unending posts.
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Jeep Cherokee SRT8 10:18PM (2/14/2006)
Its nice to see Jeep expanding the lineup with new and exciting vehicles. The most impressive of which, is the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 with performance that beats the Porsche Cayenne Turbo -- very impressive!
http://www.cherokeesrt8.com
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babagonush 10:34AM (2/15/2006)
Jeep Cherokee SRT8 is absolutely right...well at least on the performance bit.In styling, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is about as exciting as a geriatrics ward. Seriously, I see it about every 3 cars on my way to work and the styling is sooo boring. Other than the compass, this is about as unjeep as it gets.
Much rather have a Range Rover Sport Supercharged, now that would be something!
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