[Johnson]

Here's an article on an inside look at the Toledo plant where the 2017 Jeep Wrangler is still currently being made (JK). It's actually pretty cool and probably not how you think it comes together. For example, that lower bumper is assembled separately together with the engine, frame, etc. before it gets mated to the upper portion and rest of the body. Then the back half of the top gets put on.

https://www.cars.com/articles/2017-...e-people-behind-the-jeep-plant-1420695900868/

 

[JeepFan]

Somewhere I heard they will be switching shifts to JL production by August, hopefully that's true because even right now they should be doing that with us already being 1/2 way through 2017.

 

[HighRider]

Cars.com released their annual American-Made Index and the Jeep Wrangler as named the most American-made vehicle by them. Taking into account manufacturing location, domestic parts content and the number of jobs supported by the production of specific models to determine the top car. The Wrangler has a domestic-parts content of 74% and 75% for the Unlimited.

Maybe the JL will be crowned next year.

 

[Gina]

The good thing about centralized production of a vehicle is how accessible replacement parts will be. I honestly don't care that it's made predominantly in the States but that is a perk.

 

[HighRider]

The sign on the outside of the plant doesn't say, "People Building Cars," it says "People Crafting Legends."

Exactly this, the Wrangler is pretty much a legendary badge at this point and known worldwide. When the JL comes out, their production rate will increase and that'll benefit the other companies where they source their parts from, all within 1,500 miles of the plant.

 

[Johnson]

I'm also not one to really care where the parts are made as well, as long as they're all quality. Sourcing replacement parts is one thing but it's not something I'm worried about by far. With a vehicle like the Wrangler, that issue is just non-existent.

 

[JeepFan]

if it wasn't for this being a product most are willing to buy without even knowing much, even if they were to find out its not all that american build, it won't be an issue. not nearly easy to pass off as a new model that started production overseas from the beginning.

only exception is Aussie-built.

 

[Gina]

Being all American does matter to some, but even if a lot of the parts are sourced elsewhere, the Jeep brand will be fine with how much history it has in the States. Not everyday a model can claim to have roots in WW2 before moving into consumer production.

 

[JeepFan]

Being all American does matter to some, but even if a lot of the parts are sourced elsewhere, the Jeep brand will be fine with how much history it has in the States. Not everyday a model can claim to have roots in WW2 before moving into consumer production.

Very true. Its much like every other product that has stood the test of time generation after generation. Chevy Impala, Honda Civic, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevy Tahoe, the list goes on.

Even if Tahoe's were made in China people would still buy them.

 

[Johnson]

I'm still trying to figure out how the Impala made it this far to be completely honest. Everything else makes sense. But just not the Impala lmao.

 

[Jeepernator]

Perhaps it's because the Impala is very affordable and properly promoted? It's continued success confuses me as well when it just seems like another sedan to me without any really outstanding features compared to a Wrangler.

 

[JeepFan]

I'm still trying to figure out how the Impala made it this far to be completely honest. Everything else makes sense. But just not the Impala lmao.

In the past Impala's have been used as fleet vehicles but the most recent generation is the least fleet friendly Impala yet. Ford and Dodge are dominating that area right now.

 

[Principal Skinr]

Perhaps it's because the Impala is very affordable and properly promoted? It's continued success confuses me as well when it just seems like another sedan to me without any really outstanding features compared to a Wrangler.

Have you driven the latest Impala? It is NICE. A friend who owns several car dealerships, including Chrysler, Chevrolet, Jeep and Mercedes, gave his S-class to his wife and drives a loaded Impala. He says he loves everything about it.

 

[Johnson]

It all essentially comes down to different strokes for different folks. Me personally, I wouldn't give up the S-Class for the Impala... unless the wife told me to do so of course..

 

[Jeepernator]

Never driven one, but I wouldn't give up an S-Class for an Impala either even though I'm not sold on the Mercedes S-Class grille. But they must be doing something right I suppose, to be able to last this long and continue to do well enough to get refreshed every now and then.

Could be similar to my rose tinted glasses when it comes to the Wrangler, they can do no wrong.

 

[Johnson]

I've driven around in an older S550, 2010 I believe, and boy was that thing posh and extremely spacious.

Rose tinted glasses though, you can definitely never go wrong with those

 

[JeepFan]

Never driven one, but I wouldn't give up an S-Class for an Impala either even though I'm not sold on the Mercedes S-Class grille. But they must be doing something right I suppose, to be able to last this long and continue to do well enough to get refreshed every now and then.

Could be similar to my rose tinted glasses when it comes to the Wrangler, they can do no wrong.

If that's how you feel then don't be surprised when Jeep does something similar since they have one product coming up that could take a different design direction, the Wagoneer. Would be criminal if it just looks like a bigger Grand Cherokee.

 

[Gina]

The Grand Cherokee is already long enough, extending it more to become a Wagoneer would look odd to me. Aside from the Wrangler, I'm actually not that interested in what else Jeep has to offer because they seem like any other SUV/crossover to me compared to the unique look of a Wrangler.

 

[Johnson]

I feel the opposite to be honest, I find the Grand Cherokee is one of those standout SUVs but they are understated. I wouldn't doubt them making the Grand Wagoneer looking like an GC EXT but with a much stepped up interior and some exterior flashy bits.

 

[gladiator]

The Grand Cherokee is already long enough, extending it more to become a Wagoneer would look odd to me. Aside from the Wrangler, I'm actually not that interested in what else Jeep has to offer because they seem like any other SUV/crossover to me compared to the unique look of a Wrangler.

Well they will be doing something like that for China and likely India, so it betters our odds of seeing something happen in the more well established Jeep markets, but at the same time maybe not.