# Explain Jeep Models to me **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 26, 2016, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-jeep-models-to-me/775653 "2016-12-26T15:53:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mdcastle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/958977/32.png) [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2016, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-jeep-models-to-me/775653/1 "2016-12-26T15:53:00Z")
So I like my 2002 Grand Cherokee- a lot, but it needs transmission work (keeps throwing scary sounding “Torque Converter Clutch out of Range” check engine code)and a new oil pan and is starting to rust. I’m less found of the newer Grand Cherokees, which seem to be getting more like bloated overpriced minivans with each generations, but a Wrangler is still too hardcore for me (I like my sunroof and heated seats). Are any of Jeep’s “Crossovers” any good? Do they have decent 4WD systems? (I have Quadra-Drive on my current vehicle). What’s the different between a “Cherokee”, “Renegade”, “Compass”, and “Patriot” as far as size, suspension (I like them hard) and off-road capability? ---
**Author:** ![bob\_2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bob_2/32/3341_2.png) [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2016, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-jeep-models-to-me/775653/2 "2016-12-26T16:13:22Z")
[This](http://www.torquenews.com/106/jeep-renegade-far-better-patriot-compass) looks like a good review and there are some informative comments too. > [@](#): > > ~ the Jeep engineers worked to make this fun little SUV better than the Patriot in Compass in every way, so while it still won’t hang with the likes of the Wrangler in harsh conditions – it will handle off-roading better than any vehicle in that segment, while being far more comfortable off-road than are the Patriot and Compass. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2016, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-jeep-models-to-me/775653/3 "2016-12-26T16:35:26Z")
> [@Mdcastle](#): > > Are any of Jeep’s “Crossovers” any good? Do they have decent 4WD systems? (I have Quadra-Drive on my current vehicle). What’s the different between a “Cherokee”, “Renegade”, “Compass”, and “Patriot” as far as size, suspension (I like them hard) and off-road capability? The difference is in drivetrain layout and size class. There are two “types” of Jeep, FWD-oriented crossovers based on a car-derived platform, and RWD-oriented SUVs on their own architecture. Crossovers: - Renegade: “B” segment (subcompact) derived from the Fiat Panda platform. FWD with available part/full time AWD. - Compass/Patriot: “C” segment (compact) derived from the Chrysler JS car platform. FWD with available 4WD. These are old vehicles and not really worth buying; they were substandard when Nickel-and-Daimler released them and neither Cerberus nor FCA have seen fit to update them apart from a mild interior re-fresh in 2009. - Cherokee: “C/D” segment (mid-full-size) derived from the Fiat “CUSW” platform also underpinning the Alfa Giulietta and the deceased Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200. FWD with available 4WD/AWD. Has a 9-speed automatic transmission from ZF which has had complaints about shift quality. SUVs: Grand Cherokee: Full-size SUV on a unibody architecture shared with the Dodge Durango. RWD, available full-time or part time 4WD. Wranger: you know what this is. only body-on-frame Jeep left. 4WD only. ---
**Author:** ![Isilder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/cc9497/32.png) [@Isilder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isilder)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2016, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-jeep-models-to-me/775653/4 "2016-12-27T00:26:00Z")
> [@Mdcastle](#): > > Are any of Jeep’s “Crossovers” any good? Do they have decent 4WD systems? (I have Quadra-Drive on my current vehicle). What surfaces are you using 4wd on ?? Are you towing anything ? ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/46a35a/32.png) [@Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_T-Bonham.net)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2016, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-jeep-models-to-me/775653/5 "2016-12-27T03:33:50Z")
> [@Mdcastle](#): > > Are any of Jeep’s “Crossovers” any good? The whole Jeep line has had one of the very worst Repair Records in the huge _Consumer Reports_ car owner survey, for several years running now. Enough that I would never consider anything from Jeep as ‘any good’. ---
**Author:** ![pool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pool/32/4152_2.png) [@pool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pool)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2016, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-jeep-models-to-me/775653/6 "2016-12-27T03:43:23Z")
**J** ust **E** mpty **E** very **P** ocket ---
**Author:** ![Dag\_Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@Dag\_Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dag_Otto)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2016, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-jeep-models-to-me/775653/7 "2016-12-27T05:09:55Z")
I know you didn’t ask about it and I don’t mean to hijack the thread, but other than the Wrangler, only the Toyota 4runner would be worth considering if real off road ability is needed. The Toy probably has the luxury goodies you want too. ---
**Author:** ![Mdcastle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/958977/32.png) [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2016, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-jeep-models-to-me/775653/8 "2016-12-28T23:01:37Z")
I’ve fantasized about buying a Jet Ski and doing some serious off-roading. In reality none of my two Jeeps have been more than a block off the road, although we get a lot of snow and rain here. Of note I’m grossly uncomfortable in my sisters Corolla, I like higher vehicles with more upright seats and higher ceilings. Am I right in that the fault code means the transmission needs rebuilding. Other than a minor slip between 2nd and 3rd it actually runs fine.