Three Jeep Models Forgotten By The Automotive World

Jeep is one of the most popular rugged vehicle manufacturers in the automotive market, with hundreds of thousands of drivers choosing the iconic brand each year for their adventures on and off the pavement. Yet, despite the brand’s fame, not every Jeep has received the same astounding level of enthusiasm. This isn’t because some models are less tough or hardy than others; Jeep designs and constructs all its all-terrain vehicles with the same high level of craftsmanship and premium quality materials. It’s more to do with what people are looking for, and sometimes a specific model doesn’t set the automotive world on fire.

Sadly, this has resulted in many models not winning a coveted spot besides the Cherokee and Wrangler in the Jeep worthiness scale. Although you may find one or two of the below models at your local used Jeep dealer, it’s unlikely you’ve remembered the specifications and particulars of each model and what makes them worth owning. For this reason, we’ve detailed three Jeeps everyone seems to have forgotten that are worth remembering and even owning. So, if you’re in the market to become a proud owner of a durable used Jeep or want to absorb as much knowledge about this brand as possible, let us introduce you to some forgotten but still exceptional Jeep models.

The Jeep Commander

The market for three-row SUVs might have improved recently, but it wasn’t always a fan favorite. When Jeep began rolling out its Commander models, the market was in rough shape, so, unsurprisingly, the model was discontinued after only a few short years in production. The Jeep Commander was based on the Grand Cherokee but was only two inches longer than this model. It could seat five or seven people with a V6 or V8 engine with gas and diesel fuel options and offered three different four-wheel drive systems; Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II. It debuted at the 2005 New York Auto Show and targeted consumers who wanted the extra space a three-row SUV could offer drivers and passengers.

It is believed that around 200,000 units of this model were sold, with most sold in its first year of production in 2006. Sadly, Chrysler was experiencing one of the most tumultuous periods in its history, contributing to decreased sales. Design-wise, this model closely resembled the Grand Cherokee with its snazzy squared-off sides, wide upright windshield, unibody construction, five-link rear axle, and convenient roof rack that sneakily hid its stepped roof. This compact model was ideal for many if they didn’t want to own a bulkier and more aggressive Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Yet its impressive construction wasn’t the only thing that makes this vehicle worth remembering. It’s hard to think that many people have forgotten about the Commander when considering its ingenious technological features. Some would go so far as to say the Commander’s features were ahead of the automotive curve. Some of the best features included side curtain airbags for excellent safety, a UConnect infotainment system that kept the tunes pumping on off-road adventures, and power-heated mirrors that batted off any fog or snow that dared to attach itself. Other notable features included electronic stability control, a must-have for the wandering soul, automatic headlights, remote keyless entry, and a full-size spare wheel that comes in handy more than you might want to think.

In 2010 the Jeep Commander was discontinued, with many naysayers spreading rumors about the ‘quality issues’ seen with this model. Most cars will have issues at some point during their lifespan, so it was perhaps unfair to discontinue the Commander before it had a chance to shine. Regardless of your thoughts, you might still be lucky enough to find one of these gems at a used Jeep dealer.

The Jeep Patriot

The Jeep Patriot might be one of the most American cars ever, with its name clearly being an ode to American patriotism. This beautiful beast was manufactured in Illinois at the Chrysler Belvidere plant from its first year until its last year of production in 2017. Unlike other models in the Jeep lineup, the Patriot was the least expensive until the Renegade was introduced in 2014.

Thanks to its cost-effective price tag, efficient engine, and compact but rugged nature, the Patriot was tremendously successful in its first few years on the market with anyone who wanted to own one of these bad boys. Even though its success tapered off, it’s still a highly sought-after used model. Considering its construction, fuel-efficient nature, and capabilities, it isn’t difficult to see why.

The Patriot was sold with a 2.0L or 2.4L gasoline engine with electronically controlled front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options available to drivers. Unlike other Jeep models, the Patriot used a special continuously variable transmission with some four-wheel drive trims known as the Freedom Drive II and a basic system called the Freedom Drive I. In addition, since the Jeep Patriot was a crossover SUV, it held reliable fuel efficiency, unlike many of its competitors at the time. For example, a 2016 Jeep Patriot, a fan favorite here at our used car dealership, offers consumers a fuel economy rating of about 30 MPG on the highway. This means it could travel about 400 miles between fill-ups which is quite the feat.

Moreover, even though the Patriot was a crossover, it still had the essence of a Jeep built within it, so, unsurprisingly, it offered incredible versatility and numerous capabilities. For example, this mighty model could conquer snow, mud, rain, hail, sleet, and any other challenges Mother Nature could throw at it. It was so good at outdoor adventuring that others in the same class couldn’t keep up.

Another tidbit not many auto enthusiasts know about this model that everyone seems to have forgotten is that it was added to Chrysler’s extended-range electric vehicle lineup once upon a time. Its tremendous initial success led to an electric hybrid being added to the Patriot’s model lineup. This hybrid could impressively get about 400 miles on a full charge and tank of gas thanks to its powerful battery and engine. With this model discontinued, many eager Jeep enthusiasts keep an eye out for gently used Patriots on used dealership lots, as they have become beloved models on the pre-owned market.

The Jeep Renegade

Out of all the Jeep models that people have forgotten to exist, the Renegade model deserves a place up on the mantle with the Wranglers and Grand Cherokees. This vehicle is a true off-road warrior despite its compact nature. This model was introduced to the public in 2014 at the Geneva Motor Show and went into production that same year and is currently the smallest model sold by Jeep.

Peculiarly even though the Jeep Renegade is still in production, numerous people pass over it or forget it exists when perusing dealership lots and examining the other more famed Jeep models on the lot. This could be because, even though this model is still being produced, only some trim levels made the cut. In 2023 in the US market, the entry-level Sport trim and all front-wheel versions of the Renegade were discontinued by Jeep. This move effectively made all-wheel drive standard across the board, with the Altitude, Limited, Latitude, and Limited remaining available.

Outdoor enthusiasts covet the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk and other trims. It’s a subcompact crossover with serious off-road capabilities, exceptional ground clearance, an astonishing 19 inches of water fording capability, and unique protective underbody skid plates that provide a safe drive regardless of the terrain. With specs like these, it’s unsurprising that the Renegade Trailhawk earned Jeep’s prestigious “Trail Rated” badge.

Additionally, later versions of the Renegade have many nifty features that put other subcompact SUVs to shame, and they can be easily found at used Jeep dealerships. For example, Renegades might be small, but they are mighty with the ability to tow trailers which is a rarity among smaller-sized SUVs. These models are also decked out with numerous tech and safety features making them a gem to find when shopping for a rugged off-road-focused compact SUV.

Discontinued From Production But Not Our Memories

While you might not find a Jeep Commander at your nearest used Jeep dealership in the US, you may come across a Jeep Patriot or Jeep Renegade while walking the lot or navigating an online inventory. Considering Jeep vehicles and their drivers get quite attached to their off-road companions, getting an owner to let go of one of these gone but not forgotten models could be difficult.

That’s why it’s usually best to scour your local dealership with a keen eye, as you never know if one of these powerful beasts might catch your eye. For those on the hunt for one of these models or any other excellent pre-owned Jeep vehicles, we welcome you to contact us or visit us here at DriveHubler Certified Pre-Owned, and we’ll be more than happy to help you find a great used vehicle that is sure to bring exceptional value to your daily travels!

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