I have always been interested in cars, well, anything that moves using pistons. From the Titanic to a dirt bike. I have payed attention to my dad, my cousins, the vehicles that we have owned and so on, so through my 18 years I have come to love some companies and dislike some.
First lets start with my favourites:
1. Jeep
I’m sure this is no surprise to anyone who knows me. I adore Jeep. No other marque has been so synonymous with off roading. Why? Well probably because approximately 96% of the vehicles they have made have been 4×4s and by doing so they have learned a lot over the last sixty years, peaking with their best vehicles being made in the 1980s and 1990s. Though the beloved and iconic CJ ran from 1944 – 1986. Starting with the CJ-2A, short for Civilian Jeep, it was the first of the Wranglers that everyone thinks of when they think Jeep. Succeeded by the YJ in 1986 and then the TJ in 1997. The new Wrangler is officially the JK and is still a very capable 4×4, yet the addition of the plastic fenders and new slanted grille have made it look more like a toy and less like a fearsome offroading machine.
My favourite Jeep is definitely the one I own; the 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee, or ZJ as I prefer to call it. No, I did not make ZJ up, that’s it’s official Jeep designation. The fact that it works with my last name is just plain luck, and quite cool. There are two reasons that I prefer to call it ZJ. One, it’s shorter than Grand Cherokee. Two, it distinguishes this Jeep as the first generation of Grand Cherokee (1993 – 1998) as opposed to the later two generations that had their bodies rounded off; thus losing their aesthetic edge. My ZJ is extremely capable and will be even more so once I give her a suspension lift and some bigger tires. Currently she is 4050lbs or 2 tonnes. She is powered by a 5.2L Dodge Magnum V8. She’s an agile yet tough bitch. I love her. In contrast, the Jeep Liberty weighs the same as my ZJ yet it’s most powerful engine is a 3.7L V6. The power to weight ratio is not nearly as good as my Jeep, and the Liberty has independent front suspension! That basically means that it has car suspension as opposed to a solid front axle, which is key in 4×4s. Jeep has been pretty disappointing since Chrysler’s partnership with Diamler-Benz (the last 5 or so years). Thankfully Chrysler is going solo again and will hopefully re-introduce hardcore Jeeps.
Basically Jeep has a reputation of making tough and capable 4×4s and while they can be a little bit of a pain in the ass, well, it’s fucking worth it.
2. Chrysler
My dad gave me my first car when I was 4. It’s still mine and it’s still on blocks, not running, but I wish to change that soon! She’s a 1958 Chrysler Windsor and a beautiful beast she is. That’s one reason for me to like Chrysler. Why else? It’s the company that owns Jeep and introduced my ZJ to the world. Chrysler also owns the maker of the sexiest car ever forged, the 1968 – 1971 Dodge Charger. I’d rather own a 1969 Dodge Charger than any other car ever made, I’m absolutely serious too.
3. Toyota
I am un-biased when it comes to amazing engineering, therefore I have no problem saying that Toyota probably makes the best pickup trucks in the world. Or at least used to (1980s and 1990s). They have been nicknamed, “the indestructible car.” Another notable vehicle is the Toyota FJ40, which supposedly has one of the most sought after chassis in a 4×4. The FJ series was actually spawned from Jeep commissioning Toyota to make military vehicles for use in the Korean war, Jeep gave them the designs of their MJ (Military Jeep – the iconic one from World War II) and by doing so the Toyota version received the standard letter-then-J designation, making it the FJ.
4. Chevrolet
Why? Ask any mechanic what type of engine they suggest you put in your 4×4 if you plan on getting power and reliability; they’ll probably tell you to put in a Chevy, and most likely a Chevy 350 or larger. My family used to have a 1970s Chevy Malibu and I loved that fucking car. Dad and I actually took it into many places you’d expect only a 4×4 to go, it was the epitome of tough.
5. Jaguar
Their classic cars are beautiful. Period. A Jaguar E-Type Series III powered by the Jaguar V12, oh my, breathtaking.
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So there’s my 5 favourite automotive manufacturers. I have written enough for now. Part II coming soon.
