I remember when I first got my Jeep, other Jeep drivers would randomly honk at me and wave. I always wondered what the heck they were doing. Well, apparently owning a Jeep is like being in a huge club. It does not seem to happen anymore much, but it was really strange.

Some people could careless if they are in the club, they like the uniqueness of these American classics. They became a huge part of the military during the Second World War and became a huge favorite of the G.I.s when they came home. 70 years later, Chrysler is still pumping the Jeep brand and they are popular as ever. Here is a look at the 2010 line-up:

The 2010 Jeep Commander
The Commander with the big V8 engine is going to come in at 13/19. The more efficient V6 gets a respectable 15 in the city and 20 on the highway.

2010 Chrysler Jeep Compass
5 speed MT rates 23 city and 28 on the freeway 5 speed AT gets 21 in the city and 25 on the highway

2010 Jeep grand cherokee
The V6 comes in a 16/21 with an automatic. The grand cherokee features two V8 models: one with the Multi-Displacement System gets 13/19 and the regular HEMI gets 11/14.

Chrysler’s 2010 Jeep Liberty
16 miles in the city and 22 on the highway is what the EPA is rating Chrysler’s Jeep Liberty at for 2010.

2010 Jeep Patriot
3 engine modes: 5 speed manual gets 23/28; Automatic comes in at 21/25 and the smaller 2L engine gets 23/27.

The 2010 Chrysler Jeep Wrangler
This Jeep comes in a 6 cylinder only. Whether you get the automatic or standard transmission, the EPA rates this vehicles at 15/19.

The 2010 Chrysler Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
This better equipped Wrangler has a V6 and comes with a 15/20 rating whether you get the automatic or manual transmission.

I want the best fuel efficiency from my Jeep. Any tips?

a) Drive in 2 wheel drive as much as possible. Driving in 4 wheel drive when you don’t have too will kill your mileage rating.

b) Chose the smaller engine option

c) Try not running the air in your Jeep. You have probably heard this, but he air conditioning is about ass big a gas sucker that you have in your Jeep. If you can go without it, it may save you a few bucks.

I like my Jeep, but I am definitely getting tired of the gas mileage I get. I might have to go with a sedan or hybrid for my next vehicle.

Used Jeeps too expensive? Overpriced? Out of Range? Out of sight?

The answers are…yes..yes..yes..and yes!

With the Wrangler leading the pack on ridiculous pricing in the new and used markets it’s no wonder that there is so much “Buyer’s Shock”.

So what’s so special about Jeeps and the Jeep Wrangler especially? Wranglers are relatively uncomfortable, rough riding, cramped for space and bad on gas mileage. With those credentials who would want to waste their time and a boat load of money on these things?

The overused expression “It’s a Jeep thing…you wouldn’t understand!” does sum most of it up in a nutshell.  However, many folks really WANT to understand this phenomenon, because these Jeep guys and gals riding around with smiles on their collective faces can’t help but raise curiosity among the uninitiated.

Sure, a lot of us have envisioned ourselves like John Wayne in the movie “Hatari” racing through the wilds of Africa in a beat up Jeep CJ6, or running the Baja 1000 full bore in a tricked out Wrangler racer. However, most Jeep owners use their rigs as everyday drivers and take them off roading, camping, hunting, fishing or exploring only occasionally.

The real draw to most of us Jeep owners is in the knowing that we have a rare type of vehicle (with a long heroic history) which can pull all sorts of duty from daily driver mild to off road warrior extreme whenever we are so inclined.

THAT is what puts a smile on our faces whenever we strap-in to our favorite rigs headed for the convenience store…or the wide open desert trails.

Is it worth the expensive price to drive this true American icon? Well, that’s a question only you can answer for yourself.

As for me and millions of other enthusiasts throughout the world…we think it’s definitely worth it!

Are you sure you really want a used Jeep?

Let’s see…have you ever driven a Jeep?  If so, was it a Wrangler, a CJ, a cherokee, Jeep truck or one of many other varieties from a long history of unique Jeep vehicles?

I have driven Jeeps for many years, and I can honestly say that most Jeep owners either love their Jeep or hate it.  In my observation there is not much middle ground when it comes to Jeeps.

Buying a “used” Jeep may be the way to go if you are just getting started in the world of Jeeps.  I say this because new Jeeps can be pretty pricey (even more so than some comparable brands).

Also, buying a used Jeep will give you an opportunity to get to know your Jeep and to find out if this affair is going to last or not…and usually for a whole lot less money than buying new.

Even if this relationship does not work out the good news is that most used Jeeps (especially the Wrangler and the other Jeep 4×4’s) tend to hold their respective values well within the used marketplace.

So now you still think you want a used Jeep in your life.  Then what do you do next?

Searching for just the right vehicle of any sort can be a real hassle and sometimes a nightmare.  Searching for a good used Jeep can be even more traumatic and time consuming (but not always).

Remember, Jeeps are unique animals in the off road/on road jungle, and thus need to be understood well before approaching for the first time.

The first and simplest rule in finding a good Jeep is choosing the model that will suit your wants and needs as much as possible.

Many times I have known people who just had to have a Jeep Wrangler or a CJ, only to find out that the “Jeep ride” was too rough on the derriere and other delicate parts.

Fortunately, Jeep has produced other more civilized models such as the grand cherokee, Commander, Liberty and a few others with comfort options similar to sitting in your favorite recliner sipping a cool iced tea.

Okay, that may be over the top a little, but you get the point.  Some of these more “cushy” Jeeps have the 4×4 ability to perform quite well off road as well as on the paved roads…and might seem to suit certain tastes better than the Wrangler or CJ could.

All Jeeps are not created equal so before snagging that used Jeep up the street because it is a convertible, or has big tires, or is just so darned cute…take a deep breath or you might get burned.

Study up on the different models, styles and features that fit your wants and needs, but remember these are “Jeeps” and most are not like your everyday SUV or family sedan.

I personally love Jeeps and often wish I had known more about these great rigs years ago when I sold a really classic Jeep because I didn’t really know exactly what a treasure I had at the time.

So, if a used Jeep is in your future I would highly recommend getting as much information as possible by driving different models (and not just around the block).  Really get the experience of the Jeep.  Learn all about the pros and cons of any particular model you may be interested in.

Some research can go a long way to save you time and money, so that when you do pull the trigger on a used Jeep, it will be an affair to remember…and that’s a good thing!