That’s the maxim underlying Driver’s Seat Stories, the Jeep_® brand social promotion where the best submission every month is rewarded with a two-part prize—first, a $100 gift card good toward the purchase of Jeep-branded merchandise, and second, the opportunity to be named Jeep Brand Owner of the Month.

First to receive the exclusive title is Brian C. of Westford, MA, followed by Chris T. of Plainfield, IN. The two Jeep brand enthusiasts were named January and February Jeep Brand Owners of the Month, respectively.

Be sure to read the winning submissions below, then enter for your chance to win by visiting the Driver’s Seat Story tab on the official Jeep Facebook page.

January Owner of the Month: Brian C., Westford, MA

Ready for Christmas and a New England winter with our Jeep vehicle line-up!

2011 Wrangler

2012 OverLand

2013 OverLand Santa’s Sled

-          Brian C., Westford, MA

 

 February Owner of the Month: Chris T., Plainfield, IN

My first time rock crawling at Marblehead on Drummond Island, MI. Totally worth the 9-hour drive from Chicago!

 -          Chris T., Plainfield, IN

If you’re as proud of your Jeep vehicle as Brian and Chris are of theirs, then share your pride—submit an entry to the Driver’s Seat Story tab on the Jeep Facebook page. Who knows? You might just be our next Owner of the Month!

The Jeep_® Wrangler JK is one million strong today. The award-winning, dynamic and capable Wrangler JK is reaching a historic milestone that puts everything in perspective.

Think of how many rocks, boulders, cliffs, hills and rivers the JK has navigated. Or how much mud, sand, snow, gravel and dirt the JK’s tires have carefully treaded on.

And think of who accomplished all of that: you, our loyal Jeep brand fans and customers. As the one millionth Wrangler JK rolls off the line today, we look to you – you made all this possible. Because you’re willing to Go Anywhere, Do Anything®, the beloved Wrangler JK has touched the four corners of the earth.

The Jeep Wrangler JK is a legend in the making, and you can take part in this historic day. Tune in at 11 AM EDT to watch a livestream of the 1,000,000^th Jeep Wrangler JK to roll off the line at the Toledo South Assembly Plant.

If you’re a resident of Colorado, we’re helping to send you to some of the best concerts around in a venue unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before.

We’re proud to announce that the Jeep_® brand is partnering with Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre to offer Colorado residents* the chance to win free tickets to some of their favorite concerts all summer long.

The Red Rocks Amphitheatre, located in Morrison, Colorado, is an outdoor theater that holds nearly 9,500 people. This amphitheater is the only naturally occurring, acoustically perfect stage in the world, making it an extremely popular venue since its grand opening in 1941, the same year that the first Jeep brand vehicles hit the ground.

Surrounding the amphitheater in the rest of Red Rocks Park are hiking trails, bike trails, and a scenic drive trail that we’re certain all Jeep brand fans would love.

From now until September 24, Colorado residents can enter to win summer concert tickets on the Red Rocks Amphitheatre Facebook page. Winners will be randomly selected four days before each concert.

 
Not a resident of Colorado? That’s alright. Check out the park anyway – we’re sure your Jeep vehicle would love a road trip out there almost as much as you would.

*VOID OUTSIDE COLORADO AND WHEREVER PROHIBITED. DO NOT ENTER THIS SWEEPSTAKES IF YOU ARE NOT 18 OR OLDER AND A LEGAL RESIDENT OF COLORADO. THIS SWEEPSTAKES WILL BE CONSTRUED AND EVALUATED ACCORDING TO U.S. LAW.

Read the Official Rules here.

Where is your dream off-road destination and why?

Welcome to the second Jeep_® Brand Fireside Chat. With so many Jeep brand fans out there with memorable stories and experiences related to their Jeep brand vehicle, we wanted to gather everybody around to talk.

The premise is simple: Once a month, we’ll ask a Jeep brand-related question for you to answer in the comments section below. We’ll choose our favorite entries to feature in a follow-up blog post. The responses can be as short or as long as you’d like. You can check out Jeep Brand Fireside Chat #1 and read through the great stories in the comments. You can also check out a few of our favorite responses.

Without further ado, we want to know:

Where is your dream off-road destination and why?

Each Friday on the Jeep_® Blog, we explore the Jeep brand’s iconic heritage by highlighting a different historical vehicle. This week’s vehicle is the Jeep Grand Cherokee (ZJ).

Few vehicles burst onto the scene – quite literally – like the Jeep Grand Cherokee did. By crashing through the convention glass at the 1992 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Grand Cherokee debut guaranteed people would be talking about it. But by creating the ideal mid-sized luxury SUV, the Jeep brand set a standard that it still claims today.

Replacing the Wagoneer, the Grand Cherokee featured a 105.9-inch wheelbase, taking Cherokee’s refinement to a new level. The Grand Cherokee was the first SUV with a driver’s side airbag, setting the standard for on-road ride, handling and comfort in an SUV.

The Grand Cherokee featured a new Quadra-Coil™ suspension with coil/multilink configuration and optional 5.2L V8 engine as well as a Dana 44 rear axle, available on some models.

The three original trim options for the Grand Cherokee were Base, Laredo and Limited. Upon the ZJ’s refresh in 1996, additional trim options became available. The Orvis specialty model, offered for the first time in 1995, featured a Limited with a hunter green exterior color, accented by gold striping. The two-tone green and champagne seats were complemented by red accents and Orvis badging.

Another ZJ – the 1993 Jeep Grand Wagoneer – was also available. It has a unique place in modern Jeep brand history, so we’re going to give that vehicle its own feature next week.

We’re finally rip-roaring into the Jeep brand heritage of the 1990s in our weekly series. Be sure to check back next week!

Jeep_® brand fans are the best because they expect the best. You have learned to expect high standards, reliability and durability from Jeep vehicles. It’s obvious those lessons have been with you throughout your lives.

In large part, that starts with Mom. After all, who’s tougher and more capable than Mom? With Mother’s Day right around the corner, we want to thank the incredible women who have passed down some of their wisdom to us all. While some lessons went in one ear and out the other, these pearls of maternal insight have had a large impact on all of our lives.

The 2014 Jeep Patriot exemplifies many of the life lessons that mom always wanted us to embrace while growing up. How? We’ve come up with six reasons, but we want you to tell us any that you think should be included in the comments.

6. Hard Work Always Pays Off

As a Jeep fan, you already know all about hard work. Getting a job done right is in your blood. Lucky for you, your Jeep vehicle is willing to work just as hard as you are. The 2014 Jeep Patriot can tow up to 2,000 lbs and has a max payload of 1,300 lbs in four wheel drive, which makes it the perfect tool to help you get the job done (and done right) every single time. And you learned from Mom that if you don’t do the work correctly the first time, you’ll just have to go back and do it again until you get it right.

5. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

When you’re out on the road, you don’t have time to worry about every potential weather change that might come your way; you need your vehicle to be ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at you. With a 4WD system like Freedom Drive I, your Jeep Patriot is ready to help you keep control during those sudden rain or snow showers. By sensing loss of traction and kicking in extra power when needed, your Patriot helps put your mind at ease in bad weather conditions. You were taught to only worry about the things you had control over. So go ahead, focus on the important things; your Patriot will help you take care of the road conditions when necessary.

4. A Little Dirt Never Hurt Anyone

When it came to play time as a kid, you always knew that a little bit (or a lot) of dirt was a good thing, as long as it stayed outside. Jeep brand fans still know this better than anyone. For the best off-road experience, you can equip your 2014 Jeep Patriot with Freedom Drive II, which includes a second-generation continuously variable transaxle that kicks on during off-road mode and 17-inch all-terrain tires with aluminum wheels. Whether you prefer mud or sand, your Patriot is ready to take on the terrain with you. Just make sure you wipe your shoes before you come back and walk through the living room.

3. Safety First

Can you still picture your mom shouting, “Have fun! Be safe!” as you left the house? We were always taught safety is one of the most important things. The 2014 Jeep Patriot recognizes this. The vehicle features the new standard supplemental side-mounted airbags and electronic stability control with electronic control migration feature. Overall the 2014 Patriot has more than 30 safety features that help you play hard and stay safe, just like Mom always wanted.

2. Never Stop Improving

Just like you were taught to always keep pushing yourself to do better, so were we. Along with the new front-seat airbags, the 2014 Jeep Patriot also has an all-new six-speed automatic transmission. The PowerTech 6F24 is standard on the Latitude and Limited models and optional on the Sport. This transmission aims to reduce excess noise and vibration in the vehicle, creating a smoother and more enjoyable ride for you and your passengers. With each new edition, your favorite Jeep vehicle is one step closer to becoming a safer and more efficient vehicle for you to spend your days with, a value your mom would be proud of you for believing in.

1. Never Settle for Less Than the Best

Jeep brand fans expect the best because they were taught they deserve the best. Our vehicles are constantly improving to become the best – to tow more, be safer and become exactly what you need. Jeep brand fans know they can count on their favorite Jeep vehicle to help them have a fun and safe time on- and off-road. The 2014 Jeep Patriot prides itself on being the best priced 4×4 in America. With the ability to go more than 400 miles on a single tank of gas, the 2014 Patriot is a great choice for your family and your wallet.

Your mom has done a lot to make you into the Jeep brand fan you are today. Make sure you take some time to say “thank you” to her this weekend – maybe with a new Jeep brand vehicle?

There are many things that set Jeep_® brand fans apart from everyone else: a love of off-roading, living in the “Go Anywhere, Do Anything” spirit and having respect for our heritage. We feel – and it’s something that’s been confirmed, time after time – that the community and camaraderie are at the core of being a true Jeep brand fan.

We meet passionate Jeep brand enthusiasts from all across the continent at outdoor and off-road events like Jeep Jamborees and the Moab Easter Jeep Safari. We meet Jeep brand enthusiasts at every big auto show across the country, from Detroit to LA. No matter the environment, their passion and love of the brand and all that it represents always shine through. We love to bring these folks along with us whenever we can.

One such Jeep brand fan is Jeff Abel, co-founder of the Rocky Mountain Media Group. He tagged along with our team on two separate occasions, in two very different settings. Last fall, Jeff was one of our brand ambassadors at the 2^nd Laurel Highlands Jeep Jamboree in Pennsylvania. We had such a good time with him that in April, we flew him to the New York International Auto Show to witness one of the most important vehicle launches in the Jeep brand’s storied history, the 2014 Jeep Cherokee. He’s had a unique view into the Jeep brand, both as an enthusiast and as an insider, privy to the inner workings of the brand in two completely different environments.

We thought we’d catch up with Jeff for a look back on the past several months of Jeep brand activity, from the mud pits of the Pennsylvania hills to the bright lights of the New York International Auto Show.

Jeep Blog: You’ve taken part in two big Jeep brand events in the past eight months – the Laurel Highlands Jeep Jamboree and the New York International Auto Show for the Cherokee reveal. You were a Jeep brand enthusiast before, but how have these experiences changed or shaped your thoughts about the brand?

Jeff Abel: I have to say that the experiences have given me a deeper appreciation for the Jeep brand. I enjoyed getting to meet some of the Jeep representatives and seeing their passion for the vehicles they create. I also enjoyed meeting other Jeep enthusiasts who share the excitement. Both experiences were obviously very different. We went from splashing through mud holes in the Laurel Highlands to the big reveal in downtown Manhattan. I tend to think of Jeep as an off-road vehicle brand being in Colorado, but the new Cherokee looked pretty comfortable in NYC.

JB: As you look back at your Jeep Jamboree experience, what stands out to you?

JA: There are several things that stand out from the Jeep Jamboree experience. The community of Jeep brand vehicle owners who come together for the event and the commitment of the volunteers who give their time to make the Jamboree a success are two of them. I was also impressed by the commitment from Jeep to be part of the event and the relationship between the brand, the Jamboree team and the vehicle owners via social media. It’s a big family, and one I love being a part of.

JB: What were your thoughts on the big Cherokee reveal at NYIAS? Have they changed since?

JA: Being invited to attend the reveal of the new Cherokee at the NYIAS was fantastic. The presentation by Mike Manley, CEO and President of Jeep Brand, was incredibly well done, and the Cherokee was a hit with the crowd. I think the new Cherokee fits nicely in the line of Jeep brand vehicles. Every model is designed to meet the needs of a different demographic of customers, and I think the new Cherokee does just that.

 

JB: What are your favorite features of the Cherokee?

JA: I think one of the most popular features for the new Cherokee is going to be the increased gas mileage. That, and the interior design is fantastic. For the mid-SUV market, I think the new Cherokee just raised the bar.

JB: How did you like being in New York for the big auto show? How did you like the show itself?

JA: The NYIAS trip was actually my first time in New York, and it was incredible. The city was wonderful, the people were welcoming and I even had a little time to visit a few of the tourist sites, such as the Empire State Building, Times Square and Central Park. The NYIAS itself was awesome. From Camp Jeep outside the convention center – and there’s nothing quite like seeing Jeep vehicles do their thing in downtown Manhattan – to seeing the Jacob Javits Center filled with cars and the press covering all the new vehicles – it was all bigger than life. And the grand finale was the reveal of the new Cherokee. A great way to end the day.

JB: Finally, what would be your ideal Jeep brand-related trip?

JA: What kind of question is that? That’s a tough one. I live in Colorado, and my backyard is a Jeep brand vehicle playground. And not too far away is Moab; it is kind of like the promised land for Jeep brand owners. So that would have to be on the list. But I think the ultimate trip might just be an extended adventure through the wilds of Alaska. Now that would be a Jeep brand experience I’d never forget. So when you put that trip together, the Abel family is ready to go.

Each Friday on the Jeep_® Blog, we explore the Jeep brand’s iconic heritage by highlighting a different historical vehicle. This week’s vehicle is the 1986–1995 Jeep Wrangler (YJ).

Every legend has a beginning. In 1986, the Jeep brand first began manufacturing a vehicle that would forever change not only off-roading, but the automotive world, forever. While the beloved CJ series had its admirers (and still does, to this day), the Jeep brand needed a vehicle to shake things up – both from an on- and off-road perspective. Enter Wrangler YJ.

The Wrangler featured a wider track, angled grille, and a modernized interior compared to the CJ series. While it did share the open-body profile of the CJs, it shared few parts with its predecessor. That includes the headlamps.

Oh, the headlamps. The introduction of square headlamps, replacing the familiar round headlamps of CJs, was a very controversial decision. While the storm has long since blown over, and YJs are a part of Jeep brand lore, there was a lot of negativity towards the vehicle for its perceived repudiation of Jeep brand styling. What the naysayers might not have realized is that the Wrangler, square headlamps or not, was the modern embodiment of classic Jeep brand style and capability.

Trim levels through the YJ’s reign included Base (“S” or “SE”), Laredo, Islander, Sport, Sahara, Renegade and Rio Grande.

The YJ endured a somewhat tumultuous era, and one year after its introduction, American Motors Corporation was sold to the Chrysler Corporation. The Jeep brand then became a part of Chrysler’s Jeep/Eagle division.

Although there was never any question, the Wrangler re-cemented the Jeep brand’s position as maker of the most capable vehicles on- or off-road.

A few weeks ago, we decided to try something new on the blog when we introduced our first-ever “Jeep Brand Fireside Chat.” Based on the responses that we received from you, our awesome fans and enthusiasts, we’re definitely going to make this a recurring feature. Once a month, we’ll ask a Jeep brand-related question for you to answer in the comments. Then, we’ll feature our favorite responses in a follow-up blog post.

The question this month was, “What’s the first memory you have of a Jeep vehicle?” We received a lot of great responses, but we had to narrow it down to two, which you can read below. Be sure to check back for the next Fireside Chat.

What’s the first memory you have of a Jeep vehicle?

Kasey wrote:

The first time I saw a Jeep vehicle, I was a little girl riding in my dad’s truck down the Texas coast. I remember being jealous of the girl driving the red CJ, with her hair blowing over her sunglasses and the huge grin on her face. I wanted a Jeep vehicle ever since that day, and in October I finally got the chance to own my dream vehicle. It has been magic ever since!

David J. wrote:

As a young boy in the sixties, my father was a U.S. Mail carrier. That was when I was introduced to the first Jeep vehicles, the right-hand drive U.S. Postal Dispatchers Jeeps, DJ-3a and DJ-5. They were plain, stripped down to nothing, functioned well and for some reason they captured my imagination. Maybe because you could ride with the door slide back and haul stuff in the back. That interest always stayed with me but, as most of us have experienced, life pushes the things from our childhood out of the way. Sometimes, as in my case, it came back to me later in life. Once I had raised my family, the kids moved out, I got my first Jeep vehicle and am now taking grandkids out four-wheeling. Maybe the interest I had will continue to carry forward into the future generations of my family.