I refuse to accept any system of classification which defines a Wrangler as a “car”.

What’s interesting, though, is that when people argue about the “first” SUV, the CJ/Wrangler never come up. It’s always the XJ, or Wagoneer, or something #notajeep.

I have to imagine Socias is absolutely devastated. To be in any way responsible for the death of your partner like that...ouch.

Good catch; I think I was so enthralled by the Rhino grille I didn’t think critically about it. Still learning my grilles.

I was beginning to fear no one had posted this yet.

I can’t even hear myself honk on the interstate. I keep thinking about adding an air horn, but I have this recurring vision of honking at someone who’s so startled they wreck, and die.

That goes without saying.

They did a first gen Cherokee on the headlights.

I don’t see anything in the Clean Air Act information online, so it sounds like you’re describing state/local regulations, which wouldn’t change the fact that it’s a federal crime.

Nope, it’s federal law. Texas has similar laws IIRC but I suppose an emissions test isn’t strictly speaking testing whether the equipment is identical, just that it behaves to whatever specification is required.

Nope. I believe it’s legal, or at least tacitly allowed, to install a newer engine with better emissions compliance, but other than that there are no exceptions that I’m aware of to the general “you shall not tamper with the emissions controls as manufactured” rules under the Clean Air Act.

but most of that era of emissions equipment is easy to undo

They need a way to break their contract without paying penalties or getting sued. Government steps in and shuts them down, and they’re free of that obligation.

The NY Times story goes into more detail. In short, it’s very sketchy and it’s quite possible he owes the government a huge chunk of change.

Technically dropped it for 2021, although it also vanished from the 2020 online builder this spring.

I’ll pretend you didn’t just imply that turquoise is obnoxious.

And it’s dead and I hate 2020.

It’s a very small country.

I’d say Jeep Commando, but no one would have recognized the similarity. I’m pretty sure I could pass one of those on the street and never notice.

There’s a small town in Indiana that, when you leave Home Avenue, you either have to turn towards Church Street or Hooker Street. Choose wisely.