| Whether anyone outside Chrysler Corporation knew it at the time or not, the 1992 models' fall announcement would be the last roundup for the Jeep Comanche. There was virtually nothing new for the Comanche in '92; it wasn't that there really needed to be, but most buyers expected more than just a new stripe option or some different colors. On the positive side, the improved engine management systems that had been introduced for '91 continued, as did the option of both long and short beds. But other than that, there was no real news of significance. With so little changed and little in the way of advertising, it was abundantly clear to anyone who cared to notice that the Comanche was coming to the end of the line. Only 3,181 were built* for the year and then that was it ... no more Comanches. There have been no more Jeep pickups since the Comanche. A proud tradition that spanned some 46 years -- 1946 to 1992 -- was thrown away like yesterday's garbage. Oh, sure, in the intervening years, Chrysler (now DaimlerChrysler) has thrown us the occasional bone with concept vehicles here and there that offer a look at what a new Jeep pickup "could" be, but, time and again, we hear the same tired old lines: "It wouldn't be profitable enough," or "It would take sales away from Dodge." (Yes, I've actually heard that.) And that's a shame. It isn't like Dodge has lost anything from Chrysler's ownership of Jeep. In fact, they've probably -- no, definitely -- gained a great deal. If it hadn't been for the engineering talent Chrysler acquired in the buyout of AMC, Dodge's trucks in particular certainly wouldn't be anything like what they are today. And without Jeep, there'd be no Dodge Nitro, which I understand is pretty awesome (not to mention that I'm hearing it's a good preview of a few of the features of the next-generation Jeep Liberty). But I digress. Maybe one of these days those guys at DaimlerChrysler who still have the Jeep blood coursing through their veins will storm the gates in Auburn Hills and win for us what we've been missing for these past 15 years ... another Comanche! |
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| * The 3,181 total comes from Patrick Foster's book, "The Story of Jeep" (2nd Edition) and is believed to be accurate. If you can corroborate this number or have other information, please contact the webmaster using the link on the home page. |
| THIS PAGE LAST UPDATED 12/1/06 |
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