It seems that the Liberty, while one of the most capable cute 'utes currently on the new vehicle market, hasn't quite won over diehard Jeep fanatics. It's probably the independent front suspension that makes the tough guys shake their heads in unified disgust... exactly what lightweights like me appreciate about Jeep's entry-level model. I smile,

It seems that the Liberty, while one of the most capable cute 'utes currently on the new vehicle market, hasn't quite won over diehard Jeep fanatics. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

inwardly wishing I had the guts or creativity to come up with some quick witted quip about pulling his sorry derriere off the ground when his back gives out on him after a full day riding in a vehicle that makes a cattle truck seem civilized, but, no doubt motivated by a sub conscience whose sole duty is self preservation, nothing comes to mind.

Fortunately the kids were still whole heartedly absorbed with the drainage grate, digging with pointed sticks, feet, legs, torsos, arms, hands, necks and faces covered in silt, and didn't notice their hero get butt whipped by a bunch of CJ, YJ and TJ owners - it was high school all over again and I still was a schlep.

The reality of the matter is that even among such Jeep elitists, there's a pecking order

The older the model the more respect you'll garner. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

that segregates CJ, YJ and TJ owners into a hierarchy that makes enforcing civil servant seniority seem a lackadaisical pursuit. You see, the older the model the more respect you'll garner. TJ owners are in the club at least, but they're junior members put on KP or latrine duty. YJ owners, despite the TJ being a better vehicle in every way, which includes a return to circular headlamps from the unloved rectangular units, somehow have convinced TJ owners that they're one step above. But this is nothing compared to the CJ ownership experience, and if a Jamboreerhappens to have been blessed with a short-wheelbase CJ5, praise to the man. Willys owners, although none were present at this particular gathering, are a cult unto themselves, revered and exalted by the Jeep faithful.