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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: CAMISAMI on April 11, 2011, 06:44:55 AM

Title: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: CAMISAMI on April 11, 2011, 06:44:55 AM
How many times has this happened to you? I was driving onto the beach yesterday and some kid probably 17 says" nice jeep"  :o>:(. I have quit trying to correct  people because most of them are so ignorant ??? that it is a waist of my time.
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: Jonny Rash on April 11, 2011, 07:01:05 AM
Don't get upset about it-take it as a compliment.  Even Suzuki called the Samurai a jeep.  Hence the abbreviation in the model names:
LJ-Little Jeep
SJ-Suzuki Jeep

The US Samurai is actually an SJ413 Wide Track.  Translation-Suzuki Jeep, 4-cylinder, 1.3 liter engine, wide axles.
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: Jluck on April 11, 2011, 07:14:03 AM
I was talking to some kid that owned a tracker and he kept calling it a jeep I wanted to ask him if he was over 18 so I could smack him up side the head! >:(

and no it ain't not damn POS jeep even if theres one common letter used some where in a build sheet or related nomenclature.


Don't get upset about it-take it as a compliment.  Even Suzuki called the Samurai a jeep.  Hence the abbreviation in the model names:
LJ-Little Jeep
SJ-Suzuki Jeep

The US Samurai is actually an SJ413 Wide Track.  Translation-Suzuki Jeep, 4-cylinder, 1.3 liter engine, wide axles.

is there any fact to this or loose Japanese translation...... ???
  
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: Bigzook on April 11, 2011, 07:50:41 AM
I always wanted to have my plates say "NTAJEEP"
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: CAMISAMI on April 11, 2011, 07:53:14 AM
there is no doubt it borrows heavily form the original jeep[so did a lot of other vehicles]. I have nothing against jeeps other than they have grown way to big and expensive. the lj sj thing is interesting though.
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: Capt on April 11, 2011, 10:10:14 AM
Camisami,

Excellent topic!! 
                          That's why I have given my 87 Sammy a name;
                                    "Timber Cruiser"
                          and made a habit of using it's name so when people ask they say; ......a what?
                          I say "A Trail Built 87' Samurai"......
                                                   and believe it or not  they are LOOKING RIGHT AT IT!!!
CAPT
                       
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: grats on April 11, 2011, 10:17:00 AM
I had always thought the SJ meant Suzuki Jimny.
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: CAMISAMI on April 11, 2011, 12:05:03 PM
SJ= s*&ck job, sweet job, sloppy jackass, stupid jackoff...

LJ= l*^ck job, lo jack, little johnson, long johnson,......
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: tuxblacray on April 11, 2011, 12:14:25 PM
I was talking to some kid that owned a tracker and he kept calling it a jeep I wanted to ask him if he was over 18 so I could smack him up side the head! >:(

and no it ain't not damn POS jeep even if theres one common letter used some where in a build sheet or related nomenclature.


Don't get upset about it-take it as a compliment.  Even Suzuki called the Samurai a jeep.  Hence the abbreviation in the model names:
LJ-Little Jeep
SJ-Suzuki Jeep

The US Samurai is actually an SJ413 Wide Track.  Translation-Suzuki Jeep, 4-cylinder, 1.3 liter engine, wide axles.

is there any fact to this or loose Japanese translation...... ???
  
Great topic!!! I absolutely love JLuck's response..... mostly because I can relate to his response and if it is just Damn Funny!! So far I haven't had this problem.... Only one since I bought it has somebody told me "Nice -------" They said Samurai, primarily because they owned a Samurai too.  :laugh:
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: bentparts on April 11, 2011, 04:17:02 PM
Usually, I just say thanks. Most folks are ignorant anyway.
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: Rubberducky on April 11, 2011, 06:57:38 PM
I always wanted to have my plates say "NTAJEEP"

I want mine to say JEEPETR
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: Trackasaurouswrex on April 11, 2011, 07:07:03 PM
 I have actually had to deal with something more annoying than this, I feel. It involves how the 4wd works. The next jackweed that asks me what the other shifter on the floor is for, is going to get smacked in the head so hard that I will have to reach over and close the door after they fall out. KNOBS belong on radios, NOT 4wd shifters!
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: ack on April 11, 2011, 07:07:33 PM
When people take the conversation a step beyond "Nice Jeep", that's when I usually "educate" them.

I was test-driving the Hypnotoad sunday afternoon and stopped for a cold drink in a small town.  A lady wanted to talk a little more than "Nice Jeep" so I explained it all to her.  She seemed to appreciate the truck a bit more and I gave her info on where she might be able to find one locally.  I told her it was a tin-top but she thought it would be nicer to have a convertable.

Whatever comes of the conversation, at leas she can tell a Samurai from a Jeep now.  ;D
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: DoorKicker on April 11, 2011, 09:06:33 PM
I drove my Sami to the baseball field with my son this weekend and it was getting lots of looks and questions.  Everyone liked it. Especially the other dads.

One guy said he thought it was a jeep until he saw the Suzuki badge up front and actually suggested I remove it and "People will think it is a jeep"

I explained to him that the reason I like it is because it is NOT a jeep but something better and more like the original Army jeep than what is sold today.  He didn't understand and I didn't feel like explaining it so I just moved on to the other questions that were being asked. :laugh:
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: CAMISAMI on April 12, 2011, 06:02:27 AM

I explained to him that the reason I like it is because it is NOT a jeep but something better and more like the original Army jeep than what is sold today.  He didn't understand and I didn't feel like explaining it so I just moved on to the other questions that were being asked. :laugh:
Some people just  can not see it. A very small light vehicle will drive circles around their big heavy truck off road. My cousin has a JK rubicon 4 door lifted with 37" mts and it is nice rides good and is actually ok offroad, but if it got in a tight spot it would be helpless and by the way it is about as underpowered as a sammi.
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: Capt on April 12, 2011, 06:29:17 AM
Also I should add,
I get it all the time,
Lets say, like when your at a parts house, your telling the counter person (usually some college aged geek that can't tell a rocker panel from a rocker cover) what you are wanting parts for;
                               "Oh, you mean one of those "Little Jeep Looking Thingy's"
                              My reply is;  Yeah, Yeah, IT"S A ATV THAT SEATS 4.....SPANKY!!

But, I have always had to be different.
             From My High School Reunion Yearbook,
                       They Quoted my view on life; 
                                                  It's OK to Feel FREE to be yourself.....Do Not Follow Herd Mentality!!
                                                             AND  It's been way more fun BEING ABNORMAL!!......
This Not Just Your Hobby,
    It's a life long Mental Disorder !!
CAPT
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: Mongo on April 12, 2011, 09:38:47 AM


You guys need to take a deep breath and relax.... Its not worth getting worked up about.

My wife calls it a jeep... and I don't much care.  To me, it's turned into one of those generic terms, like Coke, or Kleenex, that just means a small 4 wheel drive SUV.

There are other things in life more deserving of my ire.  Taxes, ex-wives, supervisors...

Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: fordguy79 on April 12, 2011, 09:43:24 AM
I was at a car lot looking for a car for my wife the sales men standing right by a trail tough sticker and sammypro sticker said "i see your in to *eeps how about a grand Cherokee" I told him if you can't tell what a samurai is I'm now shopping here and left.





My Daughter is a chip off the old block we where at the gas station fulling up a guy walks by  "Nice *eep "  My four years old pop off "I't not a heep it's a Samurai!!!!!" :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: Jluck on April 12, 2011, 09:54:02 AM


You guys need to take a deep breath and relax.... Its not worth getting worked up about.

My wife calls it a jeep... and I don't much care.  To me, it's turned into one of those generic terms, like Coke, or Kleenex, that just means a small 4 wheel drive SUV.

There are other things in life more deserving of my ire.  Taxes, ex-wives, supervisors...



I see the correlation. if my wife called my sidekick a jeep she would be a ex-wife. :laugh: but she has been in the game long enough to know there will not be a jeep in my shops/garages. ;)

I don't think anybody has had to double up on Prozac over this topic. but it is a annoyance just like accepting it is. and no I don't let people call horses unicorn's. or a crankshaft a camshaft. they are different. thank god!   
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: CAMISAMI on April 12, 2011, 09:56:34 AM
I really dont think anyone gets that worked up about it ,but is is kind of hilarious when someone tries to act like they know what they are talking about and all it does is make them seem...... less intelligent. I like a lot of jeeps but I think that they have strayed to far from their roots. I like broncos[boxy first gen] also. I have heard people call them jeeps too.
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: djlantis57 on April 12, 2011, 10:19:22 AM
Hah everyone I know calls it a tractor.  Mainly because when I talk about it, they think I'm saying "tractor" when I'm actually saying "tracker." 
When I clarify what I'm actually talking about, it's like a light bulb goes off in their head. 
Because at first they wonder why I would be putting a lift on my tractor, or bumpers, or tinting windows on a tractor, or putting a stereo in a tractor...it's kinda funny.  Then I say "not a tractor, a TRACKER" and they're all "ohhhh makes sense now."  DUH  ::)

They're telling me to put a "tractor emblem" on the back of it as a joke...a slow-moving vehicle sign.  But I think there's actually a big ticket for having SMV signage on a truck going 65mph on the highway...
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: Jonny Rash on April 13, 2011, 08:03:18 AM
I was talking to some kid that owned a tracker and he kept calling it a jeep I wanted to ask him if he was over 18 so I could smack him up side the head! >:(

and no it ain't not damn POS jeep even if theres one common letter used some where in a build sheet or related nomenclature.


Don't get upset about it-take it as a compliment.  Even Suzuki called the Samurai a jeep.  Hence the abbreviation in the model names:
LJ-Little Jeep
SJ-Suzuki Jeep

The US Samurai is actually an SJ413 Wide Track.  Translation-Suzuki Jeep, 4-cylinder, 1.3 liter engine, wide axles.

is there any fact to this or loose Japanese translation...... ???
  

From my understanding the LJ stood for "Little Jeep" as that is how it was marketed in most countries.  The Jimny name, before the current model, was only known in Japan and that name was not used elsewhere.

I have no problem with people calling it my Samurai a jeep.  Obviously, the Samurai design is based off the old Willys/CJ5 layout, just improved and modernized.  Some of your guys get worked up over nothing. :o  FYI, I have over 10 Samurais and have been driving one for the past 20+ years. 
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: Jluck on April 13, 2011, 08:59:34 AM
I think its all brand loyalty and good hearted fun. although ignorant people do annoy me, theres just too many to fix.

and so far I have seen " From my understanding's" and ass-umptions but no fact or even reliable rumor. I am by no means saying this is incorrect just want something tangible to merit it. .as a enthusiast I am curious about the history.

If bullshit is said enough times what is it?...............BULLSHIT
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: Jonny Rash on April 13, 2011, 09:43:07 AM
Well you sure have a great attitude.  ::)

I think that the LJ and SJ terms were discussed about 15 years ago on the old ORC board.  There were a lot more people from Japan and outside NA on there that knew the history of the model lines.  They stated that the LJ stood for "Little Jeep" and SJ stood for "Suzuki Jeep."
Even on the LJ10 website it states that LJ stands for "Light Jeep."
1970 is the first year for the LJ it was called the LJ10 also known as Jimny or Brute IV, LJ stands for Light Jeep
http://www.lj10.com/lj_history/ (http://www.lj10.com/lj_history/)

Suzuki couldn't call their Jeep-like vehicle a "Jeep" outright so they coded the name.  Call it BS if you want, to me, it really doesn't matter.  

The Samurai is a Suzuki Jeep-a well built and improved Willys Jeep.  Years ago, I had a geocities page and I had pictures of my Samurai next to a Willys Jeep along with a table that compared all of the specs.  All of the dimensions were within inches of each other along with the power/weight ratio.  It is quite obvious that Suzuki reversed engineered the Jeep for their own model line.
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: Jluck on April 13, 2011, 09:54:08 AM
thats the kind of read I was hoping for thanks rash!

BTW.. lighten up a bit A. I was making a quote to say people believe "my buddy said" for gospel. was not a direct attack!

and thanks for a nice compliment on my attitude. ;)
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: Jonny Rash on April 13, 2011, 10:01:14 AM
Jluck,
Sometimes the mood is not conveyed properly through what you type.  Plus, people are usually much ruder on internet forums than they would be in real life.  No offense taken.  8)
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: Teck543 on April 13, 2011, 11:15:02 AM
iv only owned my samurai for a couple weeks but even my own cousin wont stop callin it a jeep,, it starts to aggravate me when ppl try to argue with you that there is no difference between then 2...
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: Jonny Rash on April 13, 2011, 12:54:50 PM
There really are not that many differences when you look at the big picture.  I like Jeeps, but I don't really care for the new JK series.  I really like the CJ series and older ones.  They share a lot of DNA with the Samurai.
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: RJkick on April 13, 2011, 02:13:17 PM
So a 4dr JLX could be a "Jeep Luxury"

I was amazed at how many people comment on the larger interior of the Trackick compared to a Jeep

Even more amazing was when I sat in a Jeep and knew exactly what they were talking about
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: Drone637 on April 14, 2011, 12:57:05 PM
The Samurai is a Suzuki Jeep-a well built and improved Willys Jeep.  Years ago, I had a geocities page and I had pictures of my Samurai next to a Willys Jeep along with a table that compared all of the specs.  All of the dimensions were within inches of each other along with the power/weight ratio.  It is quite obvious that Suzuki reversed engineered the Jeep for their own model line.


I have a magazine article from Europe where they do a side by side comparison of a SJ-410 and a Jeep Willy's.  I'll have to get a scanner so I can put it on-line.
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: hazmat on April 14, 2011, 01:32:26 PM
 It's funny about y'all talking about people not know what a sami is or calling it a jeep.  The other day I went to the DMV to get tags for my sami and every one that helped me asked me, Is that a motorcycle? ???  They couldn't find that motorcycle listed anywhere. ???.  I told them it was a Suzuki Samurai.  They still didn't know what I was talking about.  I finally(I hated to but) said it looks like a smaller version of the jeep, then they knew what I was talking about.
Title: Re: IT IS NOT A JEEP
Post by: Jonny Rash on April 14, 2011, 01:49:03 PM
I run into the motorcycle thing when I try to get keys made.  They start pulling out the motorcycle keys are get a puzzled look when they don't match.  Then I tell them to look at the Hyundai keys.   ;)

I'd like to see the SJ410 vs Willys article too.  Sounds neat.