Jeepers are an odd bunch of folks. Some like their rigs to be showroom stock condition, some like to modify them to varying degrees according to a budget and some go all out and sink many thousands of dollars into a rock-hopping buggy. But one thing stands out as a common denominator... Jeepers are snobs when it comes to their baby. One way the Jeeping community stays on top of current events or the newest parts and accessories is through 4x4 TV shows and magazines.
My favorite Jeep-only magazine has always been J-Rations Magazine. Sadly, the economy swallowed them up like far too many other businesses in recent years. JP Magazine has stepped up to the plate for all Jeep owners and has filled a void. Yes, there are many other 4x4-type magazines out there and yes they supply some articles on Jeeps from time to time, but if you own a Jeep and want a magazine that caters to your Jeep addiction, JP Magazine is the rag for you.
I bought my first Jeep CJ-7 back in 1983 and most recently, I purchased a 1984 CJ-7 and have really enjoyed restoring her back to life. One way to gain insight to the various restoration methods, the newest parts, how-to's and modifications is to read manuals, books - or better yet, a Jeep-specific magazine.
JP Magazine provides in-depth articles on topics like how to rebuild a transmission, engine, brake system, transfer case or differential - among many other topics. I love that they cover older classic Jeep vehicles as well. They have provided me with insight into wiring up auxiliary lighting, how to pick the best tires, where are the best trails and off-road parks and even some sneak peeks about future Jeep vehicles. They cover most Jeep Jamboree events and many other off-road events with pictures of many Jeeps and how they're modified. This is always a great source of inspiration for any fabricator or to anyone building a rig in their garage.
The magazine's format is simple to follow and consists of:
Cover Section: Showcases the cover vehicle or stories that really stand out.
Features: Stories and articles about the Jeeping experience... Such as best tires, best trails etc.
Tech: All things techie and project vehicles progression.
Departments include:
Trail Head - various articles written about the history of Jeep or Jeep-specific news.
Mailbag - Subscribers write to the magazine with questions or comments about the publication, Jeeps or the magazine's staff
Dispatch - Jeep news and rumors
Randy's Electrical Corner - all things electrical from simple to complex wiring and tips on various wiring techniques
Jeep Shots - A single pic of reader's rigs and a little history or funny stories
New Products - One of my favorite sections that shows me all the newest and coolest parts and accessories soon to be available.
Your Jeep - Problem solving reader's rigs - advice from the JP staff
Dr. Vern - monthly Jeep muse from the doctor
Marketplace - Ads, ads and more ads
Sideways - Parting shots of Jeeps in precarious situations or positions - usually on its side or flipped over
And recently, they started including a Jeep and 4x4 word search for people with copious free time on their hands.
In most magazines, the advertisements can get a little annoying - much like commercials on TV. But if you're an off-road enthusiast, the ads won't bother you - they actually educate you and keep up to date on parts and accessories. The best part is that they are all Jeep or 4x4 specific.
I find most of their staff to be very witty and fun to read. The qulaity of their photography is top notch. I love seeing how various products (i.e. tires) compare to others in a very "Consumer Reports" style. I find the magazine to be informative on a wide array of topics. My only gripe is that their chief editor (John Cappa) has said some really stupid things over the years. The one that really ticked me off was when he said, "CJs belong in museums and not on the trails." Apparently, that statement really angered many of their readership - including me. My other gripe is the fact that they only publish one issue every other month - six issues per year.
JP Magazine is published by Source Interlink Media. They also publish magazines like 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility Magazine, Four Wheeler Magazine and many others.
I can strongly recommend JP Magazine to any Jeep owner - except for CJ owners who love their CJ more than life itself. JP Magazine apparently doesn't favor the CJ for various reasons. I think they need to re-think their campaign against the CJ for the readership numbers. CJs were made from 1945 until 1986 and just happen to be the most popular vehicles Jeep (and the various companies that owned them over the years) ever made - show some respect, Editor Cappa!
10 issues - JP magazine is your source for Jeep 4x4, custom off road Jeeps including show & event pictures, off roading videos, Jeep parts and accesso...More at SuperMagDeals.com
10 issues - JP magazine is your source for Jeep 4x4, custom off road Jeeps including show & event pictures, off roading videos, Jeep parts and accesso...More at Subscription Addiction
JP is America's first publication dedicated to Jeep owners and enthusiasts. Each bimonthly issue offers home-based technical how-to articles and profi...More at eBay
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.