At Westhampton Beach, Jeeps are a car with culture. Whether it’s the renowned Wrangler or the sleek Cherokee, Jeeps are the first wheels for many Hurricanes around campus. Not only do Jeeps fill up Hite and the senior lots, they are seen cruising through town all year long.
So why is the Jeep so popular among Canes? Junior Katie Burke, owner of a Wrangler Sahara, says, “Jeeps are a good size for students to have as their first car, and they also last a long time.”
Jeeps have a simple, rugged design, which means there are fewer fancy features and electronics that can have malfunctions. This factors into the long lifespan of the vehicle, making it a great first car for students at WHB.
Not only are Jeeps long-lasting and reliable, they are also safe. Since 2014, the Jeep Compass has consistently earned a strong four-star safety rating from the NHTSA. The car also has driver-assist features like cross-traffic alert, emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring, making it a great choice for a first car.
Aside from being a strong choice for a first car, Jeeps are also iconic in Westhampton Beach. Senior Shannon Sweet, owner of a Jeep Wrangler says, “Jeeps are definitely a staple of WHB”. She added, “You can’t drive through town without seeing at least three Jeeps.”
A main reason they are such a staple is because of their doors and top off style in the summer. Katie said, “Jeeps really encapsulate the beach town aesthetic. Nothing is better than taking off the roof on a summer day going to the beach.” Shannon added, “Taking off the top and doors during the summer is something a lot of people do in Westhampton.”
Overall, Jeeps symbolize local culture while being a smart pick for students. Next time you’re driving down main street, keep an eye out for Canes cruising in their Jeeps!