Are new Wranglers really all that great?

[EUROBORA8V]

wrangler rubicon by Es.mond, on Flickr

1. The car is great!

2. The price is reasonable!

3. Aftermarket support is awesome!

4. Everybody seems to like them.

5. MT is available.

P.S. Love the color choices.

Am i missing something?

[ThreadBomber]

Would like to know also, may be getting one for the wife as her next vehicle

[SSLByron]

wrangler rubicon by Es.mond, on Flickr

1. The car is great!

2. The price is reasonable!

3. Aftermarket support is awesome!

4. Everybody seems to like them.

5. MT is available.

P.S. Love the color choices.

Am i missing something?

1. You'll never average better than about 20mpg unless you live and work on a freeway that never sees traffic.
2. The ride is good for a Jeep.
3. There's very little cargo utility.

That qualifier on #2 is important. Remember, dual solid axles and a short wheelbase. Physics uber alles.

[EUROBORA8V]

1. You'll never average better than about 20mpg unless you live and work on a freeway that never sees traffic.
2. The ride is good for a Jeep.
3. There's very little cargo utility.

That qualifier on #2 is important. Remember, dual solid axles and a short wheelbase. Physics uber alles.

The ride being good for Jeep - would one tolerate driving long distance in it?

Cargo space - 4dr ST is probably better than MK5 Golf, right?

[manol2]

The new Wrangler is great, because it's unique. Nobody has anything like it anymore( US market)

[92skirmishgti]

They are great fun, borrowed my friends lifted/built TJ and OMG was that vehicle a blast to drive!!!! I don't think they're reasonably priced a new JK wrangler rubicon will easily be in the high 30k range, thats too much money for so little vehicle.


Owning a c300 got me used to luxuries that a wrangler just can't provide so I got a JGC....

[EUROBORA8V]

The new Wrangler is great, because it's unique. Nobody has anything like it anymore( US market)

Just visited Russia recently and got a few rides in:

1. Ssang Yong Kyron (Koren SUV, body on frame, Mercedes Diesel out of MB VITO).


SSANG-YONG kyron 2009 02.04.10 by celicacamry, on Flickr

2. UAZ Patriot (Russian SUV, body on frame, with Iveco Diesel).


1000_UAZ_Patriot_70th by Andrey Saakyan, on Flickr

So got a little desire now

[G0to60]

Would like to know also, may be getting one for the wife as her next vehicle

I'm in the same boat. Once we get this damn house thing worked out she wants to get a new base Wrangler. No options.

[EUROBORA8V]

I'm in the same boat. Once we get this damn house thing worked out she wants to get a new base Wrangler. No options.

Instead of your Allroad or as an addition?

[G0to60]

Instead of your Allroad or as an addition?

In addition to the allroad. We'll be a four car family.

She'll keep her 20th GTI as her weekend car and daily the Jeep.

I'll keep the Corrado as my weekend car and daily the allroad.

Daily is also a loose term as we'll probably go back and forth between vehicles as the mood strikes us.

[ThreadBomber]

For some weekend only trails (no rock climbing) base Wrangler running gear still fine? I'd probably want the LSD option and maybe get a Sahara for some more options... I'd love a Rubicon but up here those things are stupid expensive. She just wants to take it up logging roads and maybe a few trails for hikes, but nothing crazy, she'll just get nervous anyway.

[92skirmishgti]

If anyone has a Jeep www.quadratec.com is your best friend!

[EUROBORA8V]

In addition to the allroad. We'll be a four car family.

She'll keep her 20th GTI as her weekend car and daily the Jeep.

I'll keep the Corrado as my weekend car and daily the allroad.

Daily is also a loose term as we'll probably go back and forth between vehicles as the mood strikes us.

Great lineup!

[caj1]

[LIST=1][*]You'll never average better than about 20mpg unless you live and work on a freeway that never sees traffic.

Having aerodynamics of a brick doesn't necessarily make for better mileage on the highway. I always did better around town with my Wrangler than on the highway.

[G0to60]

Great lineup!

We figure we should have at least one car that has some sort of warranty. We don't have the most reliable car line up out there.

[EUROBORA8V]

We figure we should have at least one car that has some sort of warranty. We don't have the most reliable car line up out there.

Maintenance is your God with your fleet

[EUROBORA8V]

What is the latest on CRD engines available? There were plans and updates about a year ago.

[G0to60]

Maintenance is your God with your fleet

That it is. I have a date with a new PS axle on the allroad this weekend.

One thing my wife noticed on a quick ride in a four door Wrangler was that the back seats are kind of a joke. She's about 5'6" and still felt cramped. She wants a two door anyway.

[SSLByron]

The ride being good for Jeep - would one tolerate driving long distance in it?

Cargo space - 4dr ST is probably better than MK5 Golf, right?

I tolerate it because I'm from a Jeep family. I've never gone more than a few years at a time without one in the driveway. We drove one from here (D.C.) to Springfield, Mass. and back for Thanksgiving. We got along just fine.

The thing about the cargo area is, even with the LWB, it's not as big as you think. It's very tub-shaped back there, so take the width of the car and knock off about 18" or so to visualize the interior room.

[EUROBORA8V]

I tolerate it because I'm from a Jeep family. I've never gone more than a few years at a time without one in the driveway. We drove one from here (D.C.) to Springfield, Mass. and back for Thanksgiving. We got along just fine.

The thing about the cargo area is, even with the LWB, it's not as big as you think. It's very tub-shaped back there, so take the width of the car and knock off about 18" or so to visualize the interior room.

Will check in person at the dealer.

[MCTB]

In long wheelbase Unlimited form, the ride will be just fine. I had issues with the comfort of the seats on long trips but thats because I have a bad back. Theyre not that bad. I SWB, the ride isnt that bad either but it is a little more twitchy. If you look at the dimensions of the Unlimited, theyre just about as big as my BJ60 Land Cruiser was. Jeeps just keep on growing and growing. If you can deal with crappy, but typical truck like mileage, theyre kind of cool and pretty good. If youre looking at a Wrangler then youll probably end up with one as there is nothing even remotely close to it in the US market.

[r2kool4u]

The Pentastar V6 in the 2012 and newer Jeeps is AWESOME!! My buddy has a base 2 Door 6 speed 2012 and for a jeep it is fast. When they were equipped with the 3.7 they were crap, the 4.0 I-6 was indestructible and had awesome low end torque so they were great for off roading.

That is the only real down fall of the Pentastar, the low end torque isn't really all that great.

[Lithium Lotus]

I wouldn't buy a Sahara, all you are getting over a sport is painted fenders and 18" wheels with crappy all-terrain tires. Go to Jeep.com and build a Sport S, and most of the options on a Sahara can be included with the Sport S. The only options that make a Sahara desirable are the heated mirrors and seats for cold weather.

If she plans on hitting logging roads, with the stock 17" wheels on the Sport, you can purchased Rubicon mud terrain tire take-offs on the Jeep forums all day long. Much better then the regular tires that come on it.

[soldierguy]

I've got a 2012 Rubicon 2 door, with the 5-speed automatic, 3.73 gears, hardtop, tow package, and remote start. Lightly optioned, and I'm glad...I don't need or want leather, nav, etc.

It is just plain fun. Nothing like being able to take the top off and enjoy any road or path you can find. It has a very honest character to it, like it's not pretending to be something that it isn't. It is what it is, it's not pretentious, and it is one of those vehicles where you either like it and live with it's less than stellar on-road behavior, or you don't.

The 3.6 pentastar has good torque, good power, it's very smooth, sounds good, and it's just a very refined engine. The 5-speed automatic is good too. I wanted to get a manual, but couldn't find a single manual-transmissioned Wrangler within 300-ish miles when I was ready to buy. The new automatic is good, IF you like to know exactly what your transmission is doing...if you like slurred shifts and never being sure what gear you are in, the W5A580 autobox as programmed for the Wrangler is not for you. It locks up the torque converter a lot, but because the engine has good torque and power, it ends up feeling very responsive and direct. It downshifts when you decelerate, and you can feel it. Give it decent throttle, and it'll downshift quickly. Even though it's programmed for fuel economy, it chooses gears well, and doesn't hunt around for the right gear.

I'm 6' and thought the back seat was fine. It's just tough getting in and out of there. With the hardtop it's pretty quiet on the highway, the seats are comfortable and supportive, and it's not fatiguing to drive long distances. The ride is good, IF you like a firm, well controlled ride. Steering precision could be better, particularly at highway speeds...short wheelbase, live front axle, off-road oriented tires, and the aerodynamics of a tool shed means it wanders a bit, but not horribly. There are many, many vehicles available that are better at highway runs than the Wrangler, but it'll do it without beating you up. Around town is great...maneuverable, a tidy size, and good visibility make it easy to get around in the city. Off-road, the vehicle probably has much more capability than most people would ever exploit.

I typically get right on the EPA ratings of 17 city, 21 highway, sometimes 1 less on each.

In some ways it's kinda like my Dorsoduro...there are better vehicles out there, but it makes me smile.

[snb3]

Regarding the Pentastar, anybody know the deal about its reliability? Seems to be lots of issues w/this engine, just unsure if its typical first year stuff or something more serious.

[R32Rich]

Regarding the Pentastar, anybody know the deal about its reliability? Seems to be lots of issues w/this engine, just unsure if its typical first year stuff or something more serious.

Early ones have had valve problems, #6 cyl requiring replacement of the head. Some were put together without head gaskets. The latest problem is some are getting ticking valves. What do you think?

[snb3]

Early ones have had valve problems, #6 cyl requiring replacement of the head. Some were put together without head gaskets. The latest problem is some are getting ticking valves. What do you think?

If I had a formed opinion or better knowledge of it, I would not have asked. I've only recently been looking into a ChryCo w/this engine.

[01tj]

[img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/6651123743_6c764efc3d.jpg[img]
wrangler rubicon by Es.mond, on Flickr

1. The car is great!

2. The price is reasonable!

3. Aftermarket support is awesome!

4. Everybody seems to like them.

5. MT is available.

P.S. Love the color choices.

Am i missing something?

1. It's not a car but its great for its intended purpose, rugged off road ability.

2. The price can be a bit high for a Jeep Wrangler

3. You can upgrade about anything that's not welded on and sometimes the things that are

4. There are a lot of Jeep fans out there. Kids will often point and stare at a Jeep even when there are much rarer vehicles around.

5. You can still get a 6-speed which is becoming pretty rare on an SUV.


They have come a long way over the years. If you are looking for a luxury SUV they are probably not for you but they are the best at what they are designed to be if that makes sense

[Vanilla_Coke]

I've got a 2012 Rubicon 2 door, with the 5-speed automatic, 3.73 gears, hardtop, tow package, and remote start. Lightly optioned, and I'm glad...I don't need or want leather, nav, etc.

It is just plain fun. Nothing like being able to take the top off and enjoy any road or path you can find. It has a very honest character to it, like it's not pretending to be something that it isn't. It is what it is, it's not pretentious, and it is one of those vehicles where you either like it and live with it's less than stellar on-road behavior, or you don't.

The 3.6 pentastar has good torque, good power, it's very smooth, sounds good, and it's just a very refined engine. The 5-speed automatic is good too. I wanted to get a manual, but couldn't find a single manual-transmissioned Wrangler within 300-ish miles when I was ready to buy. The new automatic is good, IF you like to know exactly what your transmission is doing...if you like slurred shifts and never being sure what gear you are in, the W5A580 autobox as programmed for the Wrangler is not for you. It locks up the torque converter a lot, but because the engine has good torque and power, it ends up feeling very responsive and direct. It downshifts when you decelerate, and you can feel it. Give it decent throttle, and it'll downshift quickly. Even though it's programmed for fuel economy, it chooses gears well, and doesn't hunt around for the right gear.

I'm 6' and thought the back seat was fine. It's just tough getting in and out of there. With the hardtop it's pretty quiet on the highway, the seats are comfortable and supportive, and it's not fatiguing to drive long distances. The ride is good, IF you like a firm, well controlled ride. Steering precision could be better, particularly at highway speeds...short wheelbase, live front axle, off-road oriented tires, and the aerodynamics of a tool shed means it wanders a bit, but not horribly. There are many, many vehicles available that are better at highway runs than the Wrangler, but it'll do it without beating you up. Around town is great...maneuverable, a tidy size, and good visibility make it easy to get around in the city. Off-road, the vehicle probably has much more capability than most people would ever exploit.

I typically get right on the EPA ratings of 17 city, 21 highway, sometimes 1 less on each.

In some ways it's kinda like my Dorsoduro...there are better vehicles out there, but it makes me smile.

Why did you get an auto with 3.73's and not 4.10's? You just cost yourself $1200 if you want to run 35" tires that you shouldn't have had to pay for........

As for OP, I wouldn't buy a Wrangler unless you plan to wheel it or have to have one, its not the greatest thing for a daily, eats gas like crazy etc....

[BRealistic]

As for OP, I wouldn't buy a Wrangler unless you plan to wheel it or have to have one, its not the greatest thing for a daily, eats gas like crazy etc....

"4. Everybody seems to like them."

I think image is a factor.


I remember when the Wrangler became popular in the 80s.
Nothing like seeing suits driving rag top Wranglers on the highways in Atlanta.

[Vanilla_Coke]

"4. Everybody seems to like them."

I think image is a factor.


I remember when the Wrangler became popular in the 80s.
Nothing like seeing suits driving rag top Wranglers on the highways in Atlanta.

Its definitely an image thing, especially when you see a freshly waxed black sahara drive past you without a single pinstripe lol.

I'm patiently waiting myself, however for June 6 to roll by so I can see what the new colors for 2013 will be.

[Lithium Lotus]

Why did you get an auto with 3.73's and not 4.10's? You just cost yourself $1200 if you want to run 35" tires that you shouldn't have had to pay for........

With the new engine and transmission, you don't need as low of gears as the previous model to run 35's without it feeling anchored down.

[chrismkay3]

wranglers are ok but i find the ingress/egress to the backseat of my co-workers wrangler impossible. That and there is nowhere to rest your elbow while you're in the thing.

uncomfortable to sit in the back seat, impossible to get into and out of gracefully

[slcstud]

The new Wranglers are badass! I actually sell them in Orlando and for pretty reasonable prices. Check out Airportcdj.com
Ask for Shawn

[uncleho]

I see A LOT of Wranglers in used car lots. Given its cool factor likely driving a lot of its sales, it likely also means that many customers are dumping them after they realize some of the cons don't compare well to what the consumer enjoyed in the pros column.

But that just means better opportunities for those that really understand and want them, right?