2005 Jeep Wrangler Sport 242 CI, 4.0 straight 6 from North America

Summary:

2005 Jeep Wrangler Sport/Rubicon... Says enough!

Faults:

The starter went bad, but that was all my fault.

I've had both front sway bar links replaced. That's about all...

Added CAI by Volant and a Bull Bar with KC 130w Slimline pencil beams. Running boards, entry guards, black headlight bezel, and grille blackout. They make this otherwise factory Jeep a bad ass ride!

General Comments:

The Jeep is a great all around automobile. I live off road so it comes in handy. It's pretty loud with a soft top on the highway. That straight 6 motor is killer, best engine AMC or Jeep ever made. In 4wd it just shreds up the mud or trail (never had it in the snow, but I wish I could). I just love my rig!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th April, 2016

2005 Jeep Wrangler X 4.0L from North America

Summary:

Awesome vehicle, for the most part :)

Faults:

The transmission is the thing I have experienced the most problems. I believe there is a technical service bulletin on it. It's tough to shift to second sometimes and usually requires vigor to shift to reverse. The clutch is smooth, but shifting from gear to gear can be troublesome, especially in lower gears.

One of the windows on my soft top tore while I was trying to zip it back on. The top can be difficult to put up and down at times.

General Comments:

The Jeep isn't the fastest vehicle out there, but its 4.0 liter engine gets the job done. It is sluggish off the line, but this might be because of my 33 inch tires.

It isn't the best highway vehicle either. The RPMs reach 2500 at 70 miles per hour in 6th gear, which kills MPGs. Also, the high speeds cause a great deal of wind noise, especially with the soft top.

For those who like luxury cars, the Wrangler is not for you. It doesn't have power windows, locks, mirrors or anything like that. A/C and a CD player is about as luxury as it gets in a Wrangler.

Wranglers are very customizable to fit your needs and tastes. Aftermarket/replacement parts are plentiful and relatively inexpensive. No two Wranglers are the same.

So why buy a Jeep? I like it because of its off road capabilities, its removable top and just the way it looks. I love driving around town with the top down and the doors off. There is really nothing like it. But people like me are a special breed. Jeeps definitely are not for everyone.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd March, 2009

2005 Jeep Wrangler X 4.0 6 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Terrific and a fun car, that will go anywhere the wheels will fit through

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with my 2005 Wrangler "TJ", X.

General Comments:

The 2005 Jeep Wrangler has been a fun terrific car.

This is my second Wrangler; the first was 1997 with a manual transmission, which was tricky to shift; it had over 100,000 miles and was still going strong when I traded it.

My present Jeep is an automatic; I have 21000 miles on it with no problems.

I tow it behind a 30 foot motor home.

My gas milage ranges from 18-20 on the road.

We use the Jeep to go exploring when we travel. Just for information, my wife loves the Jeep, and we are both in our sixties.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st July, 2007

2005 Jeep Wrangler X 4.0L 6 cylinders from Mexico

Summary:

The best Car Ever

Faults:

Nothing yet!!

The fuel economy is not good though.

General Comments:

My Jeep is Awesome, I never thought that it would have its amazing off road capabilities.

On Road its fun to drive.

I Will never get rid of it.

THE BEST car I have ever had. I'm looking forward to buy another Jeep.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th August, 2006

16th Aug 2006, 11:27

Fuel economy will never be good from an off road oriented vehicle.

But let me get this straight...

You bought a wrangler and didn't think it had the balls to go offroad?

Wow.

3rd Oct 2008, 11:25

But... why would you buy a Wrangler not intending to go offroad...?

14th Oct 2008, 20:23

And yet... I would think that the list of vehicles that could handle potholes, snow, ice, carry more people, carry more cargo, are smoother, are quieter, get better gas mileage, and cost and depreciate less would be pretty comprehensive. Jeeps are best off-road and it's there that they perform better than all comers. Otherwise it would seem like any decent SUV or perhaps Subaru would be a better choice. But I like Jeepers who stay on pavement too. They're the best source for nice clean used Jeeps that have "never been wheeled". But of course it's your choice what you drive and like. You don't even need a watertight rationale for ownership. If you like it, buy it. Jeep on, dude.

15th Oct 2008, 07:23

I was in the automobile business for over 30 years (now retired from the business). I sold Jeeps back when the Wrangler (YJ) was introduced (back in 1986, as 1987 models). I worked for a Jeep dealership when Chrysler bought AMC, and over the years since worked in dealerships that sold many competitor's models, as well as in Jeep dealerships.

I will say there are smoother riding SUVs out there. There are SUVs that get better fuel economy. There are roomier and quieter SUVs as well. But as far as versatility, ruggedness, reliability and resale value go (but why would you want to sell?) the Wrangler still tops my list as the best compact SUV, with real off-road capability.

If you are looking for comfort and luxury in a mid-size SUV the Lexus RX models top my mid-size (not for off-road) list.

But if you go off-roading or rough roads are part of your commute a clean late model Cherokee is nearly as rugged as the little Wrangler (I said nearly - in my book nothing beats the Wrangler).

Another compact worth looking at is the new Suzuki Grand Vitara - especially since they've put a more powerful V6 in it for the new model year.

Of course Toyotas RAV4 is a nice little cute-ute, but not for the rough going.

I haven't driven the new Honda CR-V, but I was not impressed with the last one I drove back in 2004.

I'm no longer in the automobile business, but I'm still an enthusiast, and the Jeep Wrangler is still tops on my list.

One more thing - Wrangler's hold their value very well - they do not depreciate rapidly like most vehicles.

7th Jan 2009, 10:18

I should have said I just purchased the Jeep in Sept.