15th Apr 2006, 23:50

I agree about Chrysler ruining the Jeep. My good friend manages an auto repair show and he has warned me to stay clear of these Wranglers. The rearends are very weak and blow out all the time. The 5 speed transmissions are horrible. I have been hunting for a pre 97 YJ, or better yet, a pre 86 CJ7. I have restrained myself so far from purchasing a newer one. The Tjs are for sale everywhere, which tells me something.

13th Sep 2006, 23:51

I've gone back to a 1995 Wrangler YJ and couldn't be happier.

I don't know what Chrysler is doing putting the 3.8 mini-van engine in the Wrangler, but all I can say is I'm glad that there are still plenty of the AMC designed Wranglers out there. In my opinion the last true Jeeps. (I've owned both types. Chrysler may have built them, but AMC designed them.)

18th Sep 2006, 22:45

Not only did they stick a mini-van engine in the 2007 Wrangler, the front fenders (not just the flares) are plastic clip-ons! Arrrrghhh!!!

Are we seeing our beloved Wrangler transformed into a 4x4 Neon or something???

19th Sep 2006, 12:54

What's up with this "Compass"?

It looks like Jeep is going after the earlier generation RAV4's. (And building a flimsy version at that) What a cheap, cheap, interior! Who ever told them that hard plastic is in?

I suppose that's what you get when you build it on an economy car's platform, Chrysler style.

27th Nov 2007, 15:55

We bought a 2003 Sahara with only 15000 miles on it and we think it is great. Ours also has the automatic, but it seems to shift smoothly. We have owed it for 4 months and put 5000 miles on it. It's great to drive; we can't wait for winter.

14th Apr 2008, 21:05

Regarding an earlier comment; the dealer who told you that 2WD is really 1WD and 4WD is really 2WD except in the Rubicon was actually telling the truth as most 4WDrivers can tell you. The Rubicon has lockable axles so all 4 wheels pull. Others without lockers can spin out if opposite corners of the vehicle are lifted off of terra-firma. This is due to having differentials (which allow the vehicle to turn on paved surfaces, etc.). There are many 4WDs with limited-slip which helps in this regard but still isn't as good as lockers. So dude you'll just have to lighten up on that sales guy. p.s. there are also aftermarket lockers available for other Jeeps too.

2nd Sep 2008, 12:15

I have to say that I much prefer my 1995 YJ Wrangler over the 2003 TJ that I originally reviewed here.

Sure the '03 was a more comfortable vehicle on the highway, but the YJ is durable, reliable and fun to drive.

I understand the making the Wrangler more "car-like" is good for mass marketing reasons, but the further you get away from the Jeep's original mission was - tough, go anywhere, durable, reliable, uncomplicated, & easy to work on - the less Jeep-like it becomes.

The new JK's (especially the 4 doors) are beginning to look more like Hummers than Jeeps. They're certainly getting bigger, heavier & further away from their roots.

Also - Plastic fenders, mini-van engines, power windows, - what's up with that???

22nd Jan 2009, 14:05

To be fair to Chrysler, though, most of the changes in the Wrangler have been forced on them by the Feds. Safety and economy standards have continued to get more strict. The width is a product of rollover standards. The weight is largely due to the need for stronger frame rails to withstand rear impact. The engine is a response to the need to keep it lighter and the need to meet economy standards. Many other features that make it harder to work on (ESP for example) are forced on Jeep as well. So don't blame Chrysler, blame your @#$% congressman for his vote and yourselves for your passivity.

28th Jan 2009, 20:26

Can we still blame Chrysler for the Voodoo electrics and turning the Wrangler into a 3/4 scale Hummer?

6th Mar 2009, 18:07

What you mean by voodoo electrics? My 07 has been perfectly trouble-free. Who has been having trouble? With what?

ESP was required. ABS too. So if you are referring to them, they're mandated.

I like how the new one looks, obviously. Jeepers just don't like change.

6th Mar 2009, 18:30

I have little doubt that ANY change would be viewed through jaundiced eyes. Just remember your beloved "yuppie Jeep" was viewed much the same way. There are STILL thousands of YJ haters (mostly CJ owners). It seems funny, then, that a YJ guy would complain about a JK; Especially if you are talking about the 2 door JK. I wish Chrysler could still build them like the TJ, but they can't. So you CAN blame Chrysler for whatever you want to, but 3/4 of the criticism it gets is aimed in the wrong direction.

I don't know if you wave, but I do. Even at YJs ;)

7th Mar 2009, 08:13

Talk to a TJ owner about voodoo electrics.

As for the JK, just give it time...

8th Mar 2009, 19:17

My buddy has an 05 Rubi Unlimited. He hasn't had problems. He used to own a 99 and it was very reliable, too. The only things he fixed on the 99 (that I'm aware of) were a cracked exhaust manifold and a leaky radiator.

It WILL be interesting to see how well they do. The TJs were fairly average in CR for repairs. JKs aren't doing as well. So far I've dodged the bullet. Send some good wishes my way :)

13th Apr 2009, 23:13

I have had Jeeps since 1966, a CJ6A Tuxedo Park Mark IV, a 1979, 1982, and a 1986 CJ7, still have all of them. I skipped the next 10 years because of the stupid, ugly square head lights.

I could not pass up a 2000 TJ, and a 2001 60th Anniversary Edition, both in primo condition, each with less than 40,000 miles and all kinds of good stuff. I have no idea what the good stuff does.

The mini-van engine, and the very ugly plastic fenders on the 2007 on models are unreasonable, unwanted additions to these Jeeps. Please Chrysler, let a few thousand of us Jeep heads help you design the next generation of Jeeps before you kill it. I will not buy another Jeep until you get back to what Jeeps really were and should return to. The designers are wasting time and money. They have no clue. Who wants a second rate ugly baby Hummer ?

PS: the hard tops for the 2007 Wranglers on, the squareness of the back SUCKS. THANKS VERY MUCH.

14th Apr 2009, 20:44

To 23:13 - You say "I skipped the next 10 years because of the stupid, ugly square head lights."

Well, you missed out on a superb Jeep because of your dislike of rectangular headlights.

The YJ's are exceptional Jeeps, and just as worthy as any other to wear the Jeep name.

14th Apr 2009, 23:12

Almost all new trucks/SUVS are going way overboard on the whole square thing. Ugly.

16th Apr 2009, 21:21

"Who wants a second rate ugly baby Hummer. The squareness of the back SUCKS."

I like it. It's all subjective. The old CJs (2s,3s,5s) had square backed, sometimes aluminum hard tops. You guys are just used to more recent models with rounded roofs. Moreover you confuse opinion with fact.

While you pine for the past, Congress is making it ever harder for Jeep to build ANY kind of Wrangler. You can wish that you were involved in the design process, but in the end you'd design a vehicle that was not legal to produce any more. The Wrangler is being squeezed by CAFE, safety standards, and the expectations of the consumer. Wake up boys. More changes are on the way... I guarantee it.