The Jeep Wrangler has amassed one of the most faithful followings of any road-going vehicle out there. For one week we were treated to Jeep waves and bending necks as we paraded a bright blue Wrangler Rubicon through Florida. And this wasn't just any Rubicon. This thing came with almost all the possible options, including the "Hard Rock" package for trail driving, a touch-screen infotainment center and the 3-piece "Freedom Top."
We could drive anywhere on the beach without fear of getting stuck. Rocks on the side of the road became little more than an opportunity to flex. We were doing it. We were Jeeping. So is this Jeep thing really worth it?
You are either a Jeep guy, or you aren't. Some of us like the unique characteristics that have always made a Jeep a Jeep, and others just don't see the point. For those that find a Jeep's bouncy ride, and immediate steering response fun and endearing, it doesn't get much better than this Rubicon Unlimited.
I logged over 300 miles in this Rubicon last weekend, and by Monday I wanted one.
Yes, the ride is jouncy, but nothing like short wheelbase Jeeps of the past. This one has a lively ride, but it's also comfortable at 80mph on the highway, and it doesn't beat you up like your uncle's CJ-5. The unique hard-top design is fantastic. It's tight, and waterproof while up, and offers a massive opening to let the sun, or stars shine in when removed. It's almost a convertible type experience, and it adds a lot to the enjoyment factor of this rugged machine.
Speaking of rugged.....with an electronically detachable anti-roll bar, and locking differentials, there is seemingly nothing that this Jeep can't go through, or over. I had a chance to take it through some deep, soft sand within the Amelia Island State Park, and the Jeep laughed at me. "Is this all you've got?" it seemed to say.
Unless you live in Moab, chances are you will never really test this Jeep's capabilities. It's a beast.
Sure the $47K price tag may make you spit out your coffee, but as a good friend said......it's an American Range Rover--- and when taken into that context, it almost seems reasonable. Also, with Nav, heated seats, a rocking stereo, and leather--- it's pretty plush in it's own right. Of course you can still take the doors and top off--- try that with a Range Rover!
I figure in Florida, I don't really need the locking diffs, detachable bar, or fancy leather---- so the standard Unlimited is the one I've got my eye on. I'd be sure to look at 2012 and newer models though, as the later ones are equipped with Chrysler's Pentastar V6 which is plenty powerful, and returned a solid 19mpg during my trip, despite a fairly heavy foot.
Not even Porsche's 911 has remained faithful to it's original design as much as Jeep has, and that's refreshing in today's ever changing, ever complicated world. Jeep has done a great job carefully updating their most iconic model, without losing it's charm. It's as useful and relevant now, as it was 70 years ago.
Last time I drove a Rubicon, it was 2012 and it was a two-door model.
I hated it. Sure, it was good off road, but it rode like an ox cart and I couldn't understand why it cost so much money. I also complained about the expensive power options and fancy stereo, as well as a lack of visibility.
This one's $10,000 more expensive and has two extra doors, and for some reason I loved it.
I mean, like, loved it. Other staffers had to tear the keys away from me. The Unlimited's longer wheelbase turns a rough-riding compromise into a surprisingly comfortable vehicle. And yes, this one was stuffed with power windows, leather, a fancy stereo, a giant subwoofer in the trunk, and the "Hard Rock" package that mostly adds a fancy front bumper, rock rails, and a hood that I think is ugly.
Skip past all of that crap (which I still wouldn't order in a Jeep), and the Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon is a pretty decent deal for what you get. No, they aren't cheap, but there's nothing else on the market that has the same capabilities for less money. And yes, JK-chassis Wranglers are harder to see out of than your uncle's CJ-5, but compared to other modern SUVs they're in a totally different (and better) league.
I sat down to write an awesome review of this Jeep, but reading back through it it's more like a list of justifications for all of its faults. Still, though, I love it. I'd buy one. I'd drive one hundreds of thousands of miles. And I'm not sure why. This is pretty much the same vehicle that I hated in 2012, so the main difference must be the four years that have passed. SUVs have gotten bigger, heavier, more expensive, and harder to see out of. This Jeep hasn't, and I guess that's why I loved it.
So, what Jeep do I have an appointment to test drive next week? The Fiat Panda-based Renegade, of course. The Rubicon is Jeep's halo vehicle, and I'm just like everyone buying an Altima because they like GT-Rs.
I'm glad that some of my workmates are so excited about the latest Jeep. That shows that it still properly does its intended job. If you want to crush boulders or the bodies of your enemies, then the Jeep is perfect. Thank you, Jeep, for keeping your constituents so pleased.
For me, though, I'm still not a Jeep guy. For daily use it's just too cramped, too noisy and too crude--and not in an early Miata sort of way.
We just went to the Atlanta auto show last weekend. Luckily for me, my wife likes cars quite a bit. After walking around all the show, when I asked her what car of all of them she would want, her answer was Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. Not the CTS-V (which she loves) or a BMW or anything else, but the Jeep. When I looked at the window sticker, I heard my wallet scream in pain.
But if money were there, heck yeah I want one too.
With how much they cost, these must be a cash cow for FCA.
^^^ I was also taken aback by the $47K list price. Then I started to think about it....... and the price started to make more sense. It seems nearly all SUVs these days are $40-$50K. Now I know that isn't true, but most of the models we get around the office are in that price segment.
None of them have the versatility or ability of the Jeep. The only other vehicles that can even hold a candle to this Jeep's abilities would be a Range Rover (much more expensive), or a Toyota FJ ( if they are still making them). While the Range Rover is nicer inside, it also has a fixed roof, doors that can't come off, and a tiny aftermarket. The FJ's are cool, but have horrid visibility, and also a fixed roof, and doors. They also suck gas like pigs, where this Jeep averaged 19mpg under my foot.
Keep in mind the Rubicon Unlimited starts at about $36K---- which actually sounds pretty reasonable. In that price range nothing can touch it's versatility, and no truck is more fun.
Sorry if I sound like a rabid fanboie------ I spent last weekend in that beast, and I really was smitten. 
Joe Gearin wrote: ^^^ I was also taken aback by the $47K list price. Then I started to think about it....... and the price started to make more sense. It seems nearly all SUVs these days are $40-$50K. Now I know that isn't true, but most of the models we get around the office are in that price segment. None of them have the versatility or ability of the Jeep. The only other vehicles that can even hold a candle to this Jeep's abilities would be a Range Rover (much more expensive), or a Toyota FJ ( if they are still making them). While the Range Rover is nicer inside, it also has a fixed roof, doors that can't come off, and a tiny aftermarket. The FJ's are cool, but have horrid visibility, and also a fixed roof, and doors. They also suck gas like pigs, where this Jeep averaged 19mpg under my foot. Keep in mind the Rubicon Unlimited starts at about $36K---- which actually sounds pretty reasonable. In that price range nothing can touch it's versatility, and no truck is more fun. Sorry if I sound like a rabid fanboie------ I spent last weekend in that beast, and I really was smitten.
IDK, as a former Wrangler and XJ owner, I admittedly like Jeeps. But I would hardly call them the most versatile vehicles out there really. No question they can rock-crawl better than most everything (but 99.9% of them will never do that, and the Unlimited's long wheelbase hurts it in tight wheeling.....most off-road Jeepers run regular-length wranglers), And you can remove the top and doors for open-air, which of course pretty much nothing else offers. Otherwise.....not good tow vehicles considering their large size (3,500 lb max tow capacity is about what most minivans are rated for).....really not all that much cargo carrying capability vs. many other SUVs (though the Unlimited has more than a regular Wrangler)....lousy street ride and handling.....and (IMO) from a pure driving standpoint they are far from being "fun" to drive on pavement.
For 99% of off-roading most SUVs ever see (i.e. trail running), a 4Runner or Grand Cherokee is pretty much as good or better than a Wrangler, with far superior road manners, handling, interior quality, and strong aftermarket as well.
Jeeps are awesome (the best) for a few specific roles, and the only choice out there for open-air wheeling - but are far from being the most versatile SUV-type vehicles out there. I don't think even Jeep markets them as being particularly versatile.
Me and all my friends used to have Jeeps because they were tough and cheap, and those two factors made their serious shortfalls in other categories a wash at the time. At $47k though, you can get SUVs that are far nicer and more versatile in most areas than the Wrangler, IMO. YMMV.
I don't doubt that they're worth the money, it just still is mind blowing that they have gotten that expensive.
As a current JK owner, I agree with all the points above. I bought a 2012 2 door Wrangler brand new in October 2012. I paid just over $23k out the door. I wanted a 6 speed but the 5 speed auto is worlds better than the old 4 speed. My 2 door is only rated to tow 2k lbs, which really limits it's utility. It's been loads of fun but I were to do it again, I'd spring for the 4 door with the max tow package. The 4 doors are much easier to live with.
With the Pentastar and 6 speed, I used to get 21mpg if I kept it below 75mph. Now, with the 33s, I'm lucky if I see 19mpg. A regear is in the very near future.
BUT... I think I'd buy something like a FiST and then buy an XJ or 4 Runner or something to run around the woods in.
A Wrangler unlimited sport starts at $28k. The current pricing model seems to be sell the lowest spec model close to cost and make money on options. With $20k in options, that's a pretty solid way to do business.
Seems to me this is how it goes, buy a new jeep for your daughter or kid to drive to college in, if you want to wheel buy an older wrangler or better yet a Cherokee.
Oh no, having owned 3xjs and a zj doesnt make me biased at all haha
Klayfish wrote: I don't doubt that they're worth the money, it just still is mind blowing that they have gotten that expansive.
FTFY
Is it mall rated?
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