2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited - One of the most unreliable 4x4s I've ever driven
The Jeep Wrangler Sahara has suffered a number of very serious recalls, and by serious I mean potentially resulting in death or the total loss of a vehicle. General visibility from the driver's seat is poor, and comfort for passengers in the rear is non-existent. Fuel economy is average. Road holding and road noise in two-wheel drive is poor. Servicing costs are high and upgrading the GPS software was incredibly expensive. The Jeep Unlimited was supposed to come with Bluetooth capability and this omission was never rectified even though buttons exist for this feature and the manual specifically calls it out. Why would you even sell a vehicle with a half-hearted GPS/Radio/CD unit?
The Jeep Wrangler Sahara has suffered a number of very serious recalls, and by serious I mean potentially resulting in death or the total loss of a vehicle. General visibility from the driver's seat is poor, and comfort for passengers in the rear is non-existent. Fuel economy is average. Road holding and road noise in two-wheel drive is poor. Servicing costs are high and upgrading the GPS software was incredibly expensive. The Jeep Unlimited was supposed to come with Bluetooth capability and this omission was never rectified even though buttons exist for this feature and the manual specifically calls it out. Why would you even sell a vehicle with a half-hearted GPS/Radio/CD unit?
One advantage of the Jeep Wrangler is that it can be flat-towed behind an RV without the need for a sump pump or other alterations (except for the automatic braking system that will be required.) In this respect, it's a very handy vehicle to own.
One advantage of the Jeep Wrangler is that it can be flat-towed behind an RV without the need for a sump pump or other alterations (except for the automatic braking system that will be required.) In this respect, it's a very handy vehicle to own.
Outstanding 4x4 capability but with almost no other redeeming features. The ability to remove the roof sections above the driver and passenger is very cool. If you opt to buy a MOPAR or aftermarket carrier for these roof sections, be aware that if you use the vehicle off-road this add-on may not last very long due to stresses on the screws. Taking off the rear roof section is very easy, though replacing it with the cabriolet style folding roof is not.
Outstanding 4x4 capability but with almost no other redeeming features. The ability to remove the roof sections above the driver and passenger is very cool. If you opt to buy a MOPAR or aftermarket carrier for these roof sections, be aware that if you use the vehicle off-road this add-on may not last very long due to stresses on the screws. Taking off the rear roof section is very easy, though replacing it with the cabriolet style folding roof is not.
Clock spring recall that could result in the death of the driver. Limited vehicle recall that took years to be rolled out to all Jeep Wranglers. Owners had to pay costs associated with this repair until 2016 when costs were finally reimbursed (but not associated expenses like rental vehicle hire.) Transmission fluid overheat recall that could involve the total loss of the vehicle. Vehicle was recalled to add a transmission fluid overheat warning light (because vehicles ere catching fire) but not to fix the reason for the transmission overheating! Death Wobble...due solely to the solid fron... (more)
Clock spring recall that could result in the death of the driver. Limited vehicle recall that took years to be rolled out to all Jeep Wranglers. Owners had to pay costs associated with this repair until 2016 when costs were finally reimbursed (but not associated expenses like rental vehicle hire.) Transmission fluid overheat recall that could involve the total loss of the vehicle. Vehicle was recalled to add a transmission fluid overheat warning light (because vehicles ere catching fire) but not to fix the reason for the transmission overheating! Death Wobble...due solely to the solid front axle. An extremely costly repair that Jeep will hold you responsible for. Driver's side passenger window wiring broke (the least used door in the vehicle). Repaired at owners expense. The same circuit is now shorting/sparking, and the window is once again working. Gas cap warning light. Intermittent fault that is not always repaired by replacing with a new gas cap. Gas tank overspill when refueling. Recall was initiated to fix issue with gas being expelled from the tank whilst refueling. Intermittent ignition circuit fault. "Click, click" and then nothing. Not the battery. The starter motor was replaced with a reconditioned unit, which still did not solve the problem. I believe there are a couple of circuit locks that might be causing the problem. The only way to start the vehicle when this happens (and this solution does not always work) is to depress the brake pedal, move the automatic transmission into neutral and then try restarting. One of the absolutely worst quality ratings in the industry for this vehicle. Caveat Emptor.
2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited - Gets Me There
My Wrangler has the V6 Pentastar motor and the six-speed standard transmission. Towing package, heated seats, Alpine Audio System, Sahara edition wheels, and the three piece hardtop. Quality appears to be great, and Jeep included a lot of "hidden" finds like a Jeep climbing a hill on the lower right corner of the windshield that I think is really cool. Vinyl decals have stuck through the heat, cold, and pressure washes. The on board average fuel usage calculator is accurate. Performs really well, keeps up with my little turbo four cylinder with no problem.
My biggest dislikes are that the tailgate is a swing out door rather than dropping down like a truck, and the rear window is not easily removed from the hardtop which makes the top heavier. Backseats are also really straight and pr... (more)
My Wrangler has the V6 Pentastar motor and the six-speed standard transmission. Towing package, heated seats, Alpine Audio System, Sahara edition wheels, and the three piece hardtop. Quality appears to be great, and Jeep included a lot of "hidden" finds like a Jeep climbing a hill on the lower right corner of the windshield that I think is really cool. Vinyl decals have stuck through the heat, cold, and pressure washes. The on board average fuel usage calculator is accurate. Performs really well, keeps up with my little turbo four cylinder with no problem.
My biggest dislikes are that the tailgate is a swing out door rather than dropping down like a truck, and the rear window is not easily removed from the hardtop which makes the top heavier. Backseats are also really straight and pretty uncomfortable.
I do a little hunting and fishing so some off-roading isn't uncommon. Also, we get a bit of snow, so that is always fun passing people and helping people get back on the road.
I do a little hunting and fishing so some off-roading isn't uncommon. Also, we get a bit of snow, so that is always fun passing people and helping people get back on the road.
Only American made four wheel drive I could find with a manual transmission. This is the main reason I bought it.
I like the dual solid axles. And though they do make for a pretty rough ride, I know they will last a very long time. I love the removable top and doors. I was really glad to see the four wheel drive shifter was manual and "on the fly". The heated seats are really nice, though I really didn't want to pay for them when I got it. It took some getting used to but I like the window controls in the middle of the vehicle. I like the ride height. I got the Alpine audio system and lov... (more)
Only American made four wheel drive I could find with a manual transmission. This is the main reason I bought it.
I like the dual solid axles. And though they do make for a pretty rough ride, I know they will last a very long time. I love the removable top and doors. I was really glad to see the four wheel drive shifter was manual and "on the fly". The heated seats are really nice, though I really didn't want to pay for them when I got it. It took some getting used to but I like the window controls in the middle of the vehicle. I like the ride height. I got the Alpine audio system and love it. Towing package could be better but it has pulled everything I have needed it to really well, including a 20 foot boat up some steep boat ramps (I use four low for these). Very easy to find accessories for. The floor mats that came with mine look very durable and catch all kinds of dirt and water. Also, they are easy to clean. Resale value is insanely good.
Biggest negative is price, and my experience with my dealer still upsets me whenever I think about it... but these aren't really against the vehicle itself. The rear part of the top is bulky and heavy, and requires at least two people to reinstall. I have removed it by myself with only a little difficulty but do not recommend it. I wish I could remove the rear window without removing the top. I would like the tailgate to drop, rather than swing, but this probably isn't possible with the tire mount on the rear like it is. Some people would probably consider fuel consumption a con, but I thi... (more)
Biggest negative is price, and my experience with my dealer still upsets me whenever I think about it... but these aren't really against the vehicle itself. The rear part of the top is bulky and heavy, and requires at least two people to reinstall. I have removed it by myself with only a little difficulty but do not recommend it. I wish I could remove the rear window without removing the top. I would like the tailgate to drop, rather than swing, but this probably isn't possible with the tire mount on the rear like it is. Some people would probably consider fuel consumption a con, but I think averaging 21 mpg is really good for a durable SUV. Not the most comfortable vehicle, but definitely more comfortable than many.
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