Picture Gallery: 2008 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon | Discuss
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I contacted fellow automotive enthusiast Christopher Alexander, who is a member of the Ottawa-Valley Off-Roaders (OVO). Chris got me in contact with John Farley, another OVO member, who promised me he would show me what the Rubicon could do.
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I met up with John, Chris and ironically a former neighbour, Mike Ferrone — small world. John had setup a short off-road course for our Rubicon test and all three guys were keen on convincing me of the way of the “Jeep.”
Before heading out onto the course, everyone needed to familiarize themselves with the new Wrangler. I had barely turned off the motor and hopped out and Mike was on his back underneath it admiring the skid plates, locking differentials and electronic sway bar disconnect.
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John climbed into the driver’s seat and noted how much the interior had been improved aesthetically over previous generations. These guys were more excited about a new model Wrangler than I would be hopping into the seat of the new Nissan GTR!
The Rubicon comes standard with: air-conditioning; cruise control; an AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo system that actually sounds quite excellent; four-way locking differential; electronically controlled disconnecting sway-bar; six-speed manual transmission; and a 3.8-Litre V6 engine that produces 202hp and 237lb-ft of torque.
My tester included a few options: the new Detonator yellow, which is available only with the three-piece freedom top; the towing package and the power convenience package, which adds power windows, power locking doors and remote keyless entry.
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It was obvious to me these guys knew their Jeeps and that I had come to the right place. As mentioned in my previous article, I don’t know much about these vehicles, but Mike was quick to point out differences from his older TJ. None of the guys were too keen on the power windows (which meant disconnecting a wire to remove the doors) or the fabric seats (which would get dirty and wet quickly when off-roading).
But they were quick to point out that a simple two- or four-inch lift kit would be sufficient to make this vehicle a very capable off-roader for deep bush duty. They did have some reservations at how low the fuel tank was placed, as well as the plastic cover under the front bumper protecting the engine and components — they pointed out some beefing up of these components would be beneficial for piece of mind.
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Out on our “Rubicon” trail for the day, John talked me through each section, explaining how the four-way locking differential was beneficial in many off-road scenarios. He demonstrated this with a small hill climb that was a no-go even in four low or with only one axle locked.
In the moguls, John pointed out how by electronically disconnecting the front sway bar the vehicle would remain flatter and more stable. Everyone was impressed by the amount of suspension travel available and how the wheels “tucked” quite nicely into the wheel wells.
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All three guys commented on how smooth the new Wrangler was in comparison to their own rigs — while all I could think was, “Could this be any rougher?”
They all seemed to agree with me that new four-door version is much more practical, yet still very capable on the trail, giving it a very high WAF (wife acceptance factor).
Many thanks to Chris, John and Mike. They taught me a good deal about the Jeep in my short time with them and provided that new perspective I was looking for. I’d still rather a sports car or a luxury car for my daily commute but I no longer feel the Jeep is the complete disaster I once did.
These three guys are Jeep fanatics: they know their Jeeps inside and out and they swear by them. They would rather drive a Jeep to work than a luxury car, or SUV, for that matter. Even if they were to never go off-road again they all swore they would never give up their Jeep for another vehicle. On top of that, Jeep guys (and girls) seem to be some of the nicest people you can meet, as they wave at you constantly out on the road.
The only complaint they had was how much fuel these vehicles sucked back (I averaged 15.2L/100km over the week) but even that was passed off as a “Jeep Thing.”
*Rating out of 5:
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2008 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
MSRP as tested inc. destination & delivery: $32,245
For more information on Jeep and the Wrangler visit Jeep Canada
February 11, 2008, 11:27:01 pm Jeeps seem to be popular urban machines from what I can see around here. Sit up high, maneuverable, convertible top, look like nothing else. Hard ride and poor mileage are not issues for short trips around town. And it's always there for 4WD fun on the weekends.
Don't remember ever seeing one on a farm, have never driven one in my life.
It does sound like the four door is much more practical all around.
Maybe if Chrysler sells Jeep off to Mahindra the Indians will put a diesel into them:
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/11/chrysler-supposedly-in-talks-with-mandm-about-jeep-brand/#comments
February 12, 2008, 07:46:35 am
Don't remember ever seeing one on a farm, have never driven one in my life.
It does sound like the four door is much more practical all around.
Maybe if Chrysler sells Jeep off to Mahindra the Indians will put a diesel into them:
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/11/chrysler-supposedly-in-talks-with-mandm-about-jeep-brand/#comments
http://www.thecj2apage.com/brochure/willys-overland_cj2a_sales_brochure.htm
http://www.thecj2apage.com/om16.html
February 12, 2008, 08:11:26 am I wonder if it has 5mph bumpers and kiddy seat fastening points.
Take that old design and replace the ancient gas engine with a small diesel and you have a winner for people with big gardens and long driveways. I'll have a bulldozer blade for snow clearing with mine and a small trailer to take stuff to the dump.
Equally good: add all the power take off points to a modern jeep.
February 12, 2008, 08:47:23 am
Take that old design and replace the ancient gas engine with a small diesel and you have a winner for people with big gardens and long driveways. I'll have a bulldozer blade for snow clearing with mine and a small trailer to take stuff to the dump.
Equally good: add all the power take off points to a modern jeep.
most people use ATV's for garden work and snow clearing, in the country
February 12, 2008, 09:39:27 am
Take that old design and replace the ancient gas engine with a small diesel and you have a winner for people with big gardens and long driveways. I'll have a bulldozer blade for snow clearing with mine and a small trailer to take stuff to the dump.
Equally good: add all the power take off points to a modern jeep.
most people use ATV's for garden work and snow clearing, in the country
February 12, 2008, 09:41:48 am I made my driveway 4-feet wider by flattening the snow banks with the Jeep
February 12, 2008, 09:54:25 am
Take that old design and replace the ancient gas engine with a small diesel and you have a winner for people with big gardens and long driveways. I'll have a bulldozer blade for snow clearing with mine and a small trailer to take stuff to the dump.
Equally good: add all the power take off points to a modern jeep.
most people use ATV's for garden work and snow clearing, in the country
February 12, 2008, 10:04:17 am
Take that old design and replace the ancient gas engine with a small diesel and you have a winner for people with big gardens and long driveways. I'll have a bulldozer blade for snow clearing with mine and a small trailer to take stuff to the dump.
Equally good: add all the power take off points to a modern jeep.
most people use ATV's for garden work and snow clearing, in the country
As the former owner of an ex-RCAF 1952 Jeep I can tell you that it doesn't take a lot to roll an old style jeep if you get careless.
February 12, 2008, 10:26:10 am ::)GULPH
February 12, 2008, 10:45:38 am But how longer will Jeep be in Chrysler hands
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/11/chrysler-supposedly-in-talks-with-mandm-about-jeep-brand/#comments
February 12, 2008, 10:51:48 am
February 12, 2008, 11:04:58 am I hear Amy Winehouse is free !!!!
February 12, 2008, 12:45:01 pm
http://www.thecj2apage.com/brochure/willys-overland_cj2a_sales_brochure.htm
http://www.thecj2apage.com/om16.html
Neat links! I always understood the small original jeep was pretty much a big ATV, and ironically 4WD ATV's are hugely popular on farms now for general work. Some people have even moved up to 'Gators'.
http://www.deere.com/en_US/ProductCatalog/GC/category/GC_UV.html
February 12, 2008, 01:22:10 pm We've got a small Canadian Tire special ATV for general garden duty and hauling. Comes in mighty handy at times. No snow plow on it, though. Not in Victoria...
February 13, 2008, 02:22:12 am
So do gay men as well. Jeeps are a man puller.
Ummm I've never heard that before. You must have a man on the inside
February 14, 2008, 02:30:32 am Click the link for a 1983 Jeep CJ-7 ad:
http://jalopnik.com/354680/its-like-riding-a-buffalo-only-bouncier-1983-jeep-cj+7?autoplay=true
February 14, 2008, 09:42:32 pm I bought a new YJ in '92 IIRC. I could cope with the very harsh ride and poor fuel economy. I hated the fact that it rusted around every hinge and seam in the two years that I had it, even though I hosed it down with Rust-Check once a year.
The then 22 year old Mrs T didn't care for the extra jiggling it's ride induced. On long drives, she'd make sure to wear her best sports bra.
We only kept it two years.
My brother bought one earlier this year. I couldn't believe the vast difference in ride quality over the old leaf spring versions. So far his Jeep seems to be holding up much better than mine.
February 15, 2008, 09:34:16 am
February 15, 2008, 11:04:36 am Titty-titty, bang-bang.
(I know, I've used that line before.)
February 16, 2008, 04:32:44 pm Call in tha BOUNCERS..............this is gettin' OUTTA hand...
March 01, 2009, 06:18:27 pm I rented a "TJ" in Cozumel back in January while on vacation. The 6 speed manual was surprisingly smooth and easy to shift. I was very impressed overall.
Then I saw a barebones "X" base model Wrangler and a better optioned "unlimited" at the Toronto Car Show recently. I have not test driven a Wrangler to see how different it would drive.
If the 3.8L engine is anything like the one I had in a previous Grand Caravan that would be a plus in the Wrangler's favour. This engine was suprisingly frugal for its size and gave me no mechanical issues in the time I had the Grand Caravan. The trannie did die though and had to be rebuilt.
I'd love to rent a Wrangler for a week to see how it holds up for my commutes and trips. As some have suggested the bloom might come off the rose when living with such a purpose built vehicle day in and day out.
March 02, 2009, 07:13:32 pm
I remember having to install child seat top tethers on a YJ and thinking, as a parent myself, how absolutely mad one would have to be to transport children in the back of one on city streets. Let's face facts, these things are death traps.
The V-6 is the same motor as the Grand Caravan. When it was introduced, the "purists" howled but the fact remains, few "purists" buy Jeeps. Most never go off road.
And their owners love them and I would say at least 50% are women. The are also not averse to plunking down the Visa card to keep up with the constant deluge of water and oil leaks. Made lots off of Jeeps in my day. Just Empty Every Pocket we used to say. People who can afford to buy and run them can afford the constant wrenching and sealing, too, heh heh.
And they still rust like crazy around hinges and seals. The seal where the windshield is the first to go and the bolts that hold it together have be drilled out to remove them. Eventually all the electrics under the dash will short out due the the leakage. Best of they are kept in a garage and only brought out on sunny summer days, as most of them are.
March 03, 2009, 02:36:39 pm My manager owns a 2000 TJ. The liftgate hinges corroded very badly and last year one hinge broke. The stealership wanted an insane amount for OEM replacement hinges. Luckily he sourced stainless steel hinges from Quadratec for about 1/3 the cost.
March 04, 2009, 03:35:59 pm
I remember having to install child seat top tethers on a YJ and thinking, as a parent myself, how absolutely mad one would have to be to transport children in the back of one on city streets. Let's face facts, these things are death traps.
The V-6 is the same motor as the Grand Caravan. When it was introduced, the "purists" howled but the fact remains, few "purists" buy Jeeps. Most never go off road.
And their owners love them and I would say at least 50% are women. The are also not averse to plunking down the Visa card to keep up with the constant deluge of water and oil leaks. Made lots off of Jeeps in my day. Just Empty Every Pocket we used to say. People who can afford to buy and run them can afford the constant wrenching and sealing, too, heh heh.
And they still rust like crazy around hinges and seals. The seal where the windshield is the first to go and the bolts that hold it together have be drilled out to remove them. Eventually all the electrics under the dash will short out due the the leakage. Best of they are kept in a garage and only brought out on sunny summer days, as most of them are.
Yikes!
This is typical for a Jeep TJs and Wranglers? Wow... Maybe this is not such a sound idea for me after all.
March 04, 2009, 11:12:18 pm
Yes, it is. They are best suited for sunny days and should be kept in a garage.