CTC Review: 2008 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

[CD_Editor]

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Back in September of 2007 I reviewed my first Wrangler, the 2007 Sahara. It was the first time I had ever driven one, and looking back on the experience, I wasn't very fond of it.  Fast-forward to February 2008 and I have been handed the keys to a 2008 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. I realize that reviewing the Rubicon in suburbia was not going to cut it a second time around -- I needed a better plan.More ...

[Cortina]

I like this little Jeep.  I have always had a soft spot for these Jeeps. Its sort of modern and yet retains the old style look at the same time. 

I really enjoy the Vid. That just looks like so much fun Wing. A great way to spend a winters day blatting about I bet. I wonder how many brave soles would do that with there brand spanking new Jeep.

[sailor723]

I think the article raises a good point. It's important to read (and write) reviews in the proper context of what the vehicle is designed to do and it's target market.
No point in reviewing a Wrangler and then say "I prefer the Acura MDX"

[Demosthenes X]

Good to see you go it dirty this time.    The Jeep is probably still the best option out there for off-roading, and with its relatively low entry price, one of the cheapest.  I'd still have issues taking my brand new rig into the bush, though. 

[InsuranceBroker101]

Last year I finally discovered the joys of an off-road vehicle, sadly the all-wheel drive broke this winter and the car has been sold. I don't know what I will do this winter, driving my everyday car just doesn't give me any sort of thrill. I felt like a kid in a candy store, I felt like a man on a mission, it doesn't take a genius to understand why Jeeps are popular, they make us feel free, powerful and in control of out environment. However, a brand new jeep just doesn't seem the same. Buying a new jeep is like buying a collecteable action figure when your 15 years old, you know its value, you know you want to use it but something inside you is just telling you to hold back.  For now I just want to say, I'll see you in 10 years..

[Cord]

These have to be one of the most commonly traded in late model vehicles. It seems people get tired of these things for everyday driving very quickly.

[sailor723]

These have to be one of the most commonly traded in late model vehicles. It seems people get tired of these things for everyday driving very quickly.

That doesn't surprise me. I can see a vehicle of this type being fun for a while but I would think the novelty would wear off
quite quickly if you used it as a daily driver.

[Demosthenes X]

  I know plenty of girls that think they're cute, but I doubt many of them could live with one as a daily driver.  You'd have to be pretty enamored with the thing to drive it on a daily basis, especially if you're a commuter.

[sly]

In response to demo X, you would be surprised how many girls love their YG/Wranglers.
I had a girlfriends whose father had a Jeep/Eagle dealership in the early 90's. She could select an Eagle Talon Turbo or a Dodge Sthealth if she wanted to, but nop! She would only show up in her V6 YG with manual transmission. And you are wrong, she wore a tight skirt and high heels very well too!  Her girlfriends all wanted one too...

I must admit that my Jeep Liberty is as ruff as I will go however.

[wing]

I'm convinced those girls just like the rattling and vibrations   

[Brigitte]

Oh, Wing...      

For the record, I fail to comprehend the appeal of the Jeep.  And I am female (I think).  Since Sly's statistical research is based upon a sample of ONE, he has now been officially rebutted.   

Now, to come back to my original reason for posting... James, I really enjoyed this review and the novel idea of running the vehicle by some experts/enthusiasts of the genre.  Very well done.   

[Zombie]

Dogs May like trucks but Chicks like Jeeps.

Dirty Chicks:



Hot Chicks:





Groups of Chicks



Hot Mechanic Chicks

[Demosthenes X]

In response to demo X, you would be surprised how many girls love their YG/Wranglers.
I had a girlfriends whose father had a Jeep/Eagle dealership in the early 90's. She could select an Eagle Talon Turbo or a Dodge Sthealth if she wanted to, but nop! She would only show up in her V6 YG with manual transmission. And you are wrong, she wore a tight skirt and high heels very well too!  Her girlfriends all wanted one too...

I must admit that my Jeep Liberty is as ruff as I will go however.

Conveniently, I said I doubt most of them could live with a Jeep.  Sure, some girls like Jeeps.  And some like spooning with the naked dolphin form on the internet.  Doesn't mean they all do.

[airbalancer]

In response to demo X, you would be surprised how many girls love their YG/Wranglers.
I had a girlfriends whose father had a Jeep/Eagle dealership in the early 90's. She could select an Eagle Talon Turbo or a Dodge Sthealth if she wanted to, but nop! She would only show up in her V6 YG with manual transmission. And you are wrong, she wore a tight skirt and high heels very well too!  Her girlfriends all wanted one too...

I must admit that my Jeep Liberty is as ruff as I will go however.

Conveniently, I said I doubt most of them could live with a Jeep.  Sure, some girls like Jeeps.  And some like spooning with the naked dolphin form on the internet.  Doesn't mean they all do.

Do doiphins wear clothes

[SiRCivic]

I've always kind of thought of these as "chick-cars". Didn't Mindy drive a CJ-5?

I remember spending some time in Phoenix in the early 90s, where it seemed that every other ASU coed drove around in a Jeep YJ.

Seemed to me that its popularity had nothing to do with off-roading, just that it was seen as a cheap, small, easy-to-park convertible. I'm sure that lots of folks in warmer climes buy these things for no other reason than the roof comes off.

[Cortina]

Yup Chicks like Jeeps.

So do gay men as well. Jeeps are a man puller. 

[RUFF-LIFE]

well I have to be honest, I am driving my third jeep tj since '99 and love my '05 rubicon. I haven't been as impressed with the new models as they seem to have taken all the old jeep out of them. plastic front end and all plastic fender flares.....and a v6? but the more I look at them the more I accept the change. they do seem bigger and some of the new options are desirable.....I have driven all of mine as daily drivers and have enjoyed it on both short and long adventures.....it rolls through snow and I have yet to be stuck......i'd consider buying an older one to have fun with .... or possibly buying a new one and continue the journey of jeep ownership. Jeep owners are unique......and to be honest I can't see not having one. buy a jeep you'll never regret the experience and the hold their value like no other vehicle I've known. Its a jeep thing you wouldn't understand.
cheers
ruff-life

[PJungnitsch]

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

[airbalancer]

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

A links just for you
http://www.thecj2apage.com/brochure/willys-overland_cj2a_sales_brochure.htm
 http://www.thecj2apage.com/om16.html

[tpl]

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.