Topic: Test drive: 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4X4

[Winterpeg]

I wonder how many Jeeps are sold to women who had a Barbie Jeep when they were little girls?
Probably will never ever go off-road, but they'll take the doors off so people can see them looking cool while driving their Jeeps to the mall.
(I'm not making this up, a friend is contemplating a Jeep purchase for these very reasons)

This will be a great vehicle 5 years from now...that way I can pick it up for a song and not be sad when I remove paint or a fender wheeling the crap out of it. This is by far the best, and most affordable, out of the box wheeler ever available to the general public. Good article!!!!

I looked at the 2009/10's used - the X's and Sport editions are everywhere and an amazing bargoon.  Take off the steelies on the X and put on some decent rims that will improve the looks alone 10-fold. 

Yeah, but then you have that sad sack 3.8 Caravan motor.....my fiance has an 07 and I love the Jeep, but I HATE that engine. I would go for a an X myself, it would be cheaper to build a rig that way more capable then the Rubicon for cheaper. Besides, with the way Chrysler Corp. is, if you take your Jeep on a rougher gravel road, your warranty is null and void because you took it off road, I couldnt care about a warranty.

I joined Jeeps Canada blog and there is a guy who got a chip for the 3.8 and (after comparing to the 2012) noted that although not as good as the Pentastar, the old motor redeemed itself OK.  I would have likley considered the 2011 if I were going manual to max the drivability...family needed an auto, so the Pentastar was a no-brainer esp with the new auto.  I rented a 2010 Sahara and is was ashamedly lethargic.

Your right on Blur911.......My GF's niece wanted a '08 Jeep Wrangler soooo bad that I could not talk her out of buying it even thought she will NEVER use the full(not even 1/4th)potential of the Rubicon version. So there will be great deals(used) down that unpaved road.

I must admit to wanting one for a third vehicle like mentioned here.   

[aaronk]

We rented one of these when we were in Hawaii, it was the 4-door convertible and it was brilliant. If I lived there, it would be my first-choice vehicle. It sucks on the road and the engine/transmission felt like it was from 20 years ago (it wasn't the Pentastar) but it just had so much character. It felt like it could go anywhere, and unlike most vehicles, for the most part it actually can. Although, for maximum off-road prowess, one would probably want the shorter wheelbase found in the 2-door model.

[Ace]

How would the standard Wrangler Sport model work as a daily driver(soft roader)with a 6 speed and regular tires ?

[Mike]

How would the standard Wrangler Sport model work as a daily driver(soft roader)with a 6 speed and regular tires ?

Probably ok.  It would still be bad on gas, but livable in every other sense.  Keep off options and it is a steal too

[lebowski]

How would the standard Wrangler Sport model work as a daily driver(soft roader)with a 6 speed and regular tires ?

Probably ok.  It would still be bad on gas, but livable in every other sense.  Keep off options and it is a steal too

I have to admit, I'm curious about these myself. Mike, Is there a big difference in driving/handling characteristics between the 2- and 4-door versions? And have you had the chance to drive both the 5-speed auto and the 6m?

[Mike]

How would the standard Wrangler Sport model work as a daily driver(soft roader)with a 6 speed and regular tires ?

Probably ok.  It would still be bad on gas, but livable in every other sense.  Keep off options and it is a steal too

I have to admit, I'm curious about these myself. Mike, Is there a big difference in driving/handling characteristics between the 2- and 4-door versions? And have you had the chance to drive both the 5-speed auto and the 6m?

Never got to drive a 6-speed manual unfortunately.  There is a difference between the 2 and 4 door in driving.  It is mostly felt in wander (the 2 door wanders more at highway speed) and the weird feeling in the 2 door with low speed turning. You sit near the rear axle and it is just a strange sensation performing tight maneuvers.

[lebowski]

How would the standard Wrangler Sport model work as a daily driver(soft roader)with a 6 speed and regular tires ?

Probably ok.  It would still be bad on gas, but livable in every other sense.  Keep off options and it is a steal too

I have to admit, I'm curious about these myself. Mike, Is there a big difference in driving/handling characteristics between the 2- and 4-door versions? And have you had the chance to drive both the 5-speed auto and the 6m?

Never got to drive a 6-speed manual unfortunately.  There is a difference between the 2 and 4 door in driving.  It is mostly felt in wander (the 2 door wanders more at highway speed) and the weird feeling in the 2 door with low speed turning. You sit near the rear axle and it is just a strange sensation performing tight maneuvers.

Cool, thanks for this info. Yeah, I guess that "wander" feeling makes sense, seeing pictures of the 2-door it looks like the driver sits right above the axle - can't be a terribly smooth ride. Then again I really like the classic look of the 2-door - I may have to give 'em both a test drive some time.

[dirtyjeffer]

i actually prefer the looks of the 4 door myself...but two of my co-workers both had Jeeps (one still has it) and they have had numerous problems with them...one was a 2006 and the other was a 2007.

[johngenx]

My Principal recently bought a new Rubicon Unlimited, and he had to get the four door as he has two little ones.  I've been in it many times, and it rides much nicer than any of the two door versions I've been in.

I always felt that the Wrangler, in both forms, was the "real deal" while the Hummer was an oversized caricature of a serious off roader.

[paul246]

My Principal recently bought a new Rubicon Unlimited, and he had to get the four door as he has two little ones.  I've been in it many times, and it rides much nicer than any of the two door versions I've been in.

I always felt that the Wrangler, in both forms, was the "real deal" while the Hummer was an oversized caricature of a serious off roader.

The H1 Hummer is a seriously capable all-terrain machine. The GM H2 ( done over Suburban ) and GM's H3 ( done over Canyon/Colorado ) are a pair of jokes meant for the posers.

While the Rubicon is overkill for most Jeep owners, its strong points are the Dana 44 diffs in both axles plus selectable lockers in both axles. These features alone assure an extremely tough and capable off-roader. While the Rubicon also has 4:10 gearing the fuel penalty for daily driving is heavy.

For most people, especially if they actually do off-road their Jeep, it would probably be more sensible to buy a base model ( they are all 4x4 ) and install an auto-locker, such as an Aussie Locker in at least one axle. I placed mine in the front axle to take advantage of the engine's weight for tremendous traction and grip. Now my Jeep WILL go anywhere. BTW, I also drive my 2 door '98 TJ daily.

[aaronk]

My Principal recently bought a new Rubicon Unlimited, and he had to get the four door as he has two little ones.  I've been in it many times, and it rides much nicer than any of the two door versions I've been in.

I always felt that the Wrangler, in both forms, was the "real deal" while the Hummer was an oversized caricature of a serious off roader.

The H1 Hummer is a seriously capable all-terrain machine. The GM H2 ( done over Suburban ) and GM's H3 ( done over Canyon/Colorado ) are a pair of jokes meant for the posers.

While the Rubicon is overkill for most Jeep owners, its strong points are the Dana 44 diffs in both axles plus selectable lockers in both axles. These features alone assure an extremely tough and capable off-roader. While the Rubicon also has 4:10 gearing the fuel penalty for daily driving is heavy.

For most people, especially if they actually do off-road their Jeep, it would probably be more sensible to buy a base model ( they are all 4x4 ) and install an auto-locker, such as an Aussie Locker in at least one axle. I placed mine in the front axle to take advantage of the engine's weight for tremendous traction and grip. Now my Jeep WILL go anywhere. BTW, I also drive my 2 door '98 TJ daily.

Some good points. Considering the massive aftermarket for the Wrangler, and shops specifically catering to building and modifying these Jeeps, there is basically no limit to what is possible. I think the draw to the Rubicon, though, is that someone can literally go from the showroom floor into some very inhospitable terrain without blinking an eye.

Also, let's not forget that the Hummer H1 cost what, $100K? $120K? A Rubicon is less than half that and has a much more functional interior. And fits in parking spots. And has a proper stereo. And has an optional convertible top. True the H1 was more 'extreme', but the Wrangler was meant for the real world as well.

[Fobroader]

Actually getting the X Unlimited with the trailer tow package(3.73 gears) and the limited slip rear end is more than good enough. With some decent tires you will be very surprised where you can go. My only beef with the Sahara model are the color matched fender flares....way more expensive to fix if you knock one against a tree or a rock. The Rubicon, like Ive stated before, is easily the most capable out of the box wheeler, but for the cost over an X, you can easily build a better one through the aftermarket for the same or less money.

[johngenx]

The H1 was the real deal, but otherwise the Hummer brand was nothing more than a joke with their vehicles bought only to show that someone was an overconsumer, not a hardcore off-roader. Jeep has strayed a bit on the soft side (not the rap music video side) but most of their products bring the goods. The Rubicon is a perfect rig for someone not interested in customizing but wants to really get out off road.

[Fobroader]

I think 2001 was the best year for the Jeep brand, they had the XJ Cherokee, WJ Grand Cherokee and TJ Wrangler.....all available with that fantastic 4L I6, 2 solid axles and real transfercases. Today, besides the Wrangler, theyve turned into some mall crawling poofs, the Patriot and Compass are a pathetic addition to the jeep lineup up, Caliber based Jeeps.... Now the SRT-8 GC is a pretty fantastic vehicle....but come one, its not a Jeep if you cant take it offroad. Im glad that at least theyve improved their premier flagship vehicle, this new Wrangler is awesome!!!

[paul246]

Actually getting the X Unlimited with the trailer tow package(3.73 gears) and the limited slip rear end is more than good enough. With some decent tires you will be very surprised where you can go. My only beef with the Sahara model are the color matched fender flares....way more expensive to fix if you knock one against a tree or a rock. The Rubicon, like Ive stated before, is easily the most capable out of the box wheeler, but for the cost over an X, you can easily build a better one through the aftermarket for the same or less money.

Actually, limited slip is near useless when power to the drive wheels is required. No comparison to a locker. Here is a good illustration;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-S2nDDvKHoA

As for building  an X better than a Rubicon, its hard to beat those Dana 44 axles, plus the Ruby already comes equipped with selectable lockers on both axles. But ya, you can still build an incredible wheeler with aftermarket gear.

[Fobroader]

Actually getting the X Unlimited with the trailer tow package(3.73 gears) and the limited slip rear end is more than good enough. With some decent tires you will be very surprised where you can go. My only beef with the Sahara model are the color matched fender flares....way more expensive to fix if you knock one against a tree or a rock. The Rubicon, like Ive stated before, is easily the most capable out of the box wheeler, but for the cost over an X, you can easily build a better one through the aftermarket for the same or less money.

Actually, limited slip is near useless when power to the drive wheels is required. No comparison to a locker. Here is a good illustration;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-S2nDDvKHoA

As for building  an X better than a Rubicon, its hard to beat those Dana 44 axles, plus the Ruby already comes equipped with selectable lockers on both axles. But ya, you can still build an incredible wheeler with aftermarket gear.

Oh I know, you cant remotely compare a locker to a LSD, lockers wins every time. The amount of people Ive heard that have bent the axle housing on the so called D44 axles, its scary. As far as I know, its not a proper dana 44, like the 1/2 ton truck axle, its some sort of hybrid Dana 35/Dana 44 thing.

[WRX_Pilot]

Owning a Wrangler is definitely a love/hate relationship.  I've gone through 4 different YJs/TJs over the years because everytime I get fed up, I leave for a while, but I always come back    Currently DDing a '98 TJ.  I love that it feels like I'm going on Safari everytime I go to work!  And If I ever get down on the gas guzzling, I remember that it's still way cheaper than car payments 

[Sir Osis of Liver]

I had a 1992 YJ, which was really bad in about every sense you could imagine. My brother had a 2007 Wrangler for 4 years, and it was night and day better.

[dirtyjeffer]

hmmm...just checked the Jeep.ca website, and i didn't realize how "inexpensive" these are...a well equipped Sahara Unlimited model is about $30k...that's actually not bad considering its capabilities.

[paul246]

Just keep in mind that the 4-door Unlimited is not a cool replacement for the family mini-van or CUV. Those rear doors are narrow and the floor is above what you are accustomed with. For example, trying to strap your child into their car seat will torque your back, only way to get around this is to climb in yourself to do the job. The ride isn't the best, the fuel mileage isn't very good, the reliability isn't great and trying to get warranty work will generally be a "challenge", even if you don't mind hanging out around dealerships. Explains why you are starting to see more and more of these units back on used lots and in the classifieds.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Jeep, but I use it off-road everyday to take my dogs out for their runs as well as to commute to work with it. But it really is a specialty vehicle. The 4 doors enable you to take along like-minded people who enjoy off-roading adventures. If you need a soccer mom type vehicle, better to buy one.