Topic: First Drive: 2011 Jeep Wrangler

[PJungnitsch]

Probably mostly a problem with the engine, just not that fuel-efficient. The Pentastar V6 should help, and there is some muttering about Fiat putting in a diesel.

2012 will include the Pentastar V6; a diesel was being looked at, but needs to pass emissions at reasonable cost. A new automatic is planned and probably a new Fiat manual transmission, possibly with an updated transfer case (maybe bringing back a full-time setting for broader market appeal). Sheet metal changes will improve aerodynamics (strong chance of major windshield and front end redesign). There is a strong chance of some sort of "stripped" model as production line can now apply bedliner to tubs during assembly. Better quality is also expected.

http://www.allpar.com/model/upcoming.html

[johngenx]

Yeah, I'll take a stripped down four door Wrangler with a diesel.

Of course, if they go the way of many other makes, they'll "justify" the added cost of the diesel engine by bundling it with a bunch of foo-foo crap like leather interior, nav and built in blow-dryer.  This makes it the most expensive model in the line, shrinking volumes, and then the maker says "no one likes the diesel."

Our 1998 E300 stickered for $60K flat compared to $67K for the E320 gas car.  MB took out the leather (we had Tex) and a bunch of other little stuff, and offered the torque monster fuel sipper for a lot less.  For some reason, they limited volumes, and sold every car they could bring here.  Demand was so high that people bought used ones for not much less than the new price.  We sold ours for far more than a gas E320 would have fetched.

[kard00d]

What's the connecton between the "stripped" down model and the ability of the factory to apply bedliner?  Do they just mean no carpet?

[PJungnitsch]

I'd guess yeah. I've got a buddy who wants to do that aftermarket with his Jeep, goes well with the drain plugs that come standard.

[jeepsrule!]

Plan B is not picking up what everyone is putting down.  Not gonna sweat it, just respond politely :-)

If a person is "truly" serious about off roading why not build up an old CJ rather than blowing 30k on an outdated 2011 ?   Most offroaders, unless they are millionaires, would not spend 30k on a brand new jeep and go thrash it through the mountains!  Seriously, very few people actually would do this!    My friends who do have old jeeps and trash them laugh at this new stuff from jeep, for the most part it's for image!

"By that flawed logic, everyone on the planet would only buy a crew-cab pick-up because it is obviously safer/larger/more versatile/higher sales volume than any other car/SUV available" 

No!  Not everyone on the planet, just the 10500 who bought these jeeps thinking they are now "outdoorsy".  The other 500 educated people may actually enjoy the attributes of the jeep and it's potential!
You getting it now plan B? 

yikes buddy

I will say it again - these things are WAYYYYYYYY  overpriced.  Jeep must make a killing off of each of these, I guess they would need to if they only sell 11000 of them. 

[PlanB]

I will say it again - these things are WAYYYYYYYY  overpriced.  Jeep must make a killing off of each of these, I guess they would need to if they only sell 11000 of them. 

If you believe these vehicles are not worth their price-tag, guess what, you don't have to buy one.  Jeep (Wranglers and their respective model line-up) have been on the market far longer than most brands in NA and they just keep selling; so there must be enough people out there that disagree with you for Jeep/Chrysler to keep producing them. 

The fact of the matter, and it is a fact, is that if the Jeep line-up was not profitable, they wouldn't sell it.  In these economic times, I don't think any auto-maker has the financial means to carry a poorly performing brand anymore.  Yes, there might be some dated technology in the vehicle (engine perhaps) but it still gets the job done when you get right down to it; and like I said before, anyone buying this vehicle is NOT likely looking for the absolute cutting edge technology as far as engine/transmission - they are looking for the finest production off-road capable vehicle sold in NA, and IMO anyone who buys one is getting just that.  Once another vehicle comes along and can outperform the Jeep Wrangler in off-roading for a lower price, then I say you have a much more valid argument for being overpriced.   

[Plan C]

I would like to see a diesel as well but will the price be closer to $40g?  The pentastar should be a welcomed addition.   Why not a stripper model?  That might bring the cost into the low 20's which would make this a more attractive package.

Plan C

[safristi]

I would like to see a diesel as well but will the price be closer to $40g?  The pentastar should be a welcomed addition.   Why not a stripper model?  That might bring the cost into the low 20's which would make this a more attractive package.

Plan C

.....................

  well since U asked why NOT TWO MODELS......... ...
  that looks suspiciously like the "TYRE PSYCHO" from the RUBBER thread/err tread....

[SJP]

Put in a diesel, no carpet, and keep it around 24-26 000 and I'd probably have one. Most of the JEEP enthusiasts I know build old CJ's, like was previously said. That way, they don't feel bad about scratching the paint

[dirtroad]

I have driven nothing but 4x4 vehicles for the past 35 years, and they actually run in 4 wheel drive about 50% of the time.  And, yes, I have broken suspension parts in the rough stuff; I drive them as they are intended to be driven. 

For 16 years I drove Jeeps of various description and enjoyed them, but no more.  There is some talk on this forum about a "stripped down" model Wrangler (to me that means removing at least 600 pounds of crap), and also a diesel engine of some sort.  If the diesel is a 2L turbo in a much lighter Jeep without all the suburban luxury gizmos and sculpted console padding, etc., I might be interested once again.

People talk about the 3.8 having too little power.  You would not need as much power if you didn't have to lug so much "civilized" creature comfort junk around.  In the end, Chrysler is in this to make money, and if they sell more Jeeps because of the image - even if the off road capabilities never get used - that's what they will do.  Next there will be a chauffeur driven version. . . 

[Mike]