Question for Morgan

[Shane Parker]

I noticed you shot the Jeep Rubicon Unlimited in the December issue of Car & Driver. Did you get any seat time in it? I've been wanting to pick up a Jeep for the last few years but the little lady won't have it (well, that's not entirely true, I could probably push her into it but I do listen to her input lol). However, now that she's seen photos of the 4-door Rubicon (nice photos btw) she's all for getting one this coming summer.

So my question to you is, did you like it? Any gripes? I'm at the office now and don't have the magazine with me so I haven't actually read the article yet to get the editors take on it.

We're very active (like to camp a lot here in the PNW) and need a decent off-road rig. At first glance, the 4-door Rubicon might fit the bill perfectly. Plus, we both think it looks cool as hell (not like that ugly-ass Liberty... sorry in advance to any Liberty owners :D )

[Morgan J Segal]

Sorry, I have been traveling about in Japan and just got some internet (stealing a bad wi-fi connection from a neighbor here in Osaka)

I actually got lots of seat time on the Rubicon, probably more than the writer - he did not care much for the extreme offroading that was the Rubicon trail, so he had me do a fair amount of the time behind the wheel. While I really enjoyed the "driving" on the Rubicon trail, after about 6 of the 15 grueling hours of traveling at a snails pace, I was wondering when the helicopter was going to come and lift us out so we could go home. I was glad to complete it though, as I had previously tried and failed (hit a wall of snow) to do it many years ago.
I also did do a good 4 hour stint behind the wheel on the highway as well.

I really like the looks of the Jeep too, but I consider it as something that you buy as an off road toy more than something you'd want as a daily driver. Despite Jeeps efforts to soften it up, it (the Rubicon) is a bit more focused towards a serious off road vehicle than an on road vehicle (sort of in the way an Elise is focused bit more towards a track car, by stripping the amenities, than a daily driven road car). While it is very capable off road, the jeep is lacking in on road abilities, it is very underpowered, it is heavy, and the handling is a bit clumsy. Additionally, the interior is not all that great nor is the storage capacity (it was a bit tight getting our camping gear in it and a third person in the back) and the lack of a way to prop open the back door is really inexcusable.
Sure, you can buy a less extreme version than the Rubicon, but I feel it is not worth putting up with the Jeeps shortcomings unless you're going to take full advantage of it's off road prowess

IMO the only reason to buy the Jeep is if it is a secondary vehicle and you are really wanting the open air vehicle and/or plan to do serious off road trails like the 10+ rated Rubicon.

For my money, I would buy the Nissan Xterra. I've taken the Nissan on 5+ rated trails, which is probably as difficult as most people will ever do, and it is very capable. On the road it is quick and handles great (it is the sports car of SUV's IMO) and it has a better balance between the on road and off road capabilities

All said, you should definitely take the Jeep for a test drive to see if you are willing to put up with it.

[Drew Phillips]

I agree with Morgan - Jeeps are great second vehicle and would even work if you only had to drive short distances, but I wouldn't want to put up with one for a daily commute every day. If you do a test drive, take it on the freeway and see if you want to deal with the noise.

[Shane Parker]

Thanks for the info Morgan.

Actually, I grew up around Jeeps, so I'm plenty aware of what it's like to own one. My cousin had a CJ7 with an LT1 transplant... that sucker was fun! This would be a 'weekend' vehicle since we both have daily drivers that we're not going to part with. We've basically narrowed it down to the following vehicles:

- FJ Cruiser (still need to test drive)
- Rubicon (still need to test drive)
- Xterra
- Four-door Frontier (I actually REALLY like this one)

I've driven the four-door frontier a few times (family member has one) and I really like the truck. It's not too big, not too small, and seems to have great balance of power, utility, and comfort. The same goes for the Xterra and FJ, I just don't know if either of us are that infatuated with the looks of either of those rigs.

I was pretty sure we'd end up buying something before winter, but we just can't make up our mind. So I guess we'll use the winter to sit on it and see if anything else comes on the market by spring/summer.

[Tiny Malone]

Shane, I can help you with #1 if it is new. Have #2 in pre-owned as well as #4.