2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport 3.6

Summary:

Not sensible, but very reliable, and HEAPS of fun

Faults:

Note: The following is due to a mistake by the dealer, and not the manufacturer

The check engine light came on and an error code indicating issues with the oil pressure popped up.

It turned out that the dealer had fitted the wrong oil filter during a service.

The oil filter was changed, the code was cleared, and the engine light has stayed off for 10k miles.

Problem solved.

General Comments:

I love this car. It makes no sense why I should, but I REALLY do! It's not fast, particularly comfortable, aerodynamic, convenient, etc.... but it just feels great to drive. It really does. My wife actually talked me out of a Grand Cherokee and into it. As usual, she was right.

It's much quieter than I thought it would be. Very little road noise, and as long as you stay under 60mph (I'd imagine this is due to how far away you are from the road and tires), the wind noise isn't bad at all. 60+ and the noise goes way up, and the fuel economy goes way down due to the brick-like aerodynamics.

The fuel economy isn't great: I get a combined of about 18 MPG.

The interior is not luxurious; there are plenty of very ordinary looking plastic bits, but leather and the like would be silly on this kind of vehicle. Having said that, I'm almost at 20k miles, and there's not a single squeak or rattle from the interior, and I've had it off-road a number of times.

Summer-time cruising or off-roading with the top off is a lot of fun. I cross shopped the Toyota FJ Cruiser and the Nissan Xterra, and the top-off driving afforded to the Wrangler driver was a big plus for me when deciding.

Get the 3.73 gearing and NOT the 3.21. There's a noticeable "pep" difference.

You'll never worry about door dings again! I have the tubular side-steps and the black plastic bumpers and fender flares. People opening their doors into my Wrangler only ends in them getting their paint chipped.

It's wonderful to be able to easily remove every bit of cloth or carpet from the interior and give it a wash.

The headlights could be way better. Still, some inexpensive shopping in the aftermarket market took care of that.

The Wrangler community and aftermarket scene is 2nd to none, in my opinion. So much can be done to it, and it's such an easy vehicle to work on.

I had never been off-roading (intentionally) before I bought this car, and it's opened up a whole new realm of weekend fun for me. Seriously, there's nothing like taking a vehicle up a muddy incline with rocks and ruts. I urge every motoring enthusiast to try it at least once.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th September, 2014

28th Sep 2014, 03:14

Nice review.

Document the installation of the wrong oil filter - should there be engine damage (down the road) from the oil pressure problem it created, it could save you big money.

2013 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited 3.6 Pentastar

Summary:

Fun and versatile

Faults:

Drivers seat belt recoil doesn't always work.

Drivers seat adjustment doesn't stay. I have to crank it from time to time.

Lack of instructions on the clipping sequence of the soft top (don't set the back windows before clipping the front).

Lost a windshield damper by gently removing snow on the hood.

Soft top car adapters quality. Rubber parts got off.

General Comments:

Although minor issues, this truck wants to do it all. It's off-road, convertible, fun, it's an utility vehicle, it can tow, it can carry, it's a transformer. It's a car you can have fun with in the summer and in the winter. It's driftable in the winter, it's a dune buggy in the summer. I came from a Mustang GT 2010 and the Jeep has enough power for my taste. Lots... LOTS of aftermarket parts that can make your Wrangler pretty unique. I also like the minimal, yet classy, look inside.

It's soft on the road despite common feedback people think. It feels heavy when braking, the engine makes so much heat in the summer that it makes me think the engine could be better tweaked in the future. And then, of course, the biggest issue is the fuel intake even if the Pentastar improved fuel economy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th February, 2014

2013 Jeep Wrangler Sport 2 Door 3.6

Summary:

Capable off and on the road

Faults:

Miles are only 2800, but no problems thus far, no initial defects.

General Comments:

It is excellent off road on the trails, yet decent on the highway also. Took a 400 mile road trip with no fatigue, and the visibility all around is good.

The 3.6 engine has good power, gas mileage is OK (17 around town, 22 on the highway).

The chassis is strong and well built, and these have always had excellent resale value. I am glad I finally got my first Wrangler.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st July, 2013

21st Jan 2014, 09:24

I wrote this original review. Miles are at 8000, still no initial defects. Everything works as it should. Had a recall for a transmission line that was taken care of at the dealer. I’ve been driving through harsh winter weather in 4WD without giving it much of a thought. I am still happy with the Wrangler and am glad I bought it, no regrets or buyer’s remorse.