2005 Jeep Wrangler X from Mexico - Comments

Nothing yet!!

The fuel economy is not good though.

My Jeep is Awesome, I never thought that it would have its amazing off road capabilities.

On Road its fun to drive.

I Will never get rid of it.

THE BEST car I have ever had. I'm looking forward to buy another Jeep.

Fuel economy will never be good from an off road oriented vehicle.

But let me get this straight...

You bought a wrangler and didn't think it had the balls to go offroad?

Wow.

But... why would you buy a Wrangler not intending to go offroad...?

I've owned 4 Jeeps (3 of them were Wranglers) and have not taken them off-road.

Here in New England there are plenty of reasons to own a Wrangler with out ever taking them off-road.

My Wrangler is the perfect vehicle for getting around during and after a snow storm, it's a great winter vehicle (fantastic heater too),

it is the perfect vehicle for running errands in, it is easy to park and can handle the rough pothole filled roads that I wouldn't dream of driving my Saab over.

Actually most Jeep owners do not drive off-road, but the ability of a Jeep to handle rough weather conditions and rough roads is second to none.

They are also a blast to drive in warm weather as well - what can beat a warm summer night cruise with the top down?

The Wrangler is a versatile & tough 4X4 that can meet the needs of many lifestyles.

I'll always own one, and probably will never go off-roading.

And yet... I would think that the list of vehicles that could handle potholes, snow, ice, carry more people, carry more cargo, are smoother, are quieter, get better gas mileage, and cost and depreciate less would be pretty comprehensive. Jeeps are best off-road and it's there that they perform better than all comers. Otherwise it would seem like any decent SUV or perhaps Subaru would be a better choice. But I like Jeepers who stay on pavement too. They're the best source for nice clean used Jeeps that have "never been wheeled". But of course it's your choice what you drive and like. You don't even need a watertight rationale for ownership. If you like it, buy it. Jeep on, dude.

I was in the automobile business for over 30 years (now retired from the business). I sold Jeeps back when the Wrangler (YJ) was introduced (back in 1986, as 1987 models). I worked for a Jeep dealership when Chrysler bought AMC, and over the years since worked in dealerships that sold many competitor's models, as well as in Jeep dealerships.

I will say there are smoother riding SUVs out there. There are SUVs that get better fuel economy. There are roomier and quieter SUVs as well. But as far as versatility, ruggedness, reliability and resale value go (but why would you want to sell?) the Wrangler still tops my list as the best compact SUV, with real off-road capability.

If you are looking for comfort and luxury in a mid-size SUV the Lexus RX models top my mid-size (not for off-road) list.

But if you go off-roading or rough roads are part of your commute a clean late model Cherokee is nearly as rugged as the little Wrangler (I said nearly - in my book nothing beats the Wrangler).

Another compact worth looking at is the new Suzuki Grand Vitara - especially since they've put a more powerful V6 in it for the new model year.

Of course Toyotas RAV4 is a nice little cute-ute, but not for the rough going.

I haven't driven the new Honda CR-V, but I was not impressed with the last one I drove back in 2004.

I'm no longer in the automobile business, but I'm still an enthusiast, and the Jeep Wrangler is still tops on my list.

One more thing - Wrangler's hold their value very well - they do not depreciate rapidly like most vehicles.

Edmunds' online site rates the Wrangler poor for depreciation. Yet I know what you mean. It seems like they DO depreciate fairly quickly at first and then slow WAY down.

For example, a buddy of mine sold a 10 yr. old Sahara with just under 100,000 miles on it for $9500.00 this past fall. He had purchased it 4.5 years before for $12,000.00.

On the other hand, I just bought an 07 Unlimited Rubicon for 23,500 with everything but nav. It had only 14,000 miles on it and was a dead ringer for a new one. So the previous owner must have lost over $10,000 dollars for his one year and 14,000 miles.

So guys the point is... the longer you have these things, the less they depreciate. That first year is a killer, the second is painful, but after that it begins to outperform most of the rest of the autokingdom.

I should have said I just purchased the Jeep in Sept.