The new "Freedom top" is the biggest complainant. What a pain in the neck this is. From the second day, it has leaked. Jeep was returned to dealer "4" times as of 08-12-07. The problem is still not corrected. It stinks to have to jump into your jeep after a rainy night with a towel in hand, so as to dry up the pool of water that has built up.
The passenger seat is another problem. My kids, who are "10" and "8" have the hardest time getting in, because the passenger seat does not allow adequate entry room for rear passengers. Forget about trying to get a full size adult in the rear. Overall, the Jeep looks great, over priced, still under powered and not great on gas. Should have stayed with my 1998 "TJ" Sahara.
If the entry to the rear is such a big deal to you then why did you not purchase the 4-door Ultimate version or any other 4-door SUV for that matter. It is not a secret that the standard Wrangler is not exactly the ideal family vehicle.
I have you beat, mine was at the dealer 7 times. I know what you mean about the leaks... I had 3 of them. Not everyone wants or can afford a 4 door, you are correct about the rotten design for rear seat access. If that seat is not to be used then why have it in there (hello chrysler??).I traded in my JK and bought a new Mustang. Fun to drive and not one bit of problems after several thousand miles.
Own a 2007 two-door Jeep Wrangler with hard-shell top. Rear seat access is only for skinny and short contortionists with rubber bones. Headrests feel like from steel bricks and likely will cause more damage that a rear-ender. Back seat, when folded upright, has no restraints so consequently flops back and forth (noisily) during starts and stops creating a major annoyance. Removable two panels are a pain. They are EXTREMELY vulnerable to scratching (even the slightest touch by another object will do this). But then again, this IS a Jeep. It is excellent for what it's pedigree promises (my first Jeep was a 1954 Willy's truck). The issue for many is that expectations of creature comfort are being compared to the many competitors (or wannabes), and so the Jeep comes up short. Me, I'm looking to trade it in for a Jeep Patriot.
Just bought a 2-Door 2007 Wrangler Sahara and so far I love it. Soft top goes up and down in about 5 minutes. Not 1 minute, but 5 and that's fine with me. Surprisingly roomy front seat, though not much space for nick-nacks like wallet, cell phone etc. Have to use cupholders and glove compartment for that. The ride is actually much smoother than I've heard, and the premium sound system is incredible. Sirius radio in the stock head unit and a sub woofer.
My complaints are the head rest is very hard and angled awkwardly down. Hard to get comfortable in the seat on long drive with the cruise control going. Back seat hard to get into but that's to be expected, same with Gas Mileage.
FIVE MINUTES to put the top up or down?
Methinks I would shtick with the optional hardtop...
As a long-time Jeep owner, I would like to add my 2 cents
(or 1 1/2 cents anyway).
First, the Wrangler is not meant to be a mini-van or family SUV. It's not a sports car, touing car, or substitute for a Lexus. It is not the ideal commuter vehicle, as the Wrangler is rough riding, noisy, cramped, and bad on gas.
The soft-top takes time to put up & down with its combination of snaps, zippers & velcro fasteners. (this task can be very rough on the fingers especially on a cool day).
That being said, the Wrangler is a highly capable off-road vehicle, which is also a fun run-about in the city, in the suburbs, and anywhere where the roads are bad, and the weather is worse. It is ideal for parking in tight spots.
There really is no vehicle that I know of that is so versatile in that it makes for a great winter vehicle here in New England, and a fun summer vehicle - top down if you so desire!
It's great for running errands, whether in the middle of a snow storm or on a warm summer's night.
As for the small back seat - it is perfect for my daughter's baby seat, and it does fold to give you more cargo space when you need it.
The problem is that some people buy a Wrangler for the wrong reasons - whether it be image, or thinking it is a suitable substitute for the primary family vehicle.
It can be a great vehicle for a college student, easy to park, good in the snow and fun. But as I stated earlier, it should never be confused with a mini-van, or a family SUV.
I've owned a number of Jeeps over the years, YJ's, TJ's, even a Liberty. My personal favorite is the Wrangler YJ. In fact I currently own a 1995 Wrangler YJ -Yes it rides like an ox cart, is noisy and gets lousy MPGs.
But it is very durable, reliable, and versatile.
If I only owned one vehicle, the Wrangler might not be the most practical choice, but as a second vehicle, few could do so many things so well.
To sum it up - before you buy a Wrangler - make sure it is the right vehicle for your needs, if it is, you will love it!
Never expect a brick shaped offroad utility vehicle with a tent on top to be comfortable or an efficient "car" because you have unreal expectations. If you want an affordable offroader with an insane aftermarket and the ability to go topless, all while hauling your kids, dog etc. then buy the jeep. I can guarantee the jeep will go where your fullsize trucks or "crossover" suv's can never go. It will go even further than most all of your "offroad" suv's will including the fj cruiser. That does suck about the top but hopefully they will get it resolved.
I have owned my jeep since sept. 08 and have since been back to the dealership 4 times to have leaks addressed. Unfortunately the hard top continues to leak. I switched to the soft top only to experience more leaks. It's hard to tell if it is raining harder outside or inside of my jeep.
If you have owned your Jeep since Sept. 08 then wow! you really are ahead of the curve, since that is 2 1/2 months from now!
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