2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited from North America - Comments

Upon purchasing the vehicle there were several from-the-factory imperfections, such as scratches on the leather steering wheel, strange paint bumps near the bottom of the vehicle, and cuts in the foam padding from the bars.

The passenger seat belt retention mechanism broke from the inside within 14k miles.

The power steering cable came completely undone, leaking transmission fluid all over my garage floor.

1st Gear occasionally would pop out of gear and slap me in the hand. It seemed as if it wasn't grabbing the stick.

This problem should not occur on a brand new vehicle! No wonder American cars manufacturers are losing so much money!

Gas mileage is way worse than the window sticker says. Real world gas consumption is probably around 12 MPG. Pathetic. The Hummer H3 gets better mileage than that.

The Unlimited Wrangler is nice inside with plenty of space. The motor is powerful and the transmission typically shifts well. 4WD is awesome.

Having a convertible SUV is very fun, especially in the summer/spring.

You've got to realize that a new vehicle will not get the specified gas mileage until it's broken in.

Back in March, I had a new 2006 Wrangler for about 15 hours... I was looking forward to it for years. After showing it to my sister and friend, I was heading home on the freeway, going about 60 mph, and had to slam on my brakes for a car driving way to slowly and without enough lighting to see it.

My Wrangler did a 540 degree turn in the right lane of I-20, leaving me at a dead stop facing oncoming traffic. Luckily there was light traffic at that time of night, or I probably wouldn't be writing this.

I couldn't get past this and took it back to the dealership. I may try again someday.

And so, because you were driving too fast for conditions, and don't know how to control your vehicle, this is somehow Jeep's fault?

Sounds like another jeep owner buying one for either status or "thinking" they will go offroad. If you want status get a Hummer, if you want a real rugged offroad vehicle get a Wrangler. People complain about comfort and room and gas mileage, all while driving a special use vehicle that is shaped like a brick with a tent or shell on top of it. Get a Toyota or something else if you want "class leading" features, and get the heated seats while you're at it.

I agree with July 24th.

For several years, I wanted a Wrangler in the worst way, because I considered it the most capable 4x4 to replace my Ramcharger as an off-road vehicle.

I had saved up the cash to buy a new Wrangler X, and was even toying with buying a Rubicon. Then, I realized that I really had no need for an off-road vehicle anymore, because that phase of my career is over.

Plus, I drove my grandfather's Wrangler Sahara, which is really nice, and realized for myself what everybody says --- this is an off-road capable, utility vehicle. It is not a commuting vehicle, or a long distance vacation vehicle.

It is hard to get in and out of, the visibility out the front window is poor, there is no storage space, and with the rag top there is no way to safely leave it in an airport parking lot or at a trailhead for a week.

I have total respect for the Wrangler as an off-road vehicle, and I would still buy one if I had a need for one. But I realized that my needs are for something to take on the occasional National Forest Service road when I go hiking and camping, and something that gets decent mileage and is comfortable on long drives. That is not a Wrangler/Rubicon.

I bought something else rather than buying into the fantasy like these other "Jeep posers". Buy the vehicle that suits your needs.

As a long-time Jeep owner, I think too many people buy a Wrangler for the wrong reasons and have unrealistic expectations of what the vehicle is.

First, the Wrangler is not meant to be a mini-van or family SUV. It's not a sports car, touring 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!