So I stopped by the local dealer and saw they had the new Wrangler Unlimited (JK 4 door). I'll admit that I love it.

I parked my ZJ right next to it (which has a 2" lift and 31" tires). They were both similar in size -- the JK was a bit taller, but my ZJ looked a bit longer if you take the spare off the back of the JK. So I thought the JK 4DR was the perfect size. The interior was extremely comfortable. I was able to fit comfortably in the back seat (and I'm not a small guy) -- although it would probably be crammed with three adults. The trunk is pretty big, but the wheel wells limit some of the space.

The options they had on it were for the soccer mom (X trim, step rails, auto tranny, P245s), so it had all the options I wouldn't want, but I test drove it anyways. The ride was very quiet compared to the TJs I've test driven before (perhaps b/c of the new engine and hardtop?). I'd go as far to say that it's about as quiet as my 93ZJ. It was pretty smooth and stable, too -- moreso than my 93ZJ, but less than my mother's '05 Grand Cherokee. Surprisingly, I didn't find the engine to be sluggish at all.
Speaking of the engine, the smog index is 4.0 which is considered the average for new cars -- and that's a helluva lot less than the I6.

Rear visibility is a bit blocked from the headrests on the rear seats, but the rear seats can be folded down really easily if there is no one on the back.

I found it odd that the power window controls were on the front dash, but the power locks were on the doors themselves. Not really sure of the reasoning for this, but it's not a big deal. There is just an extra wire you gotta disconnect when you take off the doors.

I'd love to get my hands on a Rubi, though.

Maybe it's because I've never owned an older Wrangler, but I love the new one. The 4DR would be a perfect replacement for any Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, or Liberty. Jeep will probably sell a ton of these.

The new JK Unlimited is sweet indeed. I want one too!

The ride was very quiet compared to the TJs I've test driven before (perhaps b/c of the new engine and hardtop?). I'd go as far to say that it's about as quiet as my 93ZJ. It was pretty smooth and stable, too -- moreso than my 93ZJ, but less than my mother's '05 Grand Cherokee.

I found it odd that the power window controls were on the front dash, but the power locks were on the doors themselves. Not really sure of the reasoning for this, but it's not a big deal. There is just an extra wire you gotta disconnect when you take off the doors.


Ive driven the hardtop and the soft top, both are surprisingly quiet.

DCX started doing window controls like that with the PT, then the Liberty has them in the center console. The Caliber/Compass/Patriot, the Wrangler, and I think the Nitro all have them in the dash like the PT.

I may be wrong, but I think those window controls are located there for the safety of young children. It is so they can't accidently press the window button when their head/neck is out the window, which can choke them to death.

Be interesting to know where the window controls on other brands--for example, the new Fords, GM, Toyotas, and the like are located?

I may be wrong, but I think those window controls are located there for the safety of young children. It is so they can't accidently press the window button when their head/neck is out the window, which can choke them to death.

Be interesting to know where the window controls on other brands--for example, the new Fords, GM, Toyotas, and the like are located?

Most OEMs, including Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep, put the switches in the doors. Only on these few models have they put them in the center.

Ive driven the hardtop and the soft top, both are surprisingly quiet.

DCX started doing window controls like that with the PT, then the Liberty has them in the center console. The Caliber/Compass/Patriot, the Wrangler, and I think the Nitro all have them in the dash like the PT.

i tried to keep quiet, but i can't ... the caliber, compass, patriot, and nitro all have window controls on the doors, not the dash.

i tried to keep quiet, but i can't ... the caliber, compass, patriot, and nitro all have window controls on the doors, not the dash.

My bad, the Lancers and the Nitro are in the doors. Liberty, Wrangler, PT, Crossfire, and IIRC Viper in the center. Too many new models this year, especially since my dealership added Dodge last month.

So, i finally saw one in person. i couldn't test-drive it becasue they were cleaning it up to take it to some nascar thing today. anyways, it's huge and really rugged looking from the outside. now, once you get in, it almost looks like a luxury SUV. kinda reminded me of the Commander. the seats werer really comfortable and like ktek01 said, it just felt quiet even though it wasn't on. anyways, i think we'll definitly be seeing a lot of them on the roads soon.

it is the perfect family vehicle!