Not Impressed Yet
09-15-2006, 12:35 PM
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Not Impressed Yet
Looks like I am going to probably be the first to break ranks here and say that I do not like the JK. The local dealership just got a Black Sahara Unlimited and I moseyed on over there to take a looksie. First off, this thing is HUGE!!! 
The best approximation in size I can offer if you haven't seen one yet is it is about the size of an H3. Second, it had a sticker price of $32K and change. That is a lot of aftermarket goodies I could buy for the nearly paid off TJ. Third, it seems to have traded in its utilitarian and practical interior for one that is rather sophisticated and complicated. For instance, the rear seats are not removable, they fold forward like in a Grand Cherokee. The front bucket seats actually have several functions including a handle which you pump to raise the seat up and down. The dash, although attractive, doesn't look like it would survive getting wet often if you happen to leave the top off frequently (there is a lot of electronic gear in it like the power window swithes). Additionally, it doesn't appear that carpet removal is an easy task which means getting it wet could lead to a mildewy interior, but I am not positive. IMHO DC is going after the Hummer crowd that is tired of paying $100 to fill up the gas tank but still wants the look and capability of a bad ass 4x4. Unfortunately, this also means more bling-blingers will be migrating over and tarnishing the Jeep image. It shouldn't be long before we spot a JK runnin' "Deuce-Dub Spinners". Maybe, maybe not. I hope I am wrong, but we'll see. On a positive note, running 37s on a four inch lift!!!
I guess that new engine sure is going to have to show us what it can do!
On another note, I hope the JK isn't the end of additions to 4x4xplor.com. It is by far the best "how-to" Jeep site on the web and I am looking forward to the ARB install write up.
I am standing by for the poo that will probably be flung at me
The best approximation in size I can offer if you haven't seen one yet is it is about the size of an H3. Second, it had a sticker price of $32K and change. That is a lot of aftermarket goodies I could buy for the nearly paid off TJ. Third, it seems to have traded in its utilitarian and practical interior for one that is rather sophisticated and complicated. For instance, the rear seats are not removable, they fold forward like in a Grand Cherokee. The front bucket seats actually have several functions including a handle which you pump to raise the seat up and down. The dash, although attractive, doesn't look like it would survive getting wet often if you happen to leave the top off frequently (there is a lot of electronic gear in it like the power window swithes). Additionally, it doesn't appear that carpet removal is an easy task which means getting it wet could lead to a mildewy interior, but I am not positive. IMHO DC is going after the Hummer crowd that is tired of paying $100 to fill up the gas tank but still wants the look and capability of a bad ass 4x4. Unfortunately, this also means more bling-blingers will be migrating over and tarnishing the Jeep image. It shouldn't be long before we spot a JK runnin' "Deuce-Dub Spinners". Maybe, maybe not. I hope I am wrong, but we'll see. On a positive note, running 37s on a four inch lift!!! I guess that new engine sure is going to have to show us what it can do! On another note, I hope the JK isn't the end of additions to 4x4xplor.com. It is by far the best "how-to" Jeep site on the web and I am looking forward to the ARB install write up.
I am standing by for the poo that will probably be flung at me
Last edited by 2001 TJ; 09-15-2006 at 12:44 PM.
09-15-2006, 01:23 PM
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I can't deny that I really do like the JK a lot but I will admit that the enormous length of the Unlimited almost got me to order a 2-Door. I will also agree that all the extra plastic is annoying but compared to my CJ (which in my opinion looks the best), even the TJ looks like its made of the stuff. In the end, I see the JK as just another Jeep in need of some help... a little lift here, bigger tires there, replace a bumper or two... you get the idea
Ultimately, time will tell how the JK plays out but in case you don't remember, even the TJ took a beating when it was first introduced... "I can't believe it has coils", "look at all the plastic", "it drives like a car"... funny how some things never change
09-15-2006, 01:23 PM
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Maybe your right about the JK been bigger and attract more people. I'm looking for that Wrangler for years. Be able to put my 3 kids on the back seat was all that it need to conquer my wife so I order the very fisrt one of my nearest dealership, an Unlimited Rubicon automatic (wife's condition) that I'm just waiting to lift and put bigger tires. As for bling-blingers, I already see lots of Wrangler (YJ or TJ) with little street tires ond chrome everything so, for that one, they don't understand and we can do nothing. Hands up for DM to have create my dream toy.
09-15-2006, 11:29 PM
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09-16-2006, 06:23 AM
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:o LOL! I love those shots
As far as a few inches go, I'm pretty sure that it's 6" (or half a foot) longer than the Unlimited. And, I should point out that the length isn't just from bumper to bumper but also in the wheel base. This is not to say that I won't be getting one anyway, it just means that it's exceptionally longer than what I'm used to
As far as a few inches go, I'm pretty sure that it's 6" (or half a foot) longer than the Unlimited. And, I should point out that the length isn't just from bumper to bumper but also in the wheel base. This is not to say that I won't be getting one anyway, it just means that it's exceptionally longer than what I'm used to
09-16-2006, 06:27 AM
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Maybe your right about the JK been bigger and attract more people. I'm looking for that Wrangler for years. Be able to put my 3 kids on the back seat was all that it need to conquer my wife so I order the very fisrt one of my nearest dealership, an Unlimited Rubicon automatic (wife's condition) that I'm just waiting to lift and put bigger tires. As for bling-blingers, I already see lots of Wrangler (YJ or TJ) with little street tires ond chrome everything so, for that one, they don't understand and we can do nothing. Hands up for DM to have create my dream toy.
09-19-2006, 01:50 PM
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Not a chance. 4x4xplor.com is gonna continue with TJ and XJ write-ups but I'm simply running out of space and so the ol' CJ may have to go. :sad: Don't know for sure yet though.
I can't deny that I really do like the JK a lot but I will admit that the enormous length of the Unlimited almost got me to order a 2-Door. I will also agree that all the extra plastic is annoying but compared to my CJ (which in my opinion looks the best), even the TJ looks like its made of the stuff. In the end, I see the JK as just another Jeep in need of some help... a little lift here, bigger tires there, replace a bumper or two... you get the idea
Ultimately, time will tell how the JK plays out but in case you don't remember, even the TJ took a beating when it was first introduced... "I can't believe it has coils", "look at all the plastic", "it drives like a car"... funny how some things never change
I can't deny that I really do like the JK a lot but I will admit that the enormous length of the Unlimited almost got me to order a 2-Door. I will also agree that all the extra plastic is annoying but compared to my CJ (which in my opinion looks the best), even the TJ looks like its made of the stuff. In the end, I see the JK as just another Jeep in need of some help... a little lift here, bigger tires there, replace a bumper or two... you get the idea
Ultimately, time will tell how the JK plays out but in case you don't remember, even the TJ took a beating when it was first introduced... "I can't believe it has coils", "look at all the plastic", "it drives like a car"... funny how some things never change
. You make an excellent point by paralleling the initial response to the TJ with my feelings about the JK. My main concern is that the "slippery slope" is in full effect with the Wrangler. The next Wrangler after the JK will probably be a little more plasticky and probably have IFS with 4X4 as an option. Thankfully DC only redesigns the thing once every ten years! If you don't believe my theory, take a look at the evolution of the Grand Cherokee. In the end though, I must admit the JK will be insanely popular and will sell like crazy.
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09-19-2006, 03:51 PM
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Oh, I hear ya and believe me, IFS was this close to becoming a reality this time around on the JK. The next time around, we might not be so lucky. But, as you've pointed out, Wranglers are a 10 year investment for DC and so I won't have to think about it for some time to come.
11-14-2008, 08:26 AM
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Looks like I am going to probably be the first to break ranks here and say that I do not like the JK. The local dealership just got a Black Sahara Unlimited and I moseyed on over there to take a looksie. First off, this thing is HUGE!!! The best approximation in size I can offer if you haven't seen one yet is it is about the size of an H3. Second, it had a sticker price of $32K and change. That is a lot of aftermarket goodies I could buy for the nearly paid off TJ. Third, it seems to have traded in its utilitarian and practical interior for one that is rather sophisticated and complicated. For instance, the rear seats are not removable, they fold forward like in a Grand Cherokee. The front bucket seats actually have several functions including a handle which you pump to raise the seat up and down. The dash, although attractive, doesn't look like it would survive getting wet often if you happen to leave the top off frequently (there is a lot of electronic gear in it like the power window swithes). Additionally, it doesn't appear that carpet removal is an easy task which means getting it wet could lead to a mildewy interior, but I am not positive. IMHO DC is going after the Hummer crowd that is tired of paying $100 to fill up the gas tank but still wants the look and capability of a bad ass 4x4. Unfortunately, this also means more bling-blingers will be migrating over and tarnishing the Jeep image. It shouldn't be long before we spot a JK runnin' "Deuce-Dub Spinners". Maybe, maybe not. I hope I am wrong, but we'll see. On a positive note, running 37s on a four inch lift!!! I guess that new engine sure is going to have to show us what it can do!
On another note, I hope the JK isn't the end of additions to 4x4xplor.com. It is by far the best "how-to" Jeep site on the web and I am looking forward to the ARB install write up.
I am standing by for the poo that will probably be flung at me
The best approximation in size I can offer if you haven't seen one yet is it is about the size of an H3. Second, it had a sticker price of $32K and change. That is a lot of aftermarket goodies I could buy for the nearly paid off TJ. Third, it seems to have traded in its utilitarian and practical interior for one that is rather sophisticated and complicated. For instance, the rear seats are not removable, they fold forward like in a Grand Cherokee. The front bucket seats actually have several functions including a handle which you pump to raise the seat up and down. The dash, although attractive, doesn't look like it would survive getting wet often if you happen to leave the top off frequently (there is a lot of electronic gear in it like the power window swithes). Additionally, it doesn't appear that carpet removal is an easy task which means getting it wet could lead to a mildewy interior, but I am not positive. IMHO DC is going after the Hummer crowd that is tired of paying $100 to fill up the gas tank but still wants the look and capability of a bad ass 4x4. Unfortunately, this also means more bling-blingers will be migrating over and tarnishing the Jeep image. It shouldn't be long before we spot a JK runnin' "Deuce-Dub Spinners". Maybe, maybe not. I hope I am wrong, but we'll see. On a positive note, running 37s on a four inch lift!!! I guess that new engine sure is going to have to show us what it can do! On another note, I hope the JK isn't the end of additions to 4x4xplor.com. It is by far the best "how-to" Jeep site on the web and I am looking forward to the ARB install write up.
I am standing by for the poo that will probably be flung at me
11-14-2008, 09:04 AM
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Looks like I am going to probably be the first to break ranks here and say that I do not like the JK. The local dealership just got a Black Sahara Unlimited and I moseyed on over there to take a looksie. First off, this thing is HUGE!!! The best approximation in size I can offer if you haven't seen one yet is it is about the size of an H3. Second, it had a sticker price of $32K and change. That is a lot of aftermarket goodies I could buy for the nearly paid off TJ. Third, it seems to have traded in its utilitarian and practical interior for one that is rather sophisticated and complicated. For instance, the rear seats are not removable, they fold forward like in a Grand Cherokee. The front bucket seats actually have several functions including a handle which you pump to raise the seat up and down. The dash, although attractive, doesn't look like it would survive getting wet often if you happen to leave the top off frequently (there is a lot of electronic gear in it like the power window swithes). Additionally, it doesn't appear that carpet removal is an easy task which means getting it wet could lead to a mildewy interior, but I am not positive. IMHO DC is going after the Hummer crowd that is tired of paying $100 to fill up the gas tank but still wants the look and capability of a bad ass 4x4. Unfortunately, this also means more bling-blingers will be migrating over and tarnishing the Jeep image. It shouldn't be long before we spot a JK runnin' "Deuce-Dub Spinners". Maybe, maybe not. I hope I am wrong, but we'll see. On a positive note, running 37s on a four inch lift!!! I guess that new engine sure is going to have to show us what it can do!
On another note, I hope the JK isn't the end of additions to 4x4xplor.com. It is by far the best "how-to" Jeep site on the web and I am looking forward to the ARB install write up.
I am standing by for the poo that will probably be flung at me
The best approximation in size I can offer if you haven't seen one yet is it is about the size of an H3. Second, it had a sticker price of $32K and change. That is a lot of aftermarket goodies I could buy for the nearly paid off TJ. Third, it seems to have traded in its utilitarian and practical interior for one that is rather sophisticated and complicated. For instance, the rear seats are not removable, they fold forward like in a Grand Cherokee. The front bucket seats actually have several functions including a handle which you pump to raise the seat up and down. The dash, although attractive, doesn't look like it would survive getting wet often if you happen to leave the top off frequently (there is a lot of electronic gear in it like the power window swithes). Additionally, it doesn't appear that carpet removal is an easy task which means getting it wet could lead to a mildewy interior, but I am not positive. IMHO DC is going after the Hummer crowd that is tired of paying $100 to fill up the gas tank but still wants the look and capability of a bad ass 4x4. Unfortunately, this also means more bling-blingers will be migrating over and tarnishing the Jeep image. It shouldn't be long before we spot a JK runnin' "Deuce-Dub Spinners". Maybe, maybe not. I hope I am wrong, but we'll see. On a positive note, running 37s on a four inch lift!!! I guess that new engine sure is going to have to show us what it can do! On another note, I hope the JK isn't the end of additions to 4x4xplor.com. It is by far the best "how-to" Jeep site on the web and I am looking forward to the ARB install write up.
I am standing by for the poo that will probably be flung at me
You are a couple years behind... all of these observations have been posted before.
All I can say is you need to drive one before you judge it too much. I had an '01 TJ Sport, and the JK is a much better vehicle. I had to put a BB on my TJ to run 32" tires, and my JK has them from the factory. The only two things I really don't like on the JK is the electronic throttle and the crappy passenger seat slider. 