2008 Jeep Wrangler Consumer Reviews

better than the sahara

Written by: Orlando on 10/23/2009

Vehicle

2008 Jeep Wrangler X 2dr SUV 4WD (3.8L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I have had my X model for less than six months and so far it is great. the top comes down and goes up in less than three minutes. i made a few improvements, changed the tires to M/T's (old ones were slippery in the heavy rain). added a brush guard, side rails, rear bumper and seat covers. all for less than $3500.00. i spent a total of 21500.00 with all the upgrades and it looks far better than a stock sahara that cost 25k or more. would recommend the x over sahara or rubicon( make your own improvements and save money)

Favorite Features

easy to upgrade at home with minimal mechanical skills.

Suggested Improvements

i would like to see a 4.7L option and more cargo space. i can only fit one gym bag and maybe a back pack in the trunk.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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disappointed

Written by: Disappointed on 10/23/2009

Vehicle

2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited X 4dr SUV 4WD (3.8L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Most fun vehicle I have ever owned. Not 1 problem until 36600 miles. Dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree and engine overheated. Overheating caused the head to warp. Dealer said "sorry, bumper to bumper ran out at 36000". Would not back up the vehicle. Really a shame, I would have kept it a long time despite the sluggish motor. There are some things that could use improvement, but the fun factor far out weighed the negatives until it broke.

Favorite Features

Full soft top and half doors were great. It was a real head turner and a blast to drive. On and off road.

Suggested Improvements

Redesign the tops so they don"t leak into the jeep when you open the door in the rain. Fix the death wobble.

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Some Pros & Cons

Written by: Bill on 10/22/2009

Vehicle

2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited X 4dr SUV 4WD (3.8L 6cyl 6M)

Review

This is my 7th Jeep I bought new to date. I liked the 4 door concept. I travel and the added cargo area works great. Gas mileage is not great, but better than many other SUV's. I enjoy driving it. Beware though, I was driving on a 5 lane Highway when the Death Wobble hit me. It almost resulted in a big crash. This came at 34,000 miles on the clock. Also rear disc brakes over heat on occasion. Both calipers & rotors needed replacement at 390000 miles.

Favorite Features

Fold down seats, MP3 player, wide cargo area,

Suggested Improvements

Fender flares allow dirt to build up on the running boards. Rear disc brake redesign needed.

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I Won't Miss It

Written by: MyMistake on 10/21/2009

Vehicle

2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I bought my Jeep Saraha Unlimited in August of '08. I traded my Honda Ridgeline because I wanted to drive American. Big mistake! The Jeep is very underpowered. If I even tow an empty 5x8 enclosed trailer, I know it is there. When I tow a single Waverunner the Jeep struggles and revs excessively. It is a good off road vehicle, if that is what you are looking for. I have had Jeeps before and this one was an improvement in areas like ride and interior comfort. Keep in mind that even with the longer wheelbase, the ride is still that of a Jeep. It is a lot of work to take it on a trip of 300 miles of more. It is affected by small amounts of wind and the interior is noisy. Not recommended by me.

Favorite Features

Navigation, remote starter, and trade in value. Some how they do retain their value very well. I also liked the three piece removable top.

Suggested Improvements

Fuel economy and performance need improved, but that would require a dramatic design change. When you have a rectangular box on top of a rectangular box you can't really expect fuel economy!

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Looks good

Written by: Harsh on 10/02/2009

Vehicle

2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited X 4dr SUV 4WD (3.8L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I traded a 2006 Mercury Mountaineer for this Jeep when it caught my eye at a used dealership. The four door Jeep looks great but its not built as good as it looks. The 3.8-liter V6 is a bit under powered for a SUV especially on interstate as it shifts in and out of overdrive. When the cruse is set it will very 5 mph before it shifts. I find the seats uncomfortable especially the backseats they set up to straight and with no adjustment. There is not enough storage for small things like glasses or change. I have the hard top with removable "T" type tops and the Jeep is fun to drive on a nice day but I think I would take the Mountaineer back in a minute it had more power w/better fuel econ.

Favorite Features

Easy top removal Looks

Suggested Improvements

More power with better fuel economy. Don't take so many short cuts on design of comfort and storage. Not enough bang for your buck.

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Jeep

Written by: jeepvstoyota on 09/17/2009

Vehicle

2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited X 4dr SUV 4WD (3.8L 6cyl 6M)

Review

We bought the Jeep in December of 08 and bought the 08 because they were trying to get rid of them for the new 09s. But the Jeep has been amazing! We've yet to use the 4wd but we want to. Its been to the shop once for a mechanical problem. It has the freedom top and we love it! The Jeep has been a good vehicle. The only bad thing is the back seat sits straight up, and a car seat is pretty hard to fit in there! But overall a good buy.

Favorite Features

Freedom top, 4 door, fun car and decent gas mileage. V8 would suit the car better.

Suggested Improvements

Complaints- its not a Toyota, the gas pedal isn't sensitive at all and when going up the mountain you almost have to floor it before it realizes you want to accelerate:) Lots of road noise

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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I've always wanted a Wrangler & got it!

Written by: KNS on 08/31/2009

Vehicle

2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited X 4dr SUV 4WD (3.8L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Wrangler!!! I really wanted the Rescue Green (it was the color of my '96 Cherokee), but couldn't find it with the options I wanted. I got the "S" package and it rocks! I do have the annoying door/latch rattle and the back lift window has leaked a few times in the rain, but definitely not the Freedom Top (keeping my fingers crossed). The design of the water drain stinks . . . water runs right into the car when you open then door when it rains & the doors need the hinge stops. They should include the tool needed to take off the back top too. Other than that, it's been a blast and I get a lot of Jeep waves & flirty smiles for being a little chick in a hot ride!!!

Favorite Features

The dual top, the power package and the fact that there are four doors. It now makes a fun truck more family friendly.

Suggested Improvements

More areas to stash stuff, i.e. sunglasses, change, cell phone. The doors need the hinge stops, and water pours into the vehicle when you open the door in the rain--whoever designed that should be FIRED!!! The middle console should be higher on which to rest ones elbow. Fix the "death wobble!"

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Unreliable

Written by: Denise Mesmer on 07/27/2009

Vehicle

2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited X 4dr SUV 4WD (3.8L 6cyl 6M)

Review

We have owned our Jeep for a little over 1 year and are in the process of having it towed for the 4th time back to the dealer. Three times for the throttle body light and once for a problem we have heard referred to as the death wobble. The entire front end shook so violently that it rendered the vehicle uncontrollable and impossible to hold on to the steering wheel. The Throttle body issue although not dangerous leaves me without transportation and Jeep wants me to buy an upgraded warranty to pay for my own rental. At best the vehicle is unreliable and uncertainty steals the fun out of driving it. The door hinges are rusting under the paint and causing the paint to bubble. Lemon. Run

Favorite Features

handles the sand at the beach like a champ. It was suppose to be our surfing get away vehicle

Suggested Improvements

Fix the mechanical issues. People want to buy American but you are making it difficult. In the future I will buy a Toyota.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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35 years as a Jeep customer

Written by: Steven McCrate on 07/12/2009

Vehicle

2008 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 2dr SUV 4WD (3.8L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I have owned Jeep Wranglers since 1974 and I have yet to be disappointed in any way. I have owned 8 all together and at the present time I'm in a 2008 Wrangler Sahara. I don't work for Chrysler, so I don't get employee discounts, and I still buy Jeeps. I feel safe and free to travel at any time in any weather that the Michigan climate can dish out. My job depends on me showing up for work every day bad weather or not. And my Jeep Wrangler gives me this feeling. I know what to expect and what not to expect from a Wrangler, same as you would from a Corvette or a pickup truck. I am very pleased with all my jeeps and I at the age of 60 years old I don't plan on any changes. Thank you.

Favorite Features

It's a Jeep. It doesn't look like every other vehicle on the road. Very dependable! Fun to drive, you have a convertible in the summer and a four wheel drive in the winter.

Suggested Improvements

I would like to see an (AWD) all wheel drive version come out in the future. I'm 60 years old and it would be nice not to have to manually engage the four wheel system.

5 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Under powered gas guzzler

Written by: Jaded JK on 07/04/2009

Vehicle

2008 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 2dr SUV 4WD (3.8L 6cyl 6M)

Review

After 60 years the Jeep as we know it and have come to love is very much improved, but sadly, with much more to prove. I personally own the 08 Jeep JK, Sahara, Wrangler "California Concept". I got a great deal, considering the bad economy but read my other comments below to appreciate my findings.

Favorite Features

Exterior: Very manly and beefy looks and the wider stance offers better handling on the highway and better ability to take corners harder. Interior: Much more room than ever before and I like the seats capability to "rise or lower" just by cranking a lever up or down and the power windows are nice.

Suggested Improvements

For the highway-merging speed is slow. uphill inclines on roads and ability to overtake a vehicle are poor. Where is the V8! I'm averaging 13.1 mpg!! Dealerships need to include Mopar shops on site!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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