Used 2008 Jeep Wrangler Consumer Reviews
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disappointed
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.
So far, so good
My third Wrangler. This one is best by leaps and bounds. Power is adequate for highway use, but another 40 hp would be welcome. Handling is much better than earlier iterations. I bought an X with the 24S option package. Adding the Limited Slip rear axle, rock rails, extra skid plates and the Freedom Top. To date, I've had no issues of consequence. A minor, but annoying rattle in the driver's side. A pillar was traced to an over-tightened screw in the plastic trim that stripped out the plastic. Going up one size fixed that. A minor rain leak between the halves of the top was corrected by cleaning the sealing area and silicon treating the seals. 18/25 mileage so far. I love this beast.
- Unlimited X Convertible SUVMSRP: $8,99024 mi away
- Unlimited X Convertible SUVMSRP: $13,96033 mi away
- Unlimited Sahara Convertible SUVMSRP: $11,99543 mi away
Death Wobble
I really enjoyed the Jeep for the first six months that I owned it but at approximately 12,800 miles, while driving down a freeway at roughly 65 mph I hit a small bump in the road and the entire front end of the vehicle started to shudder to the point that it was almost impossible to control. I took the vehicle to the dealership and after checking they advised that I had a leaking steering damper which was replaced under warranty. After doing a lot of research, I discovered that this is a condition commonly referred to as "Death Wobble" which appears to be a recurring problem with Wranglers. I don't feel that the vehicle is safe to operate and I will be getting rid of it.
disappointed
Bought this 2008 used with 13k miles. I have had an issue with a leaky soft top since I bought it. Taken it to the dealer 3x's to fix it and every time it rains, the floor boards in the back are soaked. Had to replace one of the tie rides already. Transmission line is leaking. Death wobble happens all the time, dealer can't fix it. The vehicle lacks power, should have stuck with the 4.0. Factory stereo is horrible with the top off. I used to have a 79 CJ7 witch was a mistake to get rid of. I think I will be trading the 2008 in for some sort of SUV and maybe buy an older jeep again. Jeep needs to get back to thier roots.
Needs improvement
I will give credit to the fact that the new style rides and handles a lot better for everyday driving. The tractions control is a feature that should never have been added as I have found while pulling out into traffic on snowy roads the vehicle hesitates to get going and have almost been hit. There also seems to be a power band in every gear which gives it a sluggish feel when accelerating, not impressed!! I think the people at Chrysler should have just stuck with the 4.0 litre. The tire pressure sensor likes to come on when its cold out and the "Change oil" indicator comes on and doesn't shut off even after changing the oil?
Fun
I've owned a 75' Cherokee, '03 Liberty and now I finally own a Jeep Wrangler. I was waiting for them to become more practical and really appreciate the jump in functionality and space with the latest 4dr Unlimited version. It is more fun than I imagined and suits me very well as a daily driver while letting me get out to remote trail heads when backpacking. Aside from being rugged, it is much more quiet than expected both with the soft top and especially the soft top.
I'm Happy With It..
This is my first Jeep, although I have owned other 4wd vehicles. This 4 wheel drive system is the best I have had, other have included Ford, Chevy and Toyota. I have the 6 speed manual tranny, I shift quickly and am easy on the gas and average 20.7 MPG (both highway and city). I have the hardtop with the removable sections over the driver and passenger. No leaks after removing them a few times and reinstalling. Open the door in the rain though and you will get a stream of water in the truck as water follows the gap in front and into the vehicle rather than down the glass on a closed front door. Ride is good up front but in the back you sit on the axle making it bumpy. It is what it is.
Love it
My 2008 x i bought used with 56k Im up to 66k now and i had a few very minor problems but i love it Lord willing i plan on driving hr until she dies I take very good care of her kee her clean all her fluids up to level oil changes before recommended change Like anything else if you take care of it it will last. I drive no higher then 70 on the highway but its usually 60-65. I accelerate at a reasonable pace. I plan on gettingg a little commuter car so i can make this jeep last I absolutely love it
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Too Much Fun!
Convertible sports car owners eat your heart out! The open air driving experience doesn't get any better than this...and you don't have to worry about getting a ticket racing anyone. It sure is nice not to worry about the road conditions limiting you when the outdoors call. I used to have to get friends with high clearance vehicles and 4x4's to take me to the hiking and biking trail heads. Not anymore, I am like a dog in the back of a pickup truck now days, smiling the whole time, and I go when I want. I have a Sahara with all of the bells and whistles because I liked the fenders the same as the body color. It is a great way to travel in a very capable vehicle in style.
JK is unbeatable
Long time Wrangler owner and just upgraded to an 08 Rubicon Unlimited in black, all I can say is this is not the Wrangler of yesterday. Space is respectable, surprised that it is bigger in the interior than the Commander and the GC. My only complaint to date is lack of storage pockets in the dash area and the mediocre power. Jeep should have at least put the 4.7 v8 as an option with the Rubicon having an available Hemi.
Roof leak
This Jeep's top leaked since day 1. It has been in to be repaired 6 times and out of service more than 30 days. I have filed under lemon law /and was given a mediator /with no resolution. 5 months later I was forced into buying a foreign used car so I could get to work. I do not recommend this Jeep to any! Chrysler does not back product, they sure can sell you a car, but service is not there anymore. Stay away
No Question! Underpowered! But fun!
It really is a fun vehicle. Wife and kids love it. I put aftermarket muffler, cold air intake, throttle body spacer and I get 18.5 city, 25 highway, slight HP increase. Needs seat pockets, storage compartments lacks. Hit a deer, minor bumper damage, rest of vehicle was undamaged, can't say same about deer. Aftermarket supercharger is now available adding 125 HP...very expensive though. Chrysler, make the 4.7 L or a HEMI option avail! The hard top/soft top combo is very nice feature. passenger rear windows are engineered very well, the Velcro isn't very stable, at highway speeds they separate from the frame. mygig option is dynamite feature. Uconnect is disabled though.
Only for the 1st 10-20,0000 miles
Less than 30,0000 miles - I expected better. Rear caliper froze up destroyed rotor at 20,000 miles - Caliper under warranty - rotor not even though the warranty part destroyed it. Now at almost 30,000 miles it inexplicably bucks violently and uncontrollably once in a while when I let off the gas. Scary experience at 55 mph in traffic - won't stop till you get off the road and shut the car off. No trouble found at dealership. My advice? Don't buy one !
If you hate yourself...Buy One!
Least comfortable automobile I've ever owned. Added candles to the front the headlights were so bad. Rusting inside out. Never been offroad. Piece of crap!
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Jeep lemon
2008 Jeep Wrangler is the worst vehicle I ever owned. Major problems with ever system in it. Engine, transmission, brakes, clutch, a/c, interior, front end , electrical and the paint failed. The chips in the keys failed, $800 to replace. This vehicle didn’t last 70 k miles. Don’t buy jeep products.
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Don't buy
Bought new in 2008. Gets me cool points ( I was driving a Ford escape.) lets me go anywhere off road and in bad conditions ice, high water etc. I like the stereo. Overall though the driving comfort the underpowered engine the "death wobble" the leaks the poor storage room inside make this vehicle one I will never buy again. What is wrong with Jeep? Why would they make such a large vehicle so underpowered? Who ever designed it should be fired along with the jerks who okayed the design, along with me for being stupid enough to buy it. It looks great when you first start looking but after a few months of driving you find out its a very bad choice
Very disappointing
I had sold my 2007 Range Rover to get something "American Made". Unfortunately, all my fears about doing this were realized. Within weeks of getting the Jeep, I found my car in the dealer almost on a weekly basis. One part, the parking brake, failed 4 times. This car is fine for what it is built for...off roading in extreme conditions. Its amazing to me that this car is STILL 2 wheel drive, which the majority of the time, is extremely inconvenient. If in 4wheel drive, it has considerable power hop when turning, can't exceed more 55mph. Very disappointing car.
Death Wobble
Drive over a bumpy road and see if there is a death wobble. One bump in the road at 50MPH will tell you. I got rid of that Jeep.
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Never will buy a Jeep again
I have contemplated on buying a jeep for many months since I have a 5 mth old and I'm a huge chevy girl. Since I live in Michigan we get alot of snow where I am. I heard a jeep is the way to go. I test drove unlimted and rubicons 4 dr brands cuz that's the style I liked narrowed it down to a sahara unlimited since the rubicon felt like it bounced around way too much. I seen one at a dealership test drove it quickly because they were closing in an hr. I bought it that night drove it next morning to work it shook so bad end up needing a right caliper, brakes and rotors. They fixed for free but I don't trust it at all still feels like it bounces all over the place god forbid if i hit a small bump in the road and i get scared if i go faster then 60 in it so no highway driving for me. Cannot wait to pay this piece of crap off and buy me a chevy product.
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It is what is is and that's not all bad.
Driving on the open road is terrific have yet to take it off road. Because of the low gearing of the transmission you must be ready to take off when the light turns green. This is were more power is needed without question. Love the seats which are curved like sport seats to hold you in place.
Tank of the road
This truck is great. With the right tires its great driving in all weather. Goes through everything with ease. Its the perfect truck for WNY weather. Snow driving couldn't be more fun. Road noise and wind noise are bad but it is a box. Awesome off road truck. Nice cause it can fit in small areas. Real easy to see all the way around the truck. Great breaks. No complaints other than noise and fuel mileage. Its a babe magnet. LOL
Fun to Drive
This is the 6th Jeep I've owned. It's very well built. The seats are very comfortable. Sirius satellite radio is awesome. Gas mileage is 16-17 with most being around town so far. The hard top works well with no leaks so far and I've been out in quite a bit of rain. My only true concern is how underpowered the engine is. It upshifts on any type of hill and just needs more torque. There's room in the engine bay for a larger gas or diesel engine.
Fun, fun, fun
I have had many 4x4's, but none of them ever compared to my new unlimited. I now know what the word fun to drive means. It performs in all types of situations, so far I have had it on ice, in deep snow, mud and to a wedding. It recieved more attention then the bride. Thank You Jeep.
We've come home
We rented a Jeep Wrangler X when we were vacationing in Maui and came home and bought one. We had owned a CJ5 about 20 years ago before we started having kids. We had so much fun with the Wrangler on the Road to Hana as it took every curve and hill with ease that it reminded us just what we loved about having a jeep. This one definitely has a better heater/AC than the CJ (thank goodness) and handles great. All we own if 4x4's but the jeep handles so much better than our trucks. Thanks goodness we rented one and rediscovered what a joy it is.
2008 Sahara Problems
I purchased a brand new 2008 Jeep Wrangler Sahara and it is junk. 1,500 miles and so far 4 problems. Massive Freedom top leak that leaks down on the dash into the radio and speakers everytime it rains. Muffler heat shield loose. Drivers side heat shield loose. Factory Sirus radio TSB issued because radio sounds like speakers are blown out. Trading a used car in because I wanted the security of a new jeep and what a dam mistake. Car has been down at the dealer for 3 days now. Didnt want to give rental until i called Jeep directly. Jeep will only give $40 a day. Jeep quality is horrible along with gas mileage. Cant wait to see what goes next. I reccommend to anyone the life bumper to bumper
My 1st Wrangler
This is my 1st Wrangler and I love it. The drive is much smoother than I expected, I love the interior. The MPG could be better, but I bought it knowing this. Great SUV, I love the style and great look of it.
Jeepin' Fun
Besides the horrible experience with the dealership, we found others now, we love our rig. Bought it in Feb. "08 and put into storage in Washington with 1234 miles. Bought a home in Vegas, fly back, picked it up, loaded it and a 6x12x6 ft cargo trailer and headed back to Vegas. I did change the oil and checked it over before we left. No trouble at all coming back! I shifted down manually a lot of the time to keep rpm up as with OD off, (it just didn't down shift early enough) and it pulled every mountain pass doing the speed limit with No problems. Need to mention the trailer was loaded to the limits too! What a rig. Two and a half days! I'm fighting blood clots, so we had to stop a lot. Love it!
1st time owner
I just bought my first Jeep. Oh my gosh it is awesome. My friend had one in high school back in the midwest and we used to mud every weekend and it would never stall in the water. Then he got a stinking Toyota and you couldn't go through six inches of water before it stalled. I love mine so far. I have only put a hundred miles on it, but it rides amazing. I am taking it up to the Sierras this weekend to check out the off roading. The only bad part is it is so nice I don't want to get it dirty. It is nice to own a piece of American History. My wife and I already established we will own this forever. With a lifetime warranty why not!
Fun for any age
This is simply a fun vehicle! It has good room, comfort and good safety features. Can't wait for the warm to take the top off but the Atlanta inch of snow was pretty fun too. Nope, not a little Hummer.
4 Months And Lovin' It
We have owned this '08 Wrangler for 4 months now and totally love it. Reviewers keep harping on lack of acceleration. I have no problems with the V6. It is very sufficient. If you want sports-car acceleration, you should buy a sports car. For God's sake, this is a SUV. It wasn't designed for extreme acceleration. It truly does everything in an extremely FUN way. You need to test drive one to understand.
Jeep J-J-Jeep
As soon as Jeep came out with the Unlimited (4-door) Wranglers, I knew I wanted one. I only have 2000 miles on it so far and can't really comment on reliability (been great so far!). Otherwise I love it! Design gets all 10s from me -- from the outside in, it's a Jeep! And the drivetrain seems to be as solid as they claim. Love the freedom tops. Sound system is much better than older Wranglers. Road noise with the hard top is not bad, which surprised me. Handles well on highway at 80+ MPH, which is also surprising (though it wanders a bit). I'm a big guy, and interior is very comfortable for me. Fuel economy? I gave it a 10 because it meets my expectations. It's a Jeep, not a Toyota.
I got what I bought!
This is the first Jeep I have owned. I had a salesman who told me that I was buying a fun vehicle that would keep me smiling and enjoying the outdoors and the kids would never want to get out of it. It was not for commuting or long trips. He told me it would be noisy on the highway because of the flat front and box design, it would be bouncy and not great on gas mileage. He has been right on all fronts. I did not go out to buy an economy car, a smooth ride or fancy interior. Thats not what Jeep is offering.
Just bought it
The new Jeeps are very fun and much more easy to drive. they ride very comfortably. The problem is my door hinge was not bolted on all the way and now the brake light has come on and staying on. No fluid leak no loss of fluid.
my 2nd Jeep
I am pretty content with this 4 door box. I also have a 2 door 99 Cherokee se that has the in line six. That Cherokee has 150k on it and still runs like a champ! It also influenced my decision on purchasing this new one i got. It's just awesome off the road.
leaking roof electrical problems
I traded my 05 Wrangler for the 08 Wrangler in Oct 07. I like the way it handles and being a Jeep owner for 40 years I appreciate the comfort. I'm very disappointed in the roof leaking. I have given up on the dealers attempts to resolve the problem after three repairs it's worse than ever. I had to remove the carpeting and replace the front seat covers because of water damage. I have electrical problems resulting in the vehicle not starting, leaving me stranded 25 miles in the back woods.The jeep dealership has been unable to find the problem. I already have over 50000 miles on the car and have spent lots of money attempting to resolve the problems. I wish I'd keep my 05 Jeep.
Appalled...
I bought a used Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited with 45k miles. By 65,000 I'm totally disgusted. I had planned to drive this thing until it was dead. No idea it would happen so soon. It's a jeep, with the looks and the fun to drive aspect. And that's where it ends. I've had: - cracked exhaust manifold - o2sensors go out - catalytic converter go out (thank g-d a federal warranty makes these guys fix it!) - radio (xm/Sirius) go out - repeated "hot oil" (transmission) warnings during MILD 4WD - roof leaks I bought this vehicle thinking it would be a rugged, reliable vehicle that would last as long as I kept fluids clean. Whoops. One time buyer...
Hold On Tight
I have wanted a 4-door Wrangler since they first came out. What was I thinking? The first 9 months were awesome, fun to drive, no issues. Ever heard of "death wobble". I suggest you look it up before purchasing any Chrysler product especially the Wrangler. There is a reason it is called death wobble. One reason is it scares you to death. The other is that it could cause you to have a fatal accident. It is a violent shaking of the front end of the Jeep that you cannot control. I found out, unfortunately too late, that this has been an issue with Jeeps for several years. And people wonder why we don't buy American.
Watch the wind
I love my new jeep wrangler. It's fun to drive and I love all the new features but I have a big problem with my hood lifting when I'm driving on the highway on windy days.
Impresed
I was a bit doubtful that the Jeep would work as good as it looks. I'm very impressed with the ride, handling, quality and surprisingly, the gas mileage. The interior ergonomics are very weak, it's like no one actually sat in one before okaying it for production. So far I've had 2 odd occurrences: A one time puddle of gear oil under the rear end and I was driving down the highway and the dash lights came on, the windshield wipers wiped once and it never happened again. Summary: I love it
Our Jeep
I compare our Jeep to a '47 cj2a. My first. It meets and exceeds expectations. Bigger gas tank. Built like a tank where it counts. Can go anywhere better than any stock 4x4 except another Jeep. Still looks and acts like a Jeep! Gas mileage around 18 average. Did not buy for economy. My wife bought it for the looks, everything else is gravy. The ride is good on and off road because the weight distribution is almost 50/50. Braking, turning and handling are better than expected. The stereo is awesome. Warranty the best. We paid less than a 1000 for 7year/100k bumper in addition to the lifetime powetrain. Just hope they stay in business before we die! We like our Jeep!
Unreliable
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
I've always wanted a Wrangler & got it!
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!!!
07 Wrangler that knows rocks and trails
Bought my 2007 JK while still in college so I logged many miles during its first year, now it is used more for rock climbing and hunting. Extremely tough and reliable, I installed a 2.5" lift and 33" BF Goodrich M/T's and it will take anything I can throw at it. Great fuel mileage given the use, and no mechanical problems.
Jeep
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.
Looks good
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.
The Rubicon That Replaced the Minivan
We are a family of five and most people with a penchant for traveling and camping would have opted for a Caravan or SUV offering a little more space. We were being pushed towards a Durango, but insisted that we go with the Jeep. We had a Jeep Cherokee in the past and missed her greatly and with the new four-door option, it was a no brainer. We grabbed the 08 Unlimited Rubicon and we are not sorry. After logging over 23,000 km on our Jeep green machine, we are definitely considering it to be a "Ruby". We travel between Ontario and B.C. through all types of weather and this vehicle has saved our skins countless times. With it's ESP and 4x4 overkill. It is the ultimate family ride!
best hunting vehicle there is
This Jeep is great I have been a truck guy all my life and was looking at new vehicles and decided to try the 4 door Rubicon. I am loving it goes more places then my fx4 ever thought about going doesn't bottom out over the tx terrian when I'm going to the deer stand. I got the hard top wish I had the soft top also for summer looking to buy one my wife didn't want me to buy this and now she drives it more then I do going to have to trade her car in for a another one I recomend this vehicle to anyone. Took it to sedona az in the mountains and it was great no problems did anything I wanted to do. This is the best vehicle I have ever owned keeping till the wheels fall off.
No more trucks
I owned a 78 CJ 5 and loved it. Have had trucks every since. All have been 4 wheel drive. My new Jeep has been a joy. Mileage hasnt been an issue since I have driven 4 wheel drive pickups so the 22 I am getting is a plus. Not a speed demon by any means but I am not into raceing. The thing will turn on a dime and handles great. Serves the purpose it was purchased for. It really does turn heads. Stereo is nice addition. Love the 3 peace top. Have had no leaks and wont have top on much in the summer. Heater doesnt keep up with the low single digit but its a Jeep. Will go anywhere.
love our x
This is the 6th Jeep I've owned and the best, although the 47 cj2a was almost as fun to drive. The power to fuel economy ratio is fine for us. With a catback exhaust and k&n air filter we brought both up. By selecting the x with s pkg. Along with locking diff. And sway bar disconnect we have all the offroad guts we need without geting the more spendy Rubicon. Also Jeeps are for the most part made in the USA and by not retooling design every year are more eco friendly and less expensive. My only change would be a seperate swing away spare tie and drop down tailgate. (makes a fine bench) we expect to own our x for a long time so the lifetime drive warrenty is also Nice-----thanks
I Won't Miss It
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.