Is the 3.8L really that bad?

 

No IMO.

Just to let you know what I am coming from, for the last 5 years I have had a Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 4.7L V8.

The worst time is passing at higher speeds. On a 4 lane, I don't have any problems. If on a 2 lane road, I am a lot more cautious, a little slow on the passing gear.

You are not going to win any quarter miles with it. But around town, and seems like on the trail, you got plenty of power.

My experience is limited to scenic easy off road, city streets, highways and interstate.

 

So far - so good, no complaint's here. I have the 6spd. with tow pkg. My wife and I just got back from vacation with our two daughter's plus our 57 pound Golden Retriever in the back. On top was the Roof carrier full of duffel bag's and on the Hitch was our 2200 lb Bass Boat. Wasn't till I got on the road that it dawned on me what a load I had. Surprisingly the only hint of a struggle was when going up rather steep inclines and that was due to having the Cruise control on. So "yeah" I'm happy!

 

Nope, not THAT bad at all...

 

I would like to have more torque for a 4 door 4x4. The 5.7 Hemi should be an option. They have it in other Jeeps (Commander) so why not ours?

 

That IS a good question.

I have gotten into the habit of using the OD Off button to downshift when needed. Then hit it to get back into OD after. Just like I would downshift if it were a stick.
It's a much smoother transition and seems more appropriate when it downshifts when I want it to.

 

Wait... you tricked me. The thread title said "Is the 3.8L motor really that bad?" So I said yes. But the question was "are you happy with your 3.8L motor". So my vote is really for no, I'm not happy with it. I just can't afford anything else.

 

I think the engine should have been a 90 degree design. It would have been much more powerful. Simple physics at work. However, that said, I think it's a pretty good engine. It fits in a tight space and puts out enough power to propel a 5K pound plus Jeep down the road pretty well and get decent mileage doin it. I wouldda been happier with a Hemi, though.

 

Well, read it way too fast. Your post asked a different question than the poll actually did so I answered it wrong. My vote should have been a Yes, instead of the no I clicked on.

The engine is ok, mine is peppy as I can get scratch in 3rd gear with no problem when accelerating onto the freeway, speeds in excess of 100 MPH, travels well in the Calif, Idaho, Wyoming (sp) mountains with 3 people and picnic/fishing stuff in it. MPH is fine. the crapola about a V60 makes little difference. Just a week or so ago there was talk of another V60 coming out that they were raving all about.

My 69 V60 would rip the pavement off the road. What we need is overhead cams and more valves. Oh, and the Super tuner appears to be a must have but truthfully mine has not been a dog and I'd have to run with a similar Jeep that has one for actual comparisons.

 

I looks like the poll need to be started over.
It's too much like how they run political campaigns.
"Vote yes on 1", but the way "1" is worded, who knows what a "yes" vote really means.