LOL. I know the feeling. our old YJ tops out at about 55 mph downhill.

my rubi is an automatic. it is a four door. it's not a race car, but it's no slouch either. it can pass up hill, it can cruise at 80 with no problem, and it's actually quiet inside at this speed.

i think this is really why former wrangler owners feel it's underpowered. it's really smooth, and quiet when compared to YJs and TJs.

let's make a comparison. when my wife rides with me in her grand cherokee, she doesn't notice at all if i drive at speeds of around 90 mph. but, if we were to take out 1990 corvette and drive at 90, she'd be clutching the dash like the jaws of life, because it's loud, rough, and you really feel the speed. now, obviously the vette is much more powerful than the cherokee, but the point is that the cherokee isn't underpowered just because it's a smoother ride.

 

80~90% of time, I drive with top down... 80~90% of that time, I drive with doors off (or now with half tube doors)...even with a little drizzle.... Unless it's "officially" raining, my Rubi's top is down. The outside temp here in Seattle now is high 60's ~ low 70's "High", mid~high 40's "Low"... Yes, it is still pretty cold especially at night with top down and not having solid doors with windows (my wife has to wear down jacket at night... we lock the hoodies when we drive at night on freeway). So, I tend to drive around 60~65 mph on 60mph and 70mph limit... most of the cars pass us (except the big trucks, most of the people here drive 70 on 60 limit, 80 on 70 limit). It's fun though! So many people turn their head and look at us... some smile, some laugh and some look at us funny... kids usually love our stripped JK and wave!

Anyways, with top or without top, the comfort zone is up to 70 mph. It's kind of hard staying at 75 mph... Unless I'm using cruise control (which I hardly use), I really need to focus and look at speed meter if I want to stay at or over 75 mph. It's much more comfortable driving around 60~65 mph with JK. It's not made to drive fast... I see other cars going fast and think "what's the rush?". Look up the sky, stick out the arm and enjoy driving "slow"!

That said, I've never had problem entering freeway. Pick up isn't bad at all... easy to reach 65 mph. If that is not fast enough, I just look at the driver I want to get in front and stick out the arm and wave to get in!

BTW, I have auto.

 

I've noticed this, too. At 3000 miles, the power from my JK is much more noticeable than when new. I'd say to anyone looking to test drive a JK, expect more from it once she has a few miles. BTW: 6-speed with 4:10s in an Unlimited (comes with the tow pkg).

 

My first car, in 1969, was a 1963 convertible Karman Ghia. Wish I'd kept that. But talk about no horsepower. It could barely climb the grade at Cajon Pass when I was driving from my folk's home south of San Diego to my assignment near Victorville.

 

I have to reinforce what others said about the power you gain after 1500 miles.

I am a speed demon and do allot of highway travel. When I first got the JK I thought to myself "what have I done???" I couldn't seem to get it up to highway speeds and keep it there, let alone pass anyone quickly.

BUT NOW.....I turned over 1500 miles last week and all week it has been like driving a different vehicle. When I punch the pedal to pass or merge into heavy high speed traffic, it goes without hesitation. I no longer have any problem keeping it at highway speeds of 75 to 82. I have even found that in the city at slower speeds it seems to engage into the lower gears easier and smoother.
Let's just say, I am now very happy with the power and drive of the JK.

Just get it broke in and you will love it.
By the way, I have a 4 door with 4:10's. Stock 18" tires.

 

I have a long way to the break-in point of 1500 miles, (450). I was cruising in to work this morning at 75+ MPH and had it up to 85. Last week I hit 90 MPH.

Unlimited X with Auto, 4.10's, 17" tires.

 

any JK with the manual 6 speed an the tow package.. Add a AEM cia, and do the Magnaflow mod... Plenty of power.... For a Jeep..... Not anything like my old Levi's Jeep with the V8....ITED

 

Thanks for all the replies, settles my worries a bit. As soon as my TJ sells ill be getting one. Still dont know whether it will be an auto or manual. Ive owned two manuals and one auto and when im sitting in ATL traffic, auto is my friend. We will see........

Thanks again!

 

I thought the same thing.. BUT.. love now to shift again.. MORE CONTROL...!!!

 

I have Just over 500 miles on my JK Rubicon and was able to go up South Pass at 70 mph and pass as well. I chipped my LJ (2004 Unlimited) so I am really impressed with the Power of my JK. I have the Rubi with an Automatic. Papabear