My 11 is a manual and its what I wanted at the time but if I could go back I would have went with the automatic. Ive had both manual and auto's in my life and a manual can be fun at times especially in a sports car but I think im at the point now where Id rather just put it in drive and concentrate on other things or NOT concentrate on anything and relax. It also would mean I could let someone else drive if I didnt feel like it without worrying about them being able or even wanting to drive a manual. And as its been mentioned many times it seems to be 1 less concern on the trail especially when crawling where sometimes you may want/need to have attention elsewhere.

 

That would be very interesting.

 

Ditto!

I wanted a manual, because I'm generally not a fan of automatics for the same reasons others here have mentioned...connection with the vehicle, fun, etc. But when I was looking around, there were no manual 2-door Wranglers within a couple hundred miles. I ran across mine when I went to a dealership to look at an Unlimited manual showing on their online inventory...naturally it had been dealer-traded about a day before I got there.

But the new 5-speed auto in the '12 Wrangler is a really good automatic. Fact is, once underway, it has the feel of a manual, except of course there's no clutch pedal. What do I mean by that? Read on...

In my opinion, the torque converter programming on the W5A580 as installed in the Wrangler is fantastic. It locks up the torque converter early, and keeps it locked as much as possible. I can accelerate up a hill or a freeway onramp with a locked torque converter. I get engine braking when I let off the gas because the converter stays locked up. Both are unusual behavior for automatics, but the W5A580 does both, and I like both of those behaviors.

Yet even with the torque converter locking up a lot, the transmission is still willing to downshift without stabbing for the floor or doing any gear hunting. The programming on it is a really good compromise between fuel economy needs (locking up the torque converter, heading for higher gears early, etc), and responsiveness. Honestly, I've caught myself about to reach for the autostick to force a downshift, but the transmission beats me to it every time.

So in the end, I'm really happy with my Rubi...it's a very lightly-optioned Rubicon (exactly what I wanted), and the automatic has been a very pleasant surprise. I've got my motorcycles to get my fix of manual transmissions.

 

Bla bla bla bla bla bla bla. Study statistics. Even in europe manual is no more standard. BTW I like manuals but you know, I cannot afford it . There is no way to get it with a top Merc. Only 3 L weak, but no with 6.3 compressors.... Forget about manuals. It is a old thing. In few years people are going to forget about it. It is very similar when some hated windows os in front of DOS. Who remembers DOS? So forget it....

 

Pretty much everything we have said is on the dot. The W5A580 is basically bomb proof as far as most motors that are going to ever be attached to it.
It is proven that this trans can withstand 600-700 HP with no concerns. It's probably imo one of the best auto's by any manufacturer at the given time. If this trans can stand up to SRT-8' WK's Challengers, Chargers, the AMG Benz, etc I think it will be fine behind my 3.6 (which will be modded when the aftermarket gets their thumbs out of their asses). It was almost as this trans/engine combo were a perfect match for each other.

 

Agree 100% ... I never thought for a moment the transmissions used in he JK up through the 2011 MY were worth a shit. I really don't know much about was was pinned underneath the earlier model JKs. I know the current JK WA580 and older XJ AW4 are excellent automatic transmissions.. but the AW4 was out of a Toyota 4-Runner. I have 167K on mine and its never skipped a beat.

I don't have much faith in American made transmissions other than the tried and true 727 TF, TH400 .. and maybe a worked over C6. But those were the old days. I have the electronic version of the TH400 in my 496ci 3500 Express Cargo Van and I like the way it performs.

I'm not downing manual gearboxes ... they have their place, especially in road racing where I've spent time lapping.

And I agree, it wouldn't be as much fun lapping using a traditional automatic.

 

I'll echo that pretty much exactly... Golf R32 stick.... Ducati Monster S4Rs...manual obviously as well. I know how to use a clutch. I chose auto for the JK cause (for me) its easier to use/enjoy on the trail and I have a 182 mile round trip commute for work (though I do have a carpool so I dont drive that every day).

 

My '85 CJ7 is a manual and my '09 JK is auto. I have thought and have the parts in place to replace the manual trans in my CJ to a TH400 but have yet to do so or decide. I have almost always ran an auto when wheeling and like the ease of doing so but I figure I'll run the manual in my CJ until I find a good reason not to. While on a trail in Moab last year I came across this CJ that had an awesome idea for the accelerator (bicycle handle attached to the shifter) which freed up your feet to concentrate on the clutch and brake; I have contemplated doing this as well and run it to see if I like it, looks like it would take a lot of practice though.


For my JK, I am with everyone else as it is my daily driver as well and it's more for ease of travel.

All that being said, I like having the option to drive either one as it is fun to drive the manual but for everyday and longer trips its more comfortable to run the auto.

 

I can relate to that......married too long.....solo sex in Jeep is most frequent now....

 

quick question - is your real name Paul Reubens?