Who's ripping on the 3.8?
I personally think this powerplant is pretty good. In L2, I get anywhere I've ever needed to get. I can do 80mph on the freeway easy...just need some gearing adjustments to peak power where I need it.
No complaints.

Granted...if I had $12k, I'd put a 5.7 Hemi in there...but for now...I'm totally happy!

 

It's still a minivan engine. It was my biggest hesitation in buying the Jeep. I think the engine is good at nothing but running. Mileage sucks, and the power sucks. My 3.0L v6 in my Ranger had more giddyup. To today's standards, the power output is well below par. It gets around fine, but there are grades around here that really let you know how gutless of a vehicle you're in.

I like to think I give it a fair shake. I've worked on thousands of vehicles, owned, and built quite a few. It's just the engine they had sitting around and tossed it in. Too bad I'll be putting a Hemi in my 'Cuda before my JK..but never say never! lol

 

Plus I'm up for some night runs as well. STILL haven't put my rock lights to use!

 

Duly noted.