Okay everyone. I don't own a JK but am considering buying one. I did own a 2005 Rubicon. I am wanting an Unlimited. However, I am the type that likes to research, research, research. I have done a search of this forum and don't see any threads on this subject (forgive me if I missed it) So here goes....... I have read many reviews on the JK's reliability ratings and for the most part, they do not get good reviews at all. But when I ask people out in public that are driving them, they act like they are the best thing since sliced bread. I would be using it as a daily driver, so...... are they junk or not? Could someone please explain to me why Jeep forums and people out in public I run into say they're great, but a lot of the review sites say they're not? Are these sites paid off or brand biased? I am really confused.

 

Because the people on forums and owners out in public love their Jeeps. I personally have not had a single issue with mine, but it only has 30k miles.

 

There are several issues with Jeeps. They are the greatest thing sinced sliced bread.
I do not recommend you buying one.

10% of the population buys them because they are more capable than any other vehicle out there and they want to go places nobody else can.

The other 90% buy them so they can look like the other10%.

 

The thing with most review sites or most reviews in that matter is you will see more negative reviews typically than positive reviews. This is mainly because most people don't take the time to go on the Internet and spend the time it takes to post a review of a product unless they had a bad experience and want to bitch and let everyone know about it because let's face it "that's what society is getting to these days".

Review sites that give statistical reviews or something like that is a little different story. The person writing the review story or report probably has no experience with the jeep anyways.

I typically take review sites with a grain of salt unless I keep seeing the same reporter issue or set of issues across multiple sites and reviewers.

As far as jeep owners and people on these forums, well they either grew up in jeeps or just have found it to be addictive like myself. Also the jeep community can raise spirits even when you might be having issues with your jeep because it's just a great community.

 

If you buy a Jeep thinking you deserve Honda reliability, move along. There's nothing here for you. However, if you buy a Jeep because you're seeking some adventure in your life, you love the outdoors, and you'll use your Jeep for whatever incredible outdoor activities you plan to pursue, then buy one. You're going to always want one after that. With a tip of the hat to a couple other true outdoor adventure vehicles, nothing holds a candle to a Jeep in the U.S. I just returned today from a trip to TN/GA. I had at least 15-20 folks approach me and want to ask me about my Jeep and what I do with it. Three of them asked to shoot pictures of it. And that is pretty typical of one of my frequent trips around the U.S. ...

Explore Your World: http://youtu.be/0Yq51rHh8MY

 

I second this statement!

 

Jeep people aren't necessarily the most honest bunch when it comes talking about their precious Jeep's problems. Trust me, I love my Jeep, but it has had tons of issues, as do a lot of them. A lot of the 3.8s burn oil, a lot of the 3.6s have a notorious knock, and even more have problems with flaking hinges and poor paint. Instead of getting drunk off the Jeep kool aid and thinking that Chrysler can do no wrong, we need to stop apologizing for their shitty quality and demand that they improve. Having said all that, nothing quite compares to driving anywhere you want to go with the top down, doors off, etc. It's a damn unique vehicle, and it has a great community, but don't expect ownership to be problem free. A lot of people get lucky and never have a single issue, but a lot of us don't get so lucky.

 

The reliability question can scare some away from Jeeps. As stated above, some have issues, some don't. Some people feel like it is a catastrophe if their Jeep has a little quirk. Some have legitimate problems. Could the quality be a little better? Yeah, but that is the case with most brands of vehicles out there. Can you learn a lot and have a great time with your Jeep even if it has a few quirks? Hell yeah! You will hear horror stories and tons a praise. The way an owner gets along with his/her Jeep depends a lot on the owner's personality.

 

I tend to only look at Consumer Reports. Back when I bought mine (2011), I took a look just out of curiosity...wasn't going to sway me either way. If I remember correctly, the Wrangler got pretty good scores, except one category was a lot worse than the others...body integrity. I thought this was funny. I wonder why?! I don't think Accords and Civics are "abused" like some Jeeps are. Maybe if they were subjected to the mud, dirt, sand, ditches, rocks, etc that a Jeep might see, they'd have "body integrity" problems too! lol

 

main things to consider: stock engines pre 2011, they drink oil, maybe not 100% of them, but enough that the river of tears about it requires a snorkel to cross.
2011-2013s just had their left side head warrenty extended, so be aware you may have issues with that on those years of jk

all jeeps, get crap mileage, live with it, love it, tell everyone else to buy a hybrid, because we need the gas.

theres a reason all jks have roll cages from the factory, theyre f****in easy to roll, so you do have to learn to drive correctly to avoid that

if you get a hard top, and plan on taking it off, youll want to have somewhere to put it, either with an over head hoist, or search this forum for the hard top catch table project. works best with 2 people if you dont have a hoist to lift it off.

if you have a soft top, keep lockboxes under the seat for crap, people will loot your jeep, people suck, people need to die, they will steal everything not bolted down with locktight and welds.

if you are just going to drive paved roads, and it doesnt even snow or ice up where you live, the jk is way too much vehicle for you, from the factory its made to drive far more hardcore then you will ever drive, with mods it can climb nearly verticle mountains.