When they planned the redesign, they should have at least designed another powerplant to go with it instead of using a lame van motor. And yes, it is lame. The Toyota FJ has 240 HP & better MPG's. Anyway, I've owned Jeeps all my life and while I agree the motor is OK, I think Jeep made a huge mistake in not offering a better powerplant for such a capable vehicle.

 

I've got the engine in a Rubi and it's the closest thing to sounding and feeling like a diesel engine I have ever driven in the USA

 

You may get more horses but heaps less torque.... and off road .... you want the torque...

 

3.8 - it's great. I guess the 6-speed helps as I rarely use 5th or 6th on the freeways with my 3.21 gears. It also makes my other car seem so much faster, though not as fun to ramble about on surface streets. But put it in 4-lo and

 

I loved my current 3.8 until it ate itself a few weeks ago...finally found the culprit in a bearing that basically disintegrated...nice metal shards all thru the engine...now I can't wait to love my NEXT 3.8 once the warranty company decides to actually live up to their responsibilities!!

 

My Rubi 2 door auto is all stock.

It has amazing low end torque for stop light blasts across an intersection. After that it isn't fast, but it isn't that bad. When I want fast, I take the 'Vette!

Off road it has all the power I could want, but the Rubi has that 4:1 transfer case and 4:10 gears.

 

I'm ok with it. Of course I want more power (I am a hotrodder at heart),
but it gets the job done just fine for me. (6sp / 4.10's / 35's)

 

I love mine too, it has all the power i need, i have even done 92mph, it was all over the parkway so i got out of it.

 

First I'd like to say I am very happy to be part of this community. Last Tuesday I took delivery of a 2010 2dr Islander 6 speed and love it. Now my previous car was a 2000 Z28 6 speed. Coming from this car I knew judging this engine (3.8) would be like comparing apples to chicken (no comparison) Even though I knew it wouldn't really compare to the LS1 V8 I was getting nervous as I kept reading all of the negatives on this engine. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I think this engine is very comfortable around town and on the highway. Fuel economy is a real surprise too. I have been driving at all different RPM's as I break in the engine and on my first tank I averaged 19 mpg! Can't wait to learn more about Jeeps. The Z28 was a blast and yeah I miss it in some ways but this Jeep is a whole new experience that can't be matched!

 

First welcome to the forum and the Jeep world, you will see and experience things you never thought possible if you take full advantage of the Jeep. As I am on my second 3.8 I have found they they are very slow to break in; so the more you drive it and get some good miles on it the more power you will get and better gas mileage. MPG really depends on how you drive and just to show you I am getting 20.4 MPG on my drive to work every day which is 24 miles total and no freeway, Some guys report as little as 12.
Anyway, welcome and if you have any questions feel free to look me up!