This is without a doubt the best purchase I have made all year. I purchased this as a bit of an impulse buy, but since I had owed several Jeeps through the years and was always satisfied, it just seemed like the thing to do at the moment. The Diesel version uses bio fuel OR regular Diesel. I like a mix of B-20. The mileage for either fuel is very good and varies between 20-24 MPG (for my leadfoot style driving). The interior is comfortable and has all the amenities that an average driver would want. It really does seat 5 well. Drop the back seat, and the cargo room is very sufficient. It is not a pick up truck, but it will carry a lot of tools, luggage, furniture, and/or groceries. Interior noise is more than the Cherokee, but not so bad that it is an issue. If the sunroof is open though, forget about conversation. The window controls in the center console still throw me off though. I keep locking the doors instead of opening the windows. The Glove compartment is the smallest (and most useless) I have ever seen anywhere and my only real complaint about the interior.
The handling is great, way better than the old CJ class. I would call it "perky" and responsive for a Jeep. This is not a sports car. Turning radius is very good - better than most sedans I think, and definitely better than the Cherokee. Off the line, the diesel version is a bit sluggish, but once up to speed it cruises right along. No problems keeping up with Washington DC traffic flow. In snow, rain and other inclement weather, the handing was good, and the 4 wheel drive is easy to engage. The suspension is good and the overall ride pretty smooth. Braking in high volume city traffic is good in all weather and it stops smartly without sluggishness. Off road is a tricky and subjective topic, this Jeep is not a Range Rover used for real "outback" travel. But in mud and snow it does well without too much slippage. The diesel version of this Jeep is great for towing, but remember: Although it can to heavy items, the Jeep itself is not a heavy vehicle, and in even moderate winds I would hesitate to tow anything with a high profile.
Amount Paid (US$): 25,000.00
Condition: New