2009 Jeep Wrangler

2009 JEEP WRANGLER REVIEW

The 2009 Jeep Wrangler is an American legend. It is a refreshing vehicle in a country where there are so many vehicles to choose form. Most of the vehicles that are available to the consumer are so similar in form and function that it is difficult to tell them apart. It is different than anything else that is on the road and will take you absolutely anywhere.

The Jeep Wrangler has undergone some rather dramatic changes through the years such as the addition of a four door model, the Unlimited, and the conversion of leaf springs to coil springs. These changes have brought a new group of consumers into the fold, namely the family.  

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and the Jeep Wrangler also have the option of the security and comfort of a new hardtop called the Freedom Top. This hardtop includes a rear defroster and a rear washer. Rather than the half doors that come with the soft top, the four or two metal doors with tinted glass are what make up this vehicle.

Under the hood is a 3.8 liter sequential multi port injected V6 engine that produces 237 foot pound of torque and 202 hp. The engine provides a reasonable amount of power for commuting and good torque.

This base model of the Wrangler X 2 door 4 wheel drive comes standard with an in dash CD player with an MP3 capability and six speakers, an AM/FM stereo radio, the Command Trac shift on the fly 4 wheel drive system, a six speed manual transmission, and a 3.8 liter V6 engine.  

 In addition to everything that comes with the base model, the Wrangler S package 2 door 4 wheel drive also comes standard with a driver seat that is height adjustable, adjustable head restraints, cloth seats rather than vinyl, and electronic stability control (ESP). A leather wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, fog lights, air conditioning, and 17” wheels with larger tires are optional.

In addition to everything that comes with the base model, the Sahara 2 door 4 wheel drive also comes standard with 18 by 7.5 inch machined cast aluminum wheels with P255/70R18 Owl on and off road tires, a one year Uconnect Sirius Satellite radio 368 7 watt Infinity® sound system including a subwoofer, and an AM/FM stereo radio with an in dash MP3/CD player capability.

In addition to everything that comes with the Sahara model, the Rubicon comes standard with Tru lock electronic front and rear locking differentials, 17 by 7.5 inch machined cast aluminum wheels with LT255/75R17 BSW off road tires, a part time 4 wheel drive system, the Dana 44 heavy duty front and rear axle, and a 4:1 ratio Rock Trac off road system.
The trim options on the 4 door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited are to those on the 2 door models and there is also a 2 wheel drive options available. Also power door locks, power window locks, an optional 4 speed automatic, and a right hand drive option are available.  

As compared to other off road vehicles that are also used by families, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is a real 5 passenger competitor. With its upright position, easy to view corners, and short overhangs, it is ideal for off road driving.

This is particularly true of the Rubicon models because they have all the components that were made specifically for off road driving. The very low 4:11 gear ratio, the front and rear lockers, and the tough Dana 44 axles provide the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon a great ability to crawl. You can automatically disconnect the electronic sway bar with a switch in the cockpit if you have the 4 wheel drive system in the low range and you are moving less than 18 mph. After the sway bar has been disconnected, the articulation of the front axle increases by 20 percent which permits very aggressive movement of the front end.  
 
Because their 2 speed transfer cases have a setting that is neutral which permits it to be towed without engaging any running gear, the Jeep Wrangler is a great vehicle to be towed. The short wheelbase Jeep Wrangler can be used as a tow vehicle, that, when properly equipped, can tow a maximum of 2,000 pounds. When properly equipped, the larger Jeep Wrangler Unlimited can tow as much as 3,500 pounds.

The Jeep Wrangler family of vehicles gets fairly low combined mpg as a result of their ride height, large wheels and tires, heavy duty running gear, and brick like shape. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara Edition will average approximately 15 mpg on regular fuel in combined driving. This driving will include a combination of commuting, steep hill climbs, water crossings, and trail running. If you are strictly commuting the mpg will probably average somewhere around 18. However, although they are not the most fuel efficient vehicles, the 2009 Wrangler family of vehicles are far more fuel efficient than they were in the past. In addition, they will take you anywhere you want to go.

Prior to driving a Jeep Wrangler, you will need to be realistic about what to expect. To some people, they are an attack on their driving senses while other people see them as the most honest driving vehicles that are available. People seem to either love them or hate them and there seems to be no middle ground.
 
It can be a surprising revelation to drive a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara. While the base Jeep Wrangler is very maneuverable and easy to drive while the Unlimited can be expected to be heavier and much more ponderous. However, the larger Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is an excellent off road vehicle. You can remove the three roof panels and enjoy some sun while taking your family to the hills for some fun outdoors. It will give you the ultimate feeling of freedom and make some of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited’s minor flaws easy to accept.
If you want the ultimate off road experience that is utilitarian and robust you don’t have to look any further than the Jeep Wrangler Limited and the Jeep Wrangler.