Jeep Wranglers in the 2000s MPG and ride

[JasonS]

Can I get some real world MPG ideas on the 6 cylinder wranglers in the 2000s please. And road comfort? Ive ridden in them here and there but its been awhile, my uncle runs with a bunch of dudes on trails but he dosnt know his MPG plus its lifted all to hell.

[BETH]

If u look Jeep.com they give u mpg on each one

[Awtoman]

A Jeep Wrangler is great play vehicle to have around. It is a horrible daily driver. Buy the Jeep, keep your current daily driver. If you ask the Jeep to do both, you won't be happy.

Tom

[Slabsides]

My '06 TJ has never seen above 20mpg. Mid teens is good. Mine is auto, rolling on 31's with 3:73 gears.

Alot of things will change that number: tire size, trans and axle ratio.

I look at it like this though: You want gas mileage? Get a Kia. You want the ultimate freedom machine? One where you can take the top down, take the doors off and not drive by the scenery, but drive right into it? Get a Jeep.

[JasonS]

alright so the daily driver thing sounds kinda iffy.

[JUNKKING]

Dont have a wrangler but have a grand cherokee rides like a car and gets 12 to 16 mpg depending on how hard I put the foot into her. Coasting down a hill once I reset the dash computer and was getting 462 mpg at 75 mph.

[76Highboy]

Originally Posted by JasonS

alright so the daily driver thing sounds kinda iffy.

They would be good for a secondary driver, but they are not the comfy fit that most want.

[JasonS]

is it much worse than this because this is what I drive right now lol.

[medalguy]

Got two but one's a 1953 M38A1 fully restored. The Wrangler is 2004 and all stock. I get around 15 city and under 10 offroad. The ride is OK on streets but kinda rough (per my wife) on long trips. I gotta agree, it's nothing like my Navigator.

[Bindernut]

Originally Posted by JasonS

is it much worse than this because this is what I drive right now lol.

Is your Mazda 2wd or 4wd? Four-banger or V6?

If a 2wd 4 cyl, you should be able to run 25-30mpg all day long.
If a 4wd V6, I'll guess you're getting 16-20mpg?
Other combos will be between those two extremes.
If you're not getting those numbers, look into your driving style or the engine needs a tune-up or has other problems.

I'm assuming you're looking at the "old" 4.0L inline six Wranglers and not the new 3.6L V6. I can't tell ya anything about the new V6.
The 4.0L is a tough, torquey little engine that is pretty bulletproof. But they're not noted for mileage...especially in a 4wd rolling brick that's geared for mild off-roading instead of highway cruising.
The 4.0L is based on the really old 258cid inline six and is almost as tough as the faithful 258.
I'm not sure about in the Wranglers, but in the little Cherokees 17-19mpg was doing VERY good. and it's usually around 14-15mpg in town.


If you're looking for cool factor, then go check out a few Wranglers to see if you like em. Be sure to take em on an extended test drive though...and find some rough roads to see if you like dealing with the choppy ride too.
But if you're more set on mileage, then I'd probably look at something else.

[CCHolderinMaine]

I'm an ASE certified master technician, working in the field for 30 years. I now run a multimillion dollar auto repair facility. You can have fun with your Jeep. Take it off road, drive in the snow, it has good points. Please know this; the quality of construction in a Jeep is abysmal. You will spend much money keeping this vehicle on the road. As far as MPG is concerned. Look on Jeep's site for numbers on factory equipped vehicles. Big tires, differing gear ratios, etc. will markedly change the number. Overall, this will not be a particularly efficient vehicle. Generally though, they're not purchased for their efficiency.

[Slabsides]

Originally Posted by CCHolderinMaine

Please know this; the quality of construction in a Jeep is abysmal. You will spend much money keeping this vehicle on the road.

Having grown up with and owned many, many Jeeps for as long as you have been in business, I must respectfully disagree. Please elaborate on how you draw this conclusion. I have extensive experience with CJ, YJ, TJ, JK and XJ and they have been comparable to any other quality make. Other makes I have owned include new and used Chevrolet, Ford, Nissan, Hyundai, Toyota, Volkswagen, Subaru, Acura, Pontiac and Buick. The several Jeeps I have owned have been no more or no less costly to maintain than the rest.

Also, considering how Jeeps are the most rugged off-road vehicles made (actually look at what dominates serious trails like Moab, The Rubicon, etc.) and knowing that Jeeps have also served this country as well as countless others in the Military for 71 years and counting, how can their construction be classified as "abysmal"?

[gvw3]

They are cool but the ride sucks. I sold mine years ago due to the ride.

[JasonS]

sounds about 50 50 out in the firearms forum world lol

[JasonS]

Originally Posted by Bindernut

Is your Mazda 2wd or 4wd? Four-banger or V6?

If a 2wd 4 cyl, you should be able to run 25-30mpg all day long.
If a 4wd V6, I'll guess you're getting 16-20mpg?
Other combos will be between those two extremes.
If you're not getting those numbers, look into your driving style or the engine needs a tune-up or has other problems.

I'm assuming you're looking at the "old" 4.0L inline six Wranglers and not the new 3.6L V6. I can't tell ya anything about the new V6.
The 4.0L is a tough, torquey little engine that is pretty bulletproof. But they're not noted for mileage...especially in a 4wd rolling brick that's geared for mild off-roading instead of highway cruising.
The 4.0L is based on the really old 258cid inline six and is almost as tough as the faithful 258.
I'm not sure about in the Wranglers, but in the little Cherokees 17-19mpg was doing VERY good. and it's usually around 14-15mpg in town.


If you're looking for cool factor, then go check out a few Wranglers to see if you like em. Be sure to take em on an extended test drive though...and find some rough roads to see if you like dealing with the choppy ride too.
But if you're more set on mileage, then I'd probably look at something else.

comparing the mazda I meant more the size and ride. Its a boring 4 banger 2 wheel driver, used to have a dodge dakota with the 318 and 32s. Loved it but got 10 MPG, plus a huge payment. Time to move up again. Not looking to lift the crap out of anything.

[JasonS]

bump, any other jeep haters or lovers

[Gun Geezer]

Originally Posted by CCHolderinMaine

I'm an ASE certified master technician, working in the field for 30 years. I now run a multimillion dollar auto repair facility. You can have fun with your Jeep. Take it off road, drive in the snow, it has good points. Please know this; the quality of construction in a Jeep is abysmal. You will spend much money keeping this vehicle on the road. As far as MPG is concerned. Look on Jeep's site for numbers on factory equipped vehicles. Big tires, differing gear ratios, etc. will markedly change the number. Overall, this will not be a particularly efficient vehicle. Generally though, they're not purchased for their efficiency.

As a retired vocational automotive instructor for 35 yrs. I have had plenty of experience with the 258 cid. 6 that the standard Jeep engine is based on. The things I especially remember about are oil leaks and lack of power and economy. My son has had several as he and his wife are into rock-crawling. Their ride at highway speeds is terrible and their build quality is suspect. The Jeep badge is what sells. IMHO they are grossly over-priced. You can buy a Toyota FJ for what you pay for a Jeep. Keep in mind that the modern-day Jeep bears absolutely no resemblance in anything except name to the WWII utility vehicle that made the Jeep name so historical.

[Slabsides]

Originally Posted by Gun Geezer

As a retired vocational automotive instructor for 35 yrs. I have had plenty of experience with the 258 cid. 6 that the standard Jeep engine is based on. The things I especially remember about are oil leaks and lack of power and economy. My son has had several as he and his wife are into rock-crawling. Their ride at highway speeds is terrible and their build quality is suspect. The Jeep badge is what sells. IMHO they are grossly over-priced. You can buy a Toyota FJ for what you pay for a Jeep. Keep in mind that the modern-day Jeep bears absolutely no resemblance in anything except name to the WWII utility vehicle that made the Jeep name so historical.

Here we go again. Several things worthy of noting from someone who OWNS and LIVES with Jeeps: No oil leaks from any of my 4.0 engines. Lack of power? You will not win any 1/4 mile races, but the off-idle torque is right where it needs to be for off roading (what its MADE FOR). The economy remark is good one.....who buys a Jeep for economy? Kind of like complaining about how terrible Kias are are rock crawling....same goes for how they ride. The build quality remark is very interesting. Kind of like listening to someone complain about what a terrible design the 1911 is.

An FJ? Really? The weather is great right now, how about putting the top down and taking the doors off the FJ....oh wait....(each has its own purpose and limitations).

Each is entitled to his/her own opinion and individual results may vary. I'm not saying Jeeps are perfect as nothing mechanical ever is, but they have served me well over the years and I will stick up for them. I've owned several, own one now and will always own one.

Few other vehicles have such a rabid following. Owners exchange waves just like motorcycle riders and vintage VW drivers do, seeing other Jeeps owners as family. That says alot.

[mranum]

I can only add that I owned one that I bought new in '92. Had the 2.5 4 cyl and the 5 spd with 4:10 gears. I was completely impressed with it. 17 mpg running around and 20mpg highway when it had the stock 205/15 tires on it. I later put 30 x 9.50's on it and the highway mileage went up to 22 and I went down to 16 running around.

That was my daily driver and also one of the hardest working vehicles I ever owned. I put a snowplow on when I got it and used it commercially for 5 years. Hell it even pulled my brothers Freightliner a few miles to home when it broke down on him without much trouble.

I put 100,000 miles on it with virtually no trouble other than the occasional clutch replacement from all the plowing. Not even an oil seepage spot anywhere. I traded it when I needed to get a truck but I do miss it still. Ride was a little choppy but no where near as bad as I thought it would be.

[mranum]

Originally Posted by Slabsides

Owners exchange waves just like motorcycle riders and vintage VW drivers do, seeing other Jeeps owners as family. That says alot.

I noticed that right off after I had mine. Like the saying goes....


"It's a Jeep thing, you wouldn't understand."

[68c15]

I have noticed one thing to keep in mind when Jeep shopping. if the 4.0 has coil pack ignition you best be ready to deal with a cracked cylinder head. if it has a distributor you are fine.
my customers with Wranglers often complain about ride quality but it is a given with such a short wheel base.
High School boys love them, that pretty much speaks for itself.

[watsisname]

I have a 1988 Cherokee with the 4.0 l. It is stock except for 235 tires. It rides better than a Wrangler and will go anywhere a stock Wrangler will go. As stated previously, it isn't the best on gas mileage but "it's a Jeep thing". Oh, by the way I'm not a kid anymore, I am sixty!

[Slabsides]

Originally Posted by 68c15

I have noticed one thing to keep in mind when Jeep shopping. if the 4.0 has coil pack ignition you best be ready to deal with a cracked cylinder head. if it has a distributor you are fine.
my customers with Wranglers often complain about ride quality but it is a given with such a short wheel base.
High School boys love them, that pretty much speaks for itself.

The head issue was a run of 0331 heads around the year 2000. It is not all 4.0L with coil pack.

High school boys love Jeeps because 1: They are at a point in their lives where they are experiencing freedom and nothing says freedom like riding around wherever you want in an open top Jeep. 2: High school boys are after the ladies. The ladies love to ride in Jeeps. Jeep + no top + ladies in bikinis = WIN.

[billfish16]

Originally Posted by JUNKKING

Dont have a wrangler but have a grand cherokee rides like a car and gets 12 to 16 mpg depending on how hard I put the foot into her.....

+1
Just spent $2-Gs having the trans rebuilt on my '97 Grand Cherokee which has 117k miles on it. Great in the snow, tows, fits the wife, 2 kids and a 190 pound slobbery beast in the back.

Bill

[Gun Geezer]

Originally Posted by Gun Geezer

As a retired vocational automotive instructor for 35 yrs. I have had plenty of experience with the 258 cid. 6 that the standard Jeep engine is based on. The things I especially remember about are oil leaks and lack of power and economy. My son has had several as he and his wife are into rock-crawling. Their ride at highway speeds is terrible and their build quality is suspect. The Jeep badge is what sells. IMHO they are grossly over-priced. You can buy a Toyota FJ for what you pay for a Jeep. Keep in mind that the modern-day Jeep bears absolutely no resemblance in anything except name to the WWII utility vehicle that made the Jeep name so historical.

I was merely addressing the original post's concerns. My experience with the 258 cid 6 extends beyond the Jeep. I'm going back to the carburetor, point ignition versions used in 60-70 AMC products. Fuel injection, better gasket design and materials and computerized ignition and fuel management has made it a more respectable power plant. My reference to the FJ is not a recommendation for Toyota, rather a comparison of what is available for a similar price. The FJ is a much more sophisticated vehicle for the money. I, personally wouldn't drive either. In every vehicle there are trade-offs. Sometimes its handling, sometimes its comfort or economy and sometimes it's price. The Jeep sacrifices most of these for it's short wheel base and high ground clearance. Add to that its spartan dash, interior and minimal creature comforts and it's a very expensive, specific purpose toy that is fun for the purpose it is intended but anything but fun as a daily driver or highway traveler. Most people who buy them get over them rather quickly. Lots more Jeep CJ's on used car lots than FJ's.