Hello everyone! I am new to this forum and I have a couple of questions, I was hoping you could answer for me. Currently I drive a 2007 Honda Element EX 4wd. Don't get me wrong, I love my car, but I would like a more off-roading car. I also would love to have a convertible, standard transmission and a more rougher riding car. I haven't went and drove any Wranglers yet, but I have heard they drive terrible. Is this so? Also if anyone could tell me about why the Wrangler would be better than my Honda Element, that would also be great. Thank you, very much.

You need to drive one! Plusses for the Wrangler - Much more rugged and capable off-road, waay cooler (IMHO)! (think: top down, doors off on a beautiful trail, beach, etc...) Plusses for the Element - softer ride on the road and better gas mileage...

Because it's a jeep. I had a 2003 Honda Element EX and loved it. But the 08 Rubi Unlimited is a real off-road vehicle, not just 'kick in' 4 wheel when you're slipping on a paved road type. Plus the Element is very low. My Rubi clears 10 inches and will go thru water up to 20 inches deep, stock. The Element is a very versatile car and is better on gas mileage and hauling stuff. But my jeep is a much more solid vehicle. Snow and mud are nothing to it (except fun). Both are very square, but the heavy jeep goes thru the heavy rains and snow with almost no effort, while I stay high and dry inside.

The bottom line though is...if you have to have a jeep...get one. If you don't stay with the Element. One of the best all round cars made IMHO.

Obviously, I had to have a jeep. And I love it.

I heard the same things before I bought mine last week. I have been driving an 05 Sport Trac and loved it but wanted a change. I hardly notice any difference in the ride, and my Jeep has many more options, let alone the open air one! Nobody that has been in it has complained about the ride so I wouldn't worry about that if I was you. Do what I did and test drive them up and down and see for yourself. Nothing will beat it in the summer!!! BTW, I don't off road either but like the option of being able to with my stock 4Dr if I wanted a bit of adventure...

I'm torn on this one, I almost say don't get one. Here's the thing, people always ask 'How do you like your Jeep?'

My response is, "It's slow, bad on gas, rides rough, it's noisy, has no storage, and has the aerodynamics of a tool shed."

"So, you don't like it?"

"Nope, I love it. Best darn vehicle I've ever owned."

The saying "It's a Jeep Thing, You Wouldn't Understand" isn't just a cliche. Either you want one or you don't, you love it or you can't see why anyone would own one. If you're at all on the fence, I strongly recommend taking your time until you're 100% sure about purchasing one.

I wouldnt even question it. Get the JEEP! (you'll be suprised how much armor all you'll save by not having to armor all the sides of your car)

well put, you're born jeep or you're not.

I agree, but comparing the Jeep to the Element is like comparing apples and oranges. Apples aren't right for everyone, and neither are Jeeps. You either are or you aren;t a Jeep person.

Thanks for the quick replies! I have always loved the Jeep Wrangler and I have always wanted one. I live in the country and I need to have a 4wd vehicle. I love the 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. I think that it is so awesome. I love the fact you can take the roof off and the doors come off. How Awesome is that? Also, I have a 5-speed auto in my Element. I hate it. I love manuals. The Wrangler has a 6-speed standard. I usually get 23-25 MPG. and a best of 31 MPG. What is your guys averages? I am not going to have this as one of my major concerns, because it is an SUV, a jeep, and a 4x4, but I would like to know what real world drivers are getting. Also, does the interior feel cheap? I like my Element because it has a basic interior, yet easy to clean and doesn't feel cheap or easy to break. Is that how the Wrangler feels? Also I have heard that Chrysler vehicles are horrible and break down easily. I guess I feel that way too, I am kind of a big Honda person. How do you feel about the Wranglers reliability? I want a vehicle that is solid and will LAST. Thanks again, the help is very greatly appreciated.

I forgot to put this in the last post. The engine in the '09's is a 3.8 liter that has 202 hp. That doesn't seem like a lot. My Element has a 2.4 liter that puts out 166 hp. That makes the Jeep sound kind of bad. How is it on power? On the highway? Passing power? Hows the pickup from a stop start? Any clue will help me. Thanks

I doubt you would be happy with a jeep. They are slow, ride rough and get horrible gas mileage. From your post it is clear you like the idea of removable top and doors, (who doesn't?) but all your questions revolve around ride and comfort and mileage and reliability. You should probably stick with the Honda or maybe consider a Toyota truck or 4Runner or FJ, or a Subaru.

Personally, I like working on my jeep, I like researching and planning modifications, I like doing the maintenance on it. I like feeling the road and I don't care about the mileage. That is why I LOVE my jeep.

As far as reliability goes, my (new to me) 04 has 55,000 miles and I fully expect to be driving it 15 years from now. The straight six and 5 speed on the TJs have proven themselves to be pretty bullet proof.

Don't fall victim to the specs. Horsepower sells cars, torque wins races. The Jeep w/ the meager 202hp has 240 ft/lb torque, the Element w/ 166hp has a torque rating of 160 ft/lb.

The 4.0 in the TJ's is a proven motor. That motor is as much of a legend as the Jeep itself.

The interior of a Wrangler is very utilitarian, much like your Element. I don't think you'll have any problems there. Gas mileage isn't great, I don't track but would estimate about 16-18mpg. You won't have any problems w/ the 6cyl on the highway or passing people. Pickup is adequate but don't put too much weight in my first two sentences... you're not going to win any races in the Jeep, however, you're not going to hold up traffic either. Sounds to me like you're in desperate need of a test drive.

A stock or geared wrangler with a 4.0 has plenty of power, unless your planning of street racing, (In a Jeep!?!?) you will be fine. Even if you do a little, I have left a few in the dust. Maybe the new unlimited's are underpowered but the small ones should have plenty for anything you would need it for.

I wouldn't call them slow unless they are running stock gearing with big tires. Even with stock gearing and 33's I can just put it in 5th and forget about it on the freeway. (unless there's a really big hill.)





BTW: newer TJ's make 190HP and 235TQ, I think that's plenty for an SUV that ways a little over 3000 lbs, and fits into a compact space better than a Mazda 3. Have you guys ever noticed that if you pull all the way up in a space, all the other cars stick out but the Jeep has a ton of room behind it?

get the jeep wrangler bought mine about three weeks ago and never looked back-if its a love it or hate it thing I guess I must really love mine-2002 wrangler sport and solar yellow it is great you wont be disapointed I think

Like I said before : I don't care about the MPG. I just wanted to know what real world people are getting. Also like I stated in my first post i want a rougher riding vehicle. I hate cars. I love being bumped around. Also, I DO NOT like driving fast, likewise one of the reasons why I bought an Element. I can not really go fast in a top heavy box!

I want a good solid reliable off road vehicle that I can get in a standard transmission. The only reasons I am asking all these questions are to get opinions from real Jeep Wrangler drivers. I want to make a good decision on my next vehicle before I purchase it. I do not want to just go and test drive a vehicle before I buy it. I spent a year on research and asking people questions before I got my Element. Before I make a purchase I would like to be well informed. I could just get all my info from biased test results but I would rather have real people who own the vehicle and live and drive the vehicle to answer my questions.

If any one else can help inform me even farther that would be excellent!

It sounds like a Wrangler is perfect for you. There is just something about its rugged look and feel that makes you want to drive around even when you have no where to go. Honestly when I'm bored sometimes I just go for a drive, there is just something about it that makes you feel great going down the road.

I agree. I love driving my Jeep and my kids love riding in it. They want to take it everywhere and so do I.

Guess I miss read your posts. Let me add this then. When it comes to reliability, one thing that is important to me is the ability to fix and tune my stuff myself. I am really amazed at how simple the TJ is. Sure it is FI and I can't do much about that but for the most part it is a simple design, easy to work on and easy to figure out. I have owned Hondas before, they are a great product but in general too "hi-tech" for me. If you like doing basic service and working on your car you might really enjoy the Wrangler.

Good Luck.

Man just go test drive one you will know right away if its right for you, I am absolutely obsessed with my jeep, I love it to death wranglers are not for everybody seriously they aren't my wife can't stand my jeep unless the top and doors are off, if your a "Honda" guy you will most likely hate the Wrangler. Get your own opinion on one after you take it for a spin.

i cant believe someone is trying to compare a jeep to a honda anything. i grew up with jeeps. early 70s cj5 that was underwater for 7 years my dad rebuilt, 93 rubicon, 04 and now my 01. there will never be another jeep built. im not into the 4 doors but anything with the 2 doors all the way back. watch a show on the history of 4X4. what you will find is a show about jeep 55 minutes and 5 minutes of hummer and 5 minutes of land rover.

in that case i would have a hummer but we all know hummers are junk.

If you dont get a jeep, take a look at FJs, they are also pretty nice if you like smooth vehicles.

Element's and Wrangler's have more in common than many people see on the surface. From my experience, both Wrangler and Element owners tend to love their vehicles and both have a cult-like following. Maybe the similarities stop there, but there's a comradiere (sp?) w/ Element owners as their is Wrangler owners, even if the bond is stronger w/ Jeepers.

You have a lot of responses...but I wanted to post because I just Sold my 2004 Honda Element for a 2008 4 door Jeep Wrangler.

I LOVED the Honda Element. I always swore I would drive it into the ground. It is the most practical, fun car, I had ever owned....until I bought the Jeep.

A few things you may want to consider (coming from a guy that just sold the E)

- You won't give up too much space with a 4 door Wrangler. Although the cabin space is a little tighter.

- There is not nearly as much storage is the Wrangler as the Element (My biggest complaint)

- Both are like driving a refrigerator...so that is null.

- The Jeep's 4 wheel in the snow is WAY better.

- The Jeep's top comes off...instead of that stupid back seat moon roof.

That all said, I thought I would regret selling my E. I don;t...not one bit, and I loved that car. I would go as far as to say that I will probabbly own Wranglers for the rest of my life...I like it that much.

And as the guy said above....It's bad on gas, has no storage, it's slow and is loke driving a tool shed.

But I love it. Not sure why...