I did this while I was checking out an '07 PT Cruiser, something I'm thinking about buying a Neice for a HS graduation gift next summer. The PT is pretty much like the '05 I drove a couple of years ago: bad fuel mileage, heavy, noisy at freeway speed, lack of engine torque (it's a
4-banger, what's to expect?), and it still has it's butt in the air. Same ol', same ol'. Dealership says it will morph into an upscale minivan thing in 2-3 years. Whatever.Okay, now to the Unlimited. On the outside, this thing is HUGE. It looks like a bus. The chassis is stretched to the point where it's beginning to make the H2 look small. I thought the slanted grill looked funny, as though it has hit a tree or something. The doors are also H2-like in design. Getting in and out is easier than my TJL though; it seems as thought the sills were dropped down a bit.
The engine compartment is less crowded than with the old straight-6's. More plastic of course. I think the new engine is quieter and smoother as well.
The interior was interesting. Very PT cruiser-esque. The spokes on the steering wheel were annoying to me; I guess I'm used to laying my hands across the airbag on the TJL. The stereo and A/C controls are nicely laid out and easy to use. What's this??? Electric windows? Huh? On a Wrangler? The salesman says you can order full steel doors or the half-steels for the softtop version. I think I'd prefer the softop; the doors on this one are taller than older wranglers. The seats are more comfortable than my old ride too. It seems wider on the inside than older TJ's, but there isn't much more elbow room for some reason.
Okay, now we hit the road. Highway impressions: much more stable than my TJL; quieter, much smoother. Flatlanders will love this thing. Turning radius is hideous; I had trouble just getting out of a cul-de-sac. It's like turning a city bus around in your driveway. As I suspected, the engine is TOTALLY gutless, but I expected this. The torque curve isn't anywhere near that of my straight-6, especially at idle, where it would matter the most 'in the rough.' The 6-sp. transmission was smooth and shifted fine. Getting on the freeway was exciting; had to wait for a bit opening so as not to get smooshed trying to build some speed. It feels HEAVY, and although I hear the engine is more powerful than the I-6 it replaced, it seemed to struggle like hell just trying to keep up for the most part. There is more HP above 3,000 rpm, but getting there requires patience. It sort of reminded me of the
4-banger Jeep engines in older base models; adequite, but not inspirational.I forgot to ask about towing capacity. I would imagine it's probably good for at least Class II, but the lack of engine torque might make you think twice about that. The wheelbase seems big enough for a Class III setup though. I can't see putting 5,000 lbs behind you and 5 people and luggage inside with this powertrain.
On the way back, I asked the salesdroid about mudding a bit at a nearby construction site. (I know the foreman at that project and I had his permission to climb some of the berms that the scraper put together, so long as I didn't drag mud out onto the street.) He flatly refused this, as I expected, so I wasn't able to test the 4WD portion. He did say that the transfer case used 4.00:1 gearing, and that both front and rear axles were Dana 44's. Nice setup, if true.
To be honest, testing the 4WD on the hills seems silly to me anyway; I've never seen a PT 4WD Jeep that couldn't get up a muddy hill with ease, so it's no big deal. I can't see where the 4-dr. Unlimited would/could be any less capable than previous models.
After getting back into my '05 TJL, it was obvious that the interior of the new Unlimited is MUCH bigger, and that the my straight-6 engine is quite the little torque-monster that I love. There's no way I'd ever want to tackle the Rubicon Trail in that thing, but for heading up to the hills with the wife and kids, I'd give it a huge THUMBS UP. Lots of room inside and comfortable seating and ride will make everyone happy.
For me, it's just not something I need or want. I like the stretched TJ idea; this is what sold me on the 05 I already own. I pack quite a bit of stuff around including tools, towing equipment and tarps, and I tow pretty often; DC makes a great receiver and wiring harness that bolts right on, and I'm really happy with it. My back seat is OK for 2 adults on short trips, (when it's installed, which isn't very often) and I'm very happy with the durability and torque of the straight-6. Personally, I think the Unlimited is a great idea; there are a lot of people out there who like Wranglers but need/want more room. I thought this was overkill and too Hummer-like for me. And I honestly think that if people want THAT much room, they're going to buy a V-8 Commander instead.
There you go; my impressions of the new Unlimited. It's way over the top for me, but for someone who wants a Wrangler with acres of seating and 4 doors, gopherit.