Jeep owner test drives FX35, what was that noise?

Now now Bill, don't be so mean. We should all congratulate Brian on his purchase of arguably one of the fugliest AWD station wagons on the planet. And hope that he bought the optional tow hooks, so the first time he tries anything other than a Walmart lot, that pokey old 4.0 in the Jeep will have something to hook on to to pull that fugly thing out of the muck.

L.W.(ßill) Hughes III proclaimed:

Talking of fugly, have you seen the Porsche Cayenne ?

Dave Milne, Scotland '91 Grand Wagoneer, '99 TJ

It looks a lot worse !

Gentlemen, thank you for your concerns. I have always subscribed to the idea that if my tires somehow drove over something that was not paved or made of concrete I had made a mistake :)

I do off roading frequently but my vehicle of choice is either my feet or something with the e-z go logo on it.

This 3.5 liter Rice Burner engine is AMAZING. Drove Houston to Dallas and back this weekend (for kids swim meet) at speeds that would of made the Jeep come apart and with gas mileage that the ole jeep could of only hoped to achieve if dropped from an airplane.

As for the looks, alas you are correct, it simple does not get the reaction my Jeep used to get.

I used to be able to drive in peace and quiet, in relative obscurity, now everyone wants to go for a ride in my car. My kids volunteered to take some friends back from Dallas to Houston. 3.25 hr trip turned into 4.5hr trip when you factor in "I need a drink" stop, & "I gotta pee" stops. I think my kids are selling rides in Dad's fugly car......... Never had that problem with the Jeep............

No question, this thing isn't a Jeep.

HeHeHe

After reading all the replies, I have to chime in. I like the FX35 (well, how it looks anyway!). It isn't a Jeep, but neither is a Corvette or a Porche or a Kia. They each fill a specific need (performance, vanity, economy). With all the traveling I did over the last 18 months, I'd have much rather been in an FX35. Around twn and on the weekends, though, I love my TJ. If I could have both, I would.

Alas, the TJ wins. Costs a heck of a lot less and I don't worry if I spill something in it or my son makes an absolute mess (as 2 year olds do). The only thing I have to worry about is whatever hits me -- I'm sure they'll have more damage than me!

A friend of mine and I called it the "captain car" whenever we saw one. Since we'd have to be making Capt pay to afford it! ;-)

Really, guys, he likes his new car. Might not belong in this group, but he likes it nonetheless. What's the point in beating it/him up?

Eric

If we need to tote a bunch of stuff around we take the XJ. I don't think we've ever ran out of space (although I'd like a roof rack sometimes...). For the 'large' items, I break out the 4'x6' trailer.

Besides, Jeep was one of Trevor's first words. And he INSISTS on taking "Daddy's Jeep" everywhere we go.

Eric