2018 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4X4

2018 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4X4

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

“Faint hearted men are the product of a luxurious society; the same soil produces neither luxuries nor heroes.”

Early pioneers and those that followed up until 1960 were get ‘er done solid citizens of America. Most of the rest of the world is still in the stone ages while the good old USA prospers with the last vestiges of freedom that exist only in America. Don’t let it slip through your fingers or you will be flipping the finger to those great men and women who made this country great.

Overview:

This is the 2018 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4X4. For starters there really is no competition in this area of off road vehicles. But we will throw in a few others that are AWD and could go off road but if you’re looking for special, Jeep is unbeatable.

I’m biased because I have a special love affair with Jeep from my Navy days in the South Pacific and elsewhere. The image of Jeep is that of raw and basic transportation. WWII days relied on those no-frills Jeeps that played a major role for the free world to win that war.

I also have tooled around the back country in an original 1942 version with a friend who owns one. Whether forging streams, going fishing or just rock climbing in the High Sierra’s it holds an aura of history and heritage where bonds between man and machine cannot be broken.

And finally, today’s Jeep is my intended next vehicle to tow behind a motorhome. It’s a dream I’ve had for a long time so when I get to my destinations, no matter the terrain I’m good to go.

General Information:

It is assembled in- Toledo, Ohio, USA; Parts- US/Canada 60%, Mexico 22%, Engine – Mexico, Transmission – USA; Classification is- Small SUV; Cars from Jeep- Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Renegade, Wrangler, Wrangler JK, Wrangler JK Unlimited and Wrangler Unlimited.

Handling & Performance:

This short wheel-based Jeep has great turning radius and is a super sure-footed SUV I have tested in tough off-road conditions over many years. This 2018 is state of the art off-road and in today’s world it is my first choice for the adventurous.

In the process of testing all off-road vehicles, my first shot at the Humvee military version to replace the Jeep was not impressive. For personal use, the roads are just not conducive with the Humvee, while the Jeep will go where Humvee’s can’t. Our road systems and trails in the outback have been developed over hundreds of years to accommodate typical vehicles of the day which are far too narrow for the “Desert Storm” type of venue where the Humvee would be used.

Styling:

Traditional Jeep design has been retained from the first ones produced. That design has been mimicked by others but still the look and feel of Jeep is king.

Fit and Finish:

Jeep is as good as it gets for a serious off-road vehicle. It is the fluffy SUV that is a fish out of water off road. Jeep is most comfortable where ever it is asked to go. It is beautiful out there, but the roads are generally far from pretty.

Cost:

Not cheap, but when it’s the only game in town it is worth the price of admission. Plus, you must consider all the skid plates etc. to outfit it for rugged use, is what makes it special and that costs more.

Conveniences and comfort:

Jeep has continued to improve the ride on highway. It is surprisingly smooth and comfortable.

Consumer Recommendations:

Look at the video and although it will seem a bit extreme I have to tell you, I’ve been in extreme off-road conditions I didn’t believe possible for any commercial vehicle. Jeep made me a believer. If you’re looking for Bear Grylls kind of adventures, you’ll want to have the best. That is Jeep in my experience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5AWZvB1FuU

Pricing is up to you: Consider how you’ll be using this vehicle. Will you be traversing the hills of Beverly Hills or Rubicon in and around Lake Tahoe, CA? The way this Jeep is equipped I doubt you need all the options which are numerous but available. And if you want all the comforts of home I doubt you will be camping and trail blazing anytime soon. Then you will want the $12,000 of options to cruise Beverly Hills, Malibu or brave the summer heat of California. Let’s face it, you don’t need air conditioning in the Sierra’s at 9,000 feet. You won’t need keyless entry because you will probably be leaving the keys in the ignition. You know, those kinds of things that are unnecessary in the wilderness. Just say’s.

Recognized Competition:

Good News:

The best off-road vehicle hands down.

Bad News:

A little pricey and fuel economy continues to be extreme.

Standard Equipment:

3.6 liter VS 24 valve VVT engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, front and side seat airbags, rear back up camera, 4-wheel drive, 3.45 axle gear ratio, front and rear solid axles, fuel tank skid plate, transfer case skid plate and transmission skid plate, 4-wheel ABS power disc brakes, stability control, electronic roll mitigation, trailer sway damping, hill start assist, keyless enter and go, sentry key theft deterrent system, tire pressure monitor, Uconnect 3 with 5” display, 8-speakers, media hub for USB and Aux, integrated voice command with Bluetooth, 12-volt aux power outlet, tilt and telescopic steering column, steering wheel mounted audio controls, manual seat adjustment and door locks, rear folding seat. This standard equipment is covered for the below listed MSRP.

Gas Stats:

$3.45 / Gal avg. July 27, 2018

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

Pricing:

MSRP $26,995.