The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon hit the market in 2003. The Wrangler Rubicon is essentially a Jeep Wrangler TJ that comes loaded with some extra offroad options such as: Dana 44 axles front & rear, air lockers front & rear, 4:1 low-range transfer case, 31" tires, 6 cylinder engine, cool rims, and few more cosmetic features.
Owner Reviews
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Avg. Owner Review: (8.5 Stars):
Number of Reviews: 11
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2005 Rubicon Unlimited beyond belief |
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Date: Sep 17, 2009
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Reviewer: A JeepReviews.com User from (Monticello, Utah) |
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Vehicle: 2005 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon |
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Summary:
My Rubicon is beyond belief in all off-road challenges. With a 3.5" Rubicon Express lift, ProComp wheels and shocks, 33" Goodyear tires, and beefed up tie rod this machine is rock solid and will climb and descend anything. With the 4:1 gear ratio this is a rock crawling wizard especially with being able to simply flip a switch to apply lockers in tough conditions. And besides, it rides great on the highway, too. Do I love my "Bear"??? Cannot buy it from me for any price...it is just too much fun in the outback of Utah! And thank goodness, no anti-lock brakes like the new Jeeps which in my opinion is the worse thing you could put on a Jeep! Go Rubicon!!!
Strengths:
Rock solid in performance, driveability, comfort,and off-road hardcore ability.
Weaknesses:
None so far and I have put this machine to the test many times.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a JeepReviews user and not of JeepReviews.com. |
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Rubicon -Leader of the Resistance |
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Date: Aug 02, 2009
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Reviewer: A JeepReviews.com User from (Lenexa, KS) |
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Vehicle: 2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon |
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Summary:
If it was Judgement Day...as in the Terminators were at war with humans..this is the vehicle i would be driving. It would work good in running over all the skulls and blown up machinery in the future war.
Strengths:
Looks cool. Performs like a suv hellbent on destroying all obstacles in it's path. Looks cooler than all sissy foreign suvs and runs over the top of them.
Weaknesses:
None. It is indestructable.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a JeepReviews user and not of JeepReviews.com. |
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Edible wiring on JK Rubicon 4 door |
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Date: Jun 01, 2009
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Reviewer: A JeepReviews.com User from (Paradise, Texas (Ft. Worth area)) |
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Vehicle: 2008 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon |
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Summary:
Have had this Ruby in the shop at Moritz Jeep in Ft. Worth repeatedly for bad wiring. They claim rodents are eating the insulation. I have 5 other cars, three generators, four airplanes, two ATV at this location where I've lived for 37 years. I've never had this problem with the other equipment. I bought the Jeep because it was an "off-road" vehicle. I spend a lot of time way out in the backcountry. That means it is supposed to go places far out into the boondocks with out having to be towed out ($1500 to $2000 a pop). Don't trust this vehicle to do that. This is not a vehicle you can trust in the wilderness. It would seem a simple thing for Chrysler to install non-edible (or non-tasty) insulation on a vehicle that is intended for operation in remote areas. Obviously not covered by warranty.
Strengths:
Does everything I ask of it on road and off road. Gets great trip fuel mileage (above 20 mpg).
Weaknesses:
Seems as though Chrysler could supply proper wiring insulation. At the prices we pay for Rubys, you wouldn't think it to be a problem. The dealer does not have educated techs. Takes several trips to find a chewed up wire.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a JeepReviews user and not of JeepReviews.com. |
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I Guess I got a Lemon |
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Date: Feb 18, 2009
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Reviewer: A JeepReviews.com User from (Baghdad Iraq (Again)) |
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Vehicle: 2005 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon |
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Summary:
Hello I have always wanted a Jeep. Well I finally got one on my return from Iraq. The Rubicon I purchased (take over payments) was from one of my co-workers. He had purchased it brand new, and kept it garage parked. He had only had it in 4wd twice. It was immaculate clean with only 15000 miles on it. He also told me it had been in the shop 3 times, for various items. I said no problem, I am good to go with it. We put 10000 miles on it, over a years time. It was in the shop 5 times in that year for different issues. We decided to get ride of it before the warranty went out, even the dealership was amazed that it had so many problems. I am to this day very disappointed with my 1 and only jeep experience. I hope jeep fans do not have the same problems I encountered. Thanks for your time
Strengths:
1. The funnest vehicle I ever drove
2. One of the sharpest looking I have owned
3. Would climb a telephone pole if it could get traction
Weaknesses:
1. the fuel mileage was bad 13-14 mpg (I was aware of this at purchase)
2. A LEMON?????????
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This review is the subjective opinion of a JeepReviews user and not of JeepReviews.com. |
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Great Vehicle |
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Date: Oct 29, 2008
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Reviewer: A JeepReviews.com User from (Belfair, Washington) |
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Vehicle: 2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon |
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Summary:
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with 37,000 miles. 4.0 Litre, 6-speed manual transmission, NV241J 4:1 transfer case, Dana 44 axles, pneumatic lockers in both differentials, 4.11:1 gears, 245-75-16 Goodyear Wrangler MTR tires, four-wheel disc brakes, and diamond plate rocker guards, all factory stock.
In short, I love my Rubicon. Purchased new in August of 2005 as a 2006 model. Have put 37,000 miles on it so far.
If you are looking to purchase a Wrangler, you should know that these are unique vehicles like nothing else on the market. The ride is harsh and bumpy, the soft top is loud, it has roll-up windows, manual door locks and mirrors, it gets 15-17 MPG, and is very small for carrying anything more than a couple of suitcases. You can use it as a daily driver but you must be prepared to deal with its quirks. It is unlike any other vehicle on the road. You have to be okay with all of this before your purchase or you will not be happy in the long run.
That being said, it is by far the most fun vehicle I've ever driven. The soft top can be removed quickly and easily, the doors can be taken off in a few minutes by removing a couple of nuts, and you get waves from all the other Jeep drivers. The turning radius is great. Power is more than adequate for its size and weight. Reliability has been superb. The only problem I've had in over three years was a dead battery replaced under warranty. Maintenance has been simple oil/filter changes every 3,000 miles.
As for the Rubicon-specific upgrades, the Jeep is extremely capable off-road straight from the dealership. I still have on the stock aggressive mud terrain tires which have about 40% tread left after 37k miles. The 4:1 transfer case is great for technical trails off road. The Dana 44 axles are strong and the lockers make difficult terrain look simple. It's a stout vehicle with zero frills aside from driver and passenger airbags, A/C, CD player, cruise control, and a 7-speaker sound system. The 2003-2006 Rubicons are not available with an anti-lock braking system (panic stops on wet, icy, or snow-covered roads is a test of driver skill).
Strengths:
Fun factor, soft top removal, door removal, extremely reliable, easy to work on, maintenance is cheap and minimal, turning radius, off-road capabilities, strong drivetrain, uniqueness compared to other boring SUVs, looks (in my opinion), an American icon with a strong heritage
Weaknesses:
Very few - Gas mileage could be better, it can get loud on long trips, small size sometimes makes it impractical for daily use.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a JeepReviews user and not of JeepReviews.com. |
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Awesome Right Off The Lot |
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Date: Aug 03, 2007
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Reviewer: A JeepReviews.com User from (Fort Worth, Texas) |
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Vehicle: 2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon |
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Summary:
My 2006 Rubicon is the second Jeep that I have owned, my first was a 97' TJ. The interior upgrades are perfect, the 6-Spd Manual rocks in the city and on the trail. Straight from the dealership the Jeep was a monster. No upgrades and I hung with and out performed friends with other models. Added a KN Filter Charger/Intake System and gained throttle response and 2-5 mpg on the highway. A must for the I6 engine. I have about 20k miles with only a wiper motor going out. Jeep replaced it in no time. The ride and cab noise is all Jeep, Mud Tires are loud, but another reason to own a Jeep. It isn't a vehicle for spoiled lazy people. I wouldn't trade my Rubicon for anything. Any Jeep owner looking for a new one, the Rubicon is worth the money, it screams to be taken off road, handled Mud, Hill Climbing, Rock Crawling, Sand Dunes, and Snow Drifts like a champ. Easy to engage the 4-wheel drive. Shift on the Fly four wheel drive is almost immediate, nice for slick days. Sub Woofer in the center console, and the satellite radio are a nice touch. Great Music on the trails and in town. Wonderful to ride with the top and doors off, the best convertible on the market.
Strengths:
Lockers, Goodyear MTR's, Dual Tops, Sound System, 6-Spd Manual, Dana 44's, Rims are Great Looking and Trail Practical, Interior is Perfect, Easily Upgraded, Fun to Drive, Cheap to Maintain. Tight turning radius is great for getting into tight spots.
Weaknesses:
Can get Uncomfortable on long trips, Gas Tank could be bigger. Wranglers in general get squirrely on slick roads, so much torque. It just takes a little getting used to.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a JeepReviews user and not of JeepReviews.com. |
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Arctic Circle and Back |
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Date: Jun 18, 2007
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Reviewer: A JeepReviews.com User from (Shreveport, LA) |
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Vehicle: 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon |
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Summary:
I bought my "Rubi" for the specific purpose of driving the thing with my family of three to the Arctic Circle and back from Louisiana. It was a 12,500 mile journey. I built a small offroad trailer to haul our junk and spare parts and off we went.
I took things like a fan belt, u-joints, every tool I had, oil, gas, stuff to fix the radiator, and on and on. I only every used the extra gas. Yes, the Alcan does have gas stations but they all close by 9:00 p.m. and it isn't even dark yet. So we did use the extra gas. My Rubi "Pork Chop" made the trip with just oil/filter changes and tire rotations. Not a single problem with any system on the jeep. Not one!
Pork Chop is my third jeep. I really enjoyed my first two and traded in my second for the Rubicon. I've never looked back and never regretted the purchase. In fact I will be purchasing a JK for my wife next summer.
Strengths:
In a nutshell:
Durability, quality of construction and design, best out of the box for what it was intended.
Weaknesses:
Canadian gas prices
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This review is the subjective opinion of a JeepReviews user and not of JeepReviews.com. |
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Best yet |
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Date: Mar 31, 2007
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Reviewer: A JeepReviews.com User from (Florida) |
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Vehicle: 2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon |
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Summary:
This is my 2nd Wrangler loved the 1st, this one is better. Off road this thing is great. Put the top down on road, and its not just transportation anymore, its just plain fun to drive. May not be for everyone, you have to like being a little different and like having fun. Living in Florida there is plenty of time to enjoy the open air, and still a lot of places to off road. I have not had any issues with anything so far. Everything just works.
Strengths:
Fun, great looks, best off road out of the box, good resale value
Weaknesses:
poor gas mileage
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This review is the subjective opinion of a JeepReviews user and not of JeepReviews.com. |
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Great jeep...it knows where its' home is. |
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Date: Aug 09, 2006
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Reviewer: A JeepReviews.com User from (Scottsdale, AZ) |
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Vehicle: 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon |
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Summary:
This is my 3rd Wrangler ('88 YJ, '99 TJ and now '03 TJ Rubicon). Living in a area where the "top-notch" models are a must, I see a lot of Rubicons that will never see the dirt...both parties lose in this case. Because of the different gearing ratios, this jeep isn't as "peppy" as the standard I6 jeep (it'll do 75 mph...but just doesn't enjoy it). First gear is even more useless for street driving. Then you add on for all the off-road advantages the Ruby comes with...I have to wonder why someone who is not an off road fan would ever buy this! This is a Jeep made for dirty fun...and at that it is wonderful. It looks great, gets okay gas mileage, and is a blast to drive. For anyone who already knows that they love Jeeps, the Rubicon is the way to go!
Strengths:
Anyone who has looked at a Ruby knows about the add-ons. They are worth it! Great off-road potential right out of the box. Little after market performance upgrades are required...unless you off-road 90% of the time. Bottom line...it's the best (and not to mention 1/2 the cost of a H2...)
Weaknesses:
For its' original intent...none. Not as comfy at high speeds (not that the standard I6 is a caddy). Seems slower at accelerating than my older TJ.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a JeepReviews user and not of JeepReviews.com. |
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Rubi Rocks |
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Date: Aug 09, 2006
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Reviewer: A JeepReviews.com User from (Fort Bragg, NC) |
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Vehicle: 2004 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon |
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Summary:
I have an 04 Wrangler Rubicon which I bought new. Haveing had 2 Jeeps prior, an 89 and a 00. I would have to say this one is the best. I do a lot of wheeling and this is a very capable rig. The only things I would change (and I have) are as follows. The location of the locker pumps. Stock they are on the tranny skid pan in the mud and water. I relocated mine to the try right in front of the driver side forewall. This lets you hear when the pumps are runing and keeps them out of the muck. Also the air lines will tend to crack and wear out pritty fast and if you try to lock the axels the pumps will just run and run and you will never know it,(unless relocated), putting unneed stress on the pump. Possibly burning it up. So to fix this issue replace the week air lines with some more durable fuel hose. As for the lockers, stock they can only be engaged in 4w low. You can rewire the switch very easy and allow you to use them in any range wich is nice. The only other Rubicon suggestion I would have is that you must rotate your tires often as they will tend to wear fast and uneven. Overall this is an awsome rig and it should not be keept on the road and in mall parking lots. So if you are in the market for a Jeep and dont plan on wheeling it please do the comunity a favor and go for a Sport of Sahara. Both are great Jeeps and will do the job. See you on the trails.
Strengths:
The axles and lockers are a great "out of the box" feature. Also you can get all the extras you would like, ie the a/c, dual tops, full doors, and whatever else you may like. The tires also rock, a little bigger would be nice but the MT/R is an awsome tread. The whole drivetrain is great, with the 4.0, low gears and dual D44's. Also the lack of a slip yoke rear drive shaft is a time and money saver.
Weaknesses:
The U joints are not strong enough to run lockers. This would be one of the first upgrades I would recomend if you are buying a pre minivan Rubicon(I believe they have stronger joints). The locker air lines will crack. Also the tow hooks on all the newer TJ's suck if you plan on really pulling. They will pull up and out of the fram so replace them. I am not the only one I know of with these issues.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a JeepReviews user and not of JeepReviews.com. |
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