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Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon was launched in 2005. The Unlimited Rubicon is 10 inches longer than a typical Jeep Wrangler and also has the Rubicon 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 Unlimited Rubicon

Avg. Owner Rating: (9.7 Stars)
Number of Reviews: 3 reviews

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Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon - Reviews

It does it all....
Date: Dec 16, 2007
Reviewer: A JeepReviews.com User from (Apple Valley, CA)
Vehicle: 2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
Summary:
As of now, Im SOOOOO glad I bought an LJ. You can sleep in the back of the thing! And Im 6'3". Take the back seat out,(easy), slide the pass. seat up,pad up the pass. seat cavity, and sleep great caddy corner! The LJ seems to climb better than the TJ,( or feels better doing it), is more stable towing a trailer, and its more stable over the rough at speed. Departure angle is the only issue Ive found, and not by much. Love the LJ Rubi......

Strengths:
Stable, room, towing cap.

Weaknesses:
A bit o butt drag, not much more than a TJ, but its there...
 
This review is the subjective opinion of a JeepReviews user and not of JeepReviews.com.
 
Rubicon Unlimited
Date: Jul 21, 2007
Reviewer: A JeepReviews.com User from (Tucson, AZ)
Vehicle: 2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
Summary:
I agree with others' comments that the Rubicon is probably the most capable off road vehicle right out of the box. I drove my '06 unlimited Rubicon on a couple of 4.5 rated trails right after I bought it, and I wasn't quite used to driving it. I did drag my rear bumper a few times, and took the wrong line a few times, but the Rubicon is so capable that I did not get hung up anywhere. I pulled a Cherokee out of a tough spot -- it would have made it out eventually but it was quick and easy to put a tow strap on and pull it about 10 feet.

I have wheeled on some pretty tough trails in southern AZ; Charleau Gap, Chivo Falls, Rice Peak, Gunsite Pass. The vehicle performs extremely well. I added a 4" Rubicon Express suspension lift, an after market steering stabilizer, a rear bumper tire carrier (warn), upgraded to 10X16 steel wheels and 33X12.50 Procomp MT tires; I also put on a cold air intake (Brute Force) and a Borla cat-back exhaust. Even with the large tires I have been getting 15 - 16.5 MPG in town.

I don't use my jeep as a daily driver. People who want a Wrangler DD should probably buy the Sahara or Sport models. The Rubicon is geared pretty low for in town driving. The 6 spd tranny is really capable, and allows me to drive at highway speeds. But in town I do a lot of shifting. With the larger tires and CAI and Catback systems it has much better throttle response and the shifting points, normally between 3000 and 3250 RPM, are reached at higher speeds, so it actually requires less shifting in town now than it did with the factory tires and more restricted exhaust flow.

The longer wheel base of the Unlimited model adds some stability, especially at highway speeds. I also like the extra space behind the rear seat for my survival and recovery gear when I head for the trais. I can also fit a good size cooler, camp chairs, and other stuff without taking room away from passengers. When rear seat is folded up there is plenty of room to haul stuff.

On the trail the 4wheel high setting is very capable. When I use 4wheel low, I use 3rd and 4th gears as the working gears -- plenty of torque and power for just about any terrain. The 1st and 2nd gears are really for slow, controlled crawling, either up or down steep grades and rough terrain. Having total control at very low speed is incredible, keeps the wheels on the ground, the vehicle just walks through just about anything. The lockers, when needed, work great. I also use 5th gear in low range for those short distances when the trail gets smooth. It is like driving in 4wheel high range, it saves on the tranny and keeps the fluid heat lower and I don't have to constantly switch the Tcase between ranges.

Other reviewers have pointed out some OEM weaknesses, like wimpy ujoints in front, tie rods are not very beefy, the locker air unit and hoses are in a precarious location, and the air hoses could be stronger material. Also, some comments about the plastic retainer clip on the clutch rod mentioned in some mechanical reviews I've read -- these issues could sway some from buying a Jeep. For the average person who has average mechanical abilities, as I believe most Jeep drivers do, these are all minor issues that can be fixed after market as time and money permit. The after market for Wrangler parts is stock full of available upgrades. Also, just be sure to crawl under the jeep after you return from your off road -- inspect the mechanical condition, look for weaknesses, leaks, squeaks, crunches. Practice simple preventive maintenance and you won't have to worry about breaking down on the trail or on the road somewhere.

I'd buy another Rubicon in a hearbeat, even one of the mini-van powered models. I'm nearly 50 yo and had always wanted a Jeep but never bought one because they are not good family haulers. Now that I can afford two vehicles I have a daily driver that gets good mileage, has a 4 cyl motor, has room to haul family and pets, and is road worthy for long trips. The Jeep is for trails, camping, sight seeing, and exploring area
of Arizona that most people do not see. Everyone who has rode with me has been extremely impressed with the places the Rubicon will go, effortlessly.

Strengths:
4:11 gears are great
Stronge axles and lockers

Weaknesses:
Compared to other Jeeps, none
 
This review is the subjective opinion of a JeepReviews user and not of JeepReviews.com.
 
Stock and going where I want / Outstanding vehicle
Date: Feb 03, 2007
Reviewer: A JeepReviews.com User from (Delta, Colo)
Vehicle: 2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
Summary:
I,ve had my 06 Rubicon for almost a year, been in the shop twice. First time for a broken steering box, (Don't ask how that happened). second time for a rear main seal leak. Dealer took care of both problems with no issues. Have taken this still stock suspension places that a buddy has went with his 05 Rubicon with 7" lift. might have to use the winch and handyman a little more often but that's half the fun of it. I would recomend this Jeep to anyone who ask's This is a very trailworthy rig just like it is. But I cant wait to get my lift on it either.

Strengths:
Dependable engine design
awesome tires for stock rubber
Outstanding out of the box, only needs minor improvements to make it a great trail rig and daily driver

Weaknesses:
Fuel economy could be better
and the rear main seal will eventualy leak over time.
Should be able to get a rebate on the paint, since most of us don't buy for looks, but to go off the road
 
This review is the subjective opinion of a JeepReviews user and not of JeepReviews.com.