My Jeep JL Wrangler

I have been in love with Jeeps since junior high school.  We went to Sedona, AZ, and took a Jeep ride, and I was incredibly impressed with where it was able to go.  In spite of always wanting one, the first time I actually shopped for one was when I was in my 20's.  I bought a Mazda 4x4 pickup instead.

Through the years, I have owned trucks, but always looked with awe at the Jeeps around me.

When the new JL Wrangler was introduced, I was skeptical.  The JK has been the leader for several years, and I was concerned Jeep had made a mistake by trying to improve it.  But reading a lot of reviews, and watching a ton of videos, I saw the new JL had improved on several things that Jeep owners complained about the most.

• Hood flutter - JK Wranglers suffer from a condition known as "Hood Flutter", where the hood is bouncing up and down from the amount of air in the engine bay when driving at highway speeds.  The JL placed a vent behind the front fenders that allows the air to flow through, eliminating the concerning issue.
• Fuel Economy - Years ago, I drove a Dodge Ram 4-door 4 x 4 with 38" mud tires.  It got around 12 mpg.  But I didn't care.  Most Jeep owners understand they are not driving an aerodynamic vehicle, and mileage is just a slight nuisance.  The JL hood is raked back at the top, and the windshield is raked 14° more than the JK. This increases the mileage by 2-3 mpg.  
• Rough Ride - Again, most Jeep owners understand they are driving one of the most capable off-roaders ever built.  As a result, they are willing to give up a little in the comfort department.  The JL is longer and wider, so the ride is much smoother.  Reviews claimed it drove as well as a regular SUV.  

So, for my first ever Jeep, without seeing one, or test driving it, I bought a 2018 JL Unlimited Rubicon.  It was more than I had ever spend on a vehicle.  But I know this will be my long-term driver, and it will hopefully last longer than any other I've driven.  Mine has the cold-weather group (which includes heated steering wheel and seats), and LED lighting.  It did not have the steel bumper, which is winch ready.  But at $995, I knew I could buy an after-market bumper, AND the winch for less.  

One drawback is the lack of parts available for the new JL.  It is getting better, no doubt.  When I first bought my JL, there were no aftermarket bumpers to be had.  Now, there are several options, running from just under $300 to over $1000.  

I have had my JL for almost a year now, and love it every time I drive it.    It will go far more places, and do far much more off-road, than I will ever ask of it.  It is one of only two vehicles I've owned, where I didn't drive around, see other vehicles, and think, "I wish...".