Jeep Garage  - Jeep Forum banner

Short-Term Review 2011 JGC

9K views 38 replies 26 participants last post by  AAAA 
#1 ·
If it is not obvious by now, I love this rig. It’s got all the makings of a category and import killer. Well done Jeep. Please keep it up.
The WK2 looks like an early victory though long-term support will be key. In that regard, JG is an excellent resource, thanks all for your experience and input, vets and noobs alike.


HIGHS
Fit & Finish: Both interior & exterior are very good, if not excellent. Interior is the nicest I’ve seen in an American vehicle, and compares favorably to higher quality imports. I love the firm, highly adjustable seating, it also fits larger occupants. The leather would make Ricardo Montalban blush. Very quiet, especially for an SUV. Majority of materials are high quality, including plastics. Paint finish is strong. Minor critiques below.
Design Aesthetics: Superb in and out. Handsome, aggressive looking rig. Sharp attention to detail. Some have concerns over the beefier hood or wrapped lights onto the tail hatch, but IMO, the WK2 design is a strong suit. Comparisons to BMW X5 appearance are also compliments in my book. The 20’s might be Jeep’s best wheelset, ever. If you don’t care for the chrome mirrors/grill/door handles or red lenses, then get your mod on. Forthcoming WK2 SRT8 will undoubtedly be a monster.
Handling: Road, tow, and trail manners are great. Might consider sway bars later, but that’s only because I like to drive a heavy SUV moderately fast around mountain passes and hairpins. The HD brakes are solid with good modulation, even if tempted to boost them later. Thus far, the Select Terrain and Quadra Lift work well, and are appreciated as much in lowered sport mode, as they are for slower, higher lifted trail riding. No surprise, the WK2 is a highly competent snowmobile (QDII), though note I use winter/AT wheelset and rubber for the white stuff. (Will report back soon in really deep storm conditions, yum.) Nice turning radius for a medium-large SUV. Handling is strong for everything but rock crawling and high speed evasive maneuvers, both of which I hope to avoid.
Electronics: Originally was skeptical going in, but for purposes of this short-term review, I am now a converted fan. All are very good including: Keyfobs, EVIC, Lighting, Climate Control, Quadra Lift, Select Terrain (maybe a bit overkill), Convenience Features, Multi-media, TPMS, rear camera/parking sensors.
Multi-Media: Had planned to do normal aftermarket stereo upgrades, but am not compelled to change anything yet with the 730N RER and Alpine system in the Overland. Audio quality, aux inputs, and controls are excellent for stock. Ipod connection and controls are nice, with touchscreen menu commands that mimic Apple without a track wheel. Screen resolution is good, though not high def. Rear DVD system works well with kids on wireless headsets. NAV functions are fine but we aren't heavy users. Dig the altimeter which is accurate to within 100’ elevation.
Convenience Features: Nice surprise because all work well and add to vehicle enjoyment, particularly for driver. Keyless entry, exit, memory settings, and ignition are superb. Remote start is sweet and has high and low temperature kick ons. Bi-level headlights work beautifully. Uconnect is excellent with seamless bluetooth pairing to a Blackberry 9000 (cannot speak to Iphone issues). Speakerphone is very clear for occupants, with only some road noise for outside callers. Handsfree and voice command work well. Two items I thought were unneccesary: heated steering wheel and motorized rear hatch – both are used constantly for winter and outdoor sports when cold, gloved, or muddy hands are full of gear. Mountain bikes, skiis, and other items might otherwise be leaned against the vehicle or dropped onto sloppy ground to fumble for keys or lift the hatch.
Transmission: Others are concerned, but I have found the 5 speed transmission to be more than adequate for spirited city and mountain driving, especially with the Hemi. Jeep’s manual shifting feature is excellent, and I was spoiled by Triptronic systems in Audi and VW. We use it regularly, especially for downshifting on sustained inclines or in winter conditions.
Power & Speed: Hemi – ‘nuff said. Big rig handles both at ease. Haven't pinned it yet but would not be a concern. I’ll be sampling the aftermarket goods as well, and already am a huge proponent of the Borla catbacks. The WK2 SRT8 is gonna be a monster. (Yes, that's a repeat.)
Price/Value: No brainer, especially if long-term reliability is there.
Doohickey Bonus Award: Tie between anti swamp-butt ventilated seats, keyless functions, Multimedia.
Fun Factor: Very high. Yes, it’s a new vehicle honeymoon period, but I’ll keep enjoying it for both its function and form. WK2 can easily hang with street cred, mountainous snow conditions, or trail short of anything extreme.

LOWS
Roof Rack: Rooftop tracks are flimsy, short, cheap, and fugly. While the Mopar cross bars are sturdy and somewhat aero, they attach to the vehicle with a security torx wrench - no locking mechanism. Yak or Thule tower mounts are forthcoming and could solve much of these issues. Regardless, this is poor execution for a simple, priority SUV item. Aftermarket solution was a must, for me at least.
Certain Control Buttons: Tactile feel and click mechanisms of steering wheel and climate control buttons seem less than robust. Like the roof rack, looks like unwise penny pinching on a simple item that gets used frequently.
Antenna: Cheap, too long, fugly. Simple item should be worthy of the rest of the WK2’s great systems.

MIXED FEELINGS:
Heft: Can be an attribute for an SUV, and it buys safety, towing, and certain handling benefits (additional welds, stiff, stable, quiet, high safety rating). The advanced electronics that add to GVW aren’t just useless doodads either. However, this all just feels like an arms race, and there is a lot to like about a more nimble SUV on both road and trail. Carbon schwag could get expensive.
Suspension: Jury still out, though QL is a nice feature thus far. Not going to debate traditionalists about the IS or front ELSD here, IMO this rig is more than competent for 95% of its intended user base.
Select Terrain: I'm a fan of modern electronic traction systems, but this feels like it may have one too many option settings, not sure yet.
Engine Alternatives: Love the Hemi, but gas is still cheap and the Mountain West lodgepole forests are literally dying from an epidemic of mountain pine beetle. Al Gore not required. The Pentastar drove nicely but bring on a high powered diesel or maybe Hemi update.
Plastic rivets, pins, fasteners: Secure many Jeep parts such as interior door and trim panels, to exterior fascia. Seem to hold well without degrading and provide for clean fitment. As a noob to these things, they are a major PITA to disconnect and reconnect properly without damaging knuckles and parts. Hopefully this becomes easier with familiarity and proper pry tools.

TBD CONCERNS
Gremlins: So far, I have have not had any. None. Obviously a positive, but can’t escape the feeling that this is just dodging lightning as previous Chrysler quality ratings are not favorable, and other JG members have experienced some challenges. Knowingly accepted this risk as a first mover.
New Edition Vehicle with Complicated Systems: Many, including yours truly, felt it was requisite to purchase Chrysler extended warranties to cover potential exposure to expensive system fixes such as Quadra Lift, Select Terrain drivetrain, and electronics. This protection is inextricably linked to the long-term reliability of the WK2 and economic stability of Jeep.
Chrysler Financial Performance: The 2011 JGC is already a bright spot both for sales and initial quality. Hopefully it is enough to generate corporate profitability and feed its voracious owner, Cerberus (named after the three headed dog that guards the gates of hell), or at least provide for an exit to a strategic owner. The extended service warranties may only be as good as the company backing them.
Dealer Network, Quality & Service Standards: Can the overall system keep up with the high bar set by this vehicle? JG members have noted that the Chrysler Dealer network neither expects nor is prepared to service a demanding customer. I had pursued a Dealer complaint through Chrysler Co, and both responded in a highly disappointing manner. What should have been a relatively small item and quick solution became endless finger pointing. Hopefully this will not be the case when more significant service needs arise. Imports’ success is based upon the combination of vehicle quality and high service standards that are accountable. Jeep needs to focus on this.
 
See less See more
#3 ·
Nice review, I agreee with you. So much so I bought 2
 
#5 ·
I agree with you and what an excellent review.

One quick point on the autolift tailgate - You can unlock and open the rear all without taking the FOB out.

Just hit the small button on the right side of the chrome Jeep piece to unlock the vehicle and then pull the hatch handle...viola!
 
#10 · (Edited)
Thanks gents, was worried all this gibberish would make your eyes bleed. But given current buy mode on the new rig, it's all good.

Bucky, other than the rack post, below link is all the visuals I got so far on the winter wheelset and roof rack. My wife and kids would kill me if I took more shots of the beast at this point. Just added a roof fairing to make it all quiet. As cool as the black rims look, the stock 20's could be my favorite feature, they are absolutely killer.

http://www.jeepgarage.org/showthread.php?t=15567

Marlin, I still get swamp butt, just not while driving. Thanks for caring though. +1 it will be real hard not to lust after the new SRT8, but justified that this Hemi is likely the best of both worlds. Interesting debate whether or not the SRT8 should get a revised QL or not.

Resistance is futile.
 
#11 ·
Marlin, I still get swamp butt, just not while driving. Thanks for caring though. +1 it will be real hard not to lust after the new SRT8, but justified that this Hemi is likely the best of both worlds. Interesting debate whether or not the SRT8 should get a revised QL or not.

Resistance is futile.
I believe it should get a "sports" version of QL.

It should (but won't) get QDII as well.

It should also have a front bumper with a removable lower lip, unlike the WK version's silly lookin snow plough that renders it utterly useless.

You may be somewhat interested in a new product I've recently obtained marketing rights for, known as the "Bum Med"...... :thumbsup:
 
#16 ·
Nice review. One nitpick, Cerberus owns no part of Chrysler. :)
 
#20 ·
Both are 5 speed transmissions.

The Pentastar V-6 gets the Mercedes W5A580 5 speed. The Hemi gets the Chrysler 545RFE 5 speed. The 545RFE actually has 6 gear ratios; there are two second gears to pick from, depending on whether you're accelerating normally or you kick it down for more power while passing.
 
#22 ·
Excellent and thoroughly relevant review, Moose! I've started working on a review myself but you beat me to the punch.
 
#23 ·
We want to hear yours too!
 
#28 ·
I have one other pet peeve. The keyless entry allowing just to unlock the doors by simply grabbing the handle is fine. However, if it is already unlocked it shouldn't blink the lights. I had this feature on my BMW (called comfort access) and it was smart enough to know it was unlocked. I like that it turns on the interior lights again, but the constant flash of turn signals is unnecessary. I know you can turn them off, but then you get no lights. You would think a car with a big CPU brain could be programmed well enough...
 
#31 · (Edited)
One Year 11K Update: Honeymoon is not over. Zero issues to date. Local Jeep Service has been surprisongly solid, as is this vehicle. Deep winter snow and cold, towing, high speed Alpine driving, moderate trail, city date night, gear and kid hauling - all good to superb.

Only features I have not embraced are: HDD due to gracenotes inconsistency, VR due to repetitive inputs and choppy functions, and Navi as Googlemaps on cell phone is easier and more effective. Hard to say if this is operator error or PITA functions, but just haven't bothered to figure these out yet.
 
#32 ·
25K mile update: still a huge fanboy of this rig after putting it through full paces in all conditions. IME this is a stylish and versatile workhorse of a SUV, and a home run for Chryco. I am even pleased with my local Jeep service.

Just finished a 1600 mile trek to Yellowstone, Teton NP, and the Snowy River Range WY. Hauled a 4k camper rig the whole length over multuple high altitude passes no sweat.







 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top