The DCX crew didn't anticipate the strong reception that the Jeep Unlimited would be granted when it was released earlier this year. The four-door Wrangler's popularity has put Chrysler in the enviable position of not being able to keep supply up to meet the demand, especially when said off-roader is equipped with the FreedomTop and MyGIG entertainment system.
According to a statement from the Product Communications rep, D.W. Bodene, "We're building new Wranglers as fast as we can, but it's a vehicle whose popularity exceeded our expectations." He goes on to point out that Wrangler sales were up in February by 63 percent and by 124 percent in January.
We're not quite sure what the rest of you are seeing on Jeep lots, but the few Wrangler Unlimiteds we've spied haven't been hanging around for long and the dealers are tacking on a markup accordingly.
[Source: Straightline]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Fabulo @ Mar 21st 2007 7:10PM
For a car maker (and alot of other markets) it is never enviable to be unable to meet demand. The consumer will run to the competitor and all you have is:
- a lost sale.
- a consumer pissed at you because he cold not get one of your ware.
Not a good thing.
Todd @ Mar 21st 2007 7:31PM
FJ cruiser = ugly
Wrangler = rugged good looks
But, the four door is ugly.
I also disgree with Fabulo. Having a waiting list increases demand with the principle of scarcity.
Todd.
PiCASSO @ Mar 21st 2007 8:28PM
I actually think the 4-door Wrangler looks great, which is just as Rubicon Trail Rated as it shorter sibling.
Big jim @ Mar 21st 2007 9:00PM
the poor mans Hummer is a success!!!
MattB @ Mar 21st 2007 9:29PM
They must not be in that much demand in Orange County, CA. My local dealer has 6 of them sitting on the lot.
far jr @ Mar 21st 2007 9:34PM
I agree with Fabulo assuming a similarly priced competitor is avaliable. Honda Fit is another example with sales being lost to the Yaris because Honda cannot supply enough.
Tony, what type of offroading do you do? I would think that the 3.8 with 4.10 gearing would be more than sufficient for most people. You do realize the low range transfer case gearing too? Look at that suspension articulation too! Just how fast do you want to go in that type of terrain anyway?
tommcg @ Mar 21st 2007 9:35PM
the thing about the four-door wrangler is that it will live on way past the death of all other suv's (along with the 2-dr). the wrangler was around way before the suv craze, and it will be around long after. there is simply no other vehicle on the road with as rich a heritage. the release of the 4-door will be a historic milestone that we all look back on one day. to mention the vehicle in #5's post in the same breath is just distasteful.
here's to 65 more years.
JSmith @ Mar 21st 2007 9:38PM
Ordered my 2dr Rubicon in Rescue green, 6sp, hardtop, power, tint, tow group and MyGig. Was in BG status for 6 weeks called Tuseday and moved up to BX. There has been a supply issue with the Mygig and only a few people have them with that option, around 200 or so.
Those with unlimited hardtop orders are waiting the longest along with any 2dr or 4dr with Mygig. Some have been waiting 5 months!!
www.jeepforum.com
J @ Mar 21st 2007 10:03PM
Limited supply??? My local dealer has 3 of them. They've been there for at least 2-3 weeks.
Jason @ Mar 21st 2007 10:14PM
I had a 77 CJ5 a 90 Wrangler and a 97 Wrangler in that order... I had the 97 for 5 years and had to get rid of it because I had kids. I traded up to a Hummer H2 and had that for about 3 years and RAN to trade it in on the 4 door Wrangler in December! I don't know how ANYONE can compare that ulgy POS Toyota FJ to a Wrangler... they are not even in the same class!
I bet there are TONS of people like me who grew up with Jeeps and had to move away from the after having a kid... the older Jeeps were just terrible if you had kids... to me that is probably why the 4 door ones are getting so popular so quickly... I bet there are tons of people like me who see them as a possibility now.
tnriverfish @ Jun 13th 2007 6:05PM
You are right on the money. I had 77 Bronco through college and had to sell it when the bambinos started showing up simply due to car seats and reliability. My wife and I both have Toyotas now and I had my fingers crossed for a convertable FJ but when the production version showed up I knew it would never happen. Looks to me like they never even considered it a possibility. Rumors of a 4 door Wrangler had me hoping and soon, very soon, the entire family will be riding top down up a Smokey Mountain trail. Just reading through all the Unlimited stuff online I can find to hold me over till that day.
John D @ Mar 21st 2007 10:44PM
I would have to say its a real surprise about the 3.8 liter, since people are falling all over this with gas mileage that isnt even as good as a Jeep Commander. Not too mention it is supposedly underpowered. I think the new Wrangler looks insanely good but I'd wait for a more appropriate engine.
The FJ cruiser had potential in the early design stages but in execution is one of the most hideous things on the road today....thats just my opinion.
JimboNC @ Mar 21st 2007 10:48PM
Dang it!! I gotta get this driveway repaired soon.
nick @ Mar 21st 2007 11:06PM
I bought mine the day it came off of the truck and the only thing considered was the H3 - a question of do I want to own a coveted Hummer or the Jeep convertible. Coming off an F-150 lease, it was perfect timing and this was back in Novemenber (first month of '07 sales) where I was able to get it for $600 below Employee Friend Price.
Why do people compare this to an FJ, its closest competitor would be the H3. Now if only the H3 convertible would come out, then we can talk about real competition.
nick @ Mar 21st 2007 11:20PM
Owner Responses
#2: Have you even driven an '07? The engine is not weak, definitely adequate. I don't even know where to begin with the part about how the 3.8L isn't for offroad use. You really need to read the article in Motor Trend about the Unlmiteds. And an FJ would be a better buy, I guess overpriced, huge blindspots, wierd rear doors, just as bad gas mileage, no convertible top all equal better buy in your mind.
#5: Poor man's Hummer, fully loaded this things ring in at $32,000+.
Anything else?
Big jim @ Mar 21st 2007 11:35PM
i was just refering to the fact that they couldn't keep H2s on the lot in 2003. i am also a die hard Jeep fan please do not insult my loyalty to the Jeep Brand #8 and 16.
A little history lesson jeep offered a 4-door CJ5 called the Mahindra Commander in India during the 60s, 70s and maybe the 80s. feel free to read The Story of Jeep 2nd edtion my Patrick R. Foster to confirm this fact.
Bryan @ Mar 21st 2007 11:42PM
I would never own a Wrangler, but they are cool looking. LMAO FJ Cruiser..please. What an ugly worthless turd. It makes the Aztec look good.
titan @ Mar 22nd 2007 12:03AM
Fans: Don't kill the Cherokee, we want an affordable 4wd that can go off the highway, not the car like IFS liberty (or Toyota FJ).
DCX: There is no market for that.
(..later..)
DCX: Wow, look at this surprise pent up demand for a vehicle like the Cherokee (but even better for off highway use!).
related conversation:
Fans: I want to buy the Gladiator.
DCX: There is no market for that, what you really want is the compass or commander. In fact you want the command so much we can charge a mint for it.
Fans: ??
Jim @ Mar 22nd 2007 12:18AM
Tony said...
2. I honestly dont know why people are buying this. The engine is very weak. The 3.8 came off the Dodge Caravan and is not suited to offroad use. The frame of the wrangler was never intended to carry so much weight or be so long. A better buy would be the Toyota FJ Cruiser.
Check out my website for more info:
http://www.truedelta.com
Posted at 7:28PM on Mar 21st 2007 by Tony
Maybe you don't understand the vehicle market as well as you think you do.
Why would someone want a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited?
1. Image...after all, a vehicle purchase can be nothing more than a vanity statement. A Jeep Wrangler has plenty of "image".
2. It's a very good offroad vehicle, one of, if not the best in the world. The Unlimited has the best arrival/departure angles in this group H3, FJ and Xterra.
3.The Unlimited has considerably more cargo space then the FJ, H3 or Xterra...30cubic feet more than the H3 and 20 more than the other 2.
4. The Unlimited has the longest wheelbase of the other 3 competitors mentioned.
5. The Unlimited, although having a longer wheelbase and more cargo space still manages to weigh less than any of the other 3 listed...it weighs over 600lbs less thean an H3, the heaviest.
6. The Unlimited is the only one of these vehicles mentioned to have an excellent frontal crash rating for both front seat passenger/driver.
7 The Unlimited is the only vehicle mentioned that can be a "convertible" as well as can not only be a convertible, but has a soft and hard top option.
8. The Unlimited has the best "city" driving distance on a single tank of fuel.
Tony, what facts do you have to substantiate your claim that the Unlimited..."frame of the wrangler was never intended to carry so much weight or be so long."...It's my understanding that the new Wrangler was "ground up" new and as such the frame was designed to be compatable and competent for said vehicle...show some facts otherwise or backtrack your statement.
Now about the 3.8 V6. Yes, it's down on HP from the competition in said group but the torque is is still good. While more power would be nice, the 3.8 engine is a solid and tested and still capable of outperforming the H3 due to its' weight issues...although not the Xterra or FJ. I'd also like you to post some facts, rather than opinion, that the 3.8 is "not suited for offroad". Chrysler has always considered the 3.8 as member of their truck engine group...after all, it has served well in the minivans which weighsmore than the Wrangler.
So Tony, what makes you say "I don't understand why people buy this vehicle"?
Who has ever really understand why someone would buy a Jeep Wrangler...they do because they WANT one...and a few because they NEED one...
and the Jeep Wrangler/Unlimited has a lot of WANT it factors the others don't.
Sean Holman @ Mar 22nd 2007 1:08AM
How funny, who at Autoblog picked the photo? That picture is of me driving the Wrangler in Africa last year during the long lead. BTW, I have some serious comments in response to the frame comment considering this is an all-new frame with 100% increase in rigidity and I 4x4s for a living and find the Wrangler much more satisfying than the FJ.
--Sean
Tech Editor - Four Wheeler Magazine
www.fourwheeler.com
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