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Fortunately, my wife loves driving her '95 850 Volvo and I love driving my '89 740 Wagon. However, my daughter did not inherit this Volvo loving gene from either of her parents. She always wanted a Jeep and now drives a 1999 Wrangler. She has had it for a little more than four years - bought it new and made the last payment in June. I get to do the routine maintenance on it.
I drive it once and a while and I must admit that it is a lot of fun to put the top down and drive around town, waving at all the other "Jeepers" on the road. (Yes, they all wave at each other.)
The current Jeep Wrangler is the "TJ" design - 1997 was the first year for this design. The "TJ" design has coil springs in the rear that provide an improved ride and have a more modern looking interior. She has had very few problems with it - only a couple of electrical lighting problems that were repaired under warranty. As far as durability is concerned I think they are as good as any other American made vehicle but not certianly not as durable as a Volvo. O||||O
From my perspective:
PROS:
1. Lots of fun to drive.
2. Very durable, dependable engines and drivetrains that have been around for a long time. (Not very high tech)
3. 4 wheel drive is a benefit in the winter.
4. One of the better small SUV's in government crash tests.
CONS:
1. Uncomfortable on long trips.
2. Short wheelbase causes a very bouncy ride.
3. Windnoise is very loud - (getting the full steel doors helps this and the additional hardtop option is a big help for the winter.) (They also made the canvas top thicker starting with the 2002 models - this reduces the noise.)
3. Canvas top has to be lowered and raised manually - takes 2 or 3 minutes.
4. Gas mileage is low - about 17 to 20 mpg
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