Arrigo Dodge Chrysler Jeep Sawgrass
5901 Madison AvenueTamarac,FL33321Sales: 888-595-0707
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Introduction
Both of these vehicles have top-quality off-road handling, and they look great on the road, too. Both are affordable, have huge aftermarket support, and are very popular. So how do they compare?
The Jeep Wrangler
This SUV is an off-road vehicle produced by American automaker Chrysler. Its history goes back more than 60 years to the original military "Jeep," the now-legendary 4x4 that transported World War II soldiers and supplies over very rough terrain. Despite the fact that the modern Wrangler is a more civilized model with a four door option and added safety and convenience features, it stays true to its original purpose, with its rugged off-road abilities and distinctive design. Today's Wrangler is larger and more polished than its ancestors. Although the ride is still stiff, and the handling and acceleration are modest, improvements made in the current model include a more powerful engine, a stiffer structure and more insulation for a quieter ride, a navigation system, and an increased width to improve passenger comfort. Together these make long distance traveling much more tolerable.
There a three trim levels: the basic X, the mid-level Sahara, and the Rubicon, which is specialized for off-road. Each trim level is available two or four door, and all come with a 3.8-liter V6 engine capable of 202 hp and 237 lb. - ft. of torque, and a multi-point injection fuel system. Generally, consumer reviews on Wranglers are upbeat, many citing Jeep's superior off-road ability, its fun factor, rough and tumble image, 2/4 door options, and upscale navigation system. Most complaints are centered on poor fuel economy.
The FJ Cruiser
The FJ Cruiser is a midsize SUV that debuted as a 2007 model. Though officially classified as a midsize SUV, its price and immediate competition place it in the small SUV category. This vehicle originates out of Toyota's earlier FJ40 Series of Land Cruisers. The original FJ40 was a dependable four-wheel-drive truck sold in the U.S. from 1960-'83. It's generally assumed that the inspiration for the FJ's predecessor, the BJ20, comes from military's Jeep used in WWII. A trend in recent years among automakers is to introduce 'retro' models - vehicles that combine modern mechanics and technology with styling harked from successful models of the past. The FJ Cruiser is one of these. Much of the vehicle's retro theme comes through its exterior styling. Key elements include a grille that incorporates tightly spaced round headlights, a classic Toyota name badge instead of the modern emblem, a white-top roof, and exposed full-size spare tire.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser, with off-road abilities in mind, was designed with 32- inch tires, high ground clearance, and the power of a 4.0 liter V6 engine. It has earned positive marks for off-road ability, comfortable front seats and unique exterior styling. FJ Cruisers downsides include limited outward visibility, minimum cargo space, and a rear seat area that's cramped and difficult to get in and out of.
In Comparison
There are many similarities between these two vehicles. They are both designed with off-road travel in mind, and have gained a positive reputation for th
eir performance. Yet they each have one-of-a-kind body design and abilities.
Safety: Both received five stars for driver safety; this is the U.S Government's highest rating. Jeep received five stars for passenger safety, while the FJ Cruiser received four. Both received three stars for rollover resistance. Ignition disable is standard on both and Jeep comes with rollover protection.
Cost/ Warranty: The starting price for the Wrangler is priced slightly less than the FJ, according to the MSRP: The price for this baseline Jeep is suggested at $19,505, while the FJ 4X4 base price is $23,635. Buying either of these loaded can get close to the $30,000 range, but even the base 4X4 versions can both destroy any remotely surmoutable off-road driving surface. The destination charge for transporting the vehicle from its origin to the dealer is similar: $700 for the Jeep and $745 for the Cruiser. Both come with bumper to bumper three year /36,000 mi. warranty. Jeep has a power train warranty of 5 years and unlimited mileage. FJ's is five years/60,000 miles.
Gas Mileage: The gas mileage for the two vehicles is similar, yet the Jeep has a slight edge. The Wrangler gets 15 mpg for city and 19 mpg for highway. The Cruiser gets 16 mpg/city and 20 mpg for highway. Furthermore, the Jeep Wrangler requires regular unleaded fuel, while the FJ Cruiser calls for the more expensive Premium unleaded.
Fuel Capacity: The Jeep has a 21.6 gallon tank, while the FJ Cruiser holds 19.0 gal.
Interior Space: The two SUVs have the same head room and seating capacity. Jeep offers more rear legroom, with 37.2in. compared to FJ Cruiser's 31.3in. They both come standard with bucket seats; FJ Cruiser has available heated front seats. Overall, the Jeep Wrangler is a better choice for frequent kid-duty and the transportation of large animals or cargo, as it comes with 46.4 cu.ft. as opposed to the Cruisers 27.9 cu.ft. of cargo volume.
Audio: Both Vehicles come with in-dash CD players and MP3 capability. Satellite Radio is standard with the Wrangler and an option for the Cruiser. The Cruiser also offers radio steering controls as an add-on.
Exterior: Both vehicles have body styles unique to only them. Jeep Wrangler has a soft convertible top, and has an available hardtop. FJ options include roof racks, running boards, and a rear step bumper. The Toyota FJ Cruiser's shorter wheelbase may produce a less-settled highway ride but a more maneuverable feel in daily traffic than the Jeep Wrangler. The Toyota FJ Cruiser and the Jeep have approximately comparable tires and handling abilities. Their length, width, and height, are with in a few inches of each other.
Drive Train: The Jeep and the Toyota have similar-sized engines (3.8LV-6 and 4.0L V-6 respectively)
Overall: There are, of course, pros and cons to every vehicle. The Wrangler and FJ Cruiser are close in many aspects. They are both competitive in off-road abilities, engine power, and front seat comfort. But overall, the Jeep Wrangler can be purchased at a lower starting price, gets better fuel economy, has a more comfortable rear passenger space, and has an upper hand on cargo volume.
Both of these vehicles have top-quality off-road handling, and they look great on the road, too. Both are affordable, have huge aftermarket support, and are very popular. So how do they compare?
The Jeep Wrangler
This SUV is an off-road vehicle produced by American automaker Chrysler. Its history goes back more than 60 years to the original military "Jeep," the now-legendary 4x4 that transported World War II soldiers and supplies over very rough terrain. Despite the fact that the modern Wrangler is a more civilized model with a four door option and added safety and convenience features, it stays true to its original purpose, with its rugged off-road abilities and distinctive design. Today's Wrangler is larger and more polished than its ancestors. Although the ride is still stiff, and the handling and acceleration are modest, improvements made in the current model include a more powerful engine, a stiffer structure and more insulation for a quieter ride, a navigation system, and an increased width to improve passenger comfort. Together these make long distance traveling much more tolerable.
There a three trim levels: the basic X, the mid-level Sahara, and the Rubicon, which is specialized for off-road. Each trim level is available two or four door, and all come with a 3.8-liter V6 engine capable of 202 hp and 237 lb. - ft. of torque, and a multi-point injection fuel system. Generally, consumer reviews on Wranglers are upbeat, many citing Jeep's superior off-road ability, its fun factor, rough and tumble image, 2/4 door options, and upscale navigation system. Most complaints are centered on poor fuel economy.
The FJ Cruiser
The FJ Cruiser is a midsize SUV that debuted as a 2007 model. Though officially classified as a midsize SUV, its price and immediate competition place it in the small SUV category. This vehicle originates out of Toyota's earlier FJ40 Series of Land Cruisers. The original FJ40 was a dependable four-wheel-drive truck sold in the U.S. from 1960-'83. It's generally assumed that the inspiration for the FJ's predecessor, the BJ20, comes from military's Jeep used in WWII. A trend in recent years among automakers is to introduce 'retro' models - vehicles that combine modern mechanics and technology with styling harked from successful models of the past. The FJ Cruiser is one of these. Much of the vehicle's retro theme comes through its exterior styling. Key elements include a grille that incorporates tightly spaced round headlights, a classic Toyota name badge instead of the modern emblem, a white-top roof, and exposed full-size spare tire.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser, with off-road abilities in mind, was designed with 32- inch tires, high ground clearance, and the power of a 4.0 liter V6 engine. It has earned positive marks for off-road ability, comfortable front seats and unique exterior styling. FJ Cruisers downsides include limited outward visibility, minimum cargo space, and a rear seat area that's cramped and difficult to get in and out of.
In Comparison
There are many similarities between these two vehicles. They are both designed with off-road travel in mind, and have gained a positive reputation for th
eir performance. Yet they each have one-of-a-kind body design and abilities. Safety: Both received five stars for driver safety; this is the U.S Government's highest rating. Jeep received five stars for passenger safety, while the FJ Cruiser received four. Both received three stars for rollover resistance. Ignition disable is standard on both and Jeep comes with rollover protection.
Cost/ Warranty: The starting price for the Wrangler is priced slightly less than the FJ, according to the MSRP: The price for this baseline Jeep is suggested at $19,505, while the FJ 4X4 base price is $23,635. Buying either of these loaded can get close to the $30,000 range, but even the base 4X4 versions can both destroy any remotely surmoutable off-road driving surface. The destination charge for transporting the vehicle from its origin to the dealer is similar: $700 for the Jeep and $745 for the Cruiser. Both come with bumper to bumper three year /36,000 mi. warranty. Jeep has a power train warranty of 5 years and unlimited mileage. FJ's is five years/60,000 miles.
Gas Mileage: The gas mileage for the two vehicles is similar, yet the Jeep has a slight edge. The Wrangler gets 15 mpg for city and 19 mpg for highway. The Cruiser gets 16 mpg/city and 20 mpg for highway. Furthermore, the Jeep Wrangler requires regular unleaded fuel, while the FJ Cruiser calls for the more expensive Premium unleaded.
Fuel Capacity: The Jeep has a 21.6 gallon tank, while the FJ Cruiser holds 19.0 gal.
Interior Space: The two SUVs have the same head room and seating capacity. Jeep offers more rear legroom, with 37.2in. compared to FJ Cruiser's 31.3in. They both come standard with bucket seats; FJ Cruiser has available heated front seats. Overall, the Jeep Wrangler is a better choice for frequent kid-duty and the transportation of large animals or cargo, as it comes with 46.4 cu.ft. as opposed to the Cruisers 27.9 cu.ft. of cargo volume.
Audio: Both Vehicles come with in-dash CD players and MP3 capability. Satellite Radio is standard with the Wrangler and an option for the Cruiser. The Cruiser also offers radio steering controls as an add-on.
Exterior: Both vehicles have body styles unique to only them. Jeep Wrangler has a soft convertible top, and has an available hardtop. FJ options include roof racks, running boards, and a rear step bumper. The Toyota FJ Cruiser's shorter wheelbase may produce a less-settled highway ride but a more maneuverable feel in daily traffic than the Jeep Wrangler. The Toyota FJ Cruiser and the Jeep have approximately comparable tires and handling abilities. Their length, width, and height, are with in a few inches of each other.
Drive Train: The Jeep and the Toyota have similar-sized engines (3.8LV-6 and 4.0L V-6 respectively)
Overall: There are, of course, pros and cons to every vehicle. The Wrangler and FJ Cruiser are close in many aspects. They are both competitive in off-road abilities, engine power, and front seat comfort. But overall, the Jeep Wrangler can be purchased at a lower starting price, gets better fuel economy, has a more comfortable rear passenger space, and has an upper hand on cargo volume.