re: Is a Jeep Rubicon a terrible Vehicle for Causeway Commute

If you are looking new Toyota 4 runner

used- 4 runner or late model Xterra

All jeeps are poor commuters and this is coming from a guy who loves keeps. If your sold on having to have a jeep because it's a cool vehicle I get it. Just understand your buying something that is designed to be an off-road vehicle first and a commuter vehicle as an after thought.

I'd highly recommend you buy a Sahara (or sport) if your going to be on road more than off-road which I think is a given in your case. The rubicon is strictly a package that adds more off-road performance, not more bells and whistles. You can get all the creature comforts you want in a Sahara without needing to upgrade to a rubicon.

The rubicon is the worst commuting vehicle I've ever driven. It's unmatched off road, but it's designed that way and compromises on road performance to get there. The most annoying thing about a rubicon on road is the disconnecting sway bar. It will weave left and right while you try to drive in a straight line. It's a nice feature for off road but it's one of many things that just don't work as a commuter.

I don't have that weaving problem at all on my 2016. I've driving from BR to Dallas 4 times. But I agree, It's definitely not the best interstate commuter. Any crosswind will blow you around.

Does the Sahara have the disconnecting sway bar?

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I drive to Metairie from the Northshore every day.

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Congrats on the white flight.

I drive one everywhere... But 1) I'm a 4x4 guy so I'm used to the non-car like ride and 2) not a pussy.

My wife drives one too.

I bought a new one in 2013. I have the 4 door Sahara. The rubicon is mainly for off-roading. I wouldn't want to commute in it at all. I drive mine daily and love it. I chose the Sahara over the sport because I wanted power locks and windows and when adding those 2 things to the sport it was almost same price at the Sahara.

I tend to agree somewhat with others that say there are problems with them. This is my 3rd new jeep. All have had there own issues.

My current 13 has 53k miles. In last 6 months I have had to replace the drivers door lock auctator not expensive but still it went bad. Just a month ago I had to put a new rear end in it at 52k that was covered under warranty.

I' love mine and probably will not ever drive anything else. You either like them or hate them.

No it doesn't. The other negatives for the rubicon on road are the lower gearing and heavier front axel. If you like the rubicon for the appearance, look at the willys package. It's got the rubicon wheels and suspension but I believe you can get it without the low gearing and heavy front axel. It's a really nice looking jeep and will do all you need for off-roading around here. Keep in mind most of the rubicon off-road upgrades are really only useful for rock climbing excursions. Not many people around here are going to be doing that and I'd have a hard time going rock climbing in a brand new 45k vehicle anyway.

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The causeway can be bouncy and noisy even in a nice vehicle. A jeep everyday would be brutal

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For some people, yes it would be intolerable. Others don't mind... it ain't THAT bad.