2016 Jeep Wrangler Review By Owner
Article by Mark Trotta
We all love our old classic cars but spend far more time in our daily drivers, so we should have one that's fun to drive!
Pictured: Author's Tank Green Sahara at Buckhorn Lake, NC
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2016 Wrangler Models and Editions
Nearing the end of the Third Generation (2007-2018) JK series, 2016 was the 75th anniversary of the original Willys Jeep.
Two body styles were offered, the classic two-door and four-door Unlimited, both available in four standard trims:
Sport - Entry-level model, manual locks and windows, soft top, 16-inch steel wheels
Sport S - Upgrades included air conditioning, keyless entry, 17-inch alloy wheels
Rubicon - Heavy-duty Dana 44 front and rear axles, 4:1 Rock-Trac transfer case, electronic locking differentials, electronic front sway bar disconnect, 17-inch alloy wheels
Sahara - Color-matched grille, bumpers, and fender flares, upgraded interior, 18-inch polished alloy wheels
2016 Wrangler Limited Editions
75th Anniversary Edition - Power dome hood, bronze steel bumpers, leather-trimmed heated seats, 17-inch wheels
Backcountry - Winter-themed trim with decal package, heavy-duty rock rails, standard hardtop
Black Bear - Topographical map of Black Bear Pass trail on hood, rock rails, 17" black wheels
Freedom Edition - Military-style badging, premium soft top, body-colored accents, mineral gray paint
Rubicon Hard Rock - Top of the line, steel front and rear off-road bumpers, red tow hooks, vented hood, premium leather seats
Willys Wheeler - Pays homage to classic Jeep models, 3:73 gears, rock rails, mud-terrain tires on 17" wheels
Wheeler W - Adds a power convenience group (power windows, locks, etc)
NOTE: Two-door Willys W did not include the Power Convenience group, but allowed the option of adding it.
The Purchase
From the ad posted on the internet, we could see that this two-door Sahara was remarkably clean for a 10 year old vehicle.
The seller was the second owner and very knowledgeable (as most Jeep owners are) and able to answer every question we had.
Looking at the original build sheet revealed all the factory options, which included remote start, remote keyless entry, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, rear folding seat, and a Class II receiver hitch.
Headlights and taillights are LED, though I can't tell if they're factory or aftermarket.
Standard items on 2-door Sahara models include air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, power heated mirrors, and TPMS.
Engine/Drivetrain
Since it's introduction in 2012, the 3.6-liter V6 PentaStar V-V-T engine has proven to be powerful, reliable, and trouble-free. The Wrangler version produces 285 horsepower with 260 pound-feet of torque.
Transmission is 5-speed automatic with Command-Trac Shift-On-The-Fly part-time 4WD.
Front Axle - Next-Gen Dana 30 Solid 3.21 ratio
Rear Axle - Next-Gen Dana 44 Heavy Duty 3.21 ratio
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Driving Impression
During the original road test, I headed out to an open highway and brought it up to 75 mph. There was no vibration or front end shimmy at any speed.
After meeting at the bank for notarization and a trip to the local DMV, I was ready for the 45 minute ride home.
The morning's weather was windy and overcast, and two-door Wranglers really feel 20 mph gusts, so two-handed steering was in order. Surprisingly, the hardtop kept the wind and road noise to a minimum.
The first half of the trip was a 15 mile stretch on a flat two-lane county road. It was 11 AM on a Monday, so traffic was very light.
For the second part of the ride home I took the back way, which were mostly tight country roads with hills and curves. Wranglers are not corner-carving machines by any stretch, but with a tight suspension and good tires it's still fun.
For long extended trips, it wouldn't be a top choice, but for around town and short/medium trips, it's a blast to drive!
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Notes and Misc
Recommended oil change interval is 7,500-10,000 miles under normal conditions, and 3,000-5,000 under severe duty.
Wranglers are equipped with an automatic Oil Change Indicator system, which triggers between 7,500 and 10,000 miles. Full synthetic oil meeting MS-6395 specs is recommended. Engine oil capacity is 5.9 quarts.
Castrol Edge Full Synthetic Oil meets Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep MS-6395 requirements.
Gas Mileage
Two-door models, being smaller and lighter, give slightly better mileage than 4-doors. With the V6, it's rated at 17 mpg city, 21 highway, with either the manual or automatic.
Tires and Wheels
Original factory tire size on 2016 Sahara models was 255/70R18.
All-terrain tires, like these 33" 275/70/R18 Nitto Terra Grapplers, are a nice upgrade.
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Wheel Locks
Unfortunately, the external spare is easy prey for would-be thieves. The first accessory I bought were wheel locks.
McGard Wheel Locks are sold as a set of five.
You can register your wheel lock key on their website in case a replacement is ever needed.
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Tank Green
First offered in 2015, "Tank Green" is a dark olive color, and looks to be the closest match to the original Olive Drab from WW2 Army Jeeps.
Dark Tint Windows
The window tint on this Sahara is called "Deep Tint Sunscreen".
The rear windows are really dark!
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