I am thinking about buying a new Jeep Wrangler as a retirement gift to myself. However, with gas prices the way they are, the fuel efficiency ratings discourage me. Is Jeep doing anything to improve milage in the newer models? Also, will Jeep bring back the 2 door Unlimited model like they had in 2006? I am not sold on or need a four door, but I like the extended wheel base of the Unlimited for hauling more stuff around. What I would really be interested is if the designers would consider bringing back the Commanche pick up truck.

In a couple/few years Jeep is slated to introduce the new line of V6 "Phoenix" engines. They have "cylinder deactivation" that improves gas mileage significantly (maybe mid-20s).

Chrysler is also going to be introducing some hybrid powertrains. Chances are, Jeep Wrangler won't get either of these powertrain changes 'til ~MY2012, since the current 3.8L is relatively new to the JK (since 2006). The good news is the 3.8L is VERY reliable, inherited from the minivans, and keeping it out of the service department is worth A LOT MORE than saving $20-30/week on gas with a weaker engine.

There is a Wrangler JT (truck concept) on the drawing board that is basically a retro-Scrambler (CJ8) that MAY come out in the fall, or it may not... No official word on that. Don't hold your breathe.

If you don't like the 4-door, check out the 2-door. It is still significantly longer than the old 2-doors (the TJs & YJs) so that may suit you, as is... Check out this article: New Wranglers.

Jeep will not likely bring back the Unlimiteds, but if that's what you like, check out eBay. It does have the added benefit of having the old reliable 4.0L I6, which I prefer over the 3.8L. The new JKs are a lot more "refined", though...

Hope that helps... Happy retirement & Good Luck.

----------------
O|||||||O

i did see something, i think Jp mag that showed an Unlimited 2 door model running in Moab for testing, so I think there will be a 3rd wrangler model coming, not the JT truck we all want...

they never should have gotten rid of the 2 door "Scrambler-esque" model in place of the 4 door...a lot of 2 door unlimiteds were sold, and they alienated that market for soccer moms that want to look tough in a Wrangler!

this is of course my opinion...and is why I'm sticking with my 06 TJ...