I can cruise at 75mph with almost 0 wind or road noise, have a smooth comfortable ride, have about as many mechanical problems as an anvil, and get 20mpg... lets see a jeep do that.
You don't buy a Wrangler for its road manners anymore than you would buy a Harley for its weather proofing. You buy a Wrangler because as delivered, it's the most capable off road vehicle you can find in a new car showroom at any price.
That said, I have not had a single warranty issue whatsoever with my 2008. Flawless to date. I also manage just over 25 mpg on the highway. I can install the 3-piece Freedom hard top for winter, and the soft top for warmer weather. Top down, on the beach just after sunrise is great fun.
If you haven't driven a newer Wrangler JK series, you would be shocked at the refinement. Compared to the previous TJ series (production ended with 2006 model year), it's like comparing a Cadillac to a Chevy. This is my third Jeep (previously owned a '63 CJ-5 and a '92 YJ Wranger) and it is so much better than the '92 it's difficult to express.
There's nothing wrong with the double-cab Taco. It's a fine pickup. Reliable, well built, great resale and offers terrific utility. Granted, the Taco is a bit overdue for an update, but it's still a great truck. It's all about what you want to do with it. Yours is great for daily use. It isn't set up for anything beyond mild off road use, but that's perfectly ok for most Taco owners (those side steps wouldn't survive a moderately tough trail).
If I needed a mid-size pickup, I'd look at Toyota first. Then probably Suzuki, as they sell a rebranded Nissan Frontier, but with a much better warranty than Nissan offers.
I bought a Wrangler (2 dr) because I have no kids in the house now, and I wanted something for me that could go anywhere, anytime and do so without a roof or doors should the weather be nice. Nothing else on four wheels can do that.
If Chrysler builds the JT pickup in the future, I might consider one.
Funny story... My wife and I were touring the Poconos last September. The weather was warm and we wanted to drive to Jim Thorp, PA for breakfast. So, I took down the top and removed both doors. We were staying in a Comfort Inn. As I walked to the elevator with each door, the looks I got from patrons in the breakfast room was priceless. I had stopped at the desk and asked if they would mind if I stored the doors in our room. The manager laughed and said sure, it would be ok. "We get groups of Jeepers in here all the time."
Cruising along in the crisp mountain early morning air, top down, doors off, was marvelous.
My regards,
Widewing
