im really contemplating selling the lift i havent installed on my wrangler and trading it in on a new xb. i have alway loved the looks of these things and with gas around my way going up to almost $2.10, its ot me thinking. i gte a steady 17-18 mpg in the jeep, but its killing me. like today, 40 mph gust of wind and i almost took out two senior citizens on i-95. so what do i have to look forward to? its been awhile since ive been on these forums, so hi to all! thanks for you advice on this topic..

mike

 

Heh.

Seriously compromised off-road capability

Stiff but more comfortable ride in most situations

Better weather sealing

Better reliability

More odd looks from passers-by

Membership in a tighter, more social group of owners

Much better fuel mileage

Easier access for driver and (up to five) passengers

Fear of massive speed bumps

Skittish around tall curbs

Quieter ride

Decent sound system, even stock

Having to pre-plan acceleration

A more 'civilized' urban ride...

(This is from a guy who's had two Jeeps, one Explorer, and six Land Cruisers.)

 

Well, if wind gusts cause you anxiety, I'm not so sure the XB is the car for you. I've had 5 jeeps myself, a CJ7, Grand Wagoneer (old style), J-10, Grand Cherokee, and a 99 Wrangler most recently. Now of those the CJ and the Wrangler picked up the wind the most... but let's do a comparison:

Lightweight:
Jeep - Yup
xB - even lighter

Broad flat sides:
Jeep - mhmmm
xB - check

Tall flat sides:
Jeep - Righty-o!
xB - Tally-ho!

Ok, I'm too tired to think of any more witty (not really) ways to say yes, but I think you'll get my point there.

However, don't let it scare you off of the XB, it's a great fun car even if it is a sail... and really, it holds the road a lot better than a jeep does so it's easier to correct for wind drift and even hold it pretty straight in gusty conditions... though I wouldn't take it out in a hurricane .

As for Tomas' list, I'm pretty much in agreement there. But when you get out of a jeep and into an xB it's almost like getting off a moped and getting into a cross between a Ferrari and a Lincoln Town Car. By that I mean the handling is a lot more crisp, the car *feels* faster, and the ride comfort and noise levels are exellent by comparison...

Wow, I just compared the xB to a Ferrari and a Town Car in the same post. Seriously though, go drive one the next time you get the chance, if you're already interested in the car, chances are you'll like it even more when you drive it.

 

I dont have much to say that wasnt already posted. But, I went from a Wrangler to a xB and I'll never look back. The only thing I liked about the Wrangler was taking the top off. Other than that I hated the horrible mileage, LOUD interior, crappy soft top that would sometimes fly off, no acceleration on highway, I could go on but I wont..