[DWPC]

The Rubi's ride is brutal, the noise is horrible, the step-over awkward, its cramped, its an big job to lower or raise the top. Great on the trail, but just too crude and primitive for daily driving. I just can't imagine driving a Rubicon 500 miles. The Rubi is essentially a 2wd rig on the pavement except for those well-versed in using "old-fashioned" 4wd (and busted axles). From what I've read, I don't see much in the new 07 that will correct these things. Better, but still a dinosaur.

For those who do hit the trails, very very few H3s or Rubicons will ever see a trail that requires a front locker or the Rubi's nominal edge in articulation. The H3 drives like a very nice sedan in town, is extremely comfortable for long trips, and offers lots of space. The H3 has all the benefits of 2006 engineering and safety while the Rubi is stuck in a 70s time warp; its FINALLY getting ABS in 07. And the the Rubi is way (IMO) overpriced; almost double a basic Wrangler (06 was $18K vs 33K)!

I was shopping a Rubi last September, but the Jeep dealer pissed me off so bad I walked out...and discovered the Hummer dealer was just around the corner. I figured what the hell, and got a test drive an H3. Thank God that Jeep salesman was an moron.