What do you guys think of the new JK Wrangler? Did Jeep drop the ball on this one, or do you think it's a worthy successor to the TJ?  

It's a pretty nice machine. I don't know what they were thinking with that minivan engine, though. I agree the 4.0 inline six was getting kind of old, but compared with the FJ Cruiser, the new Wrangler is definitely under-powered. It definitely needs an engine upgrade option.  

I think we need to keep in mind that technology is what drives the automotive world these days. Look at all the makers going retro with the latest tech under the hood and chassis. The TJ was a prime example. "You can't have coil springs under a Jeep" and the dash an console were hidious. WOW have things changed. every one wants to have the TJ, and yes it's "retro" since they went back to ROUND head lights. Now comes the JK with it's slanted grill and "pop off" fenders and don't forget, 4 doors!!! Every thing eventually changes, the good thing is that usually it's for the better. (Except for when Ford did that
Mustang-II thing) Face it this Jeep is better and stronger than the old one and the 4 door version is out selling the 2 door. Personally I like the idea of the family going wheeling together and the 4 doors help. Not every Jeep will see the trail but it's nice now you can even if your just a mall crawler.  

I just don't understand why the new Wrangler doesn't have a diesel engine option from the plethora of choices available from ex-parent Daimler. All of the design and option decisions were made before the sale so I am not sure why it wasn't thought of. As an ex-Jeep/Chrysler service advisor, ANY engine is better than the engine they put in it now. It is weak, unreliable and the head gaskets love to leak. Not a good choice.  

Yeah, the 3.8 V-6 was an unusual engine choice. I think everyone was expecting the 3.7 SOHC engine from the Liberty. They're pretty similar output-wise. At the very least, I think it should get a version of the 4.0 OHC engine from the Nitro and the new minivans. But yeah, a diesel option would be ideal. Better economy AND better torque.