Tommy, you have quickly launched yourself to the top of my list of favorite auto journalists. Your reviews are articulate, well thought out and exceptionally well presented. You are very natural in front of the camera and come off as a very genuine person. Your integrity is very refreshing. Keep up the excellent work.

Insane to me that a 2 door manual everything Wrangler is pushing $34k... Crazyness.

Love seeing the updates on the 2 door wrangler. I recently bought a 2 door as well and absolutely love it and anytime a video of Tommy’s wrangler is always welcomed!!

I had a ‘99 4.0, manual, Sahara, soft top. Gave it come KC’s, way to much stereo, and some mud terrains. Decades later, I still think about the simple joy of driving that around on sunny days, rowing gears, and smiling the whole way.

I have a 2018 JL Rubicon that I put the Mopar 2” lift and 35’s and I love it! I usually change cars every 12-18 months but I’ve had this one for just over 4 years and don’t see it going anywhere. Thanks for the non-stop great videos TFL!

Great review Tommy! I have a 21 JL 2 door Sport S, first thing I did was remove the backseat as it's just me & my wife and dog. I however am spoiled with the bigger radio, power windows and heated seats/steering wheel. I'm over 65 so I like a few creature comforts. Had a 4 door JL Sport, and though it was more comfortable due to its longer wheelbase, I don't miss it. The 2 door is much more fun and nimble off-road. Enjoy your ride and be safe.

Another great video. As others have said, you are a favorite among automotive journalists. I picked up the 2-door, manual, soft top, Sport S. So it did come with power locks and windows and the 7” stereo with CarPlay. Comfortable to drive. I have 12K miles in the first 6 months and zero complaints. The only mods have been a receiver hitch and LED headlights.

I loved your Jeep so much that I ordered a 23’ model with the exact same equipment, but in Sting Gray. It took 7 weeks to get it and it’s awesome!

Great review. Hands down my favorite auto reviewer. Inspired me to purchase a Jeep again and so far I love my 2018 JLU Rubicon. I will say being older and having had a brand new YJ and TJ smaller models, I ‘m loving the extra room and of course the pampering options are great. Keep up the awesome job.

Tommy, regarding securing the rear seat when folded up: there are two velcro straps on the back of the rear seat with two corresponding brackets. You just thread the strap through the loops and that keeps it in place. You can see the straps and loops at 14:22

I have a bare bones 2015 JK 2 door with a manual trans, and just like yours, no power windows, door locks or anything. I love it for how basic it is. I took the back seat out (really easy to do actually though it is heavy) and stored it. My dogs have a ton of space in the back now. Love this car for what it is, daily drive it, been through some terrible flooding and it saved me, take it for light off roading every weekend, really fun and engaging car, zero problems at all

14:22 Hey Tommy, those straps on the back of the rear seat...those are retention straps for when it's flipped forward. See the metal loops on the back of the B-pillars? They're for those straps. ;) It's also covered in the owner's manual. :D Enjoy!

Roman I must say you raised a great level headed young man. Doesn't have to have all the fancy crap to enjoy life!

Love the feed back in this update. Thanks a mill. I second the below comments on your good work. Wish this version was available in South Africa.

Have the exact same spec (2 door Willys Sport, V6 manual, soft top in Sarge Green which was factory ordered) and love it. Have had absolutely no problems. Could have bought pretty much any Wrangler offered. LOVE the lack of tech and gadgets. Wanted something that looked and felt like a real Jeep. Currently 7k miles and all is good. If I had it to do again, I would order the exact same JL again.

One of the things I like about Tommy's reviews is that they don't appear biased. Tommy doesn't just bag a car or brand based on preconceptions but rather takes each one on their own merits and experiences. Rather rare in auto journalism today I think. Keep up the great work Tommy.

True 2 door enthusiasts take out their back seat and never look back.

Great review. I bought a Wrangler JK Sport new in 2016 with just A/C cruise control and Automatic. 6 years later I still love my Jeep. I think of it this way, in 1985 when I was in High School and longed for a Jeep with those options would have been a CJ7 Laredo.

This Jeep reminds me of my grandpa’s 1970 Willys and how I learned driving! The gear shifts and the soft roof is nostalgic!

I won a competition and Jeep gave me a two door jeep to play with for the weekend absolutely loved it. In the Jeep I had there was a velcro strap that you looped through the chair to hold it up so the dog didn't get squashed when you braked or moved.

Great one year summary Tommy. Have been following this Jeep from day 1. Have never owned a Wrangler but when I do, it'll be fairly close to this spec except may the soft top. Out here in Alberta hard top is a must in my opinion to protect oneself from the elements. Keep up the good work!

Interesting comment about the tall gearing on the manual. In addition to my JLU, I have a 2015 Cherokee Trailhawk and it also has an issue with tall gearing. The vehicle has a 9-speed transmission, but never goes above 7th gear, even at 70 MPH. I would like to see the gearing brought down a little so we can take advantage of all the gears at US speeds.

I currently have a ‘22 2 door willys and I’m getting around 25-28 mpg with a set of all seasons with the 2.0 turbo. It rides great and it makes a great ride for a commuter.

I couldn't agree more with your comments on the fact that you don't need all the options. People get so caught up with options that they don't really use all that much. My current vehicle has way less options than my last 3 cars and at first I thought it was going to be a big deal but honestly I could care less and it saved me allot of money and the vehicle ended up bieng way lighter and gets better gas mileage and is better on brakes tires and has higher payload. Great video Tommy. You are the best TFL person. You are very thorough and practical. Keep up the great work. 👍

Tommy, well done. I can agree with some of your points, I am now almost 3yrs into owning my Jeep Gladiator, with the one exception, I swapped my first with the 3.6 to the diesel and have zero complaints for the cost upgrade... well, now that fuel is over $5 here in Tx where i am at, but averaging 22+ for city and got about 26 highway doing 75-80mph the whole way, so pretty impressed so far. I wish Jeep mounted the mirrors on the a-pillar like the new Bronco, but aside from that, I love it and will likely keep it maintained and pass to my kids when they're old enough to drive in another 4-5yrs. Keep up the great work and honest reviews!

Great review. Thanks for being honest - no vehicle is perfect … you helped by pointing out things to think about. Love that Jeep!

I drove one of these in Maui the whole Hana road, and I love it. It was very maneuverable and fun to drive in those curves and tight spaces.

Use the velcro straps on the backseats to loop it through the metal rings on the pillars to keep the backseat from flopping around when it's folded up.

Loved the update. 😂I literally bought my 2 door 2018 JK around the same time and love it a year later glad you’re still loving yours.

In January of 2021 I bought a 2dr Rubicon in Snazzberry full loaded. I have 23K hard off road miles and it’s been absolutely flawless! I love it! I’m getting 21 mpg here in AZ.

The rear seat has velcro straps on it that loop through tie-down points on either side of the Jeep by the doors (interior, behind the driver and passenger front seats) This keeps the rear seat from flopping back and forth.

Love it. You absolutely convinced me. Just ordered a 2023 Willy’s myself. Did opt for the larger screen/Apple Car Play but other than that just went standard. Can’t wait to get it.

Because of your videos on the Jeep, it reinforced us to get our own JL 2dr Willys. Enjoying it very much as well.

14:20 - I use small bungee cord to hold folded backseat - I just hook around passenger seat headrest. Same thing for keeping it flat on the bottom - you can hook it to the latch.

I bought. A 4 door JK Wrangler a month ago and totally agree with your comments. My first Jeep After many years of Land Rover. So far so good.

I just purchased my first Wrangler. 2022 Sport with the 3.6 Auto. I too was completely surprised how well it does on fuel. 26 mpg on long hwy trips and 20-21 on average for my work commutes.

Tommy, if you ever wanted power lock/power windows I expect it would be as easy as swapping the doors, which is extremely easy on a Wrangler. For remote locking/unlocking you would still need new key fobs and whether or not the remote locking/unlocking module is installed is still questionable, but I would expect it is built into another module for manufacturing streamlining. I expect doors with those features could be picked up at a scrap yard at some point. Someone who is capable might be able to open the doors up and add the parts they want.

I've got a 2019 4 door sport base model only option was the 8 speed. I've been pretty happy with it friends love it and plenty of space. With mostly city driving with Rubicon take offs I get about 17mpg. Funnily enough flame red like Tommy's, but my 5in unconnect is often laggy, and a pain to sometimes reconnect to my phone after either a long day or 5 mins in a store. If I could do one thing it would be to upgrade theunconnected. But I do love the soft top as well.

About the same time you got yours I got a 2021 JLU willys with the etorque 3.6 and 8spd auto. By far the best car I have ever owned. Also, I'm 6'2" and the seats are just fine - evidenced by 9hour road trips. Now has 15,000 miles, Highly recommend

I got my 2022 in March- identical to yours except 4dr & Sting Gray (even the tan seats- I'm going to Scotch Guard them soon) and I love it (last one was a 1993 YJ Sport in Navaho Turquoise). You are correct about the gears- 3rd goes to 45, 4th is for 45-65, and with 5th or 6th above that lol. 5th gear and with a hill at 62 miles per hour slows ya down- stay in 4th if hilly at all, lol. One thing nice in 2022 is they added UConnect 4 & the 7" screen on the Willy's package! 😁 I only got the 4 door for the extra storage, ease of getting in back seat and for resale. The soft top is amazing and incredibly easy to use compared to past generations- also completely fine in cold weather and noise is not bad either.

Congrats with 1st year, been following this since the beginning!

Tommy, you can easily have the [off] road rash repaired on your LR wheel without any issues. My friend’s wife scrubbed both right wheels on his BMW 750iL against a curb. After the reconditioning was done you couldn’t tell them apart from new.

Thanks for the update and a great video. I have a 2021 Gladiator JT Willy's Sport - same color, same build - 6-speed manual, no PW/PL/PM and no Apple CarPlay. I love it, looks great, fantastic value, albeit with similar nitpicks - don't miss power windows/mirrors, but power locks would be nice, and I liked the manual in my JKU Wrangler a little better (I seem to stall the JT at least once a week - never had a problem in the JK). The Gladiator is also an excellent road trip vehicle compared to my JK - longer wheelbase gives a much better ride and better manners with cross winds. I drove the Gladiator from NY to CO about a month ago - comfortable trip - just needed to turn up the radio because of those KM2s are a little loud at 70+ MPH - got to do some off roading in Buena Vista too.

Great review Tommy. In my experience, and I got my JL about three months after you….stock headlights are terrible, and although stereo is great…the sound bar vibrates against the structure, and it is INCREDIBLY annoying. Otherwise, incredible vehicle. Much better than my ‘84 CJ I used to own!

Great review Tommy! I recently test drove a JK just like yours, the seats are far more comfortable than my Colorado.

I have the same exact rims on my Willys. That rear rim was scratched in the deep mud in one of your earlier videos. As I watched I was thinking 'he's gonna scratch the hell out of those rims. I got mine stuck in some deep mud, spun the tires and I now have the same scratches on all 4 of my rims. Nice vids Tommy

Liked the truck feel of the manual i had with my 2012 JK, took a little while to get used to my 21's manual but all in all they both worked for me.

I find your comments about the gearing really interesting. In my JK Rubicon I'm in 6th almost all the time for maintaining speed on flat ground.

My back seats been out of my jk for at least 6yrs and I don't miss it I've hauled flat screen TVs back there I love it

I agree with your insights about the radio and electronics! To me that is almost perfect! A map that doesn't require a subscription would be my only upgrade.

It’s definitely a cool jeep- I had a GC and the same engine. Auto trans got the same mileage…🥴 But your Jeep is sweet! Thanks for sharing your experience! 😎

I bought my Sport to do difficult trails with and it does that very well. I shouldn't complain about any other aspect of it so these are minor complaints. The steering could be better, it should be better. I've owned older Jeep models with solid front axle and they had much better steering. I agree with the gearing- I have the 8-speed automatic and when driving on the highway if you need to change speed a little bit the transmission has to downshift. If the final drive ratio was lower this would likely affect the fuel mileage so I'm not sure if that's an option. The radio system is pretty horrible. I don't think any normal adult can operate the radio, couldn't they give us an easy way to change between FM and Satellite? I'm happy with the comfort on long trips. I've done many all day trips and have no complaints with that.

Have a 2020 Wrangler Sport, our third wrangler, first with Auto Trans. Added the Auto Trans to get the remote start, dealer said they could not add a remote start to the JL. Added cold weather package, headlights upgrade package, hardtop and soft top. Only problem so far is the sun-visor, it fell out of the mounting position. Otherwise great, like you say the ride is a tremendous upgrade over the JK. The manoeuvrability with the 2 door is great. Heater & Air Con are great too. Also wish it was 4” to 6” longer. An extra 4” at the back door would be a tremendous addition.

I removed the cables that default to the rear seat to folt up and added Paracord pulls on both sides Also when you fold the back seat fwd those black straps with Velcro go though the silver d ring on the back of the b pillar and back to themselves that keeps the seat from flopping back down while driving

One of my favorite videos is Tommy talking about and driving his Jeep Willys. Showing so many folks that you don’t have to spend a lot to have something special off road. And roughly 20 mpg a mile or more up and a soft too that has handled some of the snow fall. That works for me! Lol, It gives me hope of trading in my older TJ and go for Willys Sport or the like. Thanks guys for continuing to do these.

Nice review, I agree that lockers aren't totally necessary. I have a TJ and JKU rubicon and take both out rock crawling on blue and black trails at Rausch Creek. Really don't use the lockers, but good to have I guess should I need them.

I always liked Tommy he does a nice thorough job reviewing vehicles... If I were in the market for a Wrangler I would go the same setup only 4 door. I would get manual with the 3.6 pentastar and the Willys package. Slap after market stuff on after...

You have become my favorite vehicle reviewer. So smooth, honest, and factual about how daily use works. Vehicle wise at 33k hard to wrap my head around. I know it has a great following, convertible and off-road second to none but as a built GX470 owner with similar money in a vehicle, it is almost hard to take seriously unless you are a hardcore offroader.

You have made it a year. And your not trading it. With all the vehicles your exposed to, that is high praise indeed! Other than adding power door locks, and maybe a wench, your in great shape. You made a good choice. Have you ever removed the rear seat and just gone 2 seater? That would open up the rear storage quite a bit. That short wheelbase maneuverability is not to be under estimated. It comes in real handy in parking lots and tight trails. You have got great value for the money you spent. And a sharply pen or a paint touch up pen would work great on those rear wheel scratches. Plus, as it gets older and some patina replaces the showroom bright newness, scratches will become much less of an issue. A base 2 door Bronco like that green one you’ve reviewed would be my ford choice, but it was noticeable more expensive than your Willys Jeep.

Tommy, the rear seats have straps. Just behind both front seats are metal loops. The straps go through the loops and the seats don't bounce around. I Love My Jeep!

The perfect Jeep. This video was right on point. This is a Jeep you keep long term and inherit to your future kids.

Thanks for the video. I'm glad you own this gem, as all videos focus on super loaded offroad vehicles that most of us cannot afford, it's nice there is a video on a base model. Now, everyone says to get a four door model, but why not let people know that just buy a family crossover for 98% and have this cheap model that is classic for the weekends. Now, I wish the Willis had a rear locker as standard and not a limited one. Also, some vinyl seats would be great. Sadly, I don't know how to drive a stick, so I'll have to get an auto. I had a 2012 two door sport JK, so this new base model would be a huge upgrade. I had a 2012 two door and you can carry lots of items. I don't get why many people are so stubborn that want to carry their whole house when camping or going out and they forget on just packing lightly and it's so much easier to get up and go.

I just bought a 2023 Wrangler Wyllis 4 door base trim. You are right about the key fob. The Wrangler's is about twice the size of my Charger Scatpack's fob where I have: remote start, panic alarm, and remote trunk.

My dad and grandfathers drove military Jeeps in WWII and Vietnam. They proclaimed and I found it true with my '19 JL Sport S, that a Jeep is for 2 people and "light gear." Meaning 2 people, fishing and hunting gear, moderately that is. Other than that they are fun, I repeat fun vehicles..

I actually really like this build... the power locks and power windows are totally cool. That manual is interesting, I know the throws are super long and the gears are super tall... but your entire build is so interesting. I absolutely loved your 1 year review Tommy! Great job!

Lean the front seats forward when securing it and those Velcro straps work fine. Our backseat is literally never down and it never moves.

I have a tj currently. I'll never ever get rid of it. I'm gonna get a two door jl in the future when i need a daily driver to replace my kl. Great review.

I bought a 2012 2 dr Rubicon brand new for 41k fully loaded. Anyway I'm still in love with it !!!!! Great Jeep review!!!

I agree with you that a manual transmission is a plus. I had a 2015 V6 Mustang with the auto transmission. I tried out the manual and it was the worst shifter I have ever driven.

It’s a great looking, capable Jeep! I like the tire size. It gives it a military look a bit.

Tommy, As a 2021 Rubicon owner with a manual transmission your reviews have been very appropriate. My take; the car is great. The steering is vague. The manual has no clutch engagement feel, my attitude is the clutch life has to last the life of the car so I fully engage it at idle then apply the fuel. My clutch will last the life of the car because I am stubborn that way. Off road I have had to learn new skills with the manual in low range, it has been so much fun. Also the traction control system in the snow in two wheel drive is very good. Really the Wrangle Rubicon is the most fun car I have owned.

Well stated on all levels. That is exactly the model and options I would choose.

Tommy, no need to replace the whole wheel because of the scratches. There are companies out there that will come and buff your tire where you won't see any scratches at all and repaint it at your desired location. I recently went on a tough and tight wheeling trip and scratched up 3 out of my 4 wheels. Had a company come and buff and paint them in my driveway and good as new and cost me about $100. Black is easy so google wheel repair in your area and see if someone can touch it up.

I think it’s great you are keeping it stock. No lifts etc.

Tommy, I agree with everything you said with the exception of the radio. I think the audio system is terrible. Hands down the worst I’ve ever had in any vehicle that I’ve ever owned. Really enjoy you videos. I also have a 2021 Willys..

We have a Bronco Sport and I really want a Bronco, but there is something so refreshing about this that makes me feel like a cheaper jeep would be more satisfying to have

I just bought a 2018. 4 door Jeep Wrangler Unlimted Sport 4 door, automatic and v6. 14k miles on it for $31,000. It also has a 3 piece hard top and tow package (that was never used). New tires and rims. Totally sweet deal. I love it. It's my 3rd jeep.

Absolutely agreed 👍🏽- I've had my Jeep unlimited Sahara for two years and I'm hardly ever in 6th gear. Ive had 3 4Runners in the past and consider myself a Toyota head. I'm pleasantly surprised to say that I'm completely satisfied with the Jeep- it's obviously a different driving experience but i really enjoy the Jeep. Who knew 😊

I like the separate heater controls if that radio breaks you could put in an aftermarket stereo

I have a similar spec JK and I agree about wishing I had power locks for the rear. Front doors are never on anyway.

My stick driving was back in the 80s and 90s, and 3rd gear was in the 30mph range. 4th for 40, 5th for 50, etc. But then that was also back in the day before there were any gears above 5 forward and 1 reverse.

Love this Jeep! I daily drive a 2018 Miata GT, which I paid $21,500 including tax, tag, and everything two years ago, which was a great deal. Still, it’s like the Jeep in that it’s a car you buy more for fun than practicality. I would have equipped my Jeep pretty much the same, except for the painted wheels.

Good long term wrap up, recently bought a 22 JLR in Snazzberry. Also have a Gladiator diesel and the first small mod was adding a flat black decal to the hood. With the flat hood the sun glare is very impressive, the decal takes care of that.

Great review and thank you for sharing your experiences with your Jeep. Hopefully someday I will be able to get one again.

Jeep should make a daily driver, long distance travel, reliable version of the wrangler.

I want a Jeep Wrangler exactly like you have. I thought I wanted a 2 door Rubicon, but your Willys is cool. I will buy used so it will be what I can find .

Great review. I have the 2.0T JL 80AE & absolutely love it. Agree on all your points. It runs like a top. It handles much better than I thought. Much better than even my old JK! My only complaint are the somewhat uncomfortable seats. Wish they had more side bolstering & longer seat cushions. I removed the rear seat, so no issues with storage. Relatively good OEM Alpine stereo. Outside of the seats, this is the best Wrangler ever, & I’ve owned all of ‘em since the YJ…

Great review. Tommy is very level-headed and sensible, unlike some other video reviewers who will remain nameless.

2 Dr Wranglers Rock .I've had My 21 2 dr Sport S 6speed in Sarge Green for a year also, Love it 🇺🇲💪💟

Great user review! For storage in a rather compact car, almost nothing beats the Honda Element.

I got into a jeep wrangler for the first time two days ago......I must say, the seats felt so plush compared to my hard leather Hyundai bucket seats. Lmao im not complaining ever again. I pick her up in two days.

That's a great Jeep. Just what I want with hardtop. But everything you have in yours is all I need.

One other pro in my opinion, it looks great with the options you got on it and the color.

I sure relate to your choice in vehicles. I like a basic vehicle and and think the Pentastar engine is a great engine and there are many that are over 200,000 miles on them. I have it in my basic ram and achieve 23.4 average mpg and 28 hwy. Enjoyed your video on your jeep.

Great review Tommy, we can tell you love your Wrangler and I must say it looks pretty cool!

2 door JLR owners here and I enjoy the challenges of using my offroad wrangler as a truck. I never have the rear seat in and I have loaded 12 2x6 wood planks plus loaded it up with pavers and another time it was fun to load a full size wheel barrel plus other landscape materials with so many things sticking out the back... BUT there is one thing a 2 door owner will never be asked to do... HELP someone MOVE 😁😅😝

I stopped using the Bluetooth on my car ten year old car (which had intermittent connectivity problems) and went even more low-tech by using the USB drive connection. USB drives today are absurdly small with massive storage and dirt cheap. I can fit all my music on one, no problem. Even export the songs to be sequentially numbered so that they are essentially hard-wired playlists. I think the sound is actually better having that direct connection.

I think the rear seat should be a option on 2doors. They should come with a full flat floor when the seat is not there to give you a big storage area.

Fitting boxes like you had in this video can be a struggle for any 2 dr owner. But your 2 dr is very easy to move the rear window, just channels and it pops right out, then fold up the bench seat. It's really very easy and quick. And without your dog, you could've just put it on the rear bench seat. I have an '05 TJ Rocky Mtn and my soft top has zippers which can be temperamental especially in winter. But even then, it's still easy. And if I know I'm picking up something large, I remove the bench seat and/or put the jumbo cargo rack in the hitch. We're Jeepers, we adapt. Cool video, focus on all the great pros you have with this 2 dr Willys. 😎👍

I bought a 2023 2 door Wrangler Sport last week it came with a 3" lift and 35s Mine is the removable hard top. Already have a bikini top for it..and my roof top tent...of course the doors come off quickly and bags for quick stow away in the back..I wanted the manual but couldn't find one in my area...just waiting for the warm weather so I can strip it down. They aren't very practical or good on gas especially with the big tires...but it's a looker...and and blast to drive...mine does have some more extras including the bigger screen..