I despise four door Jeeps. They look ridiculous. Ford did a much better job with the four door Bronco. However, I will get a two door in the Bronco, no question. No toddlers allowed.
I have a 2003 TJ Wrangler and it is a blast. Stone simple, manual tranny, two doors, etc. However, I am getting a Bronco, not to replace it but to augment it and because it is the coolest vehicle to come out in decades.
I test drove an H3 around 2004 or 2005 as my then wife wanted one to replace her 2003 Toyota Celica GT which was a great car. I talked her out of it, fortunately. The H3 was OK, but just a Chevy Colorado pickup with a different body.
Hmmm. I can't imagine doing it with an automatic as all my Jeeps have manual including my current Wrangler TJ. It just happens and for me gives me more control. You don't really have to "feather" the clutch. just know when and how much release to use and it comes naturally.
I'm not interested in any electric vehicles (EV's), but especially something I go to remote places with including off roading. It is great to just have an extra five gallon jerry can of gas in case you are stuck far from a gas station. Those five gallons extends the range of my Jeep Wrangler...
The four door Bronco is so much better looking than the four door Wrangler, and that is coming from a TJ Wrangler owner. However, I will still get a two door Bronco when they become available.
The FJ Cruiser really didn't emulate the Xterra. It was somewhat a retro FJ40/70 clone, but in my opinion failed. The Bronco is more true to an updated version of the original Bronco.
That's exactly what I'm going to do, or maybe jump up to the Badlands, but just need to make sure no lift is required in either the Big Bend or Badlands for 33's as 32's are standard on those models.
I want a two door with manual transmission, so the 2.3 is it for me, and I am sure it will be fine. I haven't been as excited for a new vehicle in my lifetime. I can't wait.