In 2006, I attended an auto show and saw the JK for the first time. I sat in it and had a friend take a picture. It stuck in mind because I have wanted a Jeep since I was a little kid. Then I attended the 2007 auto show and saw and sat in a JKU. Again it was on my mind as a vehicle I should consider.
I finally bought my JKU in 2008 when they had the free lifetime power train warranty. At the time, I had also looked at and test driven the FJ Cruiser and various TJ's including a TJ unlimited. I had even test driven a couple of CJ7's to see what that would be like. A few years prior, I had also driven an FJ80. When I drove the JK and really gave it a serious look, I knew it was the only choice for me.
It now has over 78k miles on it and it's been trouble free. Well, except for cracking windshields! I'm on my third one now. The hard top doesn't leak, the engine doesn't burn oil, it rides well for a 4x4, gets decent mileage, and works really well as a daily driver. We've taken it on many long distance vacation trips and it's never failed us.
So, with all that said, here is the one thing that I dislike about my JKU. The headrests are really stiff. That is all I don't like and it's easy enough to fix with a headrest cover.
I plan to keep this thing indefinitely. I did test drive a newer JK out of curiosity and it certainly had nicer amenities. But nothing that would convince me to trade mine. Even if they come out with a diesel, I likely won't switch.
It's the only vehicle I've ever owned that even after many years of ownership, I still turn around and stare at it in awe and admiration every time!