Hey there. I've been considering buying a sami for a while now due to it's excellent mpg, cheap cost, and modibility but the only thing that's holding me back is the ride quality. I've owned one before and know how harsh it can be. Also jeeps are overrated haha. I plan on traveling about 600 mi. each way every once in a while. So my question is what is the longest straight commute you have traveled in one?

I went from KY to CA and back recently and loved every minute of it. 

I drove one 93 miles each way to and from college every weekend for 4 years, then sold it to my little brother who made 3 round trips of about 550 miles to college over 3 years. then he drove it in philly for 2 more years city commuting, then it got stolen........

top spd was 80 mph in 5th with pedal to floor, get a hard top, the roof flapping is the worst thing asbout soft top commute

That sounds, excuse me for a moment "hardcore". I'd like to try the 600 w/ no top, doors, and the windshield down w/ aviator goggles. 

Having owned both a Samurai and a Tracker, I would recommend the Tracker for long distances.  It has a much more "civilized" ride.  Also, my 96 tracker gets a little better fuel economy than my Sammi did (28 vs 25). 

I second the tracker vote. I had a 1994 tracker 2wd, and the ride was a million times better than my sammy. I've driven about 7 hours without stopping in my sammy, and it was definitly not something I want to do again.

I don't know i drive my 4dr sidekick every day to work and on long trips of 400 every other months and it rides ok. But most people can't stand to be in it more then 5 miles. But then my suspension is dropped 2 inchs and the tires are 30 profile.

I have them both.

I drive the Samurai (4.5" SPOA, 30" tires and Tracker seats - which help a little) long distances ONLY to Zukimelt (945 miles RT) and then if I am in a particularly dumb mood.  Last year, I drove it pulling an overloaded 4x8 trailer via SE Arkansas thus proving to my kidneys and lower back that my mind is not to be trusted.

Occasionally, I'll commute 13 miles to work in the Samurai just to scare the other drivers when I feel like it.  Assuming it's not in pieces.  The rest of the time I drive the 'Kick 4 door (JLX!) 'cause I'm getting too old for regular beatings except for the regulation ones at work  .

If'n I was young again and looking for a cheap 4x4 daily driver, I would  get a 2-door Tracker or Sidekick.  If I was young, had an iron constitution, had no money to speak of AND had a love for the classics, It's a Samurai.

The furthest I've driven my Tracker is to the Badlands.  That is about 175 miles from me.  By the end of the trip home I am more than ready to be out of it.  My commute to work of 40 miles doesn't bother me much though.  I don't think I would want to drive it every day though.

here is another vote for a trackick! they are a bit more comfy and there are lots with the hard tops which makes a big differance on the highway - and the heat stays in better

derek

ps - we put about 10,000 km's on the truck last spring and summer

I drove my Tracker 900 miles each from California to Colorado.  The seats were a little uncomfortable after 600 miles or so, then I realized that it had adjustable lumbar supports.  It was great from then on. 

Of course the 99+ rides even better and you get a V6   I had to keep myself from going over 85mph for fear of a ticket!

I've taken my tracker about 12 hours one way, and it doesnt bug me any. I've driven my uncle sammie for about 4 hours on the highway and let me tell you never again. i was all over the road, the the wind hits you nest thing you know your in other lane. I like to feel safe when on the highway. If your plnning on putting a big lift on it, and tires go with a trakick.

My 94 Tracker seems to be OK on the roads, back roads that is.  I do about 30 miles each way to and from work and can be a hair raising experince on windy days or getting stuck in some wash from a big rig when I have to drive the highway!  I recently bolted some 1" wheel spacers on her and that helped ALOT!  Adding some more wheelbase seemed to do the trick. 

I drove on and off(trading with another person) from Nashville TN, to Apple Valley wisconson in this

Some of you might recognize the guy. I can best describe the experiance with a picture.

I drove my sidekick from West TN over to the east coast, up and around to Nova Scotia, then back down through Niagra falls and through Ohio.  Trip was a little over 3000 miles....I thought it was great.  I would agree with the get a hardtop if you are going to be making long distances alot, just to save noise some though.