Introduction

Jeep Wrangler remains an icon, a symbol of "go anywhere" adventure. It's been that way for a long time. Although it has been re-engineered at least a half-dozen times in the intervening 60 years, the Wrangler is still as close as you can get to a direct descendent of the World War II-era Jeep. That said, if you haven't driven a Jeep since your Army days, you might be surprised by how civilized this "general-purpose utility vehicle'' has become. All but the most basic model now come with a six-cylinder engine. A four-speed automatic transmission is available on all models, eliminating the notoriously outdated three-speed automatic that Jeep buyers suffered with for years. You can order four-wheel disc brakes for much better stopping ability. The side mirrors have been massaged for less wind noise and a better view over your shoulder. And many convenience features are available. This isn't the most practical everyday vehicle, however, and may not be the best choice for someone who likes it simply because it's cute. (And it is cute.) Getting in and out is awkward due to its ground clearance. The interior is spartan. The ride quality is rough by today's standards, though many young people won't mind that. And it doesn't handle very well, so care should be excercised, particularly in the rain. The Wrangler is designed primarily for performance off the road. For extreme off-roading, Jeep offers the Wrangler Rubicon. Jeep looked at the aftermarket modifications off-road enthusiasts were making to their Jeeps, and engineered those same features into a turn-key vehicle you can buy (and finance) right off the showroom floor. Built along Jeep's "Go anywhere, do anything" design philosophy, the Rubicon is a 4x4 gem. We found it performed admirably on Hell's Revenge, Cliff Hanger, and other challenging trails around Moab, Utah. Front and rear Dana Model 44 axles with locking differentials, and a transfer case with a stump-pulling 4:1 low-range give the "Ruby" trail capabilities far beyond those of the average SUV.

Walkaround

Jeep Wrangler is an icon, one of the most widely recognized vehicles in the world. Its round headlights, jailhouse grille, and square-edged fenders all hark back to the 1940 original. Bumpers are black on all models. Fender flares are black also, except on Sahara, where they are body color. For 2004, Sahara sports a new spare tire cover with the Sahara logo. Rubicon features premium black fender flares and other special features to distinguish it from its fellow Wranglers. A 22-inch Rubicon nameplate is emblazoned on either side of the hood. Heavy-gauge diamond-plate sill guards are bolted to the body sides to protect the rocker panels from damage and dings from rocks and stumps in the backcountry. Goodyear Wrangler 31-inch tires are mounted on 16-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels with a dished face to protect them from debris and obstacles. Generous ground clearance helps the Rubicon traverse the trail. One of the biggest decisions when buying a Wrangler is selecting the top. Purists prefer the soft top, a high-quality piece of equipment that can be configured according to the weather. Folding the top down takes only a third of the time it took before the top was redesigned for 2001. If a screwdriver is handy, the windshield can be flipped down for breezy, low-speed touring in the backcountry. The optional hard top ($920) is more practical and offers better protection from weather and theives. The hard top comes with full-height doors and roll-up windows. Rearward visibility is better, and further aided by the rear-window defroster, wiper and washer. Wind noise is greatly reduced also. The hard top can be removed, though we haven't tried. For those who want the best of both worlds, Jeep offers a package that includes both the hard top and soft top, in matching colors ($1,560). Either top is far easier to remove or install than those of pre-2001 models and provides much better sealing from the elements. The exterior mirrors are made of plastic, which Jeep engineers say holds up better than metal when going off-road.

Interior Features

Getting into a Jeep Wrangler requires a tall step up. (Running are not available as they'd be vulnerable on rough trails.) Once inside, the cabin is spartan but highly functional. The new seats and fabrics that appeared last year make it more comfortable. The new front seat offers 20 additional millimeters of rearward travel, allowing taller drivers to sit a more comfortable distance from the steering wheel. Also new last year, a more easily removable fold-and-tumble rear seat is equipped with the LATCH (Lower Anchors and upper Tethers for CHildren) system for mounting child safety seats directly to the structure of the seat. Also, the seatbacks are higher, which improve safety for taller people. It's a long reach to access gear stowed in the rear seats, so don't attempt it while driving. A dark gray or khaki interior, four-spoke steering wheel and padded sport bar give the Wrangler its unmistakably utilitarian look, while a simple dash with a 12-volt power outlet adds functionality. On all models, the interior is weatherproofed, and can be cleaned with a hose, thanks to drain plugs in the floor. The Wrangler remains miles away from luxurious. Recent improvements, however, make the interior more comfortable than it used to be. Softer trim pieces inside offer improved head protection. An electrochromic rearview mirror with map lights and compass display (standard on Sahara, optional on Sport and Rubicon) should help keep you on the intended route. The mirror automatically dims when headlights shine on it; this bit of luxury technology may sound out of place in a Wrangler, but it's an important feature when the top is off. Radio controls are located in the center stack. Corner pods located just behind both B-pillars house interior lamps, providing theater lighting. Research firm J.D. Power and Associates gave the Wrangler high scores for the quality of its interior features (such as the seats, windshield wipers, door locks, heater, air conditioner, and stereo system), and those features have only gotten better in the three years since then.