Introduction

The 2005 Jeep Wrangler lineup includes a new Unlimited model. This stretch version not only increases the amount of room for people and cargo, but also improves handling and ride quality on the pavement where most of us spend most of our time. Yet it still offers no-nonsense, world-class off-road capability at affordable prices. Introduced late in the 2004 model year in Sport trim, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is also available in Rubicon trim for 2005, bringing added creature comfort to serious off-roaders. Jeep Wrangler remains an icon, a symbol of go-anywhere adventure. Although it's been re-engineered at least a half-dozen times over the past 60 years, the Wrangler is still as close as you can get to a direct descendent of the World War II-era Jeep. Today's Wrangler is far more civilized than those early models, though it still resembles them. A four-speed automatic is available on all models. Four-wheel disc brakes are available 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 still isn't the most practical everyday vehicle, however, and may not be the best choice for someone drawn to it simply because it's cute. (And it is cute.) Getting in and out is awkward. 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 exercised, particularly in the rain. The reason for all this discomfort is that the Wrangler is designed primarily for performance off the road. For the ultimate in off-the-shelf off-road capability, Jeep offers the Wrangler Rubicon. Jeep looked at the aftermarket modifications off-road enthusiasts were making to their Jeeps, and engineered many of those 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. 2005 Jeep Wrangler models come standard with a new six-speed manual gearbox that replaces last year's five-speed manual.

Walkaround

The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most widely recognized vehicles in the world. Its round headlights, jailhouse grille, and square-edged fenders hark back to the 1940 original. Bumpers are black on all models. Fender flares are one of two shades of gray or dark khaki, although body-color flares may be ordered on the Unlimited. Rubicon features neutral gray metallic 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. If a screwdriver is handy, the windshield can be flipped down for breezy, low-speed touring in the backcountry. Doors may be removed for the maximum open-air experience. The Unlimited models have a multi-functional soft top that folds completely or only from above the front seats in a sunroof-like configuration called the Sunrider. The optional hard top is more practical and offers better protection from weather and thieves. The hard top comes with full-height doors and roll-up windows. Rearward visibility is better, and it's further aided by the rear-window defroster, wiper and washer. Wind noise is greatly reduced. The hard top can be removed, although we haven't tried this. 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 boards are not available as they'd be vulnerable on rough trails.) Once inside, the cabin is Spartan but highly functional. Seats and fabrics are comfortable. The front seat offers enough rearward travel to allow taller drivers to sit a comfortable distance from the steering wheel. The 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. 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 interior light continues to be managed by a switch in the door frame, so a fuse must be pulled to extinguish the light when the Wrangler is operated sans doors. The Wrangler remains miles away from luxurious. Recent improvements, however, make the interior more comfortable than it used to be. Softer trim pieces are used inside so it doesn't hurt quite as much when you bang your head. An electrochromic rearview mirror with map lights and compass display is available to 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. The 10-inch longer wheelbase on the Unlimited translates directly into more interior room, especially in the back seats and cargo area. Rear-seat legroom is up by two inches over the standard models, and the space behind the rear seat grows lengthwise by 13 inches. The Unlimited's towing capacity is 3500 pounds compared with the shorter Wrangler's 2000 pounds. 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) a few years back (the last time we checked), and those features have only gotten better since.