I've always liked the Jeep Wrangler for its ability to take you off-roading where most SUVs can't even dream of going. I also like Wrangler's available canvas top that can be folded back for a true open-air motoring experience that can't be duplicated by any drop-top car.
Until recently, the Wrangler hasn't offered a civil on-road driving experience. But that all changed last year when Jeep refined their iconic Wrangler, giving it a roomier interior with available features like power windows and locks, a friendlier on-road ride and a new V-6 engine.
Jeep has also added a four-door model known as the Wrangler Unlimited. Unlike the Wrangler, which comes as a 4WD-only SUV, the Wrangler Unlimited can be had as a RWD or 4WD model.
I'm still getting used to the remote keyless entry fob found on the Wrangler tester's key ring. For years, you couldn't get power locks or, better yet, remote entry. Now, for 2008, Jeep has added an available remote start button to the fob.
If you're a true off-roader, you'll likely choose the top-of-the-line Wrangler Rubicon. The Rubicon, offered both as a two-door or four-door model, comes as an out-of-the-box hardcore 4x4.
The 2008 Wrangler Rubicon features heavy-duty front and rear Dana 44 axles that can be locked via a dash-mounted switch, an Off-Road Rock-Trac two-speed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio, 32-inch BF Goodrich off-road tires, and an electronic-disconnecting front stabilizer bar that allows for better wheel articulation when negotiating uneven terrain such as when rock-crawling.
I've been off-roading with this current generation Wrangler Rubicon on a couple of occasions, and I can tell you that it's more capable than you could ever imagine. The most amazing thing for me is that Jeep worked wonders on giving this vehicle a much more refined on-road feel, too.
I have driven the previous generation Jeep Wrangler Rubicon from Chicago to Detroit and back, and I wouldn't recommend it for long highway trips. That's not true for the current generation.
The
2008 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon tester delivered a much more comfortable ride than I expected as I motored along I-294 to the North Side and back. Acceleration for passing at highway speeds isn't that good, but keep in mind that the Wrangler is no sports car.
Powering all Wranglers is the same 202-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6 engine that's found in Dodge and Chrysler minivans.
Wrangler buyers can opt for a standard six-speed manual gearbox or optional four-speed automatic transmission. The tester came with the automatic. While the automatic shifted smoothly, the combination is sluggish when loaded down with passengers.
I was, however, pleasantly surprised with how quickly the Wrangler Rubicon's interior could be heated or cooled, especially when you consider that the test vehicle came fitted with a soft top.
The interior still features many plastic and cheap-looking trim pieces, but I forgot about most of Wrangler's shortcomings when playing with the tester's MyGIG radio and navigation system.
The MyGIG radio features a 20G hard drive that you can store music and photos on via a USB port or from a CD. And the navigation system allows you to record trails for later use.
Pricing for the Wrangler starts at around $19K and climbs slightly more than $30K for a decked out Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon model.
Jeep has a winner here and it's easy to see why the Wrangler is one of the 10-best-selling SUVs on the market.
2008 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Engine: 3.8-liter (202 hp) V-6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Drive type: 4WD
Fuel economy: 15 city/19 highway
Base price: $27,220
As tested: $32,015 (includes $660 for destination)
Web site: www.jeep.com