Jeep's Wrangler is respected for its out-of-the-box, off-road capabilities. But its surprisingly friendly on-road driving habits, along with a lengthy list of available amenities, give it more appeal.
And if that's not enough, Wrangler also provides an exhilarating open-air motoring experience like no other vehicle on the road, thanks to an available easy-folding soft top or a unique three-piece removable hard top.
The Wrangler lineup features two- and four-door configurations.
The four-door version is known as the Wrangler Unlimited and it accommodates five passengers. The two-door Wrangler has seating for four.
While Wrangler's shorter wheelbase is more suitable for negotiating tight quarters when off-roading, the Wrangler Unlimited's longer wheelbase and rear doors make it more appealing for those who frequently have the need to haul more people and gear.
Regardless of which model you choose, all Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited models are powered by a 3.8-liter V-6 engine that produces 202 horsepower. Depending on which model you select, the V-6 is backed by a six-speed manual or can be had with a four-speed automatic transmission.
While all Wrangler models feature four-wheel drive, Jeep purists will likely balk at the idea that the Wrangler Unlimited can be had as a two-wheel drive. I have to admit: When looking underneath a Wrangler Unlimited rear-wheel-drive model, it does look odd seeing no front driveshaft and axle.
Pricing starts around $21,000 for the Wrangler and around $24,000 for the Wrangler Unlimited. Depending on which trim level you select (Sport, Sahara, Islander, Mountain, or Rubicon) and how many options you choose, the price can soar as high as the upper $30,000s for a decked-out top-of-the-line Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon with all the bells and whistles.
If it's been a while since you've been inside a Wrangler or Wrangler Unlimited, you might be surprised to know that you can get it with power windows, power locks, remote entry, remote start and a remarkable navigation system that lets you enter geographic coordinates and record and save trails.
The on-road ride is surprisingly civilized, even if you select the off-road preferred Rubicon trim level. That wasn't the case in the past.
This current rendition is good enough as an everyday driver, yet is quite capable and fully accomplished where the pavement ends.
The 3.8-liter V-6 engine accelerates acceptably when lightly loaded, but the engine in my 2010 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon seemed a bit strained when loaded down with five adults.
Fuel economy isn't very good as the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited are basically boxy and sit higher off the ground than a car or crossover SUV.
Still, the topless driving experience that Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited offer is duplicated by no other vehicle on the road.
If you like, the doors are still removable and further add to the level of exhilaration when they're removed.
2010 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED RUBICONENGINE: 202-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6
TRANSMISSION: four-speed automatic
DRIVETRAIN: four-wheel drive
FUEL ECONOMY: 15 city/19 highway
BASE PRICE: $32,050
AS TESTED: $38,005 (includes $750 for destination)
www.Jeep.com