With the all-new 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, Jeep celebrates the marriage of its ultimate off-road rig the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon to the newer, roomier, more versatile Wrangler. The end result, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, is an amazing vehicle capable of going anywhere you point it.
The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon becomes the ultimate Wrangler and provides more room for passengers and their gear.
Building on the success of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, the all-new 2005 Unlimited Rubicon takes extreme off-roading to the next level, while simultaneously adding 15 inches to Wrangler's overall length. The result is 22.3 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the second seat, versus 9.5 cubic feet in the standard wheelbase Jeep Wrangler.
Of the additional interior 15 inches, 13 inches are added to the cargo area and two inches are added to second-row legroom all while maintaining the Wrangler Rubicon's legendary 4x4 prowess.
Powering the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon is a 4.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that makes 190 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque.
New to all Jeep Wrangler models for 2005 is a standard six-speed manual transmission. The optional transmission is a four-speed automatic.
While the new six-speed manual provides the driver with ultimate control, shifting and working the clutch becomes tiresome during rush hour commuting.
I won't try to tell you that the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon delivers a smooth, comfortable, quiet ride because that’s simply not the case. I felt that my Unlimited model did feel a bit less bouncy and a bit more stable on the road than the standard wheelbase Wrangler Rubicon.
I wouldn't recommend the Rubicon unless you plan on leaving the pavement. Take my word for it, the 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon is much more fun to drive off the road than on.
Let's face it: serious off-roaders are willing to sacrifice on-road comfort for off-road prowess. If you're an off-road enthusiast, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon will not disappoint you.
Obviously, the advantage of opting for the longer wheelbase Unlimited model is its greater hauling capacity, not the slightly better on-road driving characteristics.
My co-tester and I especially like the increased versatility of the Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. The cargo area behind the rear seat provides plenty of room for gear and the two extra inches of rear seat legroom is a welcome addition.
Access to the second row is improved with tip-and-slide front seats on driver and passenger sides Ð available on all Jeep Wrangler models for 2005.
For the off-road enthusiast, the 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon model builds on the award-winning capability of Wrangler Rubicon with an off-road system that includes locking front and rear differentials, front and rear Dana model 44 axles, four-wheel disc brakes and a Rock-Trac transfer case with a 4:1 low-range.
That low-range provides the driver with more control and an increased amount of available torque. To help grab ledges along the trail, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon features Goodyear Wrangler "Maximum Traction/Reinforced" 31-inch tall tires with a beefy tread pattern that wraps around the sidewall.
Our 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon tester featured a nifty soft top. This new "Sunrider" soft top includes a ‘sun roof’ feature in addition to the full top-down option. This new soft top offers a second open-air option by folding the soft top back completely over the driver and front passenger to create a 45x23 inch sun roof opening.
While some may consider this Wrangler to be a bit pricey, the Rubicon is ready to tackle whatever lies ahead without having to make any modifications.
2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
Engine: 4.0-liter (190 hp) I6
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Drive Type: 4WD
Fuel Economy: 14 city/18 highway
Base Price: $28,825
As Tested: $29,420 (includes $595 for destination)
Website: www.jeep.com |
