As the icon of the Jeep brand and the most capable off-road vehicle offered, the Jeep Wrangler has evolved into a must-have for the true off-roader.
And that's especially true of the most capable trail-rated Jeep ever built, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.
As its name implies, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is the quintessential Jeep with all the goodies necessary for off-road excursions.
The 2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model includes front and rear "air-actuated" Tru-Lok locking differentials, front and rear Dana model 44 axles, four-wheel disc brakes and a Rock-Trac transfer case with a 4:1 low range.
The previous paragraph has names and numbers only true off-roaders would recognize. With unique heavy gauge diamond-plate sill guards, 16-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels with Goodyear Wrangler "Maximum Traction/Reinforced" 31-inch tall tires and a "Rubicon" graphic placed prominently on each side of the hood, the 2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon provides uncompromised capability.
Powering the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is a 4.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission or available four-speed automatic transmission.
The 4.0-liter engine is rated at 190 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is very likable as it delivers plenty of low-end muscle for off-roading and adequate power for highway cruising.
Jeep enthusiasts who have come to know and love this engine will likely be disappointed to learn that it rides off into the sunset with the 2006 model Wranglers. The only six-cylinder engine offered in the redesigned 2007 Wrangler will be the 3.8-liter V6 engine borrowed from the Chrysler and Dodge minivans.
My 2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon tester was equipped with the optional 4-speed automatic transmission. This unit is durable and provided smooth shifts during my week-long test.
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is an off-roader's dream vehicle. It's ready for the most rugged trails right out of the box. The only thing you'll need for off-roading when you take ownership is directions and a compass or portable navigation device.
While the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is the most capable Jeep on the planet, I wouldn't recommend spending the extra cash for the Rubicon unless you plan on utilizing it for which it was designed. If you're a light-to-moderate trail rider, the other model Jeep Wranglers will suffice.
There is a price to pay for all that awesome off-road ready equipment, though. Yes, you guessed, it's the on-road ride. Those aggressive tires are great for carving up the trail, but when driving on road, they are quite noisy.
You could say that's the nature of the beast. 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.
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Engine: 4.0-liter (190 hp) I6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Drive Type: 4WD
Fuel Economy: 16 city/20 highway
Base Price: $27,930
As Tested: Not available
Website: http://www.jeep.com |
