2008 Jeep Wrangler Review

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon is as close to being the "ultimate," when it comes to Jeeps as it gets in today's market. Base priced at $29,535, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon might be one of the best-priced pure adventure vehicles I have ever driven.

The Wrangler makes a powerful statement up front by featuring the loud and proud seven-slot grille. While it is impressive with the top up, it is awesome, expressive and pure fun to drive with the three-piece top and all four doors off. Add to that the fold-flat windshield and you have a vehicle ready for any adventure you can find. Unless it rains (don't ask).

The Rubicon sits high atop massive 32-inch BF Goodrich tires. This 4x4 can go anywhere, and surprisingly, the Rubicon tester was easy to handle. With that kind of rubber on the pavement, it is usually not the case, but this jeep has a refinement that does not show on its gruff exterior. And that's the way Jeep likes it.

The Rubicon interior delivers lots of room while accommodating five adults comfortably. I found there to be plenty of legroom for passengers in the front and back rows. The 60/40-rear seat easily folds flat and there is plenty of utility space behind the rear seat. A key feature given the open-air presence of the Rubicon is the storage space under the floor allowing personal items to be kept out of sight.

Sure, first impressions are meant to say no-frills, go-anywhere Jeep, but this Rubicon is special. When the doors are attached, things are quite serene in the cabin. With the exception of being on the highway where road noise is inescapable, the interior could easily be compared to that of a near-luxury sedan.

The test vehicle featured the optional navigational system, plus Sirius Satellite radio ($1,275). There are all kinds of accoutrements afforded the Rubicon, and it enhances its road-worthiness by surrounding you in complete comfort. Features such as one-touch down power windows for both the driver and front passenger are common. A fold-down sunscreen, two-speed intermittent mode windshield wipers, remote keyless entry, power door locks, reclining front seats and halogen headlamps round out the extra features on the Rubicon.

A 3.8-liter V-6 offering 205 horsepower is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission delivering crisp transitions on and off the road. So far you might think there was nothing keeping everyone from going out and indulging in a Rubicon; well, here's one snag: a mileage rating of 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. Sure, it can go just about anywhere, but it could also hit every gas station while in transit.

The Jeep Unlimited Rubicon is equipped with an Off-Road RockTrac NV241 two-speed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio and additional electric front-and rear-axel-lockers. Getting dirty off road is as easy as shifting into four-wheel drive and effortlessly going wherever you point it.

The Rubicon has been given 5-star ratings in NHTSA crash testing. The Jeep Wrangler comes with advanced multi-stage airbags, anti-lock brakes and Brake Assist. It has child protection rear door locks, constant force retractors, crumple zones, a stability control program, and an energy-absorbing steering column.

The tester topped off at $34,290. I found it to be as pleasant a marriage of off-road prowess and comfort as the original Grand Cherokee. Unlike many wanna-be SUVs that look like they are tough enough to go off the pavement, this one can do it and keep you comfortable and happy at the same time.