2009 Jeep Wrangler Review

Remaining relatively unchanged for 2009, the two-door Jeep Wrangler Sahara probably most resembles what we all tend to think a Jeep, as in the military version, should look like. This Sahara really has off-road chops and if you want to talk about a minimalistic design approach to operation and comfort - well, it has that too. In a good way. Jeep Sahara is solid off-roader

The Jeep Wrangler Sahara is a competent off-road option from the folks who made ditching the pavement and a 'go-everywhere' attitude such a compelling lifestyle choice back in the 80s. It set off a wave of larger Jeeps and the SUV craze was born.

In a good way, Jeep's approach to delivering that feeling of security on and off the road has not changed since those days. It's had it right for a long time, so why change? Certainly the implementing of new, key technologies has enhanced what a Jeep Wrangler can do. But what it does best is take you wherever you want to go with unique style and attitude.

The Jeep Wrangler is offered in a two-door or Unlimited 4-door models. Three trims include: X, Sahara, and Rubicon. All the Wrangler line is available with a folding soft top or a removable hardtop.

My tester was the two-door Sahara model. This trim level more than any other does have a few limitations, mostly derived from the interior and lack of space, but these downsides are easily overlooked when you consider the upsides. A sunny summer day with the top off just about anywhere is the Jeep at its best; a crazy winter holiday shopping spree with every inch (which is not saying much) of interior space crammed with bags and boxes is probably the worst scenario.

So what makes Sahara so cool? It's all about the attitude a Jeep brings to the driver. Adventurous and relaxing are the boundaries Jeeps work best within and my Sahara was capable of doing it all.

Exterior style says four-wheel drive and all two-door Saharas come with 4x4. Big 17-inch rims set the exterior tone while the minimal roof puts as little as possible between me and the elements.

Actually, inside the cabin you really do feel like there is virtually nothing between you and the elements. But you expect this with a Jeep Wrangler. The soft top quickly rolls back while the hard top can be easily disconnected and put aside for storage.

The gauges within the dash are easily visible. I found the audio and navigation controls a good size and within easy reach. I really did not like the central console positioning for the power windows. I don't know if it is simlpy habit, but I have never liked them in any vehicle I find them on. The navigation screen is a good size, though I found sunlight at times made it hard to see. It needs to be more recessed or shaded.

Speaking of shaded, the Sahara is best with the top down. With it up, there is virtually the same amount of cabin noise from the road and the engine. The hard top cuts down on wind noise, but it is minimal (it's supposed to be).

Minimal also describes the interior materials. If it were not a Jeep, you might say there were harsh and bland, which they are, but it imparts a real feeling of go-anywhere attitude. So it works.

What was really hard after a week of driving the Sahara was the seating and overall legroom. Seats are firm and do not have much support while legroom is tight in the front and even more stingy in the back. Getting in and out of the Sahara is awkward, but again I liked the feeling of climbing into an adventure every time.

Cargo room in the Sahara two-door was, again, minimal. That shopping spree I mentioned earlier was starting to make me wonder whether I was going to have to stop somewhere and stash the gifts before I headed out again. It was not that I bought that much, but the cargo space is not very tall or wide. When the top is down, there's more flexibility.

The 3.8-liter V6 delivers 202 horsepower, which is not enough to get this Sahara off the line with mush gusto. Once it is moving you must continue to prod the accelerator to keep momentum going. With a 15 city and 19 highway fuel rating, you don't want to prod too much. Wranglers offer a 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto transmission. My tester had the automatic and it was smooth and fine in all conditions.

This Jeep is not a Lincoln. Nor should you expect it to ride like one. It has great ground clearance and it sits relatively high, but what helps it go off the pavement hinders its ability to be cushiony and not without some top-heavy feel in tighter maneuvers.

Base priced at $25,670, my Sahara had options taking it to $30,240. This is competitive with much of the class, but few in the class have the nerve and the style of the Sahara. It is what it is - which is lots of fun.