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Size
has been a signature of the world's original sport utility
vehicle. The little runt, born for rugged war duty more
than a half-century ago, seemed size-constrained almost
by the necessity of being able to squeeze through seemingly
impossible places with no room to spare. (And a quality
that since has proven itself during climbs of the most rugged
terrain for true off-road enthusiasts.)
Breathe
easier, Wrangler fans. Even the fabled uncharted territory
crowd gets more stretch room with a longer, "Unlimited"
version in grunt mode. Translated, that means the 10 added
inches of wheelbase and 15 more inches of interior room
of the recently added, extended wheelbase "Unlimited"
version can come fitted for the most rugged off-road duty.
A late arrival that barely squeaked under the dateline for
2004 models, the longer Wrangler Unlimited gets a beefed-up
Rubicon version for '05, with the kind of "low range"
4X4 capability that lets it literally climb rocks.
On
the creature-comfort side (depending on model): New available
Premium Audio Group with seven-speaker sound, new security
group including Sentry Key, AC and air bags. Wranglers now
total six models, with the latest loaded stretch entry costing
a whopping third more than the $18,000 base. Standard-length
Wranglers haven't been overlooked, either. They get the
same new six-speed manual (optional four-speed auto with
the 4.0-liter Inline six). This isn't your refined flavor
of Jeep (that's saved for its sibling Liberty SUV). But
two added inches of legroom for those in the second row
might coax a trail reluctant colleague to go along for the
ride.
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