2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Review Editor's Review | Page 1

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I Say

77%

By Daniel Lafrance
Thursday, April 17, 2008

Summary Rating:

Complete Rating

Styling (77%)
Accessories (76%)
Space and Access (72%)
Comfort (77%)

Performance (77%)
Driving Dynamics (80%)
Safety (77%)
General Appreciation (80%)

Styling
Exterior (80%)
Interior (70%)
Exterior fit and finish (80%)
Interior Fit and Finish (80%)
Accessories
Convenience and equipment (80%)
Instrumentation and controls (80%)
General ergonomics (70%)
Heating / ventilation / air conditioning (80%)
Sound system (70%)
Space and Access
Front space and access (70%)
Rear space and access (70%)
Cargo space and access (70%)
Storage capacity (70%)
Access to mechanical components (80%)
Comfort
Seats (80%)
Driving position (80%)
Suspension and ride (80%)
Noise level (70%)

Performance
Acceleration (70%)
Engine output (80%)
Transmission (80%)
Fuel consumption (80%)
Driving Dynamics
Steering (80%)
Handling (80%)
Braking (80%)
Manoeuvrability (80%)
Safety
Traction and stability control (80%)
Mirrors (80%)
Visibility (70%)
General safety (80%)
General Appreciation
General Appreciation (80%)

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The ultimate weapon for winter

Take a look outside and you'll see that snow is quickly melting by now. Thank God! Don't get me wrong: I don't hate the cold season. In fact, I love to go on snowmobile trips. It's just that the amount of snow we've received this year, especially in Quebec, has long reached record-breaking levels.

A conservative-looking 4x4 that remains unmistakably a Jeep.

The streets are narrow and a number of parking lots are still buried under many feet of snow. Occasionally, snowstorms and high winds make matters even more complicated. So, what can you do?

Well, you can drive a vehicle like the Jeep Wrangler, a conservative-looking 4x4 that remains undeniably capable and rugged on and off the road. The extended 4-door Unlimited model is pretty well executed, too.

Go anywhere!
With a tall ground clearance and off-road tires, my Rubicon tester was not only competent off the beaten paths but also on paved roads. I drove through back-to-back snowstorms during my road test and never was I forced to change my plans. It remained very stable despite the violent squalls that swept the road. And on the highway, this Jeep rides much more smoothly than its TJ and YJ predecessors.

At dinner time, I entered the crowded parking lot of a nearby restaurant and I found no empty space. No problem! I took a swing and the Wrangler easily climbed onto the snow bank. Sure, I had to walk in the snow when I got out, but I can live with that anytime.

The Rock-Trac 4WD system proved highly effective at getting me out of bad spots. The Tru-Lok electronic locking differential allows it to transfer power to the wheels with the most grip. And with the underbody skid plates, there's no need to worry about hitting the transfer case or fuel tank. I'm telling you: I felt invincible!

More refined powertrain
The 3.8L V6 producing 202 horsepower and 237 lb-ft of torque delivers decent though not electrifying performances. The automatic transmission works beautifully with this mill.

Fuel economy was rated at 13.5 L/100 during my road test. A two-way trip from Montreal to Quebec helped lower this average. Otherwise, city driving and parking maneuvers make the fuel gauge needle go south in a hurry.