While the suspension is a bit firm, the ride is more comfortable than what I had expected. Actually, it's smoother than the regular 2-door Wrangler's: the longer wheelbase means the rear end of the vehicle has less tendency to hop. However, I noticed that the hood shakes a lot as soon as the wind picks up. I hope it's solidly attached to the chassis.
Plain yet purposeful interior
The seats are fairly comfortable, even over long drives, which I used to think was impossible for this iconic Jeep. Of course, don't expect a luxurious interior; the overall layout is pretty plain-looking.
The list of features leaves a lot to be desired, although the stereo does include a CD player, an MP3/WMA auxiliary jack and 7 strategically positioned speakers. The Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon also comes with air conditioning, cruise control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
This Jeep is far from perfect, though. The tall ground clearance and high door thresholds make entering and exiting the vehicle a complicated affair. Moreover, with the full-size spare tire mounted on the tailgate, rearward visibility is mediocre. And despite the innovative Freedom Top three-piece modular hardtop, wind noise still manages to enter the cabin at highway speeds.
Competition
The 2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon starts at $30,595. Adding the automatic transmission, hardtop and 6-CD changer will bump the price to $33,225.
The Wrangler's arch nemesis is the Toyota FJ Cruiser, which retails for $29,725 in base trim. Equipped with the Off-Road package and autobox, however, it relieves buyers of $35,820. Dig a little deeper in your pockets and you might be able to get your hands on a new Hummer H3 ($40,995).
Other alternatives include the Jeep Liberty Sport with Selec-Trac II 4WD system ($29,290) and the Nissan Xterra Off-Road ($36,848), both of which are slightly less capable off the pavement but nonetheless very dependable.
Plain yet purposeful interior
The seats are fairly comfortable, even over long drives, which I used to think was impossible for this iconic Jeep. Of course, don't expect a luxurious interior; the overall layout is pretty plain-looking.
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| Don't expect a luxurious interior or a sophisticated layout. |
The list of features leaves a lot to be desired, although the stereo does include a CD player, an MP3/WMA auxiliary jack and 7 strategically positioned speakers. The Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon also comes with air conditioning, cruise control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
This Jeep is far from perfect, though. The tall ground clearance and high door thresholds make entering and exiting the vehicle a complicated affair. Moreover, with the full-size spare tire mounted on the tailgate, rearward visibility is mediocre. And despite the innovative Freedom Top three-piece modular hardtop, wind noise still manages to enter the cabin at highway speeds.
Competition
The 2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon starts at $30,595. Adding the automatic transmission, hardtop and 6-CD changer will bump the price to $33,225.
The Wrangler's arch nemesis is the Toyota FJ Cruiser, which retails for $29,725 in base trim. Equipped with the Off-Road package and autobox, however, it relieves buyers of $35,820. Dig a little deeper in your pockets and you might be able to get your hands on a new Hummer H3 ($40,995).
Other alternatives include the Jeep Liberty Sport with Selec-Trac II 4WD system ($29,290) and the Nissan Xterra Off-Road ($36,848), both of which are slightly less capable off the pavement but nonetheless very dependable.
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| It can go just about anywhere and, in Unlimited format, it offers what is arguably a pleasant ride. |