Overview

Few vehicles are better off road than a Jeep Wrangler The Wrangler is an icon and it can deliver inimitable fun.

The Wrangler was redesigned for the 2007 model year. At the same time, a four-door version was introduced and named Wrangler Unlimited. The four-door doesn't change the character of the Wrangler but makes it easier to own and more practical for many. It's much more comfortable and convenient, offering more cargo and back-seat passenger space.

After its 2007 redesign, the Wrangler gets only minor changes for 2008. A tire-pressure monitor is now standard, remote engine starting is available, and the Sunrider soft top becomes standard on more models.

All Wranglers come with the V6; four-cylinder models are not available. The standard six-speed manual fits the Wrangler's personality, but the optional four-speed automatic is convenient. We can't imagine getting a Wrangler without it's highly capable four-wheel-drive, a part-time system that includes low-range gearing.

Model Lineup

The 2008 Jeep Wrangler and four-door Unlimited come in Wrangler X, Sahara and Rubicon trim. All use a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 202 horsepower (205 hp in Unlimiteds), a six-speed manual transmission, and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. A four-speed automatic transmission ($825) is optional.

Two-door and Rubicon models are only available with four-wheel drive (4WD). The Unlimited X and Unlimited Sahara come with rear-wheel drive (2WD) or 4WD.

The Wrangler X ($18,660) comes with the basic soft top, vinyl upholstery, center console, theft deterrent system, folding rear seat, locking glove box, 12-volt auxiliary power outlet, tilt steering wheel, six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo, skid plates to protect the transfer case and fuel tank, and P225/75R16 all-terrain tires on steel wheels.

Options for X include a Quick Order package with air conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, height-adjustable driver's seat, compass, outside-temperature indicator, floormats, the Sunrider soft top with sunroof, and P255/75R17 all-terrain tires on alloy wheels ($2,840); a Power Convenience group with power windows, door, alarm, and remote keyless entry ($585); a Black Appearance group with a black fuel filler door, taillight guards and side steps ($620); a Trailer Tow group ($295 manual, $245 automatic); a limited-slip differential ($295); a locking rear axle for the 4WD model ($750); half metal doors (no charge); the Sunrider soft top ($250); the Freedom Top hard top ($945); a package with both the three-piece hardtop and the standard soft top ($1,585); air conditioning ($895); six-disc CD changer ($350); a 368-watt Infinity sound system with six speakers and subwoofer ($395); Sirius satellite radio ($195); fog lights ($120); side steps ($395); front and rear tow hooks ($75); an electronic disconnecting front sway bar for the 4WD model ($750); P245/75R16 all-terrain tires ($150); and 16-inch alloy wheels ($425).

The Sahara ($24,115) is the premium model in the lineup. It adds the Sunrider top; Yes Essentials cloth upholstery; height-adjustable driver's seat; air conditioning; cruise control; fog lamps; 368-watt Infinity sound system with six speakers and subwoofer; leather-wrapped steering wheel; tow hooks; fog lamps; compass; outside temperature indicator; body-colored fender flares; tubular side steps; heavy-duty suspension; tinted windows; and P255/70R18 Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires on aluminum wheels.

Options include many of the X options, plus Options Jeep's MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment system with 20-gigabyte hard drive and navigation system ($1,275) and remote engine starting ($185).

The Rubicon ($27,220) is the model for serious off-roading. To the X model, the Wrangler Rubicon adds amenities such as air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, height-adjustable driver's seat, floormats, compass, outside temperature indicator, and a 368-watt Infinity sound system with six speakers and subwoofer. It also adds off-road equipment that includes front and rear tow hooks, rock rails, off-road suspension, an electronic-disconnecting front stabilizer bar to enhance off-road capability, a Rock-Trac heavy duty part-time transfer case with 4:1 low range, Dana 44 front and rear axles, a 4.10 axle ratio, Tru-lok locking front and rear differentials, fog lights, and LT255/75R17 (32-inch) BFGoodrich all-terrain tires on aluminum wheels.

The four-door Unlimited X comes with either 2WD ($20,580) or four-wheel drive ($22,580). Standard equipment includes all that the two-door X offers, plus cloth upholstery, height-adjustable driver's seat, split folding rear seat, 60/40-split folding rear seat, Sunrider soft, top, Dana 44 rear axle, 23-gallon fuel tank, air conditioning, and a 60/40 split rear seat. It offers all the options as the two-door X and two-door Sahara.

The Unlimited Sahara two-wheel drive ($25,490) and four-wheel drive ($27,490) is equipped like the two-door Sahara, except its power doors, power windows and remote keyless entry are standard.

The Unlimited Rubicon ($29,535) might be considered the ultimate family 4X4, and it will carry four people where any Land Rover or Hummer can go, for about half the price.

Safety features that come standard include dual front airbags, tire-pressure monitor, anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic stability control with rollover mitigation. Seat-mounted front side air bags for torso protection are optional.

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