2005 Jeep Wrangler Review
New long-wheelbase model smoothes ride.
(Continued)
Summary
Jeep Wrangler is a classic symbol of summer cruising and off-road rambling. Wrangler Rubicon is the ultimate off-road rig, as capable as some modified rock-crawlers but available right off the showroom. Purists might decry the adoption of the Trail's mantel by the stretched Unlimited, even though the long-wheelbase Jeep successfully navigated the Trail before top management signed off.
New Car Test Drive correspondent Tom Lankard filed this report from Chrysler's proving grounds in Michigan; with NCTD editor Mitch McCullough reporting from Southern California.
Model Line Overview
| Model Lineup: | Jeep Wrangler SE ($17,970); X ($20,280); Sport ($23,140); Rubicon ($27,365); Unlimited ($23,895); and Unlimited Rubicon ($28,365) |
| Engines: | 4.0-liter ohv inline-6 |
| Transmissions: | four-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard): | dual airbags; LATCH system |
| Safety Equipment (optional): | ABS |
| Basic Warranty: | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In: | Toledo, Ohio |
Specifications As Tested
| Model Tested (MSRP): | Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon ($28,365) |
| Standard Equipment: | air conditioning, Sunrider easy-folding soft top with sunroof feature, tachometer, full carpeting, AM/FM/CD stereo with seven speakers and subwoofer, digital clock, sport roll bar with full padding, reclining high-back front bucket seats with easy-access tip/slide passenger seat, fold-down rear seat, cloth upholstery; skid plates (fuel tank, transfer case), diamond plate sill guards, 31-inch Goodyear Maximum Traction Reinforced P245/75R16 off-road tires, 16-inch aluminum wheels, 4.0:1 low-range transfer case; Dana Model 44 axles with 4.11 ratio and driver selectable electric/pneumatic-locking front and rear differentials |
| Options As Tested (MSRP): | four-speed automatic ($825) |
| Destination Charge: | 610 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax: | |
| Price as tested (MSRP) | 29800 |
| Layout: | four-wheel drive |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm): | 190 @ 4600 |
| Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm): | 235 @ 3200 |
| Transmission: | four-speed automatic |
| EPA fuel economy, city/hwy: | 16/20 |
| Wheelbase: | 103.4 |
| Length/width/height: | 167/66.7/70.9 |
| Track, f/r: | 58.5/58.5 |
| Turning circle: | 36 |
| Seating capacity: | 4 |
| Head/hip/leg room, f: | 40.9/51.8/41.1 |
| Head/hip/leg room, m: | |
| Head/hip/leg room, r: | 41.1/43.5/36.7 |
| Cargo volume: | 63.3 |
| Payload: | |
| Towing capacity: | 3500 |
| Suspension, f: | live axle on leading links, track bar, coil springs, gas-pressurized shocks, anti-roll bar |
| Suspension, r: | live axle on trailing links, track bar, coil springs, gas-pressurized shocks, anti-roll bar |
| Ground clearance: | 9.2 |
| Curb weight: | 3721 |
| Tires: | LT245/75R16 Goodyear Maximum Traction/Reinforced on/off-road |
| Brakes, f/r: | disc/disc |
| Fuel capacity: | 19 |
• For more information such as specs, prices, and photos of the 2005 Jeep Wrangler, click here: 2005 Jeep Wrangler.
