2008 Jeep Wrangler Review
Add your own review or comments

By New Car Test Drive

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 equippe