2006 Jeep Wrangler

The Rubicon, however, is for the most trail-ready, outfitted with 31-inch, off-road tires, front and rear locking differentials, and low-ratio gearing. With the lockers on and the drive in low, a Wrangler has no equal in scaling the most rugged routes you'd ever care to tackle. The only limitation is the driver's own personal reluctance.


The extended-length Unlimited offers significantly more creature comforts (by Jeep standards, at least). It rides on a 10-inch-longer wheelbase and is 15 inches longer overall, so there's 1.4 inches extra rear legroom and more cargo volume behind the rear seat. Add the Rubicon package to an Unlimited model, and you have a Jeep with everything a Jeep enthusiast could ever wish for, and then some: extra seating and cargo space, a smoother ride, and the ability to climb like a mountain goat.


Don't expect the same road manners as a cushy, city-slicker SUV, though. While all Wranglers are very maneuverable at slow speeds, body lean becomes noticeable as speed increases, and the rugged suspension requires some driver restraint when cornering on bumpy pavement. The Unlimited is less skittish, but it's not as silky as a Jeep Grand Cherokee. And the Rubicon models' tall tires feel sloppier on-road than other Wranglers.

Fun

Keep in mind, too, that Wranglers are essentially open vehicles. A soft top and plastic side windows provide a bit of protection, or you can order an extra-cost hardtop with glass windows. Due to the lack of insulation, you'll experience lots of wind and tire noise with a soft top, albeit somewhat less with hardtop. The Unlimited models have extra sound deadening, but conversation at highway speeds still requires raised voices. The Unlimited's soft top features a fold-back forward section for a sunroof effect.


In an effort to continue mining the vein of Wrangler tradition, Jeep's revived the Golden Eagle moniker as an option package for 2006. The Golden Eagle Edition, last seen in the early 1980s, includes the 30-inch tire package, plus unique interior and exterior trim. Looking at the Wrangler's features in general, four-wheel disc brakes are standard or optional on all but the SE and X. ABS is available only on the Sport. Front side and head-protecting curtain side airbags aren't offered. A 30-inch tire package with heavy-duty shock absorbers and rear axle is standard on Unlimited, optional on Sport.