2008 Jeep Wrangler

NEW FOR 2008:

- Addition of mid-range 3.73:1 axle ratio

- Available remote start system

- Tire pressure monitor warning lamp

- Sarah appearance package adds silver front and rear bumper overlay, machined-face 18-inch wheels, silver accents on steering wheel spokes and HVAC outer rings

- New Detonator Yellow exterior colour

An all-new model in 2007, when it was renamed from the previous TJ designation, the Wrangler enters 2008 with minor enhancements.

The model is available as the two-door Wrangler, and as the longer-wheelbase, four-door Wrangler Unlimited. Both models are available as the X, Sahara or Rubicon, and all use a 3.8-litre V6 mated to a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic. The X and Sahara models use Command-Trac four-wheel drive, with part-time two-speed transfer case and 2.72:1 low-gear ratio; the tougher Rubicon uses Rock-Trac, with 4.0:1 low-gear ratio, along with a performance-tuned suspension, off-road tires and a front sway bar that can be electronically disconnected.

Features on the Wrangler X include 16-inch steel wheels, Dana 44 heavy-duty solid rear axle, Dana 30 solid front axle, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, floor console, soft top, full-framed metal doors with roll-up windows (optional to half-doors), swing-away manual mirrors, CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary jack, vinyl seats, fold-and-tumble rear bench, engine immobilizer, skid plates on fuel tank, transfer case and automatic transmission oil pan, tilt column, variable intermittent wipers and wash-out interior with removable carpet panels and drain plugs.

The Wrangler Unlimited X builds on the Wrangler X features, adding 16-inch aluminum wheels, locking console storage bin, deep-tinted rear glass, fog lamps, cloth seats, 60/40 reclining split-folding rear bench, cruise control, leather-wrapped wheel, tow hooks, Sunrider soft top and driver's height adjustment.

The Wrangler Sahara builds on the Wrangler X features, adding 18-inch aluminum wheels, locking console bin, floor mats, fog lamps, cloth seats, driver's height adjustment, cruise control, leather-wrapped wheel, tow hooks and Sunrider Soft Top.

The Wrangler Unlimited Sahara builds on the Unlimited X, adding 18-inch aluminum wheels, air conditioning, power locks with keyless entry, power windows, security alarm, YES Essentials stain-resistant fabric, seven Infinity speakers with subwoofer, tubular side steps, heavy-duty suspension, and Freedom Top three-piece modular hardtop with full doors.

The Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon models include 17-inch aluminum wheels, air conditioning, Dana 44 heavy-duty solid front and rear axles, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, floor console with locking bin, Sunrider soft top with full-framed doors and roll-up windows (half-doors are optional), floor mats, fog lamps, swing-away manual mirrors, CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary jack and seven Infinity speakers with subwoofer, YES Essentials stain-resistant fabric, driver's height adjustment, fold-and-tumble rear bench seat, skid plates, cruise control, tilt leather-wrapped wheel, tow hooks, and variable intermittent wipers.

Possibly the toughest and most capable Jeep to date, the Wrangler remains synonymous with off-road capability, and with a cachet among enthusiasts that no other automaker can match. Despite its bush-whacking abilities, the Wrangler is well-behaved on asphalt, with a smooth and quiet ride and comfortable interior. The available Freedom Top, while cumbersome to remove entirely, can be readily opened in sections to provide various degrees of open-air motoring, and while it isn't insulated, it provides better protection than a soft top in areas with nasty winters.