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2004½ Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Preview

The Mountain Goat Gets Practical

Previously I had reported that Jeep would be bringing a resurrected Wrangler-based Scrambler pickup to market for the 2005 model year. Was I wrong or is the new Unlimited just the first of an entire lineup of extended wheelbase Wranglers.

Whichever, Jeeps classic SUV has gone practical by adding 15-inches of additional length and the added functionality that its 13-inch longer cargo area offers. That remaining 2 inches hasnt been forgotten, being added between the two rows of seats to make rear passengers more comfortable.

When all is said and done though, the Unlimited is still a Jeep Wrangler. While nowhere near as refined as most of the current crop of SUVs, its open-air fun and 4x4 functionality is still top of its class.

"We hear time and time again that owners dont want us to change a thing on their Jeep vehicles.

With Jeeps new Unlimited, the classic Wrangler gets stretched out. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

But there is also a smaller group of Jeep owners who told us they would love a Jeep Wrangler, but needed more space for their lifestyle," stated Jeff Bell, Vice President - Chrysler/Jeep Marketing, Chrysler Group. "We set out to create a longer wheelbase Wrangler that could give those customers what they really wanted, while maintaining the true fun and freedom of the original Jeep Wrangler."

Hey, the idea proved fairly popular once before so why not now when SUVs dominate the automotive landscape. And the Unlimited model benefits by more than just the extra space. For one, it delivers a better ride. That makes sense considering a longer wheelbase

Chrysler set out to create a longer Wrangler, while maintaining the true fun and freedom of the original. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

almost always irons out more bumps than a short one. The Unlimited has been stretched by 10 inches to 103 inches overall.

Jeep makes getting in and out of the rear seat fairly easy unless youre extremely height challenged for face physical limitations. The front driver and passenger seats pop up and forward to clear a large path into the back. I know because I took the opportunity to climb up and take a seat when the model was introduced to me at a special Detroit auto show preview I attended toward the end of November. Compared to the abbreviated second row in the regular Wrangler, the Unlimiteds extra two inches can really be felt. Its hardly limousine-like, but those trapped in back for an extended trip will be eternally

"We set out to create more space for cargo and passengers, but the increase in wheelbase also improves the on-road ride." (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

grateful.

The longer wheelbase increases towing capacity too, giving the Wrangler Unlimited a best-in-class rating of 3,500 pounds, 1,500 pounds more weight than the standard Wrangler.

"We set out to create more space for cargo and passengers, but the increase in wheelbase also improves the on-road ride and towing capability of the Wrangler Unlimited," said Jaci Woody, Executive Engineer, Jeep Special Programs Engineering. "The added space broadens the appeal of the Wrangler Unlimited to customers who appreciate space and additional towing capability without compromising the character of the Wrangler."

That character is exemplified when the road gets rough, or otherwise nonexistent. To say the Wrangler is "Trail Rated" is an understatement of the highest order. There probably isnt any new vehicle currently

While the Unlimited wont be quite as off-road capable as its smaller Wrangler counterpart (shown), itll be miles ahead of its competition. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

being sold in the U.S. that could keep up off-road, Hummers and Mercedes-Benz Unimogs included, when the mountain road turns into a narrow trail.

While the Unlimited wont be quite as capable due to its longer wheelbase, which gives more opportunity for jutting rocks and roots to hang up the undercarriage when traversing a crest, it should still outpace its competition with little problem.

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