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2008 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Road Test

There are many ways to thrill-seek. Some skydive, some bungee jump, and

Be one with the wilderness with the Jeep Wrangler. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

the extra brave (and fearless) free climb. It's one of the most dangerous sports that a person can choose to partake in; no ropes, no harnesses, just pure stamina, strength and willpower are required. Though the relationship in this sport is purely between the mountain and the climber, I prefer a slightly more automotive approach to free climbing, which is where the Jeep Wrangler comes in. Naturally, the Jeep's 202 horsepower and 237 lb-ft of torque makes most climbing situations a whole lot more expedient (not to mention less physical exhausting) ... if only our time with the Jeep wasn't mostly in the confines of the city, where most of the excitement were gazes of longing from fellow Jeep enthusiasts in the downtown core.

The Jeep Wrangler Sahara is a force to be reckoned with on the road and, more fittingly, off the road. It not only looks beastly, but it truly is. The SUV's commanding presence is pure testosterone and the distinctive look of the separated fenders, vertical, slotted grille and circular headlights have been signatures of the Jeep brand, even before the name “Jeep” was established. Since it was enlisted into service for

The big torque V6 engine makes short work of rock climbing and city stop and go traffic. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

WWII back in 1941, things haven't changed a whole lot as far as its character is concerned, but rather it has undergone mechanical and visual updates along the way to help it achieve a more comfortable ride that can be used every day, while always improving its ability to take you and your pals (occasionally with the help of a winch) down the most demanding trails nature has to offer. The Wrangler is truly made to do it all, and if you've ever have the deep-down urge to pull a “Marge Simpson” and beat traffic by cutting across a field, then the Wrangler can certainly take you up and over, and much better than her fictitious “Canyanaro” ever could. However gratifying (and appropriate) this may seem, we wouldn't recommend it for obvious legal reasons. Instead, just smile with the knowledge that, if you wanted to, you could do it.

On the outside the Wrangler Sahara is pure Jeep, with a full-size spare bolted to the back door, an unmistakable and utilitarian boxy shape with many removable and collapsible components, making it the perfect toy for the outdoorsy type. Its look can change drastically with the Freedom Top hardtop system, an extremely versatile roof that gives you the option

Power windows, keyless entry, nav... and lots and lots of open air, thanks to the Freedom Top. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

of having a hardtop, soft-top, semi-convertible or full convertible, allowing the Wrangler to fit just about any situation. Our two-door model's Freedom Top split into three sections, with two smaller panels that fit above the driver and front passenger and one large rear section over the rear-seat passengers and cargo area. It offers the weather protection and security of the hardtop, but with the sensation of a T-top convertible (minus the "T") when you want the fresh air. Best of all is that you can carry along the Freedom Top's front panels in the cargo area, though there isn't much by the way of leftover luggage space when you do, and visibility our the back is greatly reduced.

There are also many different accessories that you can add on to your Jeep from the Mopar catalog. They range from winches and additional lights that might make tackling rocky roads and fording rivers easier when arriving late to that remote campsite, to a tent that can be put on the back of the Jeep to make camping expeditions more enjoyable (i.e. drier). The doors can be completely removed as well and the windshield folds forward, two features that are sure to please the traditional Jeep enthusiast. There are many ways in which this vehicle can cater to the adventurer's lifestyle, all of which make it that much more fun.

Bushwhacking aside, when you get into the latest Wrangler you may be surprised by the comforts that have been added to such a rugged vehicle. The front seats are quite spacious and are well padded for tackling trails (or speed bumps) no matter how large the lumps and ruts get. They are easily adjustable, providing more height and better vision for the driver. Even more useful is the YES Essentials fabric, which is odor- and stain-resistant - a practical feature in a car that demands to get dirty. There are, of course, added handles to make sure that the passenger has something to grip or hold onto for dear life when all there is to see is sky or dirt during wild off-road maneuvers. The back seats are also fairly functional, although in the shorter regular wheelbase version there are only two doors so there is some free climbing involved just to get into the back (the Wrangler also comes in a stretched wheelbase four-door variant dubbed Unlimited). If you are interested in getting the 2-door Wrangler,

Frontward panels fit nicely in the cargo area. Rearward visibility can be a bit of an issue, though. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

there is no room for luxury-loving types. This vehicle doesn't make allowances for the overindulgent, and why should it? It oozes with character for those accustomed to feeling the ride and being part of the unpaved, offbeat world of taking chances. And in light of the adventurer being the main target for this vehicle, there is also the option of a navigation system that is more than handy when living in the moment and Sirius satellite radio that provides endless entertainment no matter how far off the beaten path. The MyGig Multimedia Infotainment System was easy to use, even without ever having to refer to the manual, and using the navigation system was not stressful, a delightful rarity. It also features a hard drive for storing your tunes right from a CD and additionally includes a USB slot for direct connection to MP3 players.

Pop off the Wrangler's external hood latches, raise it up, and you'll find a 3.8-liter SMPI V6 that gives you those 202 horsepower and 237 lb-ft of torque I spoke of earlier, which isn't just useful for climbing boulders. The fact that much of this engine's torque is delivered at such low

Curbs aren't the slightest of problem with these beefy all-terrain tires. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

revs makes it just as handy in busy traffic in the downtown core. The brakes are quite good too. With a short first gear ratio, gear changes occur frequently, making it one of the more engaging vehicles to drive, but the Wrangler has a light clutch pedal with plenty of travel which makes it easy to modulate, resulting in one of the easiest sticks to drive in traffic. For those that don't like the proposition of shifting the six-speed manual, there is also the option of having a four-speed automatic transmission. Overall it is a surprisingly practical vehicle for the hectic city life of an everyday motorist. With the Freedom Top up and secured, the Wrangler is quieter and more refined than it's ever been. Mind you, that's all relative to what you're comparing it to.

For being a vehicle geared towards “out of city” driving, the Wrangler still makes a lot of sense in the city. The ride height is one of its most appealing characteristics, as it's fun to tower over everyone, not to mention the overall visibility is quite good. Safety features are becoming more important on any vehicle and the Wrangler keeps up with the rest of the segment, with four-wheel anti-lock brakes and electronic stability program. It certainly puts it in the market for daily driving if you can put up with its raw, bumpy character. Other important features include the Electronic Roll Mitigation system, side impact door beams and multi-stage airbag system, all providing added safety when veering off the road unintentionally. Added options such as power windows and door locks (both of which are firsts) keep the Wrangler up with the times, but don't compromise its ability to be converted into a mud slinging rock crawler. The Wrangler isn't even particularly expensive either, with prices starting at under $20,000 making it accessible to most people in the market for a 4X4, let alone an economy car. Even with the SIRIUS Satellite Radio and MyGig system, it remained under $30,000 before PDI and freight.

This latest generation Wrangler is really impressive. Jeep has truly stepped up its game, providing a well-rounded off-roading vehicle. What's more is that despite the addition of new features, it hasn't lost its die-hard character at all. It succeeds in remaining true to the Jeep heritage while moving forward with convenience and luxury trends. There is no substitute for its all around use and practicality as an urban utility vehicle and its adventurous roots as an off-roading machine. Overlooking the lack of overindulgent luxuries and fighting off the urge to take it back to its natural habitat in the dirt, the Jeep Wrangler Sahara is a force to be reckoned with.

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