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2005 Jeep Wrangler Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
2005 Jeep Wrangler Review
Availability of a 6-speed manual transmission marks 2005 for Jeep's tradition-bound compact SUV. Wrangler comes in regular-length SE, X, Sport, and Rubicon trim levels. The extended-length Unlimited and Unlimited Rubicon ride a 10-inch-longer wheelbase and are 15 inches longer overall. Unlimited's additional length adds 1.4 inches of rear leg room and more cargo volume behind the rear seat. Wranglers are available with a soft top and plastic side windows or with an extra-cost hardtop with glass windows; Unlimited's soft top features a fold-back forward section for a sunroof effect. The SE comes with a 147-hp 4-cyl engine. All other Wranglers have a 190-hp inline 6-cyl that's optional on SE. A 6-speed manual transmission replaces a 5-speed and is standard on all models. A 4-speed automatic is optional with the 6-cyl. All Wranglers have 4WD that should not be left engaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. 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 curtain side airbags aren't offered. A 30-inch tire package is standard on Unlimited, optional on Sport. Rubicon and Unlimited Rubicon are intended for severe off-road use and come with 31-inch-equivalent off-road tires, front and rear locking differentials, and low-ratio gearing. Towing capacity is 3500 lb on Unlimiteds; 2000 on X, Sport, and Rubicon; 1000 on SE.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles.

Our Best Buys include the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and the Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are the Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, and Subaru Forester.
News
Sources see a redesigned Wrangler for 2007--and a first-ever 4-dr version on an extended wheelbase. Both share a new platform and boxy "traditional Jeep" styling, the latter confirmed by recent spy photos. The 4-dr seems much like the 2004 Rescue concept in size and appearance, and some believe it will carry that name to stand apart from the 2-dr. Tight 3rd-row seating could be available. The 2-dr should be somewhat larger than the current Wrangler, though it's unclear if the long-wheelbase Unlimited will return. There's talk of a fixed roof replacing today's soft-top and liftoff-hardtop options, but that would be tough to do with a fold-down windshield, a traditional feature that reportedly carries over. As for engines, Wrangler is expected to offer a standard 150-hp 2.4-liter 4-cyl engine and a 3.7-liter V6 option. The heavier Rescue would likely have the V6 standard, and a 4.7-liter V8 may be optional for both. Spinoff pickups are also being rumored, perhaps even short- and long-box versions on the appropriate wheelbases.
2005 Jeep Wrangler Road Test
Pros Cons
Maneuverability Fuel economy
Off-road performance Noise
Ride
Entry/exit
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

SE, 4-cyl man. Sport, man. Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. Unlimited, auto. Class Average
3 4 4 4 4.3

Most buyers choose a 6-cyl model; they get adequate acceleration with either transmission, though automatic tends to upshift too soon, downshift too late for best throttle response. Unlimited weighs 250 lb more than Sport, doesn't feel appreciably slower. Sluggish off the line, the 4-cyl has adequate merging and passing response, is smoother than the six.
Fuel Economy

SE, 4-cyl man. Sport, man. Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. Unlimited, auto. Class Average
4 3 2 3 4.8

Wrangler is fairly heavy, certainly not aerodynamic. Test '04 6-cyl manual-transmission Sport averaged 15.2 mpg, even in mostly highway driving. Test 6-cyl/automatic-transmission Rubicon averaged just 13.0, Unlimited 15.0, Rubicon Unlimited just 12.0. No opportunity to measure with 4-cyl.
Ride Quality

SE, 4-cyl man. Sport, man. Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. Unlimited, auto. Class Average
3 2 2 3 4.5

Standard 15-inch tires provide relatively compliant passage over bumps, but absorbency suffers with larger wheel-tire combinations. Bigger issue is short wheelbase and off-road-ready suspension: they trigger abrupt vertical motions even on apparently smooth roads. Unlimited models' longer wheelbase improves ride quality some.
Steering/Handling/Braking

SE, 4-cyl man. Sport, man. Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. Unlimited, auto. Class Average
3 3 2 3 4.7

Very maneuverable at slow speeds, but body lean prevalent as speed increases. Rugged suspension causes skittish cornering on bumpy pavement. Unlimited has less-jittery road manners, but still far from carlike. Steering less precise than typical passenger vehicles', and Rubicon models' tall tires feel sloppier on-road than other Wranglers. Four-wheel disc brakes deliver good pedal modulation, enhanced stopping power.
Quietness

SE, 4-cyl man. Sport, man. Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. Unlimited, auto. Class Average
1 1 2 2 4

Sparse insulation. Lots of wind noise with soft top, somewhat less with hardtop, but copious tire noise drums through. Unlimited models have extra sound deadening, but conversation at highway speeds still requires raised voices.
Controls

SE, 4-cyl man. Sport, man. Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. Unlimited, auto. Class Average
4 4 4 4 5.5

Logically grouped, easy to see. Good outward vision, though plastic side and rear windows prone to scratching, clouding. Power mirrors are unavailable. Driver's elbow can hit center-console armrest when shifting manual transmission. Solid workmanship, durable materials. Soft-top operation a time-consuming adventure of zippers, fasteners, struts. Unlimited's longer convertible roof even more cumbersome, though "sunroof" feature a nice idea.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SE, 4-cyl man. Sport, man. Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. Unlimited, auto. Class Average
4 4 4 4 5.7

No excess elbow room. Terrific head clearance with either top. Seats firm, supportive, but too low for shorter drivers who may have difficulty seeing over the wide, flat hood, and there is no height adjustment. No door armrests. Entry/exit requires big step over doorsill.
Room/Comfort (rear)

SE, 4-cyl man. Sport, man. Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. Unlimited, auto. Class Average
2 2 2 3 4.5

Two adults fit without touching shoulders, but knee room tight and seat isn't comfortable. Unlimited leg room only marginally better. Difficult entry/exit on all.
Cargo Room

SE, 4-cyl man. Sport, man. Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. Unlimited, auto. Class Average
6 6 6 7 6.7

A few grocery bags fit behind regular-length models' back seat, which folds or removes to create steamer-trunk space. Unlimiteds' cargo bay a useful 13 inches longer. Optional Add-a-Trunk unit provides locking compartment, but is unavailable on Unlimited models.
Value within Class

SE, 4-cyl man. Sport, man. Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. Unlimited, auto. Class Average
3 2 2 2 6

Wrangler is an uncomfortable, unrefined throwback. All versions have outstanding off-road ability and strong resale value, but prices are relatively steep. The Sport quickly tops $25,000, Unlimited starts at about that. Unlimiteds add precious cargo space and slightly better on-road feel without sacrificing much off-road prowess.
Total Score

SE, 4-cyl man. Sport, man. Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. Unlimited, auto. Class Average
33 31 30 35 50.7
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
30
Average Score
50
High Score
61
2005 Jeep Wrangler Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/09/2005
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
SE 2-door convertible $18,070 $16,814 $660
X 2-door convertible $20,380 $19,041 $660
Sport 2-door convertible $23,240 $21,179 $660
Unlimited 2-door convertible $23,995 $21,966 $660
Rubicon 2-door convertible $27,465 $24,939 $660
Unlimited Rubicon 2-door convertible $28,465 $25,944 $660
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
SE
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Safety
Dual front airbags, roll bar.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power steering, tilt steering wheel, vinyl upholstery, front bucket seats, mini floor console, cupholder, folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, carpeting.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates, outside-mounted full-size spare tire, P215/75R15 all-terrain tires.
X adds to SE:
Powertrain
4.0-liter 6-cylinder engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cloth upholstery.
Sport adds to X:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, full metal doors w/roll-up windows, full-length center console, upgraded sound system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deep-tinted rear windows, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front and rear tow hooks, 225/75R15 all-terrain white-letter tires.
Unlimited adds to Sport:
Powertrain
Trac-Loc axle, Dana 44 rear axle.
Safety
4-wheel disc brakes.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
10-inch-longer wheelbase.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: upgraded sound system, deep-tinted rear windows.
30x9.5R15 all-terrain white-letter tires, alloy wheels.
Rubicon/Unlimited Rubicon adds to Sport:
Powertrain
Front and rear heavy-duty locking differentials.
Safety
4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
10-inch-longer wheelbase (Unlimited Rubicon).
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Off-road suspension, LT245/75R16 on/off-road tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Rocky Mountain Edition Group
X
$2,635
$2,319
Dana 44 rear axle, special axle ratio, cloth upholstery, upgraded sound system, fog lights, fender flares, 30x9.5R15 all-terrain white-letter tires, unique alloy wheels. Requires Brake and Traction Group when ordered w/Trac-Loc axle.
Premium Quick Order Pkg. 24/25H
Unlimited
$1,670
$1,470
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, upgraded cloth upholstery, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, upgraded sound system, front floormats, theft-deterrent system, unique interior and exterior trim.
Brake and Traction Group
X, Sport
$435
$383
Trac-Loc axle, special axle ratio, 4-wheel disc brakes. X requires Rocky Mountain Edition Group.
Tire and Wheel Group AAS
Sport
$670
$590
Five alloy wheels, heavy-duty shock absorbers and rear axle, Dana 44 rear axle, 30x9.5R15 all-terrain white-letter tires.
Ecco Tire and Wheel Group
X
$575
$506
P225/75R15 all-terrain white-letter tires, alloy wheels.
Security Group
Rubicon/Unlimited Rubicon, Sport, Unlimited
$295
$260
Automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, theft-deterrent system. NA SE, X.
Powertrain
4.0-liter 6-cylinder engine
SE
$1,280
$1,126
4-speed automatic transmission
Rubicon/Unlimited Rubicon, SE, Sport, Unlimited, X
$825
$726
SE requires 4.0-liter 6-cylinder engine.
Trac-Loc axle
X, Sport
$285
$251
Sport requires antilock brakes.
Dana 44 rear axle
Sport
$310
$273
Safety
Antilock brakes
Sport
$600
$528
Requires Tire and Wheel Group AAS or Dana 44 rear axle. NA w/Brake and Traction Group.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Hardtop
X
$1,160
$1,021
Sport, Unlimited, Rubicon, Unlimited Rubicon
$795
$700
Includes full metal doors with roll-up windows (X), rear wiper/washer, deep-tinted glass, rear defogger.
Soft top and hardtop
Sport, Rubicon
$1,435
$1,263
NA Unlimited Rubicon.
Full metal doors w/roll-up windows
SE
$125
$110
Half metal doors
Rubicon, Unlimited Rubicon
$0
$0
Air conditioning
SE, X
$895
$788
Cloth upholstery
SE
$130
$114
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Rubicon/Unlimited Rubicon, Sport, Unlimited, X
$300
$264
Includes cruise control. NA SE.
Premium Audio Group
X, Unlimited
$595
$524
X w/Rocky Mountain Group
$300
$264
AM/FM radio w/6-disc CD changer, upgraded sound system.
Upgraded sound system
X, Unlimited
$295
$260
Includes 7 speakers, tweeter, subwoofer. Std. Sport, Rubicon.
Front floormats
Rubicon/Unlimited Rubicon, SE, Sport, Unlimited, X
$30
$26
Smoker's Group
Rubicon/Unlimited Rubicon, SE, Sport, Unlimited, X
$30
$26
Ash tray, lighter.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Add-A-Trunk lockable storage
Sport, Rubicon
$125
$110
NA Unlimited Rubicon.
Locking fuel filler cap
Rubicon/Unlimited Rubicon, SE, Sport, Unlimited, X
$15
$13
Deep-tinted rear windows
X
$240
$211
Side steps
Sport, Unlimited
$150
$132
Special paint
Rubicon/Unlimited Rubicon, SE, Sport, Unlimited, X
$150
$132
Engine-block heater
Rubicon/Unlimited Rubicon, SE, Sport, Unlimited, X
$35
$31
Spare-tire cover
Sport
$50
$44
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
P225/75R15 all-terrain white-letter tires
X
$310
$273
Front and rear tow hooks
SE, X
$60
$53
2005 Jeep Wrangler Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Jeep Wrangler 2-door convertible Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2-door convertible
Wheelbase, in. 93.4 103.4
Overall Length, in. 154.9 171.0
Overall Width, in. 66.7 66.7
Overall Height, in. 70.9 70.9
Curb Weight, lbs. 3200 3721
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 47.1 63.3
Standard Payload, lbs. -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 19.0 19.0
Seating Capacity 4 4
Front Head Room, in. 42.5 41.9
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 40.9 41.1
Rear Head Room, in. 39.7 40.6
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 35.3 36.7
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc I4 ohv I6
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.4 /148 4.0 /242
Horsepower @ rpm. 147 @ 5200 190 @ 4600
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 165 @ 4000 235 @ 3200
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
6-speed manual 18/21 15/19
4-speed automatic --/-- 14/18
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Jeep Wrangler 2-door convertible Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2-door convertible
Front Impact, Driver 4 NA
Front Impact, Passenger 4 NA
Rollover Resistance 4 NA
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain 7/70,000 $100 deductible per visit.
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 5/100,000 --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: 4-wheel drive
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