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2006 Jeep Wrangler Full Review
Date Published: 10/01/08
2006 Jeep Wrangler Review
Jeep's tradition-bound compact SUV revives the Golden Eagle moniker as an option package for 2006. Wrangler comes in regular-length SE, X, Sport, and Rubicon trim levels. The extended-length Unlimited and Unlimited Rubicon ride on 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, which is newly available on SE, X, and Sport, features a fold-back forward section for a sunroof effect. The SE comes with a 147-hp 4-cyl engine. Other Wranglers have a 190-hp inline 6-cyl that's optional on SE. A 6-speed manual transmission 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. ABS is available only on the Sport. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags are unavailable. The Golden Eagle Edition has off-road tires and unique trim. Rubicon and Unlimited Rubicon are intended for severe off-road use and come with off-road tires, front and rear locking differentials, and low-ratio gearing.
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 Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sportage, and Subaru Forester.

Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Rav4 are new or significantly redesigned.
News
Wrangler is redesigned for 2007 with increased size and power, carefully evolved styling, and a first-ever 4-dr body style. Both the new Unlimited and the traditional 2-dr Wrangler come in X, Sahara and Rubicon trim. All use a 205-hp 3.8-liter V6, replacing a standard 4-cyl and optional 4.0-liter inline-6. Transmissions comprise a new 6-speed manual and an optional 4-speed automatic. Two-dr models grow five inches longer and wider on a 2-inch longer, 95.4-inch wheelbase. The 4-dr Unlimited, replacing a like-named 2006 2-dr, rides a 116-inch wheelbase and is 20.6 inches longer overall. Standard wheels go from 15 to 16 inches, with 17s and 18s newly available. Stability control with rollover sensors debuts on the options list. As usual, there's a choice of 2WD and on-demand 4WD with low-range gearing but no on-road capability. Jeep claims significantly better frame and body stiffness for the new Wranglers, which retain Jeep-traditional solid axles at each end. Pricing won't be announced until shortly before this fall's on-sale date. Keep checking back with us for further details.

Meantime, Jeep is apparently still mulling a pickup truck like the recent Gladiator concept. It would probably be built on the new 4-dr Unlimited chassis. If approved, the pickup would be a 2008 or '09 model, sources say. Jeep last offered a pickup in 1992.
2006 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 4.5

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. Towing capacity is 3500 lb on Unlimiteds; 2000 lb on X, Sport, and Rubicon; 1000 lb on SE.
Fuel Economy

SE, 4-cyl man. Sport, man. Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. Unlimited, auto. Class Average
4 3 2 3 4.9

Wrangler is fairly heavy, certainly not aerodynamic. Test 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 4.7

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 vehicle's, 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 4.1

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 5.6

Logically grouped, easy to see. Good outward vision, though plastic side and rear windows are 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 5.8

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 4.6

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
5 5 5 6 7.3

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.
Value within Class

SE, 4-cyl man. Sport, man. Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. Unlimited, auto. Class Average
3 2 2 2 6.3

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

SE, 4-cyl man. Sport, man. Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. Unlimited, auto. Class Average
32 30 29 34 52.5
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
29
Average Score
52
High Score
62
2006 Jeep Wrangler Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/26/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
SE 2-door convertible $18,390 $17,105 $660
X 2-door convertible $20,650 $19,287 $660
Sport 2-door convertible $23,540 $21,446 $660
Unlimited 2-door convertible $24,295 $22,233 $660
Rubicon 2-door convertible $27,930 $25,353 $660
Unlimited Rubicon 2-door convertible $28,930 $26,358 $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, full-length center console.
Sport adds to X:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, full metal doors w/roll-up windows, 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.
Heavy-duty shock absorbers, 30x9.5R15 all-terrain white-letter tires, alloy wheels.
Rubicon/Unlimited Rubicon adds to Sport:
Powertrain
Front and rear heavy-duty locking differentials, Dana 44 front and rear axles.
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
65th Anniversary Edition
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.
Golden Eagle Group
Sport
$1,450
$1,276
Tire and Wheel Group AAS plus spare-tire cover, unique interior and exterior trim, badging.
Brake and Traction Group
Sport
$435
$383
Trac-Loc axle, special axle ratio, 4-wheel disc brakes. Requires Tire and Wheel Group AAS.
Tire and Wheel Group AAS
Sport
$670
$590
Five alloy wheels, heavy-duty shock absorbers, heavy-duty 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. 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.
Sunrider soft top
SE, Sport, X
$250
$220
Std. Unlimited, 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
Cruise control
Rubicon/Unlimited Rubicon, Sport, Unlimited, X
$300
$264
Includes leather-wrapped steering wheel. NA SE.
AM/FM radio w/6-disc CD changer
Rubicon/Unlimited Rubicon, Sport, Unlimited
$300
$264
Unlimited requires upgraded sound system. NA SE, X.
Premium Audio Group
X, Unlimited
$595
$524
AM/FM radio w/6-disc CD changer, upgraded sound system.
Upgraded sound system
X, Unlimited, Unlimited Rubicon
$295
$260
Includes 7 speakers, tweeter, subwoofer. Std. Sport, Rubicon.
Satellite radio
Rubicon/Unlimited Rubicon, Sport, Unlimited, X
$195
$172
Includes one year service. NA w/antilock brakes. NA SE.
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
Locking fuel filler cap
Rubicon/Unlimited Rubicon, SE, Sport, Unlimited, X
$15
$13
Engine-block heater
Rubicon/Unlimited Rubicon, SE, Sport, Unlimited, X
$35
$31
Deep-tinted rear windows
X
$240
$211
Side steps
Sport, Unlimited
$150
$132
Special paint
Rubicon/Unlimited Rubicon, SE, Sport, Unlimited, X
$150
$132
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
P225/75R15 all-terrain white-letter tires
X
$310
$273
Front and rear tow hooks
SE, X
$60
$53
2006 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. 154.9 167.0
Overall Width, in. 66.7 76.3
Overall Height, in. 71.2 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 18/20 16/20
4-speed automatic --/-- 16/20
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 3/36,000 $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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