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2008 Jeep Wrangler Full Review
Date Published: 9/09/08
2008 Jeep Wrangler Review
The 2008 Jeep Wrangler gets no major changes following its 2007 redesign. This off-road-ready SUV is offered in 2-door or Unlimited 4-door form. Trim levels include X, Sahara, and Rubicon. All Wranglers are available with a folding soft top or a removable hardtop. All have a 3.8-liter V6 engine. Two-door Wranglers have 202 hp; Unlimiteds have 205. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, a 4-speed automatic is optional. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb for the Unlimited, 2000 otherwise. The 2-door models are 4-wheel drive only. Unlimiteds come with rear drive or 4WD. Wrangler's 4WD system should not be left engaged on dry pavement but includes a low-range gear for off-roading. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front side airbags. For severe off-road use, Wrangler can be equipped with an electronic-disconnecting front stabilizer bar, locking differentials, and specific tires.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically 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; some offer seating for seven.

Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Saturn Vue, and Toyota RAV4.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Jeep Liberty, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Rogue, and Saturn Vue.

News
Wrangler's 2007 redesign reportedly sees little change through model-year 2010 at least. At most, look for a few new features and trim options.

Prospects have lately dimmed for a Wrangler-based pickup along the lines of the 2005 concept Gladiator. Chrysler Group executives are said to fear it might be as tough to sell as Dodge Dakotas are now. If the Jeep is approved, sources say it could appear as a 2009 model.
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2008 Jeep Wrangler Road Test
Pros Cons
Maneuverability Entry/exit
Off-road performance (w/4WD) Noise
Rear-seat comfort (2-dr model)
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

4WD X, automatic 4WD Sahara, manual 4WD Unlimited Sahara, automatic 4WD Unlimited Rubicon w/navigation, automatic Class Average
4 4 4 4 4.6

All Wranglers are lackadaisical off the line, needing generous throttle input in order to build speed. There's no abundance of passing power. All models offer similar acceleration, regardless of body style or transmission. The throttle automatically adjusts for off-road use, smoothing progress in severe conditions.
Fuel Economy

4WD X, automatic 4WD Sahara, manual 4WD Unlimited Sahara, automatic 4WD Unlimited Rubicon w/navigation, automatic Class Average
3 5 4 4 5.1

In Consumer Guide testing, 2-door Wranglers with manual-transmission averaged 17.5-19.5 mpg in city/highway driving, 21.3 with more highway use. Similar models with the automatic transmission averaged 15.4 mpg. A test Unlimited Rubicon averaged 16.1 mpg in mostly highway driving. Wrangler uses regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality

4WD X, automatic 4WD Sahara, manual 4WD Unlimited Sahara, automatic 4WD Unlimited Rubicon w/navigation, automatic Class Average
3 3 4 3 5

Bumpy pavement can trigger bouncy feel and wayward body motions. Wrangler is surprisingly cushioned on sharp ruts and ridges. Unlimited's longer wheelbase quells some of the unwanted motions. Little ride-quality difference among available tire sizes; even Rubicon's off-road treads and suspension tuning feel reasonably absorbent on broken pavement.
Steering/Handling/Braking

4WD X, automatic 4WD Sahara, manual 4WD Unlimited Sahara, automatic 4WD Unlimited Rubicon w/navigation, automatic Class Average
3 3 3 3 4.7

Wrangler exhibits some body lean and noseplow in even moderate-speed cornering. The steering is light and slow in directional changes, and these SUVs are subject to crosswind wander. Slightly mushy brake pedal feel. Off-road testing shows Wrangler in its best light. Its suspension design and array of traction-assisting technology subdues most every obstacle.
Quietness

4WD X, automatic 4WD Sahara, manual 4WD Unlimited Sahara, automatic 4WD Unlimited Rubicon w/navigation, automatic Class Average
2 3 3 2 4.6

Engine sounds gruff accelerating, but is quiet while cruising. With the soft top, wind, road, and traffic noise intrudes. The hardtop calms things, but by no large measure, and its hard-surface headliner leaves the cabin vulnerable to empty-drum echoing.
Controls

4WD X, automatic 4WD Sahara, manual 4WD Unlimited Sahara, automatic 4WD Unlimited Rubicon w/navigation, automatic Class Average
4 4 4 4 6

The gauges are unobstructed, but some testers find them slightly undersized. Climate, audio, navigation controls are easy to reach and use, though the switches for locking differentials and other off-road aids are set too low for easy operation. Sunlight and dust obscure the navigation screen. Stalks for the wipers, turn signals, and headlamps are a bit far from the steering wheel. Power window buttons are relegated to the central dashboard/rear of center console.
Details

4WD X, automatic 4WD Sahara, manual 4WD Unlimited Sahara, automatic 4WD Unlimited Rubicon w/navigation, automatic Class Average
5 5 5 5 5

Though the cabin is devoid of padded surfaces, the weight and texture of most panels imparts a rugged, sporty ambiance.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

4WD X, automatic 4WD Sahara, manual 4WD Unlimited Sahara, automatic 4WD Unlimited Rubicon w/navigation, automatic Class Average
5 5 5 5 6.1

Lots of headroom and good cabin width. The seats are firm and generally comfortable, though they need more lumbar support. The 2-door's driver seat may not slide far enough back for those long of leg. Step in is high, but the doors open 90 degrees. The soft top is a chore to raise or lower. The hardtop has clever removable panels for a true open-air feel. Visibility is obstructed by rear headrests, spare tire, and on hardtop, by center roof pillars and rear wiper motor.
Room/Comfort (rear)

4WD X, automatic 4WD Sahara, manual 4WD Unlimited Sahara, automatic 4WD Unlimited Rubicon w/navigation, automatic Class Average
2 2 3 3 4.8

The seat is hard, uncomfortably upright, and short of thigh support. Foot space is stingy in both body styles. Knee space is tight in the 2-door. Unlimiteds have 1.6 inches more rear legroom, but overall room is still not generous. Entry and exit is tough in the 2-door. The Unlimited's small doorways disappoint.
Cargo Room

4WD X, automatic 4WD Sahara, manual 4WD Unlimited Sahara, automatic 4WD Unlimited Rubicon w/navigation, automatic Class Average
8 8 9 9 8.1

Room is minimal behind the 2-door's rear seat; wagon-like behind the Unlimited's. On both, the rear seat tumbles forward for more space and removes for generous volume, but is heavy. The load floor is flat, but high off the ground. Swing-out tailgate's hinges lack detents to keep it open on slanted surfaces. Interior storage is limited to a somewhat large glovebox.
Value within Class

4WD X, automatic 4WD Sahara, manual 4WD Unlimited Sahara, automatic 4WD Unlimited Rubicon w/navigation, automatic Class Average
3 3 3 3 5.9

This Jeep remains a limited-purpose machine. Off road, it's a finely honed tool. On road, it's best considered a fun-in-the-sun runabout.
Total Score

4WD X, automatic 4WD Sahara, manual 4WD Unlimited Sahara, automatic 4WD Unlimited Rubicon w/navigation, automatic Class Average
42 45 47 45 59.9
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
42
Average Score
59
High Score
71
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2008 Jeep Wrangler Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/30/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
4WD X 2-door convertible $18,980 $17,887 $700
2WD Unlimited X 4-door convertible $20,900 $19,674 $700
4WD Unlimited X 4-door convertible $22,900 $21,494 $700
4WD Sahara 2-door convertible $24,435 $22,362 $700
2WD Unlimited Sahara 4-door convertible $25,810 $23,626 $700
4WD Unlimited Sahara 4-door convertible $27,810 $25,406 $700
4WD Rubicon 2-door convertible $27,540 $25,126 $700
4WD Unlimited Rubicon 4-door convertible $29,855 $27,226 $700
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
X
Powertrain
3.8-liter V6 engine, 6-speed manual transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, tire-pressure monitor, roll bar.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning (Unlimited), tilt steering wheel, vinyl upholstery (2-door), cloth upholstery (Unlimited), front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat (Unlimited), center console, split folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, tachometer, full metal door w/roll-up windows, variable-intermittent wipers, carpeting.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates, outside-mounted full-size spare tire, P225/75R16 on/off-road tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Sahara adds to X:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, height-adjustable driver seat, power windows (Unlimited), power door locks (Unlimited), remote keyless entry (Unlimited), Infinity sound system, satellite radio, compass, outside-temperature indicator, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, side steps, rear privacy glass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front and rear tow hooks, heavy-duty suspension, P255/70R18 on/off-road white-letter tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Rubicon adds to X:
Powertrain
4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case w/4:1 low range, front and rear heavy-duty locking differentials.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, height-adjustable driver seat, Infinity sound system, satellite radio, compass, outside-temperature indicator, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front and rear tow hooks, front sway bar disconnect, off-road suspension, LT255/75R17 on/off-road tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Quick Order Pkg. 23/24S
Unlimited X
$1,815
$1,597
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, outside-temperature indicator, compass, floormats, rear privacy glass, fog lights, front and rear tow hooks, heavy-duty suspension, P255/75R17 on/off-road white-letter tires, alloy wheels.
Power Convenience Group
Unlimited X, Unlimited Rubicon
$800
$704
2-door
$585
$515
Power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, alarm. X requires Quick Order Pkg. 23/24S.
Black Appearance Group
X 2-door
$620
$530
Unlimited X
$685
$580
Black fuel filler door/taillight guards/side steps.
Chrome Edition Group
Unlimited X
$1,035
$875
2-door
$920
$780
Chrome fuel filler door/taillight guards/side steps.
Trailer Tow Group
X
$295
$260
X automatic
$245
$216
Sahara automatic, Unlimited Rubicon
$220
$194
Sahara
$270
$238
Special axle ratio, 4-pin connector, receiver hitch. Deletes rear tow hook.
Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission
Rubicon, Sahara, X
$825
$726
Limited-slip differential
X, Sahara
$295
$260
X 2-door requires a Quick Order Pkg.
Locking rear axle
4WD X
$750
$660
Special axle ratio
Rubicon, Sahara, X
$50
$44
Safety
Front side airbags
Rubicon, Sahara, X
$490
$431
X requires Quick Order Pkg. 23/24S.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Hardtop
Unlimited, X 2-door w/Pkg. 23/24S
$695
$612
2-door
$945
$832
Soft top and hardtop
Rubicon, Sahara, X
$1,585
$1,395
X requires Quick Order Pkg. 23/24S.
Half metal doors
Rubicon, Sahara, X
$0
$0
X 2-door requires a Quick Order Pkg. NA Unlimited Sahara. NA w/Power Convenience Group, hardtop, soft top and hardtop.
Air conditioning
X 2-door
$895
$788
My GIG Multimedia
Sahara, Rubicon
$1,275
$1,122
Navigation system w/voice recognition, hard drive, traffic information.
AM/FM radio w/6-disc CD/DVD/MP3 changer
Rubicon, Sahara, X
$350
$308
X requires Quick Order Pkg. 23/24S.
Infinity sound system
X
$395
$348
Satellite radio
Rubicon, Sahara, X
$195
$172
X requires a Quick Order Pkg. 23/24S.
Remote engine start
Sahara, Rubicon
$185
$163
Sahara 2-door, Rubicon require Power Convenience Group, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Convertible top w/sunroof
X 2-door
$250
$220
Std. Unlimited X.
Smoker's Group
Rubicon, Sahara, X
$30
$26
Ash tray, lighter.
Floormats
2-door
$30
$26
Unlimited
$50
$44
X requires Quick Order Pkg.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights
X 2-door
$120
$106
Requires Quick Order Pkg. 23/24S, front and rear tow hooks.
Rear privacy glass
Rubicon
$300
$264
Engine-block heater
Rubicon, Sahara, X
$35
$31
Special paint
Rubicon, Sahara, X
$150
$132
Premium paint
Rubicon, Sahara, X
$225
$198
Side steps
X
$395
$348
Requires Quick Order Pkg. 23/24S.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front and rear tow hooks
X
$75
$66
X w/Trailer Tow Group
$50
$44
Front sway bar disconnect
4WD X
$750
$660
Requires locking rear differential. Requires Quick Order Pkg. 23/24S.
P245/75R16 on/off-road white-letter tires
X
$150
$132
Requires 16-inch alloy wheels.
16-inch alloy wheels
X
$425
$374
Requires P245/75R16 on/off-road white-letter tires.
17-inch alloy wheels
X
$275
$242
Requires Preferred Equipment Pkg. 23/24S.
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2008 Jeep Wrangler Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Jeep Wrangler 2-door convertible Jeep Wrangler 4-door convertible
Wheelbase, in. 95.4 116.0
Overall Length, in. 152.8 173.4
Overall Width, in. 73.7 73.9
Overall Height, in. 70.9 70.9
Curb Weight, lbs. 3760 4075
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 61.2 86.8
Standard Payload, lbs. -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 19.0 22.0
Seating Capacity 4 5
Front Head Room, in. 41.3 41.3
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.0 41.0
Rear Head Room, in. 40.3 40.4
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 35.6 37.2
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  ohv V6
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.8 /231
Horsepower @ rpm. 202 @ 5000
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 237 @ 4000
Availability Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
 
6-speed manual 15/19
4-speed automatic 15/19
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 4-door convertible
4WD Rollover 3 3
Front Impact, Driver 5 5
Front Impact, Passenger 5 5
Rollover Resistance 4 4
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 Lifetime/-- --
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, rear-wheel drive

Tester's Comments
Vehicle Evaluated:  2008 Jeep Wrangler
Trim Level:  Rubicon
Arrival Date:  03/03/2008
Engine:  ohv V6
Bodystyle:  2-door convertible
Transmission:  4-speed automatic
4WD/AWD:  Yes
Base Price:  $27,220
Price as Tested:  $32,015
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  6071
Mileage at End of Test:  6543
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  30.703 gals.
 

Major Options:  Trailer Tow Group, Power Locks and Power Windows, Supplemental Front Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags, MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System w/Navigation, SIRIUS Traffic, Black Soft Top, Remote Start

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  15.37 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Jack Stewart The Wrangler Rubicon is great for those who drive it off-road, but its rough ride and limited back-seat and cargo room make it a poor choice for a daily driver.

Jennifer Geiger Wrangler Rubicon's uncomfortable, sometimes punishing ride reinforced the fact that it is definitely not a daily driver, but it really isn't intended to be. While I had no opportunity to test Wrangler's off-road prowess in downtown Chicago, its pot hole quashing ability (and there are too many to count lately) did impress!

John Biel The Wrangler can't be considered a desirable day-in/day-out vehicle--unless, of course, your daily commute is in a location where there are no roads. In that case, what else would you drive?

Lynne Richman If you are passionate about off roading, you can excuse the rough ride and military look of this vehicle. But if you can only purchase one car, have small children in car seats, transport older adults, and are above the age of 25, you should consider looking at other midsize SUVs and crossovers.

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