This week in The Garage: 2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon

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With vehicles, like many other things in life, one either gets it, or one doesn’t. JEEP is one of those polarizing brands that people either don’t understand or they love the brand concept so much that they are willing to look past a few flaws interesting character traits.

The first time I drove the full length Wrangler in the Rubicon flavor was at last year’s IMPA test days, when it flat out outperformed every other product on offer in the Pocono Mountains. Sure, Land Rover brought some pretty capable rides, but much of their prowess came by means of high tech trickery while the Rubicon did it all without electronic aids. That means there is less to let you down on the trail should you push things a bit too far.

Over the next week, we’ll be seeing how the Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon manages in the urban jungle. Are the BFG Mud Terrain tires livable? Is the ride rock crawler ride acceptable for a daily commute?

Of course, here in Ontario we had a hellish winter and were lucky to have warmth and sunshine over the last two weekends. Now that I have a vehicle with a removable roof, it is pouring rain! No matter though, we’ll be getting the Rubi out on the trails tomorrow to dirty it up a bit. All in the name of a great photo or two of course!

Off road test: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon

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Like most guys, I’ve always had a fondness for Jeeps. The classic looks, coupled with off road capability brings to mind thoughts of cruising down to Baja with a blonde and a surfboard. As often happens with such fantasies though, reality is a whole different image. There is little place for a 4 passenger convertible in a family of five. Why oh why can’t they just add another seat to the classic Jeep body style. Hey wait! They’ve done just that! The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is a 4 door, 5 passenger machine with rough and ready looks and a removable top to boot. Maybe I’ve gone to heaven.
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