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!