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Jeep Wrangler

Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sport

Jeep and cheerful, or Jeep and nasty? It is always been tricky to categorise the Wrangler. Old-fashioned and crude, the legendary off-roader is nonetheless one of the best-value models around, with a 4.0-litre straight-six engine and classless looks for £16,100.

By Craig Cheetham

March 2005

Jeep and cheerful, or Jeep and nasty? It is always been tricky to categorise the Wrangler. Old-fashioned and crude, the legendary off-roader is nonetheless one of the best-value models around, with a 4.0-litre straight-six engine and classless looks for ΂£16,100.

And now Jeep has made the car an even more attractive package, thanks to a new standard six-speed manual gearbox and anti-lock brakes across the range. The transmission is a significant development, as the old version was vague and heavy to use. The new set-up is still a touch notchy, but is far more positive, and you no longer need to hunt for ratios when changing down.

Gearbox aside, little has changed. Jeep says there is no point messing with a legend, and to a certain extent we are inclined to agree. However, some of the Wrangler's negatives are too severe to ignore, notably the dreadful cabin plastic quality and cheap-feeling door handles. These would be easy to address without sacrificing essential Jeep DNA.

So the Wrangler remains an acquired taste. It is better to drive and fine value for money, but its old-fashioned features mean you buy it for fun, not as a genuine alternative to other small SUVs.

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FIRST OPINION

    The Wrangler's timeless rugged looks and off-road ability continue to appeal, while the price is also highly attractive. But Jeep's icon remains flawed in some critical areas.
 
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