2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Quick Spin

For the uninitiated, a Jeep Wrangler is easy to criticize. Once you get past its classic World War II-era design, wide-open convertible top, and astounding off-road capability, there’s little to recommend to the Average Joe. Wranglers are raucous, rough-riding, unrefined conveyances with few creature comforts. Raising and lowering the top is a hassle, it’s difficult to climb into and out of, and paved-road handling is sloppy at best.

Wrangler aficionados will reply: “You wouldn’t understand. It’s a Jeep Thing.” They’d point out the Wrangler’s incredible off-road performance, one-with-nature convertible top combined with removable doors and a folding windshield, and how it signifies both a carefree lifestyle and good ‘ol American patriotism all in one package. And they’re right, but one Wrangler shortcoming that everyone agrees needs to be addressed is that of space for both passengers and stuff. A Wrangler accommodates two people just fine, but adding rear seat passengers and more cargo is simply not advisable, effectively limiting the Jeep’s practicality to that of a Mini Cooper.

Halfway through the 2004 model year, Jeep addressed the shortage of space by introducing the Wrangler Unlimited, a stretched version of the venerable classic that makes it much easier to share the joy of Jeeping with friends – and their belongings.