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2005 Jeep Wrangler
Date Published: 7/31/08

2005 Jeep Wrangler
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MSRP:
$18,070 - 28,465

Invoice:
$16,814 - 25,944

Class:
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
2005 Jeep Wrangler
Expert Rating Summary
Category SE, 4-cyl man. Rating (See All
Ratings)
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle Average Rating
Acceleration 3 4.3
Fuel Economy 4 4.8
Ride Quality 3 4.5
Steering/Handling/Braking 3 4.7
Quietness 1 4
Controls 4 5.5
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) 4 5.7
Room/Comfort (rear) 2 4.5
Cargo Room 6 6.7
Value within Class 3 6
Total Score: 33 50.7
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
2005 JEEP WRANGLER BUYING RESOURCES
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2005 Jeep Wrangler Review
Availability of a 6-speed manual transmission marks 2005 for Jeep's tradition-bound compact SUV. Wrangler comes in regular-length SE, X, Sport, and Rubicon trim levels. The extended-length Unlimited and Unlimited Rubicon ride a 10-inch-longer wheelbase and are 15 inches longer overall. Unlimited's additional length adds 1.4 inches of rear leg room and more cargo volume behind the rear seat. Wranglers are available with a soft top and plastic side windows or with an extra-cost hardtop with glass windows; Unlimited's soft top features a fold-back forward section for a sunroof effect. The SE comes with a 147-hp 4-cyl engine. All other Wranglers have a 190-hp inline 6-cyl that's optional on SE. A 6-speed manual transmission replaces a 5-speed and is standard on all models. A 4-speed automatic is optional with the 6-cyl. All Wranglers have 4WD that should not be left engaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard or optional on all but the SE and X. ABS is available only on the Sport. Front side and curtain side airbags aren't offered. A 30-inch tire package is standard on Unlimited, optional on Sport. Rubicon and Unlimited Rubicon are intended for severe off-road use and come with 31-inch-equivalent off-road tires, front and rear locking differentials, and low-ratio gearing. Towing capacity is 3500 lb on Unlimiteds; 2000 on X, Sport, and Rubicon; 1000 on SE.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are 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.

Our Best Buys include the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and the Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are the Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, and Subaru Forester.
News
Sources see a redesigned Wrangler for 2007--and a first-ever 4-dr version on an extended wheelbase. Both share a new platform and boxy "traditional Jeep" styling, the latter confirmed by recent spy photos. The 4-dr seems much like the 2004 Rescue concept in size and appearance, and some believe it will carry that name to stand apart from the 2-dr. Tight 3rd-row seating could be available. The 2-dr should be somewhat larger than the current Wrangler, though it's unclear if the long-wheelbase Unlimited will return. There's talk of a fixed roof replacing today's soft-top and liftoff-hardtop options, but that would be tough to do with a fold-down windshield, a traditional feature that reportedly carries over. As for engines, Wrangler is expected to offer a standard 150-hp 2.4-liter 4-cyl engine and a 3.7-liter V6 option. The heavier Rescue would likely have the V6 standard, and a 4.7-liter V8 may be optional for both. Spinoff pickups are also being rumored, perhaps even short- and long-box versions on the appropriate wheelbases.
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