• Year: 2003
• Make: Jeep
• Model: Wrangler
• Trim: X
• Body style: SUV 4X4
• Mileage: 66502
• Engine: 6 Cyl. 4.0
• Trans: 5 Speed Manual
• Exterior Color: Patriot Blue Pearlcoat/Black Soft Top
• Interior Color: Dark Slate Gray
• Stock: AW084
• VIN: 1J4FA39S03P363210

As for the other Wrangler versions, Jeep expects to sell some 60,000 during model year 2003. A legitimate sport utility vehicle, this model may not easily take to the highway, but will happily take drivers as far down the trail as they want to go.

We went to Moab, Utah, to drive the new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon over some of the best and most varied four-wheeling trails in America. Here, in the heart of the Colorado plateau, are thousands of miles of backcountry tracks, most left over from mining days. We motored across the mixed topography of deserts and canyons with the 13,000-foot La Sal Mountains in the backdrop. We traversed trails that ranged from a difficulty of No. 1 (unimproved or rarely graded roads that call for four-wheel drive or extra clearance in places, but require no special driving skills) to a No. 5 (locking differentials and front and rear tow hooks necessary for passage, winch recommended, expert driving skills demanded). Note: This trail rating system is different from other 4WD trail ratings in the U.S., which range from 1-10, with the Rubicon Trail rated a 10. We put the Rubicon to the test on trails such as Hell's Revenge, Cliff Hanger, Metal Masher, and Top of the World, which travel through forest, desert, steep ravines and rims, rivers, mountains, and Moab's famous slick rock.

The Wrangler Rubicon performed flawlessly in the rough and rugged. It boasts a cadre of 4WD technology that includes a transfer case designed with a 4:1 low range (the previous off-road version was 3.73:1), which delivers more power at the slow speeds required for off-road driving. Locking differentials, actuated when the driver presses a switch on the dash, prevent power from being directed away from the tires with the best grip. Dana model 44 axles, considered by enthusiasts to be the cream of the crop, come standard on the Rubicon model and are strong enough to handle all manner of off-road conditions.

We drove the new smooth-shifting automatic transmission, as well as the well-geared five-speed manual transmission, and both match up well to the inline six-cylinder engine. Jeep's inline-6 produces ample power in all conditions: 190 horses at 4600 rpm and 235 lbs.-ft. of torque at 3200 rpm.

Boasting Big Foot stature in a mini footprint, the Rubicon wears aggressive Goodyear Wrangler 31-inch tires that help it achieve more than 10 inches of ground clearance on a short (93.4-inch) wheelbase, which makes this a nimble vehicle in the backcountry. Added to that are laudable approach (45-degree), departure (34 degree), and ramp breakover (25-degree) angles. This means you can drive up, down and over steep grades, tall boulders and fallen logs with greater ease.

Off the trail, driving the Rubicon is another matter. The tall tires and off-road suspension, which add capability in the backcountry, become a liability around town. The ride is harsh and choppy. It's a tall step up to get inside and a long reach to access gear stowed in the rear seats. On the plus side, however, is a torque-sensing limited-slip feature on the rear axle for better traction on the road.

We also drove a Wrangler SE with the new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. There's not much power here and we wouldn't want to drive all the way across the U.S. in one, but it is an appealing vehicle. The low-cut doors and soft top are cool and it's a more comfortable vehicle than before. And the low price is attractive.

Inside, the Jeep Wrangler's space is spartan but highly functional. New seat designs and fabrics make it more comfortable. A dark gray or khaki interior, four-spoke steering wheel and padded sport bar give the Wrangler its unmistakably utilitarian look, while a simple dash with 12-volt power outlet adds functionality. All models come with a weatherproofed interior that features removable drain plugs for hosing out the interior.

The Wrangler remains miles away from luxurious, but improvements for 2003 make the interior more comfortable. Softer trim pieces inside offer improved head protection. A new electrochromic rearview mirror with map lights and compass display should help keep you on the intended route. New corner pods located just behind the B-pillar on both sides of the Wrangler house interior lamps, providing theater lighting. Optional roof speakers are available.

A new center stack with new radios improve functionality. The rear view mirror is now electrochromic; it automatically dims when headlights shine on it, which is an important feature when the top is off.

A redesigned front seat offers 20 additional millimeters of rearward travel, allowing taller drivers to sit a more comfortable distance from the steering wheel. A new, more easily removable fold-and-tumble rear seat is equipped with the LATCH (Lower Anchors and upper Tethers for CHildren) system for mounting child safety seats directly to the structure of the seat. Also, the seatbacks are higher, which improve safety for taller people.

Research firm J.D. Power and Associates gave the 2001 Wrangler high scores for the quality of its interior features (such as the seats, windshield wipers, door locks, heater, air conditioner, and stereo system), and that should be improved further for 2003.

New Rubicon is factory-prepared for America's gnarliest trails.

Jeep Wrangler is an icon, one of the most widely recognizable vehicle in the world. That hasn't changed. All boast distinctive round headlamps. Uplevel models come with front fog lamps and bumpers and wheel wells in a contrasting color.

A few additions to the exterior distinguish the Rubicon from others in the lineup. A 22-inch long nameplate is prominently emblazoned on either side of the hood. Heavy-gauge diamond plate sill guards are bolted to the body sides to protect rocker panels from the damage and dings of rocks and stumps in the backcountry. Goodyear Wrangler 31-inch tires are mounted on new 16-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels with a dished face to protect them from debris and obstacles. Ten inches of ground clearance helps the Rubicon traverse the trail.

One of the biggest decisions when buying a Wrangler is selecting the top. Purists prefer the soft top, a high-quality piece of equipment that can be configured according to the weather. Folding the top down takes only a third of the time it took before a redesigned top was introduced for 2001. If a screwdriver is handy, the windshield can be flipped down for breezy, low-speed touring in the back country.

The optional hard top is more practical and offers better protection from weather. It comes with full-height doors and roll-up windows. Rearward visibility is aided by the rear-window defroster, wiper and washer. Wind noise is greatly reduced. The top can be removed.

For those who want the best of both worlds, Jeep offers a package that includes both hard top and soft top in matching colors. Either top is far easier to remove or install than those of pre-2001 models and provides much better sealing from the elements.

The new exterior mirrors are made of plastic, which Jeep engineers say holds up better than metal when going off road.

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