1. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon (2007-present)
The Jeep Wrangler JK is the hottest thing to hit wheeling since, well, the Jeep Wrangler TJ. While enthusiasts initially questioned Jeep’s sanity in their decision to produce a 4-door Wrangler, it will probably go down in history as one of the smartest product moves any automotive company has ever made. In fact, the Wrangler JK, and the Unlimited (4-door) in particular, may have single handedly saved Jeep during Chrysler’s bankruptcy by being one of the very, very few bright spots in the portfolio. Through the economic downturn and high fuel prices, the Wrangler has continued to be a success, not just for Jeep, but for the entire automotive aftermarket. From a Jeep customer perspective, the 4-door was pure genius, opening up the sport of Jeeping to families. No longer would you have to choose your kids or your gear. It also made the Jeep brand accessible to people who have always loved the idea of a Wrangler, but never thought the vehicles were large enough or functional enough to fit their lifestyle and/or needs.
Just imagine someone telling you today that they needed you to build a 4-door convertible vehicle. It needed to have removable doors and a fold-down windshield. It had to four wheel drive, with solid axles, a flexible suspension, and BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A tires. Make sure you equip it with a 4:1 transfer case, 4.10:1 gears, lockers at both ends, and an electronically disconnecting front sway bar. And most of all, it had to pass all of today’s stringent safety standards. What would you think? You would probably think it was complete lunacy, but that is exactly what the Wrangler Unlimited is - a unique vehicle amongst machinery designed for the 4x4 enthusiast and a vehicle that will always have a soft spot in the hearts of the Four Wheeler magazine staff.
--Sean P. HolmanTech Editor - Four Wheeler Magazine
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