Your Clubs

To test the capability of the Jeep as a family vehicle, I buckled my three daughters into the rear seats and decided to make my weekly trip to the grocery store. At first, I was scared to attempt parking the Jeep. However, I had to smile as I completed the task on the first try. As far as cargo area, I was able to load all of my groceries into the Wrangler without so much as asking one of my kids to put a bag or two by their feet.

I wasn't willing to complete the evaluation on a vehicle such as the Wrangler Unlimited without validating the capability that corresponds to such a legendary nameplate. Unfortunately, Ohio lacks a Rubicon Trail, or anything similar. So after searching, I found an area to assess the true potential of what is considered the most competent off-road vehicle. I chose a site that was in the early phases of department store construction, with enormous dirt mounds, as well as deep, muddy ruts. The husband flashed a quick grin and simply said "watch this". For the first test, we began climbing the dirt hill in 4WD. I was impressed as the Jeep climbed the hill effortlessly. For the second test, we chose a much steeper hill, a mixture of dirt and gravel. I felt that this was a less-than-ideal mound, as the gravel/dirt mixture seemed unstable. Another grin and an evil laugh resonated throughout the passenger compartment, and I knew I was along for the ride. Locked in 4WD-low range, the Jeep began jerking, as it steadily scaled the giant ascent. My emotions were a divided between being extremely uncomfortable, as I anticipated tumbling down the hill, and extremely empowered, as I realized the Jeep just accomplished a feat I had never before experienced.

Following the climb, we headed over to the muddy terrain. I peeked out of the door to confirm that the Jeep was indeed lined up with the uneven grooves, and part two of the test began. I watched as bits of moist earth flew by the windows, and again felt the vehicle jerk as the oversized tires bit into the ground. Never missing a beat, the Wrangler passed that test with flying colors, without engaging the low-range operation. That alone was a true testament of the legacy the defined by the Jeep brand for more than 60 years.

Like most journalists, my opinion of the vehicle I am testing is based in part on how it makes me feel while I'm driving it. If a vehicle isn't comfortable, has negligible quality, or isn't in any way pleasing to drive, those sentiments are echoed heavily in my review. In the case of the Wrangler Unlimited, I felt as though I was driving a scaled down Abrams tank; encompassed by safety, versatility, and ability. It was odd to find such a wide range of positive traits within one vehicle, but I certainly wasn't complaining.

While there are plenty of imitators on the market, the Jeep is impossible to duplicate. Prior to this evaluation, when someone would say "off road vehicle", I would instantly think of a four-wheel drive SUV. Now that the Wrangler has schooled me, I've come to the conclusion that there simply is no comparison, as there is nothing on the market like the Jeep.

At the end of the week, I was sad to see the Jeep go. I felt as though my personal driving friend which doubled as my bodyguard was vanishing. I contacted Dan Bodene, Chrysler Corporation's Jeep Wrangler Product Communications Representative, to share my experience. He was happy to hear that the Wrangler Unlimited found a fanatic in me that I didn't know existed. He explained that it's all a part of the image Jeep is projecting to prospective first time buyers. "Have fun out there. No matter what kind of fun you want to have, there's a Jeep vehicle that can help you do it", said Bodene. Saying that I had fun is an understatement. Thanks to Bodene and team, I'm willing to bet that I'm not the only gal who can declare that the Wrangler Unlimited is a very suitable family vehicle. That conclusion is one which will likely please husbands the world over.